Got my date for csection

[Firsttimemumm31]

Saw consultant yesterday at 36+3 and scheduled elective c section as baby is breech ....
My date is the day before my due date 🤣 so nervous I'll go in to labour beforehand and need an emergency csection my hospital isn't the most organised at the best of times!

Also I've been told because of COVID as long as I can get up and walk and baby is well I'll go home the next day..... any advice from C section mums on how to cope for that first week would be much appreciated as I live alone! I see myself as pretty strong willed and I don't really let pain etc stop me normally but then I've never had major abdominal surgery! Lol

Good luck to all the other mummas out there 💕

I had an emergency section with my daughter 5 weeks ago. It went well and I was allowed home the next day. The main thing is getting in and out of bed which I found the hardest - you don’t realise how much you use your abdominal muscles. Is there anyone who can stay with you for the first few days/week? Simply just having someone to pass you things is a god send. Also making food for you! Those first few days can be difficult with or without a section. Pain wise it was ok if I wasn’t doing anything, just painful on moving. I had painkillers regularly and gradually I no longer needed them after 10 days or so.
Don’t let the “because of covid” situation be an excuse for letting you out if you don’t feel ready. You can always stay in longer if you can’t manage the pain or if baby isn’t feeding well etc. Good luck OP x

I had an elcs with our breech twins last time. People had filled my head with how awful they are and a much harder recovery than vaginal births.
I found it pretty easy to recover from though, didn't feel the need for painkillers at all and nagged to get out the day after surgery. Only things I avoided were heavy lifting (was fine with both twins) for the 1st few weeks, didn't drive for 6 weeks but that was because dh was home so I didn't need to.
Relax the day of surgery but once catheter is out get mobile as it will encourage blood flow and healing. I was able to get out pushing the double pram within a few days but didn't go too far. Pay close attention to your wound as it is healing, clean regularly and keep as dry as possible to avoid infection (mine got infected, smelt and looked awful but was painless). Listen to your body, it will let you know if you are overdoing things.

I have no advice op but my baby is breech so looking like will be a C section, i'm so disappointed after having a very straight forward vaginal birth first time around.
Have you tried any of the methods to try and turn baby at all?

Regular pain killers, don't forget them or it feels like a blow torch is being blown on you!

I had a ELCS 11 days ago and I have found the recovery much better than expected. I did have help but I think I could have managed alone if I had to. I suffered badly from trapped wind and after pains for a good few days after, which can be related to c section, so I would get some lactulose, peppermint oil capsules and peppermint tea now whilst you’re able to get about. Good luck and try and enjoy it. The whole experience was amazing and so much better than I had thought xx

I’ve had two. Both very good!
It is very sore so keep on top of the drugs. It takes 2 weeks to start feeling pretty much back to normal.
Take it easy and don’t push yourself! Seriously take this advice!
Do you have anyone who can come in and help in the first few days- it will all be much better if you can rest. Make you a tea etc?
Make your home really easy for you! Have lots of meals prepped!
Have baby’s sleep areas set up ideally one in the lounge and one in your bedroom.
If you live in a house - have baby changing on both levels. Have pads etc by each toilet.
Have painkillers, bottled water and snacks by your bed and where you’ll be sitting most of the time.
All these things made it so much easier xx

If you take codeine get the lactulose! I forgot the second time! Mistake!

@Merrz yes they tried to turn her but she was having none of it and got quite distressed. I think she doesn't like being upside down. I'd tried a few things I had read on the internet and nope she doesn't fancy it at all!

@Flackattack haha thanks for the advice I am going to try and stick to paracetamol and ibuprofen I don't fancy any codeine if I can avoid it

Thanks for sharing your experiences everyone it really has put my mind at rest. I can do this 💪🏻

Spread those painkillers through the day so you aren’t without relief. Make a note in your phone when you take them - as it is easy to forget!
You’ve got this - it’s always nice to know your perineum will remain intact!