Scheduled c section experiences

[BumbleAw]

I've been told that due to my bp, I will be having a scheduled csection in a weeks time (unless baby comes himself before, in which case I can try for a vaginal birth)

I've never had any type of surgery so naturally I am really fearful. What was your honest experiences during the procedure and also for recovery? How painful was it during and after? Did the catheter removal hurt? Did your scar heal well and were you left with a pouch/shelf? How long did you have to stay in hospital? Could you still breastfeed? Is the surgery scary? Anything I should be prepared for?

Thanks!

My planned c section was lovely. Very calm and straightforward.
My baby latched and breastfed within the hour. Catheter removal didn't hurt. Scar healed well and no pouch/shelf - this probably depends on weight before hand too though. My section was in the afternoon, midwives were really helpful overnight and then keen to get me stood up and moving by the morning. I was out within 24 hours (although it was during COVID which may have impacted this). I would say after the first couple of weeks I was up and about almost as normal without much pain.

I think emergency sections tend to be more difficult/potentially traumatic and where you're more likely to hear horror stories from.

By far the easiest way to give birth. Pre planned, painless, recovery is fine providing you don't do too much too soon.

Iv had two- both fine. The surgery wasn't painful. It feels weird.

Recovery was also fine. I got up and about asap. With my first they gave me loads of oramorph which I really didn't like. The next one I had diclofenac and paracetamol. I found this better because it didn't make me drowsy. I think I had a bit of oramorph to begin with but they definitely gave me too much for too long after my first section.

It's difficult to get out of bed to begin with. Take a dressing gown and tie it to the bottom of the bed so you can pull yourself up without using your muscles.

I have a scar but it's not too bad. My tummy is a state but it's because I'm fat still. I don't think it's anything to do with the c sections.

Breastfeeding was fine.

Good luck