C section trauma

Hi Hun you're not alone, I had PTSD from my C-section because I was put under GA and had no clue what was happening everything just went dark and then I woke up and they put my baby on me. I had it for 8 months but then I had a birth debrief session to talk through it and my feelings and I felt a release from it. I still get upset thinking about it but the flashbacks lessened over time. I would ask the doctor if you can talk to someone because it's affecting you and about any physical issues you're having. Hope that helps. Sending love and light xx

I understand. My first was an emergency and my epidural failed during my csection. My oldest is 17 and it's still traumatizing. I had repeat csections with my next two so I would have a spinal, I was terrified of having the same experience if I tried for a vbac. Even though my first repeat csection went so smoothly I was still so anxious for my last. So anxious that when I went into labor 5 days before my scheduled section my husband had to drag me to the hospital.

I feel you. My first was an emergency and I felt the same way, it took me months to even look or touch my scar. I opted for an elective for my second hoping for a nice calm experience after my first but it wasn’t what I wanted at all. I felt a lot more pulling and tugging compared to my first and I felt pain midway through my section which was awful. I also had a bruised belly button so I do think that bit is normal. But I was really sad about not getting the experience I wanted and then I found recovery a lot harder this time round too

Thank you all for commenting, I feel much better I’m not alone feeling like this as I’m getting myself upset for feeling this way. I’m hoping that time will heal how I’m feeling and I will speak to my midwife how I’m feeling, thank you all so much xx

I wouldn’t say I was traumatized by my section.. but I definitely can’t stop thinking about it. My son’s heart kept dipping and meant it was an emergency… That bit gets me most. But I think it’s normal and there are services out there to help you work through it. Hope you’re okay xx

I was really worried about having a c section the first time around and tried to avoid pain relief to avoid going down the medical route, despite having an induction. However, after feeling induced labour for 16 hours I was ready for all the drugs and chose a c-section over induction. It was surreal how fast it was but I was also worried about the actual operation and tried to pretend it wasn't happening - a bit like going to the dentist. I was also scared to look at my tummy - easy for me because of the overhang. 🤢I did eventually need to so I could check if I was healing ok and it was ok. I think the fear of it was worse than the reality. I also had bruising. I'm 5 months pp now and the bruising has gone and my scar is my baby's window to the world. Having major surgery might not be ideal but having your baby is miraculous. Your body is incredible ❤️. Speaking to someone about having a birth rewind/healing session might be helpful in time. I hope evolution can catch up and make future births easier. 🙏

I was the same after my cat 1 emergency section last year and now even 12 weeks after my cat 3 emergency 2nd so a lot less calm than first etc I’m still the same but no where best as bad and it did get easier first time. I had a birth debrief which I honestly did think helped, time helped with my first (then it felt like it was creeping up with my 2nd) but I know it did get better so it will get better this time too. 😊 (With my 2nd I was in denial it was happening again- tired for vbac) Reach out to someone if you still feel as bad, I did and it massively helped and that’s how I ended up with the debrief which massively helped me x

@Claire thank you! Very similar story to me, I had my heart set on a vbac but due to a poorly baby she had to come out at 37 weeks it’s not even my due date yet! Thank you for commenting x

🥺 I was very bruised too & found it physically sickening to look at my belly. But I promise you, the bruising goes down quite quickly. The incision itself takes longer. It took me a while to be able to look in the mirror at what was now my body. Everyone's different - personalities & bodies - so please take it day by day ❤️

@Rosie thank you! Trying to be more kind to myself x x

I was very bruised after mine, I'm pretty sure they bruised my ribs getting her out because for 4 days my ribs where soo tender. They pushed down on them to get her out. Talking about your experience does help I've found. I was traumatised by my emergency c section, but I am now 24 weeks post surgery and I now can look back and see some of the possitives from it all. I hated looking at my c section for weeks. I still don't much but it's better and touching it I don't like unless over clothes

Told the health visitor how I’m feeling she suggested I ask for a debrief but she also made me feel so much better about how I feel, I have found I’m in a dark place at the moment with resentment towards the c section but having a debrief will help breakdown how I’m feeling x