C section worries

[laura6032]

So found out that the chances are I will need a section due to low lying placenta. I had natural - forceps- with ds.
I'm now worried out having a section, the recovery, can I still breastfeed, lifting and carrying things, am I worried about nothing??

I had a c section and managed to BF for 15 months . As far as recovery goes, I did find it difficult to get up and down stairs and off seats etc but tbh, no more than what you’d find being heavily pregnant. Yes you can lift things but general advice is nothing heavier than your baby until you’ve been signed off.

I personally drove after 2 weeks but I drive an automatic so it cuts down the movements needed. Stay on top of your pain meds and honestly, you should be fine

Thank you, that's quite reassuring x

Hi

Similar boat here.

First baby forceps delivery by my choice with no issues for either of us and this time round baby is transverse at 31 weeks and above average healthy growth (long and also already 4lb 10oz).

Spoke to consultant today and she just said time to still turn around and at 37 weeks they can attempt to turn if needed or just organise a CS depending on health needs etc.

I agreed with no issues.

Still time for movement to happen.

Everybody's experience will be different but yes from my perspective (recent slightly complicated EMCS) you are worrying yourself unnecessarily.

You can lift baby and anything up to baby's weight. Ie not baby in car seat (though i did after around 4 weeks).

There are no specific issues with beastfeeding. I'd personally recommend a boppy pillow or similar to bring baby up and save you bending so much, plus you can use it to feed rugby ball if resting against your tummy is sore (mine really wasn't).

Listen to the advice you're given and take the painkillers even if you feel you're okay as it will help reduce swelling.

Don't overdo it even if you feel fine. It's a brilliant reason to have someone look after you a bit if they can while you look after feeding baby!

Compared to friends who have very sore undercarriages, I've had a much easier recovery! The only pita is not driving for a bit but even that depends on you and your insurance, you don't have to wait 6 weeks if you feel okay and your insurance covers you.

Thanks guys, fortunately I don't have car so driving not an issue. Funny how everyone loves telling you their horror stories, thanks for some positivity xx

I've had four. Please don't worry. The recovery can be painful but before you know it you'll be back to normal. My fourth section was my worst as I had metal staples, but that's because I had the same scar opened up four times.
They tell you not to lift, but I had to as I had three younger children and two were toddlers. I was up and about as normal after a few days but to be honest this probably did slightly delay my recovery as I over did it, but I had no other option. So try and rest as much as possible, but as soon as you feel well enough to do things, you should.

I've had two emergency sections (one absolute emergency/one rather chilled) and recovery from both has been easy.

My last was a week ago, I was up and about within hours of the surgery and haven't really needed pain relief for pain purposes. With my first, the failed forceps bruising hurt more and with my second, the various attempts to get a cannula in and the ton of bruising alongside it has been far more of a pain.