C-section vs. third/fourth degree tear - which is hardest to recover from?

[PirateWeasel]

Has anyone got experience of both? I had a third degree which resulted in two months of pain and struggling to do normal things. But I was allowed to drive and got to leave hospital after just one night, so I'm assuming recovery post C-section would be harder, but I really don't know. Because my chances of having another bad tear with baby number 2 are high, I'm weighing up whether it's better to have an elective CS.

The hospital purposely gave me EMCS because they were worried about the possibility of a bad tear for me and bad consequences for the baby too. I had no trouble with BF except the milk was a little slow to come in and I had to position the baby carefully to avoid pain.

My friend had a fourth degree tear and lost bowel control. She shat herself uncontrollably for a year until extensive surgery and physio helped to restore some control. She told me she doesn’t have a vagina any more, just scar tissue. She had to use a dilator to make sex possible again. I, on the other hand, just have a scar and a bit of numbness.

3rd degree tear was far far worse. Elective C-section recovery was pretty straightforward in comparison. Bit of a nuisance not being able to drive for a weeks though.

Re: feeding your baby after a planned section, how about expressing some colostrum for a couple of weeks before the date? It can go with you in a cool bag and is there just incase your baby needs a boost.
My experience is from emcs, but both times we were out after the minimum stay, 24hs with my second. I fed both in recovery, and having an electrical bed made getting into position easier.

@Orsy2017 Your experience sounds terrible What went so wrong?

EMCS and ELCS (twins) here, recovery superb in both cases, walking around with minimal pain within a few hours of each and no issues with bf. One straight low 7cm scar ( they cut out the first scar when doing the second CS). I'm feeling lucky now when I read how others have suffered.

I haven't had a c-section, but had a 3rd degree tear with DD1. Recovery was fine.

With subsequent DC, I tore in the same place but never nearly as bad. Recovery with the other 3 was a breeze, didn't even need any stitches with the last 2, so it might not be as bad 2nd time.

I had a 3rd degree with my first and at least a year of recovery after. I opted for a c-section with my second and sailed through the recovery in comparison. I was up and about within a week. Obviously it’s different for everyone and it’s a tough decision to make but I’m so glad I listened to my gut and went for the section.

Good luck!

1st baby - 3rd degree tear. 2 nights in hospital. Quite a long recovery time. I think it was about 6 months before I felt fit and healthy again.
2nd baby - elective c section (due to first birth and if there was any more damage it might not have been recoverable from). 2 nights in hospital. Felt pretty good straight away and fully fit after 2 weeks.
The elective c section was by far the better experience for me. I breast fed after both births without any major issues.