A Caesarean Section is a major abdominal surgery and there are risks involved.  

• You will probably have to stay in hospital longer following the birth

•  There is a long recovery period with at least six weeks of not being able to drive.

If you have been advised a Caesarean is the safest option for you and your baby then don’t feel like you are missing out on experiencing a normal birth, what matters is that you choose the best and safest option for you and your child. 

• Generally most hospitals perform Caesareans under local anaesthetic so you will be awake throughout the procedure.

• You will have a quicker recovery with local anaesthetic than general and will get to see your baby as they are born.

• The surgery happens extremely quickly, once the surgeon has made his incision it can be a matter of minutes before your baby will be born.

• Your birthing partner can experience the birth with you although they will be required to wear surgical mask and gown.

• There will be no contractions just the really odd sensation when they are performing the caesarean which has been described as similar to some-one reaching in your tummy like a washing machine ready to hang the washing out!

• Once the baby is born the surgeon will remove your placenta which takes a little longer but once your baby has been checked by a paediatrician if all is well you can get to know your baby while the surgeon completes your operation.

A caesarean certainly isn’t the easy option like some people think and the recovery can take a long time. However what really matters is that you baby arrives safe and well. 

I had a Caesarean as my baby was breech, my recovery was slow but I was just overwhelmed at having my baby that I didn’t give it second thought that I  didn’t get the natural birth I wanted and my husband loves my small bikini line scar!