C-section experiences

[Foresthealing]

Hi ladies, I may be required to have a C-section. I don’t know any ladies that have had one. What are your experiences? Pros and cons?

If you don’t mind sharing a bit more it would be good to know what went so wrong? Thank you

Thank you this is really good advice

I've had two emcs and they were a breeze. No pain at all and didn't need pain relief afterwards either. Up and about within 3hrs each time and home the next day. I didn't need any help with anything and it didn't affect my milk coming in.

The same applies to a difficult vaginal birth particularly if it involves blood loss - anything like that can easily cause milk delay, which is milk failing to come in within 72 hours of birth. Mine took weeks to fully come in after a vaginal birth which involved a haemorrhage.

This is fine as long as you’re prepared for it and have some formula with you to tide the baby over for a while.

And I was the complete opposite! Could walk, move, didn’t need anything more than paracetamol. People say it is major surgery, but it genuinely was so easy to recover.

After a vaginal birth it was ages before I felt well, and I was 8 months postpartum before I was healed.

So OP, everyone has different experiences, but all that matters is your baby arrives safely.

Mine was awful and the recovery isn’t fun.

Gas and air / natural was better imo.

Absolutely bloody brilliant!!

The most painful part of the procedure was putting in the cannula (I'm not good with needles), and the rest of it was painless.

Recovery was quick and largely pain free birth times. The first time I had no pain from the incision at all. The second time I had fleeting moments of odd discomfort over the first few days, but party mild. Getting up and down was tricky for the first 24, hours, but that was partly a confidence thing that I was convinced I'd fall apart.

Once home I was out and about daily, shopping, pushing the pram etc, within a few days. Within a week I was back to normal, entertaining guests, coming BBQ, pub lunches, soft play with my toddler etc. I did take painkillers regularly though in case it would hurt if I didn't...

The after pains do hurt but you get them regardless of delivery. Overall though, it was less pain than a typical period for me. My periods aren't great, but they aren't debilitating either.

I'd never choose it, but had an emergency one. Not complaining as I'm grateful my daughter's life was saved, but my stomach and back were never the same, and you have to be careful not to do too much after. And please do watch for infection, and get antibiotics if you need them. Be aware they might make you stay in longer than for a normal delivery. Look at all your options for the op, and decide what is important for you, based on what your hospital offer.

It was Bearsted maternity hospital, Stoke Newington,it's not there anymore.