Elective Caesarean

[louiserachael]

I have read a lot of down sides of having a caesarean- problems with the baby's breathing, recovery time etc has anyone had an elective one and able to shed some light on this?

I've had an EMCS and ELCS. Both were amazing births and babies were absolutely fine - no breathing or bonding difficulties, etc. Delayed cord clamping, DH cutting cord, skin to skin in theatre and breastfeeding in recovery were all standard. The recovery was ok each time too - first few days can be rough but it was back to more or less normal within 4 weeks.

A CS, like a VB, comes with it's own risks. A VB is riskier for baby (stillbirth risk is double that of a CS), whilst a CS is riskier for the mother.

DD arrived by ELCS 8 weeks ago. The surgeon told us afterwards that the cord was wrapped around her neck three times (which explains a lot of the problems during pregnancy) and added that it was a good job we had a CS as a VB was unlikely to have had a favourable outcome. Of course, we'll never know for sure what would have happened, but I'm doubly glad we chose an ELCS since she told us.

I had an elective and was told that giving birth vaginally helps to prompt the breathing. I think they did something to start her off but she was absolutely fine. I was a bit weak and awkward for a few days but recovered well. They give you socks for your circulation and fragmin injections because there is a risk of clotting.

I had an emcs. My son was born in rude health - APGAR 9, 10, 10 - no breathing issues at all.

I've had 3 ELCS. All absolutely straightforward. No issues with the baby or myself.

I had ELCS and baby and I were fine. Only issue for the baby was related to breech position and a normal birth wouldn't have made any difference.

I've had one EMCS and one ELCS.

Both fine - no issues and two beautiful boys born

I had an emcs, my son did have minor breathing problems 2 hours after birth for about 18 hours, was on a cpap machine in scbu. Fine other than that.

Had an elcs. Recovery was a breeze and baby was born very healthy with well functioning lungs!!!

I had an EMCS after induction and failure to progress in labour. It was the last thing I wanted. He screamed almost instantly and was absolutely fine. Obviously took me much longer to recover from it.

If I have another, I think I would go down the ELCS route, but would love to try VBAC. However, I would never have an induction again.

Very similar to PP - EMCS after induction , full labour and pushing for an hour. DS was absolutely fine, didn't cry straight away, but we have no concept of how long for , it was all a bit of a daze really. He had jaundice, but he would have probably had that anyway!
I on the other hand didn't get to hold him for 90 mins due to a suspected bleed, and then had a lot of infections afterwards. The first couple of weeks were super tough, but 2 1/2 years later we are doing it all over again! Trying for a VBAC providing positioning is good, with a water birth if possible, however if I don't go into spontaneous labour , I'll have a c-section again. 100% no to another induction!

I had an emergency cs and an elective cs. Both babies very healthy with no problems. Was able to hold them almost immediately. Recovery time was about a week to ten days.