I'd like to hear your ELCS stories!

[myotherbagisgucci]

After having DC1 I was convinced that I'd never have a natural birth again (it was traumatic to say the least). But now I'm pregnant with DC2, my MW is trying to talk me out of it, and now I'm completely undecided.

I've got a while to make a decision, but I'd like to hear some of your stories to help me consider my options.

If you had a ELCS...

1. Was the recovery really difficult, and how long was it until you felt ok again?
2. If you have other DC's, did having a C section impact your ability to care for them?
3. Did you encounter any lasting issues?
4. Did having an ELCS result in any issues with your baby?
5. Do you regret having one, and do you think a natural second birth would of been easier on your body?

Thanks in advice, I just want to be properly informed before I decide, not just hear the one sided horror stories the MW's tell you.

Interested in responses to this, I’m hoping to go for ELC for our next one for similar reasons

Hi, I had an elcs 7 weeks ago. I had a natural birth with ds1 and because dd1 was breech I was advised to have a c section.

I can hand on heart say I would choose an elcs again if I was having a third baby. In response to your questions;

1. I found the recovery from my section easier than my vaginal birth. I did have an episiotomy and found it difficult and uncomfortable to sit for a few weeks. With my c section I found myself relatively low pain as long as I kept my pain killers topped up. I did notice if I had a busy day as my scar ached a lot.

I was due to be sent home the day after the section but my Dd got an infection so I stayed in for three days by which point I was walking normally and able to get myself up and down albeit slowly. By day 4 we were gone and walking to the local pub garden!

2. My DS was 3 when I had my Dd and this was the part I was most worried about- not being able to look after him. Luckily my husband is very hands on and took the brunt of the toddler but I did find talking to my DS helped. I explained I had a poorly tummy and wasn't able to do this and that and he seemed to understand. In fact he was very useful in fetching things (nappies/wipes etc) as he enjoyed helping. Within 3 weeks i was able to lift him if needed and was back to normal in terms of parenting him. I was also concerned about not being able to drive for 6 weeks and that we would go stir crazy but after checking with my insurance I drive comfortably at week 3 which helped all our sanity.

3. So Far 7 weeks in no lasting issues. Feel better now than I did 7 weeks post vaginal labour. I think this is due to the fact I had a long tiring first labour whereas with my elcs I was relaxed and had a good nights sleep the night before!

4. My Dd did get an infection as she swallowed some meconium during the c section delivery. However this happens with babies born vaginally also so I wouldn't put this down to c section alone. She was fine with 48 hours after having antibiotics.

5. I 100% do not regret it and as I said above I'd choose c section again if I had a third. I was offered a natural breech delivery but after reading up on it I chose not too. I did worry before how I'd be viewed for choosing c section and almost felt the professionals (consultants etc) were pushing my towards a natural breech birth but I then met a lovely midwife who told me it was 100% my choice and only I knew how i felt. My husband was also incredibly supportive and was aware that he would need to pick up a lot of childcare/ housework until I was back up and running. However I recovered much quicker than I expected and things were back to normal pretty quickly.

Do not be pressured either way. Make the choice you wish to make. Best of luck whatever happens.

Sorry for the essay!

@GrumpySausage that's amazing, thank you so so much for your input.

I've never had a natural birth (or even a contraction) so I can't make a comparison between the two, but I've had two ELCS births and they were both lovely so I wanted to share my very good experience. The atmosphere in the theatre was so calm as there was no emergency and we have great photos :)

I recovered very quickly from both births and apart from the morphine I was given before the spinal block wore off, I didn't need anything stronger than paracetamol and was up and about very quickly. I stayed in for two nights both times but would have been happy to leave earlier (the post-natal ward was horrible).

My son was 17 months old when my daughter was born and only just walking. I had no family help after my husband's two week paternity leave finished and we lived in a first floor flat at the time and managed absolutely fine. They are 12 and 11 now.

Good luck with whatever you decide x

@samandpoppysmummy thank you so much!!

1. it was easy! Off pain relief in three days. Was pushing DC1 around in the pram literally a week afterwards

2. it was my first

3. Nope. Can barely see the scar and had no problems.

4. My baby was poorly but NOT because of the birth, because DC1 had become distressed. Nothing permanent though and DC is fine now.

5. absolutely not. I have booked another! Wouldn’t have a natural birth if you paid me. I recovered quickly and had no lasting damage, avoided the risk of instrumental delivery which was my fear/concern with a natural birth. It also meant I was cared for by a full team instead of giving birth on an understaffed ward.

1. Was the recovery really difficult, and how long was it until you felt ok again?

With my eldest it took a while to recover but that was due to PPH which I think would have happened if I'd had a vaginal birth. With my youngest recovery was fine, a bit sore for a while but was going to baby groups after 6 days.

1. If you have other DC's, did having a C section impact your ability to care for them?

Not really, I couldn't get on and off the floor for a few days but apart from that I could do everything.

1. Did you encounter any lasting issues?

After 2 c sections I have a lovely 'apron' but apart from that nothing

1. Did having an ELCS result in any issues with your baby?

No

1. Do you regret having one, and do you think a natural second birth would of been easier on your body?

I don't know about natural births as I had 2 sections but I do not regret them. Both my births would have been risky for me and my babies and all that mattered was that the babies were healthy and so was I. My only consideration was to have the least risky birth.

I’ve had an EMCS and an ELCS and the ELCS was by far a better experience.

I think the key is to move as much as possible (obviously gently and don’t overdo it) and don’t be tempted to just lie in bed. Also keeping on top of painkillers even if you feel you don’t need the next dose.

6 hours after I was up and in the shower and managed to care for baby/breastfeed etc. Recovery was straightforward and there was definitely discomfort but nothing severe. Within 9 weeks I was gently exercising in gym and 12 weeks back to running. Caring for toddler was ok apart from getting accidentally kicked and not wanting to pick him up for a few days.

No complications that I know of and no regrets. I do have a bit of shelf but that’s obviously just a cosmetic issue.

Good luck

My ELCS was miles away from my emergency. A lovely calm experience, baby arrived safe and sound. Recovery was hard as I have an older child, I think it would have been really difficult if DH didn’t take 3 weeks off. I was ok after then pretty much except picking up my eldest was straining for a while.
I did have complications, they left some of my placenta inside which led to a lot of pain and bleeding for 3 months as well as infections however I do realise this is probably more common problem with a vaginal birth. I had assumed the pain was from the op so took a while to be picked up.
I wish I could have had a natural birth as I looked in envy at friends that were out doing things with the babies quickly and could enjoy the time rather than hobbling along, however unless I could be guaranteed that my labour wouldn’t have gone the same way DC1s did, I would opt for an elective again next time over vbac (not that there will ever be a next time )

Thank you @BlairWaldorfsHeadband @NerrSnerr @Waitingonasmiley42 and @Confidenceknocked for sharing your stories!

Following with interest!

Hi i had an ELCS in 2014. It was the best option at the time due to having an unrelated surgery a year prior and baby was breech.

The whole c-section process was calm and it wasn't like the horror stories i had heard, i was incredibly nervous on the day.

Baby was born a little shocked but she was 2 weeks early, and she did end up with jaundice but they said it took longer to go due to me breastfeeding, for some reason it clears quicker in formula fed babies.

I did have an issue after birth where my womb wasn't contracting to clear out properly so doctor had to sort that on the ward but was handled quickly and calmly. (This DOESN'T happen to all just wanted to share my whole experience)

The day after i came home, i had my mum and husband around as recovery IS alot harder, i pushed myself too quick as i had already had two natural births so wasn't fully prepared, i did take it easy once i realised i wasn't invincible! Scar healed quickly and within two weeks i was feeling normal again but still watched lifting etc.

I was left with almost a pouch on my tummy but my scar is really neat!

I think as long as you prepare for resting & having support around you it will be fine. Im currently 30+6 with number 4 and i am opting for a vbac purely based on the fact recovery is easier and i have the three other children but if necessary i wouldn't of hesistated for another ELCS.

Just go with what you would prefer it is your body and baby so is ultimately your decision. Good luck x

Thank you for sharing @Anm4