C section recovery

[taylz12]

Hey ladies.

I had an emergency section with my eldest almost 3 years ago. Birth was really traumatic for various reasons, we both ended up septic and I was in hospital for 6 days post birth.

I found my section recovery was really hard. I remember really struggling for weeks after and especially in those immediate days after birth.

I'm due for another section in feb, advised by consultants but classed as elective as I've opted for this due to the trauma from my first birth.

I'm really worried about the recovery from my section, I remember feeling really disheartened that I wasn't up and ready to care for my newborn straight away. I was also in a lot of pain with my scar etc for a good few weeks but never had any issues with it healing.

I've read some really lovely comments on here reassuring other mums that they have been fine post section and found that they were mobile and the pain was bearable.

Can someone please send some positive stories my way? I could really do with them!

Thank you xxx

im sorry to hear you struggled so much post c section.
I cn related to the em c section as I had one for my first, I was in hospital for 6 days but never had pain around scar (they did give me suppositories which were marvellous) and was moving around by day 2/3 fairly well. I was sore on the way home in the car on day 6 but not in pain.

my second was vbac and tbh I found that more painful and was not as mobile afterwards, sore down below and wondered if I should have had an elected c section

I haven’t had an emergency section but I had a traumatic vaginal birth with DD in 2020 and had DS by elective section in May this year, section was my decision as I was extremely worried about a repeat of DD’s birth (forceps, failed epidural, episiotomy, lots of stitches etc).

I was concerned about recovery from a C-section but in actual fact I found I was a lot more mobile than after DD’s birth! Maybe it’s because I’ve never had an ‘easy’ birth but by comparison I found my mobility was better and I recovered much quicker than after my first birth. From what I’ve heard emergency and elective sections are really different - much calmer environment means smaller incision so fewer stitches etc. So I wouldn’t necessarily assume you’re in for the same recovery!

The major plus for me was that after DD’s birth I was straight into being stitched up and was in shock and shaking and never got first cuddles, immediate skin to skin, time just the three of us and I was so sad about that. Whereas my C-section was a genuinely lovely experience, DH got to cut the cord, all the things I’d wanted from my first birth. Elective CS was a really good experience for me after my first birth and it really healed a lot of negativity about birth that I’d held onto after DD. Really hope the same is true for you and you have a great birthing experience :)

My c section recovery very easy. I was breastfeeding, picking up baby, changing nappies etc immediately, out for a walk on day 3 and totally back to normal after 2 weeks. Minimal pain relief for the first week, none after that.

I’ve Done 2 as a single parent (so no help at all) both was fine

I had an ELCS recently for my second DC having had a natural birth with my first. First time I had an episiotomy and internal stitches which I found very rough going but was easily mobile within a month. For my ELCS I put more plans in place for help with my family and also made it clear to DH he would need to really step up and help with heavy lifting. I can’t say I’m one of those people who found recovery “easy” but I was glad I’d put extra care plans in place so I didn’t have to push myself.
You might be one of the lucky people who are up and bouncing around very soon afterwards but either way try to make sure you have help properly set in place for at a
least a few weeks afterwards so you don’t have to push yourself too hard if you’re feeling tender. Also bear in mind with an ELCS the procedure itself is so much calmer and dare I say enjoyable!
I’m now 6 weeks post section and did a one mile walk today which feels like a huge achievement considering I couldn’t walk further than the front door for about 2 weeks! But I think only achieved this by taking it easy and not pushing myself too hard during that first month.

Just replying to say i feel your fear. I really struggled with section recovery, i was in A LOT of pain. Couldnt even reach behind to wipe my own bum. It amazes me when i hear others moving about so quickly and easily.
Im pregnant and will be going through a section again and just hope the recovery is easier second time around. X