C Section vs Natural

Hi Lucy, that sounds really tough. I had a similar experience with my first, very traumatic. I’m working with a counsellor and have decided to have a c section and it’s taken a lot of anxiety away. I know it’s not an easy route but for me it feels easier mentally knowing what will happen as opposed to the unknown. I have a 2 year old so I know it will be hard not being able to lift her etc. but for me it feels like the best choice. X

Mine was an emergency c section so a planned c section may be different. But I found the pain horrible. The first week is the worst pain wise, but I was still in pain for like 10 weeks and I still get random pain on and off now at 29 weeks PP. You won't be able to lift your toddler for at least 6 weeks. You're only allowed to pick up baby, so be prepared for that. Getting out of bed is an experience. You realise how much you use your core when your stomach muscles are cut.

How was the healing process? How did you scare? I understand all the stomach muscles will be cut. I had 2 rounds of stitches downstairs last time and couldn’t really sit for weeks and had to lie down. I think it’s just going to take the worry away? What does the procedure feel like as that scares me the idea of being awake with my insides out 👀

I’ve had an emergency and a planned section, happy to answer any questions

I had a planned section the first time and I am again. My birth experience was amazing really. The spinal block was not fun, but after that I felt nothing. I was able to get up that evening and walk the ward. My scar healed really well (I am diabetic so I had a vacuum sealed dressing though). I was able to do a fair amount from 4 weeks, though kept it easy for the full 6. I am anxious about doing it again with a 2 year old this time, but I know for sure that this is the right decision for me. I hope that helps you with some decision making in the process. 1 last thing, before they would agree my c section I had to have a consultation with a midwife to talk through all of the risks of a section, so I was fully informed. It helped me ask questions and understand exactly what I was consenting to. It may be something that would be needed for you too, might be worth speaking to your midwife about?

I had emergency previous and opting for a elective this time x i found recovery easier then expected although obviously very sore! I was up and out on walks into the town 5 days postpartum. I will say this time i will take it easier as i ended up having an emergency gall bladder removal nearly 4 weeks postpartum but wouldn’t know if that made a difference or not xx think through all your options you have plenty of time and whatever decision will be the right decision 💕xx

I had a c section with my first little boy, now pregnant with twins and I’ll be having a c section again. I can’t comment about how to manage with a toddler as I don’t yet know. However my experience of a c section was so positive. It was planned, so was very calm, listened to the music I wanted, had delayed cord clamping, skin to skin etc. It was really lovely. Way more positive than I ever thought. My recovery was really good too. I was discharged the day after, by day 3 was doing 20 min walks with the pram, I’d say by 2 weeks no pain at all and back to my 10000 steps a day, driving by 3 weeks. Scar healed really well too, it’s still there but so faint. Although I was really active prior to giving birth which may have helped. It hurt like hell getting out of bed for a few days so lying to sitting position but other than that I was still able to feed/change my little one etc.

Also to comment during the procedure you can feel very little. They said I’d feel some pulling/tugging but I didn’t feel anything really. I also didn’t feel anything being stitched back up but by that point you have your baby so are very distracted. The worst part for me was getting the cannula fitted on my hand beforehand.

I could have written this post myself, I’m in the same situation now. I had my daughter 14 months ago and my birth was very long and traumatic ending in an emergency forcep delivery. I found the recovery super long and hard physically and mentally too. I’m 20 weeks pregnant with baby number 2 and I am so torn with how to bring him into the world. I so want the labour I envisioned with my daughter however these things can never be predicted which makes it all so much harder. My current midwife has referred me to speak to a midwife about my birth with daughter to help me make my decision and I also have an appointment with an obstetrician due to my daughter being stuck and as a result had shoulder dystocia. In this situation only you know what’s right for you and baby and need to go with your gut instinct, although I agree it’s so helpful reading other people’s experiences. A c-section defiantly is helping with the anxiety thoughts x

My c section was an amazing experience and I will be having another one.