Is a C-section really that bad?

Just in case anyone wants to know here's the link to the advice/things to help after C-sec thread, i bumped it to page 1 too

www.moomie.co.za/forum/4-pregnancy-and-b...t=15&start=60#167561


Nayeela- it could be related to the drugs, i had no issues with BF after the C-sec but some women do have issues and it could easily depend on what drugs you get.

I agree with Nayeela- it is mind set and if it is what you really want then it won't be that bad.

if you're considering it because you're scared of the pain of natural birth chances are you'll probably opt for the C-sec in the end because the actual birth itself is pain free (although i do know 2 women who felt the pain as the Dr made the first cut and they had to keep on going to get baby out before they could knock the mum out completely and finish up)

in most cases a C-sec goes smoothly but lets face it, there can be complications and I believe before you make your choice you should just read all the facts good and bad

Laliek - I am going to respond without commenting on previous posts.

Is a c-section that bad?
The short answer is no.

What was good about it for you?
I liked the control aspect, I liked that I knew the when, how and waht - I liked that I felt in control. Mine was an elective c-section and I chose it at 8 weeks, so in my head it felt right and not once in my pregnancy did I feel I was in doubt and I should consider anything else.

Why a c-section?
I had done some reading before hand - and in my opinion, an elective c-section was less frightening and allowed me more control. At the time I put no value on a vaginal birth. I put no value on the c-section either, I just wanted to know the quickest, easiest way to get baby out - with the least stress/possibly complications to my son.

Did you experience problems breast feeding?
No, I breastfed straight away and did not experience any complications or challenges.

What was the downside?
I did not realise I had keloids (I scar very badly) so my scar did not heal well, and was sensitive for about two years afterwards.

How sore was it?
Not as bad as I thought. The entire procedure went well. I had Connor on Monday morning, had to remain horizontal for Monday, up on my feet on Tuesday, I went shopping on Friday and on Saturday night went to a house party, so I was fine. On Sunday I went to a braai, and played soccer with my friend's son.

Have you had other c-sections?
Yes I had two more.

How were they?
I think as you get older, as your body takes strain, you do not bounce back as easily. I was really fit and very slim when I had Connor (baby 1), and could get enough rest, with baby 2 and 3, I had less time to rest so it was more sore.

I will confess and say with my 3rd child, I was chewing back pain killers when I got home as fast as I could get them in. I was seriously sore for about two weeks - but bear in mind I had 2 other kids bouncing off me, and very little time to rest.

But I went into the surgery very very stressed and anxious and I am sure that did not aid my recovery at all.

What is the one regret?
I felt strongly that I wanted freedom of choice, and I chose to have a c-section. When it got to my 2nd child I felt I wanted to choose a vaginal birth - it was very very difficult to get my (new) OBGYN at the time to buy into it. It was insane, and I felt I had ot fight to get my way for 6 months - the entire time thinking that I was putting my child at risk.

In the end, I had been very ill, and had bronchitis and and and .... and I could barely breath let alone push anything out. My 2nd child was pushing up against my lungs and I was struggling to breath (also because I was so ill) - the only instant solution was to have a c-section, and get baby out, so I could breath.

So I had a 2nd c-section. Obviously by baby 3, it was an automatic c-section.

So my wanting to choose what I wanted to do so badly, has actually cost me my freedom of choice now, as I would not be able to choose a VBAC as (my) risks are too high.

Would you recommend a c-section based on your own experience?
Yes, but I would counsel to have a very frank discussion with your OGBYN regarding risks and what can go wrong, and all of that, so you are fully informed.

sorry my friend

Lol Vix! I really thought you called me a liar coz your post was right after mine Lol!

I do agree that I was probably one of the lucky ones as while in hospital, there was a woman who had a csec the night before K was born and she was in a lot of pain. To give you an idea, by the time I had my csec and was showering by myself, she still needed the nurses to help her.

I also think its a lot to do with the mindset and of course the dr. For me I was 100% in line with my birth plan which made everything a lot less stressful and probably why I coped so well.

The one thing that I have still not figured out is with regards to breastfeeding. K could not be breastfed and my milk dried up quickly and I think that might be linked to the drugs I took after csec. I am not 100% sure though but I do think about that every now and then.

I had a c-section and to me it was really not half as bad as I thought it would be. I had a hard time deciding if I was going to risk the natural birth or go for c-section (cord around neck and a broken tail bone a few years ago was not ideal for natural)

I do not regter going the c-section route and would do it again! It was sore getting up the first time but that was it! Im sure it depends on the dr and the way your body reacts.

My LG was born on friday and I was ready to go home on Sunday and could do everything I needed to. I was off my pain meds even before I went home.

Thats my personal experience! I am not by any means saying its better than natural but NO ITS NOT THAT BAD AT ALL!

In my opinion my 2 c-secs were not bad at all. I was up on my feet within 24 hours, yes the first few steps were a little painful but this eases up alot (well for me it did)

Both c-secs were done on a Wednesday. With the first I was home on the Saturday morning and with the second I was home on the Friday morning.

I had pain killers the first night in hospital and never took more. I came home, bathed baby and carried on pretty much like normal, just a little slower getting up from sitting or lying down.

Second baby was born just before Christmas and had family around for Christmas lunch and spent most of the day in the kitchen or Bfeeding!

I was driving before the first 3 weeks were up and carrying shopping parcels.

I honestly beleive it is how you handle pain. I believe alot of woman have terrible pain after a c-sec but I was definitely one of the lucky ones... twice!

Good luck with your decision!

wooooooo slow down Nay, I'm sorry i obviously hurt your feelings and I didn't mean to AT ALL

I didn't even see your post because i was already in reply mode on my phone.

I just feel like when someone asks is a C-sec really that bad all the Elective C-sec moms climb on board and make it sound like it';s the pain free alternative to natural birth with in MANY cases it isn't.

I'm pleased you have a completely pain free experience and i hope in future C-secs it's the same for you. But i do think you must have just been a very lucky woman because i have a high pain threshold but it was still eina.

Sh1t man, i don't want to fight with you you're my friend! I'm sorry my words upset you so much