Recent c section experiences

[Starlive23]

I'm booked in for a c section Tuesday. I've had one before, around 5 years ago, then went on to have a VBAC but will need c section for this pregnancy too.

I know I've had one before and this is probably a bit ridiculous but I'm really freaking out about it! I didn't enjoy the sensation of the c section at all the first time round but think I will be ok as I know its not too long a procedure.

The thing I wondered was what is the after care like? I was in for 4 days last time but this time they seem to think I will be home after 1 night and up and walking around after 3 hours. I don't think I could even feel my legs after 3 hours last time or maybe i am remembering it inaccurately. I realise it will vary from trust to trust but what have others experienced since the pandemic?

Any stories greatly appreciated!

Hi I am also in next week for a c section, my second, and feeling the same, so any advice etc would be welcome! Sorry to jump on the thread OP X

Glad it's not just me! Good luck hopefully someone will be along soon with some recent (good) experiences!

I had an emergency c section 6 months ago and was home the next day. I had the section at 7am Sunday and helped me to get up and into the chair next to my bed late afternoon. I was fairly comfortably walking around the ward the next morning and showering independently. Went home about 2pm Monday. I felt more than ready to go home at that point. I think the fact that they make you start moving early is good for your recovery, although I remember panicking that I wouldn't be able to do it. Partners were only allowed on the ward for visiting hours but the midwives were all so helpful and even looked after the baby in the night for me so I could sleep.

I had a planned c section nearly 5 weeks ago, aftercare was good - had op at 11am, in recovery for an hour or so then round to ward. Had the catheter out by 6/7pm and they encouraged me to walk to the toilets etc and get out and sit on the seat beside bed for a bit.

Next morning they asked if I wanted to go home, I chose to stay on another night as I thought with the better pain relief, electric bed and accessible toilets it would aid quicker recovery. Went home next day after that. They are quicker to try and get you discharged with covid situation but if you feel you need another day, just say to them. Wishing you all the best, I'm sure you can't wait to meet your little baby :-)

Thanks so much both, so very reassuring to hear that both experiences have been good. To be honest I think last time I was a little too cautious with the recovery. I definitely didn't stand up the first day, probably not until late evening on second day so perhaps getting up and active will stop any stiffness. Hoping to be a bit more brave and get home earlier this time.
I must admit I'm swinging between real nerves and complete excitement!

I feel better reading these too, thank you! I had my first c section early evening and I'm sure I was basically told to get up and walk about the next morning, it's all a bit of a blur tbh! And I would've just did what I was told. I'm like you, nervous and excited and also a bit like it's not reaaally happening lol x

@BabyB22021 does it feel like you have been pregnant for an eternity or is it just me?
I'm panicking a bit that none of the nurses will help and I will be unable to walk to do anything. Not based in reality at all, my hospital has always been fab, maybe just a last minute freak out! Probably normal under the circumstances x

@Starlive23 yes! Sometimes I feel like it's been such a quick pregnancy then other times I'm like..I've been pregnant forever! We found out early august and that is ages ago lol!!
I'm the same I'm hoping for a different aftercare experience this time, my first was awful, I felt like I was being told off a lot and that everyone was quite abrupt...I was probably being over sensitive but I'd been through a horrible few days labour then an emergency c section and it was all just so overwhelming I think. I'm actually in a totally different area now and have only heard good things about the hospital and staff and I'm hoping that with it being a planned section I'll be calmer etc but we will see! X