Can anyone share experiences of elective c-sections with me please?

[Mousefunky]

I am considering an elective for DC4. My ‘16 week’ appointment is in 2 weeks when I will be 20 weeks so I’m going to ask for advice then however was just seeking some experiences here first.

My reasons for wanting one are:
Shoulder dystocia and forceps delivery with extended episiotomy which split open and became infected 🤢 with DC1. Obviously hugely traumatic.
Retained placenta which required manual removal, subsequent PPH and blood transfusion with DC2.
DC3’s delivery was amazingly fine but, as with DC1, back to back so constant contractions.

I also had a couple of missed miscarriages last year. Chose medical management for one which led to a hemorrhage, emergency surgery and blood transfusion. Second I opted for surgical management but was informed by the consultant I did start to hemorrhage and was given an injection to stem it so obviously I am a bleeder?? It would appear so, I am scared of any of the above occurring again. I also like the fact an elective is more controlled and I will know the date so can arrange childcare in advance.

Things I dislike about a section are:
The stay in hospital- I have read up to five days?! I hate hospitals and discharged myself after DC3 because I wanted to get home ASAP.
Recovery time... with three primary aged DC and DP having to return to work after a fortnight I’m unsure how well I will manage.

Any experiences/advice would be great!

I was out after one night!

Recovery was fine - but my husband literally did everything for the first two weeks. I just sat and fed baby.

I don’t know what happens if you more around a lot more especially as you have three other children.

Since you bleed so much I’m wondering if they’d be happy to give you a section

I'm also a bleeder, but after a traumatic delivery with DC1 I opted for a section with DC2. It was so straightforward, I lost 200ml of blood compared to over 2 litres with my natural delivery. Things like going from lying to sitting were awkward for a few days, and I did stay in for 5 nights as my iron levels were low, but that was the same after my first delivery too. I was able to drive after 3 weeks. For me, it was a much more positive experience than my natural delivery. Good luck.

I had ECS due to previous injury- MW didn't check position of baby so no one knew she was breech. I ended up loosing about 750ml of blood & was pretty unwell with it!! If you're prepared at home (changing station/feeding stuff etc downstairs) it's pretty easy to recover quickly. I was out in 2 days, would've been earlier if I'd bottle fed!