Hi Lilli.

I had a c/section after a failed induction. I had it under an epidural so was awake for her delivery. I found the epidural frightening as I hadn't really wanted it but wanted to be awake for the delivery. The delivery itself wasn't painful and I didn't really feel much to be honest. They said I'd feel lots of tugging and pulling but I didn't really feel anything.

For whatever reason I wasn't allowed to touch Hailey until she was washed up and wrapped up in a blanket. Even then I got her for about 1 minute and then was wheeled off to recovery whilst hubbie went with Hailey back to the delivery suite. I didn't leave recovery for 40 minutes so you might want to be prepared for that. If I had to have c/section second time around, I would enquire or make it clear to the OB how I wanted to 'receive' my baby as it comes out (I've heard of mother's now being allowed to assist in pulling them out - not that I think I would do that), but at least be able to hold them for longer than a minute and not necessarily be all wrapped up. I know surgery is a whole different kettle of fish, but I have heard of cases in a c/section where the mums have been allowed to cuddle their naked baby and put them to the breast which I would love to have done. It was all a bit of a shock to have a baby and then have her taken away & not see her for close to an hour after she was delivered. It's just something you don't think will happen because I'd wrongly assumed it would be different.

I got staples instead of stitches and I was told that you heal much faster with staples. I don't know how true this is but I certainly healed within 2weeks and was back to reasonable normality within this time. I might've been one of the lucky ones but only had to take one panadeine fort tablet so had next to no pain but I think this varies greatly for every woman.

I didn't have any issues with breastfeeding.

Another thing you might like to ask or check-out is whether you have a skin condition called Keloids. It is when you have bad reaction to scaring. I didn't know I had it and as a result I have a very thick and horrible looking scar. It had nothing to do with the way the doctor did it as I'd been told by a number of nurses that he'd done a great job and was one of the finest cuts they'd seen. Apparently if the doctors know you have it, they can either do the cut differently or give you stuff for recovery - I'm not sure what it is they do but I was told to tell the doctors for any further surgery I might have.

I think the odds of you having a vaginal birth for subsequent babies are greatly in the hands of your OB/hospital you choose. Their seem to be some strongly in favour of doing a c/section & some that are happy for you to try a VBAC. Provided everything is ok in the pregnancy, I would like to try for a VBAC for our second. I know a couple of people that have had a VBAC without out any issues. At the same time, you need to be informed and make the decision for yourself.

Overall I didn't find the experience bad or frightening but obviously wasn't quite what I'd desired. I got a healthy bub and I'm more informed for next time.