Page 2 | Those who have had C Sections

Original poster

MomToBe2025xx · 27/01/2025 09:24

SnakebitesandSambucas · 27/01/2025 09:22

2 c sections. One under spinal and one under GA ( due to meds). I wore a belly binder from day 2. Pumped up with painkillers. But i didn't feel to bad. BF successfully both times. No scar issues or infections. I loved mine. Calm controlled 😁. Extra anti sickness given. Only issue I had was managing the stairs. Was mobile quicky but slowly.

This is reassuring! Thank you x

OP posts:

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 27/01/2025 09:26

I had planned a water birth for my first, but ended up with an emcs 3 weeks earlier than his due date. I went into labour spontaneously at 36+5, and he was upside down, back to front and had one leg tucked up and 1 dangling down.

The emcs was fine. I had an epidural, but was awake from the waist up. The anathaetist was sitting next to me, dh on the other side. There was a screen up at my waist, but I could see the surgical team and they talked me through what was going on, then gave me the baby as soon as they'd got him out and checked him over. It was rather nice - if you know you are going to be having a cS you can plan for it to be even nicer.

My second birth was planned to be VBAC, but ended in a crash section, general anasethic and some very rapid surgery. I'd far rather have a planned section than a vaginal birth that goes wrong.

Favouritefruits · 27/01/2025 09:27

MomToBe2025xx · 27/01/2025 09:19

Was there anything you did to help your recovery? What was it like when you got out of surgery? x

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Honestly I didn’t do anything, I kept up with my pain medication and that’s pretty much it, I was out and about within three days doing the food shop and walking the dog. I could have easily drove, I didn’t because I knew I wouldn’t be insured! I’ve not had any issues with my scar. I would say definitely let any student doctors in to watch while you have your section as I believe they do a better job because someone is watching and the main surgeon doesn’t want to make any mistakes 😂

Pictureframe03 · 27/01/2025 09:27

I’ve had 2 c-sections, my first was an emergency and I had to decide whether I wanted a vaginal birth or an elective c-section for my second…I opted for an elective section, which happened last week, and I’m so happy with my decision.
The elective section was completely different to my emergency experience. The whole process was so much more relaxed and I’ve needed hardly any pain relief. The worst part was trapped wind from the operation on days 1 and 2 😂so make sure you have peppermint tea on hand if you do opt for a c-section.

Greybeardy · 27/01/2025 09:29

MomToBe2025xx · 27/01/2025 09:21

It isn't due to me being overweight, its as I'm smaller and my age? He was so vague and when I pushed for answers he just said it was because of that?

He said that we need to put together a 'plan' which includes my added scans and the anaesthetist calling me?

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ah, apologies...wasn't that clear from your OP. Lower weight is much less of a problem from an anaesthetic POV usually! If they think you are more likely to end up delivering in theatre then there's still some advantage to seeing an anaesthetist ahead of the time to go through some of the different scenarios, either to help you decide about having an elective section, or planning how you might want to think about pain relief in labour/what might happen if you needed an urgent section. Also, it may be a good time to double check your blood count and iron stores are ok before you get to term.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 27/01/2025 09:29

Recovery - first time I didn't even need to take the pain meds for a couple of days. Took it very easy for a couple of weeks, but I think this is normal after birth. By the time dh went back to work at 4 weeks I was pain free and agile and walking a few miles every day with the baby.,I was running again at 11 weeks.

Favouritefruits · 27/01/2025 09:29

After surgery I got put into the recovery room with my husband and baby for about an hour. I breastfed whilst I was being stitched up and it was all very pleasant. Obviously the ward is awful but it’s the same place you go after any type of birth!

Original poster

MomToBe2025xx · 27/01/2025 09:29

NorthernGirl1981 · 27/01/2025 09:23

I had planned sections for both my babies due to a heath condition I have.

To be honest I was glad, the thought of all the things that could go wrong during natural birth used to make me so anxious.

On the day of my section (for my first son) I was so ridiculously excited. I walked into the hospital one I was floating on air with the biggest smile on my face because I knew I was going to be meeting my baby that day!!? (and that it wouldn’t be painful) 🤣

The procedure was absolutely fine. I was worried about having the spinal but it didn’t hurt, it was just uncomfortable for a few seconds. I was very surprised at how quickly it took effect though…..it felt like a wave of heat starting at my toes and spreading up my legs. It kind of felt like I was sliding into a bed with a heated blanket!

The room was very busy…. So many people, but it was really calm at the same time. Everyone was just smiling and chatting about anything and everything, there was no panic or worry, it was quite surreal really.

When the procedure was being done I had the anaesthetist sitting next to my head and he was chatting away to me, and I had my husband on the other side of me, just staring at me with a big grin on his face.

I could feel my lower body being tugged at and pulled at a little, but it wasn’t uncomfortable, it just felt strange.

And then before I knew it, a baby was lifted up above the curtain that had been placed across my waist, and then he was handed over to me! It was wonderful.

The recovery wasn’t too bad at all. I had my section about 1pm and by night time I had a lot of feeling back. I was kept catheterised during the night and then they got me out of bed the next morning. From what I recall I spent two nights in hospital, but that was due to my health condition, not because of the c-section.

When I was home my section wound was sore but that was obviously going to be. I just kept up with my pain relief and within a few weeks I was able to mobilise as normal and within 6 weeks I was fully healed.

Overall, it was a really pleasant birth….a very surreal but amazing experience. If I were to give you one bit of advice though, it’s to make it clear that after birth, if there are no complications, you want to have skin to skin with the baby and not be separated unless absolutey necessary. Women who give birth vaginally have this expectation (rightly so) and therefore things shouldn’t be any different for women who have a caesarean.

This sounds really lovely, very reassuring!! I'm glad it was a nice experience for you😊How did you find doing things during recovery? x

OP posts:

Original poster

MomToBe2025xx · 27/01/2025 09:30

Ladamesansmerci · 27/01/2025 09:23

I had a planned section. It was a lovely experience. Baby was out in about 10 minutes. Didn't even notice what was going on really, as I was that busy staring at my baby that it flew by.

Recovery was a breeze. The first week was slow but not painful. It was only truly uncomfortable if I tried to roll in bed, but I slept propped up with pillows a lot of the time. I just kept on top of pain relief. After 2 weeks, I felt pretty normal, and drove on week 3 with my GPs permission.

It did not affect breastfeeding for me. I had oversupply from day 1.

The worst part tbh was the trapped gas 🤣

I've heard about the trapped gas!!😂Can you get anything to relieve it?

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NorthernGirl1981 · 27/01/2025 09:31

MomToBe2025xx · 27/01/2025 09:18

As long as my baby and I are safe, no matter what birth I have, I think is lucky...
I get some prefer C sections and have had good experiences, but as a FTM I did want to have a vaginal birth

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After I had my first son via section I did go through a phase of feeling sad that I’d missed out on something so fundamentally female: the process of giving birth. I felt that I had missed out on something so special and that I was somehow not a ‘real woman’ as I hadn’t birthed my babies in the way nature intended. It sounds ridiculous now but at the time it really plagued me.

With my second baby, who was also a planned section, he decided to he wanted to come out 3 days before my c-section date. My contractions started at home so I went to hospital and I was put on the list to go and have a section. The time between the contractions intensifying and actually going for my c-section was about 8 hours, and those 8 hours were awful! The pain was horrendous!!! All I could think was, GET ME TO THEATRE AND PUT AN END TO THIS! 🤣

I hadn’t even reached the stage of pushing so I can’t even imagine how painful that would be……but by God I was glad I didn’t have to find out! 🤣

Original poster

MomToBe2025xx · 27/01/2025 09:32

Favouritefruits · 27/01/2025 09:27

Honestly I didn’t do anything, I kept up with my pain medication and that’s pretty much it, I was out and about within three days doing the food shop and walking the dog. I could have easily drove, I didn’t because I knew I wouldn’t be insured! I’ve not had any issues with my scar. I would say definitely let any student doctors in to watch while you have your section as I believe they do a better job because someone is watching and the main surgeon doesn’t want to make any mistakes 😂

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Wow thats amazing!! What pain relief do they give you? x

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Original poster

MomToBe2025xx · 27/01/2025 09:32

Pictureframe03 · 27/01/2025 09:27

I’ve had 2 c-sections, my first was an emergency and I had to decide whether I wanted a vaginal birth or an elective c-section for my second…I opted for an elective section, which happened last week, and I’m so happy with my decision.
The elective section was completely different to my emergency experience. The whole process was so much more relaxed and I’ve needed hardly any pain relief. The worst part was trapped wind from the operation on days 1 and 2 😂so make sure you have peppermint tea on hand if you do opt for a c-section.

Peppermint tea! Noted! Thank you 😊

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Original poster

MomToBe2025xx · 27/01/2025 09:33

Greybeardy · 27/01/2025 09:29

ah, apologies...wasn't that clear from your OP. Lower weight is much less of a problem from an anaesthetic POV usually! If they think you are more likely to end up delivering in theatre then there's still some advantage to seeing an anaesthetist ahead of the time to go through some of the different scenarios, either to help you decide about having an elective section, or planning how you might want to think about pain relief in labour/what might happen if you needed an urgent section. Also, it may be a good time to double check your blood count and iron stores are ok before you get to term.

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Okay, why is that? x

OP posts:

Greybeardy · 27/01/2025 09:35

Favouritefruits · 27/01/2025 09:27

Honestly I didn’t do anything, I kept up with my pain medication and that’s pretty much it, I was out and about within three days doing the food shop and walking the dog. I could have easily drove, I didn’t because I knew I wouldn’t be insured! I’ve not had any issues with my scar. I would say definitely let any student doctors in to watch while you have your section as I believe they do a better job because someone is watching and the main surgeon doesn’t want to make any mistakes 😂

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the 'main surgeon' probably won't have noticed there's a student there half the time and definitely won't be that worried about whether the student think they've done a good job! (Quite often the students are lined up against the wall at the back looking rather green and trying not to faint!)😂

Original poster

MomToBe2025xx · 27/01/2025 09:36

NorthernGirl1981 · 27/01/2025 09:31

After I had my first son via section I did go through a phase of feeling sad that I’d missed out on something so fundamentally female: the process of giving birth. I felt that I had missed out on something so special and that I was somehow not a ‘real woman’ as I hadn’t birthed my babies in the way nature intended. It sounds ridiculous now but at the time it really plagued me.

With my second baby, who was also a planned section, he decided to he wanted to come out 3 days before my c-section date. My contractions started at home so I went to hospital and I was put on the list to go and have a section. The time between the contractions intensifying and actually going for my c-section was about 8 hours, and those 8 hours were awful! The pain was horrendous!!! All I could think was, GET ME TO THEATRE AND PUT AN END TO THIS! 🤣

I hadn’t even reached the stage of pushing so I can’t even imagine how painful that would be……but by God I was glad I didn’t have to find out! 🤣

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I know a section is a major surgery, women are incredible for going through it and natural births.. I just always liked the idea of a water birth, seemed more relaxing as well?
But this is really reassuring as well, I'm glad you had positive experiences! Thank you😊

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Memberberry · 27/01/2025 09:37

MomToBe2025xx · 27/01/2025 08:58

Hiya everyone :)

For context, I am currently 26 weeks pregnant, and last Wednesday I had a consultant appointment to tell me that I will be having growth scans every 4 weeks and that an anaesthetist (excuse my spelling if that's wrong) will be calling me, and I am now under consultant led care, not midwife. He said this is due to my size etc and not baby growth? He was very vague and was reluctant to answer any questions properly, he mentioned that I essentially may struggle as baby grows and struggle giving birth?
Obviously this wasn't very nice to hear as I had really wanted a water birth (I know child birth doesn't always go to plan btw) So it sounds as if I may end up having a section?
I will of course do whatever I have to do that is safe for me and my baby boy, I am just petrified of the thought of a C section...
Petrified of being in surgery, petrified of the recovery etc... I'm getting quite worked up about it. I have such a helpful partner which I can imagine will really help.
I just wanted to know if anyone has been in the same situation as mine and also how people found their c sections?

Thank you xx

I’ve had 2 c sections. The first was an emergency and the second a planned.
Before these I’d never had any kind of surgery and was so scared but honestly they are fine.
It goes without saying that giving birth in anyway comes with risks, but c sections are such routine surgery and the actual risk of anything happening is very low (I spent a long time worrying over that!).
When its a planned c section the theatre staff are always lovely and relaxed and talk you through in detail what’s happening (or not too much detail if that’s your preference lol).
The anaesthetic is the worst part but even that was fine and it took 40 minutes to get mine started - which is rare but even so it was so calm and they took their time and it worked in the end.
Then it was about 6 minutes until my son was born and you won’t care about anything after that and it goes so quick.
I was walking 5 hours later and up ready to go home the next morning. It’s a bit sore but you work out how to move to avoid any pain and I took painkillers for the first day and that’s it.
If you need the blood thinning injections afterwards - they are the worst bit of the whole thing!

NorthernGirl1981 · 27/01/2025 09:38

MomToBe2025xx · 27/01/2025 09:29

This sounds really lovely, very reassuring!! I'm glad it was a nice experience for you😊How did you find doing things during recovery? x

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It was fine, I just took things easy. My husband was on paternity and I had a lot of family around so although there were things I wasn’t doing, like going up and down the stairs to do x, y and z, it was only because I had someone on had to do it for me, as opposed to me not being able to physically do it.

I went for my first walk with the baby when he was about two weeks old, but my abdomen felt sore pushing the pram so my husband took over and I just waddled along beside him. It was definitely a slow walk.

At the end of the day a CS is a huge operation and recovery can be slow, but that doesn’t mean it’s painful. It doesn’t need to be rushed, you just have to go at your own pace and take your painkillers regularly during the first few weeks. Like I said, by the time I was 6 week post-op I was back to myself. Some women recover quicker and come recover more slowly, it really isn’t a race. Women don’t get medals for how quickly they reach the point of being able to go up and down stairs without some help.

After my second c-section my recovery was quicker, and that’s when I had a 3 year old to look after too.

Don’t worry about the recovery, anyone who has an operation of any sort has a recovery period they have to go through. Don’t expect too much too soon and just take things as slowly as you need to.

FedUpandEatingChocolate · 27/01/2025 09:39

I've had a horrible vaginal birth, and then a planned c section. The c section was absolutely fine, lovely and calm. Yes, I was unwell afterwards for 24 hours, but the recovery was much more straightforward than the vaginal birth.

My daughter was in NICU for a fortnight so that gave my body a chance to recover after the section. If you're going home, I'd recommend getting as much help as you can.

Slipslops · 27/01/2025 09:41

I’ve had both. I wanted a water birth with my first and started in the birthing pool but ended up as an emergency with shoulder dystocia. Second time I had an elective c-section and I would absolutely take the c-section any day! I was worried about it too but it was very calm, relaxed with music playing, and a totally different experience. Honestly it was not stressful at all. Recovery was really fast and I got out of bed and moved as soon as I was allowed. Easier said than done as it’s unknown for you but please try not to worry - it is far less stressful and definitely less painful. Stay on top of any medication after and you’ll be surprised how it’s much easier than you’re expecting!

Original poster

MomToBe2025xx · 27/01/2025 09:45

Memberberry · 27/01/2025 09:37

I’ve had 2 c sections. The first was an emergency and the second a planned.
Before these I’d never had any kind of surgery and was so scared but honestly they are fine.
It goes without saying that giving birth in anyway comes with risks, but c sections are such routine surgery and the actual risk of anything happening is very low (I spent a long time worrying over that!).
When its a planned c section the theatre staff are always lovely and relaxed and talk you through in detail what’s happening (or not too much detail if that’s your preference lol).
The anaesthetic is the worst part but even that was fine and it took 40 minutes to get mine started - which is rare but even so it was so calm and they took their time and it worked in the end.
Then it was about 6 minutes until my son was born and you won’t care about anything after that and it goes so quick.
I was walking 5 hours later and up ready to go home the next morning. It’s a bit sore but you work out how to move to avoid any pain and I took painkillers for the first day and that’s it.
If you need the blood thinning injections afterwards - they are the worst bit of the whole thing!

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Yeah I've never had any surgeries before either so its a fear of the unknown as well.
Its nice to hear how quick baby comes out as I can imagine everything after just doesn't matter
The blood thinning injections freak me out a bit too! But I think that's because you administer them yourself, does everyone have to have them?

OP posts:

Original poster

MomToBe2025xx · 27/01/2025 09:47

Slipslops · 27/01/2025 09:41

I’ve had both. I wanted a water birth with my first and started in the birthing pool but ended up as an emergency with shoulder dystocia. Second time I had an elective c-section and I would absolutely take the c-section any day! I was worried about it too but it was very calm, relaxed with music playing, and a totally different experience. Honestly it was not stressful at all. Recovery was really fast and I got out of bed and moved as soon as I was allowed. Easier said than done as it’s unknown for you but please try not to worry - it is far less stressful and definitely less painful. Stay on top of any medication after and you’ll be surprised how it’s much easier than you’re expecting!

Thank you for this, I think I need to be more informed and look into relaxation tips etc x

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MarinaRuby · 27/01/2025 09:48

@MomToBe2025xx to be honest in your situation I would not be satisfied by the poor level of explanation that has been given to you in regards to your plan of care. I have never heard of this type of suggestion just because a mother is petite (which seems to be what has been identified as the 'issue'?). How strange. I would want a consultant to provide a full explanation of what the issue is, what the risks are currently as supported by research and why he is suggesting X & Y.

I believe in previous decades there was a belief that smaller/more petite women would be unable to birth vaginally however this is not to my understanding supported by any evidence/research so it wouldn't wash with me unless provided with some really strong evidence. Ultimately a C-section is a major surgery and there are significant implications for mother and baby going this route, bothe shirt term and longer term.

Pinkywoo · 27/01/2025 09:49

I find it a bit odd that you don't know why you're consultant led and may need a c section. Why don't you call your midwife and ask her to fully explain it to you, then you can make informed decisions? It's part of her job to answer your questions and make sure you have the safest birth possible.

TheAmusedLimePanda · 27/01/2025 09:53

I had a planned section with my first due to some health conditions I have. It was very relaxing and chilled as most people have said. They were joking around with me while doing my spinal. I was taken into surgery at 10:25 and baby was born at 11:11 and I was back in recovery by 12. The last part seemed like it only took minutes. My husband was there holding my hand and he got the cut a bit of the cord (from the baby, not from my opened tummy) and be with them as they did all the checks. I bf straight away.

I did need some extra meds as my blood pressure dropped a little but they have put them in my drip before I even noticed so only took a few mins to feel better.

as for recovery, I took regular pain meds until day 5 or 6 then only really needed to take them if I was going out for a walk with the pram or going to be sitting in the car. No wound infections and I enjoyed getting 20 mins peace everyday after my shower to let my wound air dry.

im currently 6 months pregnant with my second and I’ve been told I can have a section again or try VBAC but will be induced so I’m going section again.

Original poster

MomToBe2025xx · 27/01/2025 09:54

MarinaRuby · 27/01/2025 09:48

@MomToBe2025xx to be honest in your situation I would not be satisfied by the poor level of explanation that has been given to you in regards to your plan of care. I have never heard of this type of suggestion just because a mother is petite (which seems to be what has been identified as the 'issue'?). How strange. I would want a consultant to provide a full explanation of what the issue is, what the risks are currently as supported by research and why he is suggesting X & Y.

I believe in previous decades there was a belief that smaller/more petite women would be unable to birth vaginally however this is not to my understanding supported by any evidence/research so it wouldn't wash with me unless provided with some really strong evidence. Ultimately a C-section is a major surgery and there are significant implications for mother and baby going this route, bothe shirt term and longer term.

I know, they booked the appointment for me nearly a month ago, didnt tell me what it was regarding either which made me quite anxious. When I got there he sat me down, took my BP which he said was normal. Then said so we need to talk about your plan, you need growth scans and to talk to an anaesthetist about a C section. I asked why and if the baby was ok, he said he is growing fine, but because of my size and age I may struggle carrying full term and with giving birth.
I asked why again and he told me because im young? Im 20, turning 21, not that it matters. I am also not underweight, I'm pretty 'average'.
I felt really left in the dark which is why I'm so anxious. It didnt feel like a plan it felt like an order😂

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