C-section recovery..

[HarperLight]

I'm due my second via elective C-section this week. My first is 18 months old.

How soon were you on your feet and able to cope alone? My husband will have as much time as I need off but he is self employed so hoping he doesn't have to take more than a couple of weeks off.

Is the pain that bad? What pin killers did you take after?

I'm so excited, calm and ready..my first birth was horrendous, i was so poorly after I didn't get to meet my son for hours so I'm hoping this is a better experience all round.

Any tips to help after?

I fed both of mine in recovery (I've had two Cs) before being wheeled to the ward. Had feeling back by the time I was on the ward and showered and had catheter out within 5hrs both times. I cared for the dc on my own in hospital and DH had a week off each time but I would have managed without him. I went home the next day both times.

I didn't need painkillers but I think they recommend paracetamol and ibuprofen only now. When I had my first, they used to give you codeine too but no longer.

My biggest tips are get up and move around ASAP and stand up straight. You'll feel delicate and your instinct will be to hunch. Don't. You'll end up with a sore back! See the physio before discharge and listen to their instructions. Peppermint water is great for trapped wind pain (v common post Cs and might feel like a sore shoulder oddly enough).

Listen to your body and enjoy your new baby.

I've had four. I agree with above poster about getting up and about as soon as you feel able to, but make sure you don't overdo it. I was up out of bed after about 2 or 3 hours with most of them and able to have a shower. They will give you routine painkillers but don't be afraid to ask for more if you're struggling. I had morphine as a tablet up the bum which helped me so much. And you may suffer from trapped wind and constipation so ask the nurses for a mint tea.

Hi everyone, I’m expecting my first child and I am absolutely terrified of pain. I honestly cannot even imagine having to go through normal labour. Does anybody know if I will be allowed to opt for an elective c section in Northern Ireland please? If I cannot get this on the nhs I feel I have no option other than to pay privately which will be a huge financial strain. Any advice at all would be really appreciated

Thanks for the advice.. they said I'd have my catheter removed and they'd be encouraging me to get up after 6 hours so I'll defo be trying to get on my feet as soon as! I really want to be home the following day as my husband has to leave 45 minutes after he's born and isn't allowed back until he collects me at the front door!

@Annieannie2010 have you spoken to your midwife? C-section certainly isn't a pain free option, you can have pain relief for a natural birth.
I have chosen a section due to traumatic first birth, I had no issues having a section approved on mental health grounds. There's so many variables and options for child birth though you'd really be best speaking to your midwife x

I had an elective section (not really ‘elective’ in the true sense of the word as I had several high-risk factors but I had to fight to have it) and the pain was truly diabolical. I couldn’t move without being in agony and my husband changed the first nappy, midwives had to pass DD to me for feeding etc. I spent two nights in hospital and then DH had two weeks off. Even after the two weeks I still found movement very difficult and was on a cocktail of painkillers, so my mum had to come and sit with me and DD while DH was at work so that she could help me (and also for emotional support as I was already sinking into PND at that point).

I’m not saying this to terrify you but I do get the impression that a lot of people think a c-section is a relative walk in the park and it really isn’t, at least it wasn’t for me. Until you actually have one you won’t know which camp you are in. I wouldn’t have been able to cope at all without the first two weeks with DH around for support, so I would say reserve those two weeks with your partner at a minimum just in case you have any complications.

Also be aware that bending down even slightly can be virtually impossible, so bear this in mind when deciding where baby will sleep. I had bought a little crib and Sleepyhead pod, but in hindsight I should have gone for one of those cots that attaches to the side of your bed.

@Crownofthorns oh I know it won't be a walk in the park.. I'm prepared! my first birth was awful.. I had episiotomy and forceps, first degree tear, I had to have a blood transfusion and I was so poorly, recovery took months as my stitches burst and I had constant infections, I was readmitted to hospital after 5 days at home.. I just need to feel as in control as I possibly can!
I'd love for someone to promise me a natural birth with no complications I'd jump at it!
This baby is measuring off the chart too, so that hasn't helped my anxiety over the birth.

I had an ELCS (breech baby) but it didn't hurt at all. I was a bit achey and uncomfortable, but that was it. The most painful part was having the cannula put in. Was breastfeeding immediately after surgery in the recovery bay.

I had my section at 4pm and the catheter came out the next morning - I was bored so I pestered the nurses to get out our ASAP so I could walk around. I also refused the blood thinners because they hurt more than walking around!

Had a c sec 13 weeks ago with my second (first birth was long, painful and horrific but vaginal, we won’t go in to that) after a failed 4 day induction.
It was bliss.
Recovery was a million times easier than my episiotomy, torn, forceps first birth! Catheter was out in a few hours, was on my feet by 6pm (baby born at 11am) and home at 3pm the next day. Was walking as normal two days later. Took the painkillers they gave me for 2/3 days then just paracetamol for a couple of days. You do have to take it easy, one day I sneezed and have never, ever, ever felt pain like it. But the recovery ans pain was NOTHING like I expected! Honestly, yes there were painful moments, it’s not a walk in the park, and the first couple of days are OW I MOVED TOO QUICKLY (mostly getting out of bed or a seat; that’s the hard bit because it hurts every single time) and I’d opt for a section a million times over!

I've had two, and both times had really easy recoveries. My husband was off for ages so I didn't have to cope for long periods by myself, but I was pottering round making breakfast for my toddler pain free as soon as I got home and although I took painkillers religiously just in case, it never really hurt. The most painful bit was after cramps which you get however you give birth, and with my second I felt slightly bruised for a couple of weeks.

For my first I was able to change a nappy crouched in the floor, without thinking about it, within the first week, and was back to normal again within a week.

You may or may not get lots of pain with things like sneezing - I found it a bit ouchy, but not excruciating. The day after my first section, when having my first shower, the shower head spin round and squirted me with icy water, making me squeal and jump. That was ouchy, but even then bit excruciatingly so.

I really enjoyed my sections and found them very positive experiences.