Opinions on C-sections

I had an elective C-Section and it was my first child. I had my own reasons why I wanted it and the midwife just went through all the pros and cons but I never felt like the medical team was trying to talk me out of it. Being honest all the negativity came from others on this app. But my C-section was very straight forward, I felt calm the entire time and the team explained everything amazingly, recovery was difficult but wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. As long as you stay on top of pain medication and try to move around as much as possible then it will make it a lot better. Everyone else has their own opinion on them and their own experiences but at the end of the day you just have to do what’s best for you x hope this helps happy to DM you if you wanna chat about the birth experience more

So I had an emergency c section after a failed induction and it was my worst fear at the time! But it’s actually not been too awful. The most painful part was the anaesthetic for the spinal but it’s over very quickly and once the spinal is in you immediately start going numb! The section was so smooth and calm and I felt in safe hands. Recovery is quite tough but I know it’s hard either way & I had a PICO dressing which stays on for 7 days so I felt secure for that time and then just kept the area dry and clean after it was taken off I’m 12 weeks PP and all healed and feel normal. Would happily do it again with future babies! Also vagina is in tact 😛

I had a planned/elective C-section due to my daughter's health. It was a wonderful experience and I was walking down to the NICU the same day. Best advice would be to ask yourself why you're considering a c section? Is it a fear of natural birth? Because if that's the reason, that can be worked on throughout your pregnancy and you can read The Positive Birth Book. I would say, despite me having a brilliant experience, a natural birth is optimal for the baby (unless they may have health conditions). But ultimately up to you. Good luck.

I had a c-section and thought it was great! Quick and calm process, I felt more in control and I knew when it was happening. Recovery was ok too. Only thing I struggled with was not being able to move or get up as quickly if baby was crying etc. we ended up putting the next to me for on my husbands side to help that. If you go for it, just follow all the advice for after care you’re given and take it easy afterwards/painkillers to allow your body to recover.

I liked it so much I did it twice! ☺️ best decision I’ve made for myself xx

I had a c section as I never progressed any further than 5cm despite being on the hormone drip etc. it was always my biggest fear, but I had a positive experience. It’s painful and hard to get around as normal in the beginning, the car journey home for me was the worst, felt like all my insides wanted to come out 🙈 but all being said I had no complications with recovery. Second baby I had a very successful VBAC, and after experiencing both I would have a natural delivery over a section any day! The recovery time is un comparable, I was up and about as normal after a vaginal birth. Yes I was swollen and a bit sore from stitches but still biting compared to a C-section. I’m now expecting baby number 3 and planning my first home birth! I get everyone’s reasons for wanting a C-section are different and some people need to have them for medical reasons or for safety or baby and mom! However at the end of the day it’s your baby, your body and your birth experience!

What’s right for some isn’t right for others, do what you feel is best for you. Do some research chat with your midwife etc. x

Had emergency section first time and it was after 42 hours labour so I was just so happy it was all over and as a result, I didn’t feel a thing. 😂Recovery was quick for me. I was up and about within 36 hours or so (albeit cautiously). Elective section second time and it was all smooth and calm, despite having to do it two weeks earlier than expected because my waters broke 🤦‍♀️ Recovery was a bit harder second time round, about a week before I could get around without any pain, and I was more aware of the anaesthetic/spinal when they were administering it, but it was 2 seconds of discomfort and the rest was a lovely experience. And ask for painkillers when u go home, if u feel u need them. They usually suggest paracetemol unless you specifically ask for something stronger. Good luck, whatever u choose. ☺️

I had an emergency c section with my 1st son and it was traumatic but only because I’d been awake for 36 hours trying to push, the whole process was calm but it was me freaking out. When I was giving birth to my 2nd I was begging them to do the c section as I was tired, but he was too far in my birth canal that I had him naturally! The recovery was c section was ok, just make sure you have lots of help for the first few days but you’ll be good 💗 if you elect, you can ask for music to be played of your choice!

I had an emergency cat 3 csection so not really emergency at all as I had to wait 3 days for one and asked for it after induction wasn’t progressing. Pros are if you are electing you know exactly when you will meet your baby, and unless something goes wrong then it’s really calm and mine was a lovely experience 🥰 cons are obviously recovery! I couldn’t even change babies bum for the first 17 ish hours as I couldn’t get up. I chose not to hold her immediately as I got the csection shakes really bad and was scared I would drop her. Partner held her next to me and I was able to hold her once I stopped shaking as soon as we left theatre. Recovery is really hard but no where near as bad as I had imagined, plus you have your baby so nothing else really matters. Would 100 percent do it again in a heartbeat if I knew my experience would be the same ☺️

i had an emergency and while it was traumatic, i look back and think i genuinely feel it was the best option for me anyway! healing is tough but if you have a hands on partner it can truly be a breeze! xxxx

I had to have an emergency c section after a very prolonged labour which then ended up not progressing. I wasn’t keen on the idea of it at all but I knew my baby boy had to come out. Staff talked me and my husband through everything and after much reassurance we went ahead. I was up walking around by the following evening. Recovery time wasn’t fun at all - 8 weeks to be exact as my stitches popped open 😫. All I would say is don’t feel bullied in or out of it by anyone ultimately it’s your body your decision and you know what’s best. This time I’m opting for vaginal but will consider c section if I end up going through the same thing as last time. Good luck ! 🙏🏾

Elective section - was the total dream. Quick. Recovery was grand.

I had an emergency c section. The actual surgery was really calm, smooth and quick! I was terrified, having a c section was my worst nightmare. My recovery was not easy. My pain was not managed well in hospital due to lack of staff. I ended up needing help to walk for days even with lots of pain meds. I was in a lot of pain for weeks. I was complete miserable due to this. I struggled to hold my baby due to the pain even with a feeding pillow. I didn't have any issues with my incision and feeling has returned to the area for me, but I still get on and off pain 10 months pp

I had an elective C section and spent the days before questioning if it was the right decision and for me it definitely was! My consultant told me that she would rather preform planned c sections than any other form of birth as the risks as so much lower than an emergency. As long as you go in prepared that yes you are going to be in pain after and recovery is longer and you need to take it easy for weeks. I honestly found the spinal block the worst part but everyone in there was lovely and so reassuring. It’s one of them things if anything doesn’t go how you want you will always question the other way. Don’t listen to anyone else and do what is right for you!

I had an elective c section with my twins in December as it was the safest choice for me and I was advised by the midwives that it was the best option for me (they were both over 7lbs at birth). I really struggled and couldn’t walk unassisted for 3 days, my recovery was painful and my incision got infected. That being said, I feel absolutely fine now, everything has healed wonderfully. I think it all depends on your pain tolerance (I’m a bit of a wimp).

FTM here as well and I’m 16 days post elective c section. I chose pretty early on in my pregnancy that I wanted to do a c section, mostly because of having a chronic illness and during pregnancy I had gestational diabetes and baby ended up breech as well so likely would have ended up with a c section either way. My experience was 100% positive all the consultants and midwives supported my decision on they have to talk through all the risks which can be perceived as ‘talking you out’ of it but they have to make sure you are informed of everything. Up until the day of the c section they said I could still change my mind and try labouring vaginally ensuring I still understood I had a choice. On the day of the c section you meet the team performing the procedure and everyone was so kind and calm answering all questions big or small. The whole delivery was a very calm experience and I felt so taken care of. Recovery has been hard work with a newborn but each day does get easier.

@Leanne I was exactly like you Leanne and agree it isn’t anywhere near as bad as some make out and if I had another I would request a c section after a horrific failed induction. Glad to you hear you are feeling all good 12 weeks after and hope you and baby are doing well

I had an elective c section although my waters broke early so it is classed as emergency. It was so easy and calm. I have heard horror stories from all the baby groups I am in about their labours which makes me glad about my decision. The first maybe 24/48 hours was hard but after that I was fine. I thought I would be in bed for at least 6 weeks recovering but I was doing everything as normal by the following week!