Elective Section

[Katsie87]

Hello!
I'm having an elective section in April (for various medical reasons and previous stillbirth) and I just wanted a little bit of advice.
Of course I understand everyone's recovery is different, but how did you find yours?
Any top tips for preparation before section?
Any recommendations for the best clothing to wear after section?
And advice on walking/getting about after section?
I will be delivering around 37 weeks, anyone similar and how was little one?
Any tips on ensuring wound does not get infected?
My husband will thankfully be off work for 5 weeks so I will always have someone on hand to help. I'm hoping to be as prepared as possible beforehand to help recovery.
My anxiety is through the roof about it all so any advice will be muchly appreciated.
Thanks in advance x

I think I'm probably an outlier. Have had 2 emergency sections at 39+1. My recoveries were extremely easy to the point of not needing pain relief after either of them. I was discharged the following day after my 2nd and managed a 150 mile round trip in the car, visiting both my in-laws and my dm and then went out for lunch and to Messy Church the day after.

My advice would be get up asap and get moving (gently) but try and straighten your back. Also roll sideways up and out of bed, don't sit straight up.

I preferred wrap dresses, handy for breastfeeding if you intend to and nothing to lie across your wound and giant giant knickers. Basically the normal granny sized ones but a couple of sizes bigger than you'd normally wear.

Also if you are up for it, have them drop the screen when he/she is born. It's amazing and not at all squeamish.

Sorry for your previous loss and good luck, c-sections can be wonderful births and recovery does vary hugely.

I think it’s great you’ve got so much warning as you can really mentally prepare yourself. My elective was a very positive, happy experience.

However in contrast to the previous poster, I found the recovery from my elective difficult as I think it’s easy to underestimate what a serious procedure it is - it’s major abdominal surgery. So while it’s best to be up and about as soon as you can, take it very easy for a few weeks, don’t expect too much, and do take painkillers regularly for a few weeks.

Infection is very unlikely so don’t worry too much about that.

Primark do excellent big granny pants to wear! And I continued wearing my maternity leggings for a month or so after as they didn’t rub the scar. Normal clothes fine after that. Get peppermint tea for the trrrible trapped wind you get afterwards!

And my final bit of advice - easy to say - but focus on it as a way to meet your wonderful new baby, not on the birth itself.

Sorry just had another thought - breastfeeding after my elective was quite tricky as my milk was a bit delayed coming in (had it at 38+6) and I got thrush from all the antibiotics at surgery. So if you decide to breastfeed really pester the midwives or health visitors for help if you’re struggling - it will work and I went on to bf for a year.

I just wanted to add that despite my doom and gloom about the recovery and feeding, I recovered well, 3 years later I have gone on to have a VBAC and can barely see my scar, do t have the c-section pouch, and only remember it as the happy day I met my first daughter! Good luck and all the best.

On breastfeeding as well, experiment with position. For example they really tried to push the "rugby" ball position on me and dc1 as that apparently is the most comfortable post c-section. It wasn't for me and I kept panicking I'd lose ds down the chair as he was fairly small.

Also if you have large breasts shove a muslin under the one your feeding from, really helps.

Thank you so much for all the advice and encouragement! Literally taking notes...
I really want to breastfeed so that's super advice too, I have read about milk supply being delayed but hopefully it doesn't cause too many problems...
xx

No delay in breastmilk - once the placentas out following whichever route a baby comes then the hormonal stuff kicks in - you can also express colostrum ( kind of concentrated milk ) from your breasts pre section which helps ( ask your midwife about this )