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Elective vs Emergency
Hi Ladies,
I had a horrendous induced 36 hour active labour (3 hrs pushing) etc which ended in EMCS. I had a pg condition which meant I had not slept for more than an hour at a time for weeks and I couldn't eat in the labour. I was a complete and utter mess for weeks after.
How much better is a planned c section? Has anyone compared an emergency with a subsequent elective?
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has the consultant agreed to elective section 2nd time straight away? I'm hoping that as i needed one last time i qualify this time too? Xx
But most hospitals would give you the choice after having had one section.
I got a pregnancy complication which I will likely have next time and if so there is no choice. If not then I get to choose.
Hi TulipRose
I'm interested in this too, as I had my LO by emergency c-section 15 months ago, and am due with DS2 in August. I've been given the choice and have opted for a planned c-section this time (DS1 was 9lb 7oz!).
Although my emergency section wasn't too traumatic, it took quite a while for me to get mobile again, and i struggled with things like sitting up and holding him to breastfeed for a few days afterwards. I'm wondering if this is because I'd had an epidural in for around 12 hours before they gave me a spinal block and did the section?
Hoping that by just having the block things will recover a bit more quickly.
I had DD by EMCS for failure to progress after 2.5 days in labour. I was a mess. To say I was away with the fairies after is putting it mildly! I reacted to the diamorphine and remember very little for 12hrs after. DH did first feed, first nappy, skin to skin (bless him!) etc. My milk failed to come in and I was exhausted for weeks, combined with a womb infection.
With DS two years later I had elective CS, as I had GD and my consultant wanted baby out at 38wks and wouldnt induce on a section scar. It was great! I still reacted to the diamorphine (they now accept I'm allergic!), and another creeping block, BUT, I was with it, and able to BF successfully and I just enjoyed my son so much, it was much much better. The recovery was just as long, but much easier as I knew exactly what to expect and more importantly, what NOT to do i.e. anything I could get away with!
Hope that helps. If you have any questions, just ask me. x
Lulee - thanks so much! It's good to read an honest account. You aren't claiming recovery is too different physiunits but better emotionally.
im pleased your second c section was so positive.
I feel similar to what you a describe. I would like to just feel more capable to look after myself and m new child. We did manage to Brest feed but it was intense and a closely run battle. My oh was asking me to stop trying.
I also want to ditch the feelings of failure and being so ill and exhausted.
i will leave that up to baby number two.
Glad I helped. If you have any other questions at all, please ask. xx
Hi Lulee,
i just noticed you are looking at a VBAC and you mention feeding.
You can successfully feed after a section. It's definitely harder but is say its more about the support and advice around you. My DH was essential and I alshaven't to see breastfeeding counsellors. It's good to have people to talk to.
im still weighing up whether I would choose a vbac if allowed. we will see.