Terrified of having a c section.

[RebeccaTomalin]

I found out on Wednesday that my DD was breach after being told for weeks that she's fully engaged and doing well. I had done my research and put my hopes on a natural birth. However, at 38 weeks (after having 5 consecutive high glucose shows in my urine but normal blood work) my midwife decided to send me for a growth scan to be on the safe side. That's when I found out, I was obviously a little worried especially when they said that turning might not be an option as "your stomach is very tight and it will more than likely cause distress for you and your baby". So an elective c section at 39 weeks was booked. I'm now terrified as it's in three days and I'm so worried about the recovery. Will I still be able to be there for my daughter (feed, change, hold ect). Also is the pain manageable?? I have a terrible pain fresh hold and I'm worried I'll let my DD down. Advice on the recovery process and what it will feel like will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for reading/listening to my anxious thoughts. X

@AintOverUntilTheCatLadySings

Pain was very manageable btw.

Hot tip: buy some fantastic smelling shower gel / shampoo/ soap /whatever for that first shower after in the hospital. You'll feel so much better if you smell like a fresh meadow or a delicious cake.

You can honestly do this. You won't be letting anyone down, whatever happens

I love that about the shower gel I've bought nice Aussie miracle shampoo for mine because I totally agree, a nice smell makes you feel great!

I had an ELCS in November last year. It was great, really calm and organised. I was able to go everything for DS as soon as they had taken me off the blood pressure cuff and had taken out my catheter. Which was pretty quickly. Until then if I needed DS handed over I just buzzed and one of the midwives passed him to me. If I take leave of my senses and have another I'd absolutely have another c-section.
Recovery was fine, I took painkillers for a few weeks but I was in more pain from the PGP I'd had in pregnancy than my wound. DS had absolutely no issues caused by the way he was born and as a bonus his wee head didn't get squished on the way out to he was extra cute straight away.

I’m 2 days out from my second elective csection and I’m not kidding, they took me off pain meds today and Offered me drugs if I need them and I don’t. The first day of recovery is very sore especially as your uterus shrinks down. I know not everyone is the same and I needed more time with pain relief in the my first, but honestly I’m so glad to have done it this way twice.

A thought on your fears about not fulfilling your role as mummy - I felt like this very keenly with my first and was very anxious about it. Try And it hunk like this - you’ll be mummy FOREVER. Taking the time to heal and recover yourself will allow you to be the best mummy you can be. And you have all the time in the world to get to know each other. It will be all right.

Please don't be worried!

I had a Emergency C section after a long painful failed induction. My baby went into distress so I didn't get time to think as one minute I was having a contraction and 5 minutes later I was in theatre. It was scary but so positive.

Due to covid hubby was made to leave straight after so I pushed myself to get up and about much quicker than I should as was desperate to be released home. That set me back slightly but I was still pretty much back to normal 2 weeks later.

I think day 6 was a turning point for me when u suddenly felt good again!

Also echo the posters that said take pain relief even if you don't need it! I'm allergic to all the good stuff so could only take paracetamol but I got lac initially as felt ok! Big mistake take it on the hours allows every time .

Good luck

I've had 3 C-sections, first emergency, 2nd and 3rd elective. Take all the drugs they offer you, you'll be fine! Very little in the way of pain (due to taking all the drugs!) it's just a bit awkward to move about to start but you'll adapt pretty quickly. Good luck!

I had a surprise elcs due to severe pe. It was absolutely magic! So calm and organised, I felt in control of things obvs I wasn’t really! and the medical team really took the time to reassure me. Recovery was fine, out shopping 5 days afterwards, back to driving after two weeks. Keep up with the painkillers if you need them, I thought I didn’t at one point and that hurt!

Absolutely tmi, but the first poo afterwards was agony so make sure you’ve got something in to help you go. Also, a maternity pad on top of giant knickers over the wound is absolute bliss for moving/being driven.

Good luck!

I've got two children, one born naturally, one via section. If I had a third I'd beg to have the section again!!!

I was sitting up in bed within hours, never had any pain at all (the painkillers I left hospital with are still in my bag years later!) and was driving after four weeks.

Took me way longer to recover from natural birth so try not to worry!

Lots of luck x