Hand Hold - C Section next week

[kelce]

Can't wait to meet our little one next week, but starting to freak out over a second c section.

First birth never progressed past 1.5 cm in 42 hours of painful labour/heavy contractions. Ended up EMCS, felt totally traumatised and recovery while on top of breastfeeding 24/7 felt extremely difficult at the time. Didn't feel myself until at least 6 months after surgery, had a mental block/physical aversion to my scar, and was not up for exercise until over a year later.

For various reasons I've been strongly advised to have a planned section for our second which is booked in. But now I'm starting to freak out, especially for the physical recovery with a 3 year old who needs me too.

Dreading not feeling myself for so long again. Any advice from repeat section mamas? Tell me it won't be the nightmare I'm dreading.....

My second EMCS was a breeze, recovery was easier than the first time, also quicker. I was also a lot less anxious because I knew what to expect and the process

I’ve only had one C-section (so far, another one is booked in for early next month!) BUT mine was brilliant, honestly. The surgery itself was almost pleasant in a way and recovery was a walk in the park. I think planned ones are worlds apart from emergencies, or that’s what I’ve been told many times by friends and family who’ve either had both or had emergencies. Best of luck!

I've only had one section, which was planned, but it was a good experience. I really noticed the differencen between my recovery and those of the other Mums on the ward which me who had had emergency sections though.
I think it was a mixture of physical factors - like you, they'd all had long, difficult labours so were exhausted whereas I wasn't as I hadn't been inl abour- and psychological factors. I'd felt like everything was calm and under control in my section whereas they'd all had upsetting or worrying experiences to some degree. Obviously those things don't apply to absolutely everyone, but I think that as a general rule planned sections are better experiences than emergencies.
Yes, you're still going to have the wound to deal with plus two children. I'm not saying will be easy. The transition from 1 to 2 children brings challenges and having surgery adds an extra set of things to deal with. But try not to imagine the worst. Unlike last time you are not going to have to go through the best part of 2 days of pain and stress beforehand and there'll probably be quite a different a atmosphere in theatre without the anxiety that comes with an emergency.
Plus, crucially, you've done this before. You're an experienced Mum and a lot of the things that are super stressful first time round don't seem quite so worrying with second and subsequent babies. I remember panicking over every whimper with my first but second time around I was so much more confident. I think that is a pretty common experience.
Accept all the practical help that is offered and be kind to yourself - you can do this.

My planned one was easier than my first which was EMCS

Calmer, no issues breastfeeding, faster recovery etc.

My first was a hairy EMCS and my second a planned one. I too was sooooo scared but honestly it was great! Calm, relaxed, lots of baby snuggles after. I was home 24 hours later which blew my mind and honestly despite nothing about it being "stand out" in terms of an amazing experience, it just was. I know it's hard to relax and natural to be worried but i bet you'll be pleasantly surprised at how good an experience it can be. Not too long to go now.

I had EMCS so understand where you're coming from. I've heard that planned CSs are a lot better, and easier to recover from.

Having said that are you 100% happy with CS and feel it was your decision, and not pushed on you? You have every right to choose VBAC if that's what you'd prefer.

A planned section is totally different from an EMCS and you may actually find you get your birth that tells you heal from the trauma of the last one.

My first section was traumatic but because I haemorrhaged I was advised to have another section because they can control bleeding better in theatre. I was so nervous because of my first experience but honestly it was amazing- everything was so calm and I had my own music on. It healed me in ways I didn't know I needed from my previous traumatic EMCS.

I too had a 3 year old at home second time round and recovery was fine. Sore for the first few days but I religiously alternated paracetamol and ibuprofen for 2 weeks even if I felt ok and that allowed me to never really feel too much pain. Was driving after 4 weeks!