Let’s talk C-section
April is C-section awareness month. It’s a worldwide campaign to educate society on this type of birth which is more common than we think.
Have you had a c-section ? Are you pregnant and already know you will have one ? Read more to learn some facts & tips. I have had a c-section myself so this topic is close to my heart as I didn’t know anything before and had to educate myself.
Some Facts
1 in 4 pregnant women has a c-section in the UK.
They have to cut 7 layers before reaching baby.
Why do they do c-section ?
Usually because baby will be in breech, which means he/she can’t physically exit.
It could also be because you have a low-lying placenta also called placenta praevia, it means the placenta is covering partly or completely your cervix, therefore the baby can’t exit naturally at all.
It could also be because of High blood pressure (pre-eclampsia ) which is dangerous for both mum and baby.
Anomalies on the cord or certains infections
How long does a C-section take ?
Your baby will be out in just 5 min, it is super quick! But the entire operation takes approximately 50min.
What about the recovery ?
It will be a bit harder than a natural birth of course. The average stay in hospital is usually 4 days in the UK.
they will make you walk within 24 hours which is very important, even if you feel like you are dying and really don’t want to walk ! I nearly fainted when they tried to pull me up the evening of the operation ! I said NO this is not happening tonight! So they came back the morning after and I did it, but oh man that was hard :(
They say to wait 2 weeks before driving your car ( I personally feel like I would not have been able to after just 2 wks).
Wait 3 weeks on average to take a bath or when your scar is healed. They did ask me to remove the plaster myself before a check-up, that was another hard thing to do and try not to faint ! haha
What about your next baby ?
Well most of the women are able to have a natural vaginal birth eve after having a c-section, so feel at ease on this topic. They call it a VBAC Vaginal Birth After Caesarean.
Mental health and post-partum depression
First-time mothers who give birth by unplanned cesarean section are 15% more likely to suffer from postpartum depression. Being prepared can help greatly.
Do you know anyone who had a C-section ? Have a chat with her and check if she is okay.
Sometimes just a hug or cup of tea with a friend can make a big difference.
I personally didn’t feel like myself for a VERY long time. I don;t know if it was because of the c-section or just being a mother for the first time, but the hormones roller-coaster is a real thing. I also had issue with bleeding for several months after which wasn’t normal. So be sure to get yourself checked if you feel that something is not right. Always listen to your instinct.
Do you have any tips to share with us? please send me a DM on insta, I would love to chat!
Love, Claire Xx
