elective cs

[loulou1904]

hiya - i'm a first time mum, i'm 37 weeks on saturday and have agreed for a c section at 39 weeks due to baby being over the 99th percentile in weight/growth, the doctors had said about needing an assisted vb due to his size, being induced at 38 weeks and having an epidural (which would cause a slower labour, potentially ending in section anyway) and i've been feeling really guilty about not having a vb. would the c section have been the best idea? i also have reoccurring issues down below, which added to the decision and i am pretty terrified of vb anyway. does anyone also have tips for c section birth and postpartum?

Why are you feeling guilty?

Tips for c section...

Buy some big knickers for after the birth that go right over your tummy. Having a material rub anywhere near the scar feels horrible.

Don't be afraid to ask for more painkillers right after the birth.

You may want to listen to music during the c section itself to distract you from the tugging of the c section. I wish I had brought headphone for my phone to do this.

Remind yourself that no matter how pain ful it is the next day will be less painful.

Cook and freeze food for at least the first week but ideally two.

Dont over do it with exercise and cleaning the house but do go for a short walk daily from about 2 weeks after the birth. Listen to your body.

@Puppyseahorse im not sure to be honest. originally i wanted a vb but have thought about a csection quite a bit. im nervous for the actual operation of course and the healing! im not too good with pain

@ZenKaleidoscope did you have a section? what was the process like and did u use a belly band for support? i'm scared it'll be difficult to nurse him or change/carry him for awhile or that i won't recover properly.

You’ll be ok! Cs is safest way for big baby. Ask for the pain relief that you need and make sure your partner knows they’ll have to step up. I found the pain wasn’t too bad when I was lying down, so no issues with nursing- the pain was worse when I got up and tried to walk- then it was quite sharp and sudden. But only for the first few days- after that it was sore, but not a sharp pain. Just remember that the pain meds make you constipated- so ask for some laxatives and start taking them before surgery!

Really, it will be ok- i found my CS actually very pleasant :) I liked the predictability of it and how calm it all was.

Yes I had an emergency c section first time and elective second time. No I didn't use a belly band. For the elective I could have gone home after one night but I stayed for two. Because I appreciated using the hospital beds to get out of. They had a rope that I could pull on to sit up and remote control to also help me sit up. I couldn't have done that after a day at home.

Obvs I can't compare it to a vaginal birth as I didn't have one. I'd say I felt mainly back to normal after 3 weeks.

Keep up with the painkillers, don't miss any. If you have support from others take it. Don't plan to do too much after apart from caring for your baby. You'll be fine lifting and feeding them etc so don't worry about that. Hopefully your partner can help a lot.

I found getting in and out of bed the hardest thing so if you have pillows to prop you up or something to grab onto at the side of the bed for support I'd recommend it.

I had an emergency section and this time around I am planning on having an elective. A c-section is a valid birth so please don't feel guilty about it.

Oh and I would also recommend getting a laxative from hospital but that also goes for a vb!

Absolutely with a big baby do not risk it imo. Having been there and done a VB with a surprise very large baby I would honestly urge you to have a C-section. The risks of getting stuck and the connected risk of oxygen depravation and brain damage is just not worth it. My DD got stuck, I have PTSD, she has brain damage - if you can avoid that please do.

Take the C section, being an elective it will be more relaxed than an emcs & better than being exhausted after being in labour & then needing an emcs. Ask your GP before for a prescription for painkillers for when you come home if it will help, don't suffer pain in hospital, you can take your own paracetamol & Ibuprofen with you as well but if the staff don't give you enough pain relief, keep asking & demand someone assesses if you need something stronger.

I had a c section albeit an emergency one after the hospital fucked up.

That aside, I'd have had another in a heartbeat if we were having a second. No tearing or pain down below, my scar healed beautifully in no time, I had virtually no post-op pain, it was brilliant.