Positive elective caesarean section stories and tips please!

[rhuzzle89]

Hi all

I'm a FTM and found out yesterday at 37+3 that my wee one is breech. I wasn't keen on the idea of ECV nor vaginal breech birth so am booked for an elective c section on 30th November at 39+3.

I am still nervous about the whole thing - I have never had an operation, and had a 'low risk' and 'normal' pregnancy til now so am just a bit spooked - I was also sure he was head down and even my midwife had arranged the scan 'to be safe' so I think she was also surprised.

Positive stories, tips on breastfeeding after a C section and any practical tips about what to bring to hospital/recovery would be greatly appreciated!

I had an elective caesarean and it was all fine.

Take all the painkillers you’re allowed, as soon as you’re allowed them. Don’t wait or try to be tough - just keep on top of the pain/discomfort.

When moving, particularly from sitting to standing, hold a cushion over your tummy. It eases the discomfort and provides support.

Take peppermint oil or tea to help with wind / shoulder pain in first couple of days.

Even when you start to feel better, take it as easy as possible. There is lots of internal healing taking place and it’s so easy to strain too much.

When my tummy was tender I found that feeding was easiest using the “rugby” hold with a cushion next to me to help support my dd.

If I think of anything else I’ll post again.

Dd was born at 9am on the Thursday and we went home at about 4pm on the Saturday. Recovery was slow and steady, no complications.
I’m 12 weeks with our next baby now and I’m not worried about another section 😊

I had an ELCS 10 days ago. I was discharged from hospital the next day, in total it was about 30 hours after. I stopped all pain relief on day 5. The only pain I had after that was a slight nipping feeling around my stitches. I feel almost normal again now, I can walk fine, bend, lift and carry. Obviously I'm still taking it easy, no hoovering, heavy lifting or driving.
I'm also managing to breastfeed very well. It was a bit tricky on the first day with limited mobility, enlist the midwife or your partner to help with positioning whilst you have limited mobility.
Take big knickers and clothes that will sit above your scar. Hold a pillow over your stomach for a few days whenever you need to cough or laugh.

Make sure you discuss your desire to breastfeed before you go in. They should be able to give you skin to skin in theatre which helps get the hormones going. Don't be afraid to keep pressing your buzzer every time you want your baby handed to you or put down again, even if they make you feel like you are being a nuisance. Definitely agree about the peppermint tea, it really helps. The pain from the trapped wind can be worse than the wound!

I had an elective for breech with my first baby. Very nervous. Was such a positive experience I chose the same for my next two babies. Breastfed all of them. They can be a bit sleepy for the first day or two so you have to wake them up to feed but don't panic.
My top tip is to drink lots of water and eat high fibre fruit likes prunes, apples and grapes because you'll get very constipated from the meds and they won't send you home till you've had a poo.
Consultant told me it's better to take the painkillers and move around than not take them and try to minimise your movements because you're sore - movement helps to pull everything back into place and speeds healing.

3 Electives all went well, not one moment of pain. I previously had never been in hospital and was terrified at the thought of an operation! I did however take all my pain relief religiously.
On the plus side taking the pain relief helped me establish breastfeeding more comfortably as friends with a more natural birth / less meds found it more painful in the beginning.

Take your time recovering and don't rush to get back to things. If anything this forces you to sit down / enjoy your baby and binge watch some box sets!

Best advice really big pants / wear men's pj bottoms / use a pillow on your lap when sitting down during recovery. Have everything you need in a box next to your chair.

Thank you for all your lovely replies. I feel more at ease now!

I had an awful time with my first baby (forceps etc). I asked for an elective caesarean for my second and the hospital was fine about it (much safer all round, said the consultant). It was a far more positive experience having the caesarean. First time round I was in such agony afterwards, I struggled to sit or walk. I recovered very quickly after the caesarean. I was driving my car 1 week later (insurance company said it was fine). So overall I would recommend an elective caesarean to everyone.