Dear Lilli, I had a CS with my DS 16 months ago and whilst it did hurt afterwards it wasn't too bad. I had vey heavy mecunium staining when my water broke, my DS was posterior and he flexed his head so after 14 hours of trying to get the birth I wanted I was exhausted, he was getting distressed, heart rate fluctuating etc and the Dr said "no more, we need to get this baby out!"
I had a general anesthetic though as the spinal block didn't work so mine wasn't typical.

It won't affect your ability to breast feed but the initial few are a bit tricky to get a comfy spot as you can't really just jump out of bed and sit down. The nurse in hospital suggested i lay the baby on the bed and kind of hover over him which was excrutiating so don't try that option! The best way I found was in the chair with pillows under my boy.

I'm due to have my little girl in November and am planning to try for a vaginal birth this time and luckily have a very supportive OB who says there is no reason I won't have success this time. Once a CS always a CS is generally not the rule anymore and if your OB won't support a future VBAC perhaps seek another opinion.


So having said all that the CS isn't great but not too bad. Little things like pegging out the washing and carrying full baskets of wet clothes are a problem but my Mum stayed with us and did that kind of stuff when my DH went back to work. He would also get up with me and lift my boy from his cot and give him to me for BF (yes every 2 hours overnight!) so that helped alot. Not being able to drive for 6 weeks is a pain too but having a delicious little miracle to focus on makes it all worth it.

The scar is below your bikini line so probs there and it heals really fast, just be careful and try to take a bit of extra care of yourself for a few weeks. Don't even think about vaccuuming and washing floors (let someone else do that for you), be gentle on yourself and you'll be fine.
Good luck, don't be scared you'll do just fine.