C section worry - no horror stories please

[trutabish]

I’m very anxious. Please don’t post unless it’s something positive as I am aware of the downsides hence my anxiety.

For mental health reasons I have elected to have a c section. I am terrified. My partner is not around so a friend will be with me. I am so stressed and worried and feel like such a wimp. I always wanted a natural birth so already feel dreadful. I know c section isn’t the easy option at all but it’s not what I wanted, I just can’t cope mentally.

Please can I hear anything reasuring about c section?

id be grateful if people didn’t debate vaginal v c section to discourage a c section as this has now been decided. Thank you xx

One emergency section one elective. Neither horrific. I felt pretty normal after about a week - keep on top of your pain medication in the meantime. The first day or so will be rough but that's true of vaginal delivery too. My elective was very calm and I liked that I was able to plan for it. The scar is very low down so not visible in a bikini for me anyway.
Good luck you'll be fine.

I've had two emcs. No pain, home after 12hrs, never needed painkillers and felt perfectly fine physically.

However, I'd urge you to get as much support as possible with your MH as my only struggle was with feeling guilt over having had (emergency, lifesaving) CSs instead of the home water births I'd planned. I realise now that it was a pressure I put on myself.

My first was an emergency, second was planned c-section. Scar is minimal and not really noticeable, certainly covered by a bikini. Can't deny it hurt and recovery took a while but not that long really! I've never felt like I've missed anything by not going through a natural delivery - to be honest I'd rather have my lady bits where they currently are!! One major positive is that they keep you in for a few days rather than tipping you out after a few hours.

I had two (one was EMCS one was ELCS) and recovered really well after both.

I had two elective C sections because I wanted them (who wants to go through labour?!). Absolutely loved them -really easy and calm.

My advice is to stay on your paracetamol + ibuprofen every 4-6 hours for 3 days (and ask for a stronger tablet if you are in pain - there should be no pain at all).

The only thing that hurts is shifting position in bed and coughing for the first few days - you should buy a C-section belt from Amazon - absolute game changer in this regard.

They were such a walk in the park, and a lovely calm and safe way to welcome a baby into the world. You will be able to be totally present, because you will not be in any pain or distress.

Good luck with everything!

Literally the only pain is getting the cannula put into your hand - so easy!

My first birth was an ELCS. I have anxiety. My second was meant to be natural but ended up as an EMCS.

The first planned section was soooooo much better for me and my anxiety in many ways:

• I had a date to work to, which helped me focus and prepare
• Two days and day before I went in for final checks, chat with anaesthetist, went through all risks and paperwork and signed stuff, all whilst ok and not in the middle of labour (like in my emergency)
• Had a lovely night with DH the night before, takeaway, nice movie, nice bath etc. Felt rested and prepared.
• On the day, knew it was happening, met surgeon, all went to plan and timetable. Knew which ward id be in for recovery. Could advise visitors etc.
• Procedure went well, small incision, good healing after, good pain management and advice before and after.

By comparison my second birth:

• went into labour, failed to progress after 2 days so had emergency section
• i was exhausted from 2 days of labour
• i had no idea of date so couldn’t plan childcare for elder child, book in relatives etc
• procedure felt rushed and that sent my anxiety through the roof
• i had a slower recovery (but not sure if that was because I had a toddler to look after too)

Bless You
My First C Section was an emergency and, like you, I was terrified . I actually remember shaking on the trolley to the Operating Theatre . I had a spinal (had managed to stop shaking thankfully) and was awake to welcome my Firstborn DS
Second was not an emergency as such, but they found I cannot dilate for some reason, so a 2nd C Section was performed .

I had 2 more C Sections but those were planned .

All I will advise is this . When you first get up to walk, stand yourself straight and hold onto where your Cut will be healing under it . Its not easy, not at first , and you might even be a little breathless but that will Pass .
I bear my C Section scars with Pride .
Best of Luck Op

I’ve had 2, both lovely calm experiences. No pain at all, sure it was sore but taking the painkillers it never actually felt painful. i reckon I felt 90% better after 2 weeks, 100% by 4 weeks.

Re your questions… Half my arse would be hanging out if I wore a bikini so low rise that the scar was on show, it would be obscene! And I had 2 nights in hospital but when I got home stairs were no issue.

I've had a VB and an almost elective section. The almost was because my waters broke before my elective date and I had my section without a pre-op, but there was very little difference apparently. It was a really good experience and if I was going to have another baby I'd request another section. I was terrified about it before as well but it was honestly fine.

Its funny because the recovery from a VB is easier, but the lead up and actual birth is much harder, where the C-section recovery is harder, but the birth is so much easier. But saying that, the recovery was fine, just keep on top of your pain meds and take lactose or something else so you don't get constipated. I didn't go for 10 days and when I did it was more traumatic than the birth.

Best of luck!

My c-section was perfect. My main tip is tell the team you are nervous. Mine were great, they kept me completely distracted through the surgery and gave regular updates (which I wanted). They also found me some numbing cream because I was scared of the canula going in.

Like PPs I had skin to skin while they were removing the placenta and sewing me back up.

Pain afterwards was completely manageable, just take the drugs on schedule rather than waiting to need them. Scar is fine, healed far quicker than expected. No way you'd see it in a bikini.

I was up and driving very quickly. Took it easy (through choice) for a couple of weeks but did a long-ish walk every day (from about day 5).

Back exercising (gently) by week for, and doctor said I could swim v early on because of how quickly the scar healed up.

Honestly, it was great.

I had an emergency one after an absolutely horrific, drawn-out Labour. Honestly, it is not bad at all. Anaesthetic didn't hurt particularly (just pokey sensation), the actually process is fine too, you feel a bit of pushing and pulling but nothing alarming at all.

The recovery was sore but the worst bit was over in a couple of days. I could definitely have got upstairs by the end of the next day. I was out walking 2 weeks post-delivery.

Congratulations on your baby

Also, there is little pain as they dose you up on painkillers whilst you are having the Operation, and it seems to last some time .
Were you thinking of being awake (a spinal will allow this) or being put Under ?

And no, if I wore a bikini that showed my scar I'd get arrested for indecent exposure, its very low!

No I was able to walk upstairs (slowly) as soon as I got home from the hospital (2 days after second one). DH may have helped me the first couple of times. I was given great painrelief though and really stayed ahead of it - took whatever they gave me on schedule whether I was actually feeling pain at that exact time or not.

scar doesn't show (not that I still wear a bikini :) )

My elective was brilliant, spinal only, in and out in about 40 minutes, holding my baby within the first 10 minutes and the rest of the time flew. I was high risk for several reasons but experienced no complications or issues with recovery - in fact I recovered really quickly. There is absolutely no chance of convincing me to ever give the ‘other’ way a go now!

Good luck x

DS was an emergency c-section many years ago. It was absolutely fine, I was taken from the labour room into theatre, my epidural was topped up, the screen went up and very soon afterwards I was holding DS.

It’s a very odd feeling, bit like someone is doing the washing up in your stomach, but no pain at all.

I had to stay in hospital for a few days as DS was a bit poorly and wouldn’t feed but I hardly needed any pain relief and was up and about walking pretty swiftly.

Once home there was no issue with stairs or anything and I was back driving within a couple of weeks. And my scar is barely noticeable now.

Just take it as easy as you can and rest whenever possible afterwards.

I went through several hours of pain trying to give birth naturally. It was horrendous. I could've hugged every person in the room when they took me for an emergency C section.

I was walking around town 4 days after the C section. It hurt a bit to walk and bend over to pick baby up but I healed very, very quickly.

2nd time around, I opted for an elective C section as I couldn't bear the thought of going through contractions again. I went in to theatre absolutely crapping my pants even though I'd been through it all before. I had the epidural which was pain free and it just felt so calm in the room. It was all over with fairly quickly and It was genuinely a really relaxing experience. The pain was worse 2nd time round and it did hurt a lot more to stand etc. it probably took me around 3 weeks to feel like I could stand up straight again but I would have a C section any day over trying to give birth naturally!!

You will be fine :)

I had four sections, first was emergency and the rest were not elective as such (I had no choice as conceived quickly).

Pros... planning. Nice and calm.

I was able to BF all of them. I was able to rest. Take it easy afterwards, it is an operation and you need to recover.

Take all the drugs they give you. Don't be shy in asking. Painkillers are your friend.

My kids are older now, and honestly, there is no difference between kids who were birthed 'naturally' and those who were brought into the world 'through the sunroof'. It really does not matter. What matters is that you and your baby are happy and healthy.

Enjoy this precious time.

Ps: I second MASSIVE pants and the BF cushion. I slept with mine, and I loved it.

I had a c section recently. The process itself was okay, the surgeon, anaesthetist and the midwife’s were all lovely and really looked after me. Honestly, I balled my eyes out when I got into the theatre room and they were all so kind to me. They went at my pace and I’m thankful for it. My dh was with me, he held my hand throughout. I didn’t feel any pain during it. I could feel a tugging but it wasn’t sore and didn’t make me feel nervous. I heard my baby cry straight away and was able to hve her lying on my chest for the rest of the time which was perfect as I just focused on her.
I was numb for around 3 hours after surgery and was able to get up and walk 6 hours after my baby was born. I got home the next day.
Do you have someone who will be at home tk help you? I needed someone to help me upstairs the first night but after that I was okay with walking slowly but my dh had to carry the baby upstairs as j couldn’t do both. I needed support to sit up and lie down in bed for the first week. After that I was able to slowly pull myself up. I honestly did nothing other than feed my baby and rest for the first few days. That’s all you need to do, let everyone else worry about housework and let others cook for you.
By day 4 I was ready to go for a small walk albeit it was very slow. I’m now 4 months pp and I don’t feel like I had a c section at all. I’m almost back to my pre baby fitness but definitely still have weight to lose 😂
I have a small scar which bothered me a lot at first but it allowed me to safely deliver my baby so I don’t care about it now. It sits jusg on my underwear line so if wearing a bikini you should be fine!

I've had two c sections a
No one vaginal birth x
The c sections were very positive experiences and I was up and about very quickly.
A little pain but nothing that regular painkillers couldn't sort out x
I was out and about for walks and shopping within two days x
The anticipation and build up to the day was much worse than the procedure so try not to worry you will be fine x

I had my second child by elective c section for medical reasons. It was absolutely lovely. Staff were kind and calm. It was quick and painless. I did skin to skin straight after and started breastfeeding as they stitched me up. I healed super quickly - was cleared to drive within 2 weeks.
Good luck

I absolutely loved both my c-sections. I'm a nervous wreck with anything medical, but they were both calm, relaxed and easy experiences.

Good luck!

Wanted to add giant pants, big up to your belly button, comfiest ones you can find. I did use a breastfeeding pillow that wrapped round me.

Ds1 was EMCS, we have lovely photos of him from the second his head popped out. You cannot see anything except green drapes and this little fella's head. As it was a rushed EMCS all I can remember is that it was pain free and I was excited to meet my baby. Recovery was good, Dh was on hand to help me get dressed afterwards.

Ds2 was ELCS. Meant I could plan mentally for him coming along, get everything prepared. Staff were just lovely, it was all very calm and I felt more in control than the first one. Recovery was slightly slower but you have to remember this is major surgery so look after yourself, get everyone else around you to help. The staff talked me through everything they were doing. We were laughing and joking and considering 10 minutes earlier I had been sobbing in the room I thought I did really well.

Re the bikini, the incision is literally where my my pubic hair starts so no way am I wearing pants that low down. I tend to wear bikini bottoms that have a fold over top so they hide any scar However, I am completely unbothered by my c section scar. I have other scars from other surgeries that can be seen on my stomach. They were all made on the journey to Motherhood and I feel proud of them.

I had an emergency c section and had terrible bruising.
Yes, it hurt for a few days, but I'd do it again tomorrow rather than go through a natural labour. You can totally do this!!