Is a C-section really that bad?

OK my take on it - if you had natural and c-section, you will most definitely choose natural and your c-section experience won't be wonderful because you know that natural was so much better. If you only had a c-section, you've got nothing to compare it to, so obviously the c-section wouldn't feel that bad - because you just don't know what natural is like. I would say - speak to those who had experience from both and then hear what they've got to say.

But obviously you will get the moms that hated natural and you will get the moms that hated to c-section and vice versa, but don't come and tell me I'm talking rubbish and that it wasn't that bad. It was - for me anyways. I'm a sissy I supposed, even tough I could go through 2 natural births with no pain relieve or drugs.

At the end of the day, do what you think is best for you and baby.

Hi

I know you have had millions of responses, but here is one more

I had a c section at Olivedale hospital and it was great!

did you ladies that had a c-section really find it that sore and bad?
No - the worst part of the whole experience is that I had a tiny reaction to the anasthetic and starting shivering [ie felt really cold] just after baby was born, but the minute i started breastfeeding i was fine Its a really really strange feeling not being able to feel your legs, but the nurses are great and i was just fine!


Was the recovery process difficult?
No - i found it really easy! By day 5 I was walking around fourways mall having breakfast The most daunting was trying to breastfeed in public.

How long did it take for you to recover? How soon were you on your feet?
My baby was born at 11am and by 5pm that evening they helped me stand up and I was moved to a general ward . At 5am the next morning i was walking fine [slower and cautious than usual] and showered etc! I went home on the 3rd day [only stayed 2 nights cos i just wanted to be home] and i was fine. I took stopayne tablets regularly and i was fine. They say that you shouldnt wait to feel the pain - for the first week, just take the stopayne regardless

Does it really interfere with getting back into shape after the birth?
Nope - to me my cut was so low down and so tiny that they dont cut through your tummy muscles and leave a pooch! My tummy is flat and back where it belongs. My little guy is 6 months old and i have lost my 15kg that i gained when preggie. I also did preggie bellies throughout my pregnancy - no gym after the birth tho cos im tooooo lazy and tired. I took duromine for 2 months and im back in prepreggo clothes!!!!! No stretch marks and no pooch!

TIP: I bought a belly band for after the birth and it REALLY honestly helped cos it makes you feel smooth and pulled in [while your uterus contracts back to size] and it quickens the rate at which your uterus shrinks!

Whatever you choose - you should choose the route that you are MOST comfortable with...its YOUR birth experience and I just feel that natural or csection expereince would be great as long as its what YOU want!!

I had an emergency c section and to be honest, it is exactly the same as a regular c section apart from the fact that there may be complications which obviously are stressful, but the procedures and time etc are all the same. The hardest part of an emergency c section is the fact that it isn't expected.

I recon if you want a c section then arrange a regular one and make it a special moment with your choice of music etc.

If it is a natural birth that you want then go for it. If it doesn't work out then at least you know you have the option of a c section and it can still be quite special.

Remember there are very few true emergency c sections (cord prolapse etc where baby is at serious risk). Many so called emergency c sections are done to minimise risk to fetus and mother, but in most government hospitals these births would probably be natural only a lot longer labour. The reason why I say this is that a c section would then be quite fine if it was due to labour progressing slowly, but baby is still okay.)

Most important is to keep your options open if you like and expect nothing. From my experience it is your childs birthday and they sometimes have other ideas!

Good luck. xx

I must say I also had horrendous headaches from almost immediately after c section, Im not sure if this was related to the op or the epidural... Not even the pain meds helped but I think I was able to focus my attention on my bubs in ICU and just couldn't complain about being in pain. the swollen feet, wow I had that too, I could barely fit into my loose slippers and they were very sore, not even keeping them up helped. But yet again with a new bubs in the house you dont rest much so who knows if it would have worked.

Well from my own personal experience - yes it as bad as what everyone says. I had 2 naturals and 1 x emergency c-section. My cut is 18cm long. I had a bad recovery time. My legs and feet were so swollen that I couldn't walk for a couple of days. I couldn't sneeze or laugh or turn around in bed without feeling that I'm gonna die. Luckily for me, Callum was in NICU for 2 weeks - I'm extremely grateful that I didn't have to look after him while I recovered. I had pain for about 6 weeks, not to the extend that I needed painkillers, but it was there. The night after my c-section, I vomited and had such terrible headaches for a couple of days that I couldn't think straight.

Everyone is different, but for the the c/sec itself was pleasant, my recovery was bad, but thats also due to having multiples. Also you should take your pain meds, while in hospital I took them and when I was home I took them when needed.

To help cough and sneeze and all that you must get yourself those tight shorts from woolies (the ones you wear under pants or skirts, I started wearing mine on Day4 evening and what a difference. It will help especially being at home with the baby.

I was also determined to have a natural birth with no pain killers, as I thought this was best for baby(Jordyn 05/11/2010). However things didnt go according to plan, and thank goodness we had kept an open mind. My water broke and waning bells went off....turns out when I got to hospital there was Meconium stage 3. So there was no waisting time, I was rushed into theatre- never did I consider that I would have an emergency C section. But I didnt even question, because I knew that the Gynae knew what was best for baby.

I look back and dont regret having a C section at all. I had a pleasant theatre experience, and the only stress for me was that Jordyn would be fine. With Meconium Aspiration Syndrome he had to be whisked off to ICU immediately. So that was hard as you imagine that after giving birth you get to hold your bubs.

Like said in other replies, they give you pain relief afterwards which really helps and you really should take it. They dont let you get out of bed for the first 24 hours as you have to lay down(Catheter and drip will be attached). For me this was hard as my baby was in ICU for 3 days. So Dylan had to keep going up and down and telling me that he was ok for the first day. But early the next day I was out of bed and got washed up and walked to icu myself. Yes it is painful, especially getting in and out of bed but it isnt that bad. the more you are up and about the better. I agree for about 2 weeks its painful, but then really by the third week i was driving with permission from Gynae.

I had no problems bathing baby, or doing any related chores. Obviously picking up heavy things is a no no. I did struggle with breastfeeding and this is probably because with bubs being in ICu until day 3 I needed Espiride to help with my milk which i took all the way up to 3 months, and even then could only feed maybe once or twice a day.

So really LalieK, having a C section is also an amazing experience. Dont stress about it.