C-S advice, 2nd time mum

[EastdulwichNewbie]

Hi,

My first son arrived by emergency c-section and this time I've been advised that it is sensible to elect for one. I will have a 2.5 year old when baby number 2 arrives.

Does anyone have any advice around the following:

- how to breastfeed & encourage milk to come in after a CS (last time it was fine but I want to do what I can)

- how to manage with a toddler, specifically picking him up and getting him to nursery - will I *need* help & if so, for how long

- anything else that may be useful.

Thank you!! X

[carebear]

Hi there,

I had a planned c section with my second after a forceps delivery with #1 that was close to c section. I'd firstly like to reassure you both from my own experience and others I know who've done elective and emergency that it's an infinitely different experience when planned.

I was v worried about breastfeeding, unnecessarily so in the end. I know people often say it can take a bit longer for the milk to come in, and I think mine may have taken a little longer (like half a day) but just kept latching baby on and we both seemed to get there ok (in contrast to lots of problems establishing first time round). Others may have more help on how to get the milk flowing. On a related note, depending on your hospital, you may be allowed to take your partner or someone else to stay overnight. We toyed with the idea of not doing that as thought my husband would be better off with toddler but I was SO glad he was there on the first night to pass me the baby each time he needed to feed rather than waiting for the midwife each time.

I think everyone's different with recovery rate but I definitely benefitted from having help around. We based it on the advice of six weeks. For the first two weeks my husband was on paternity, then we got some help on the days when my toddler wasn't in nursery in the form of grandparents and friends. I probably needed it for two weeks and then it was nice to have for the next two, we just gradually tapered it off. I also had the slightly odd situation that I hadn't picked up my 20mo for the second half of my pregnancy due to placenta previa so I guess he probably wasn't v demanding to be picked up by then!

Good luck with it all - I am now facing a decision for my third between VBAC or elective and it will be elective all the way for me!

X

[EastdulwichNewbie]

Thank you. That's really helpful and reassuring!

Good luck with number 3. X

[Angelina]

After one hellish emergency, the second was a breeze. In every respect.

And never say no to help.

[EastdulwichNewbie]

Thanks - good to know. And I won't. :-)

[MarianaTrench]

I was surprised how much easier recovery was after an elective, compared to an EMCS. I guess it's personal how quickly you recover but I found I actually didn't need that much help. Not sure what I did with lifting toddler ... it's all a vague memory now!

[Galileo]

I had a VBAC for my second, after EMCS with first. Kings were very supportive of VBAC. If you're at all interested in that then ask your midwife and she will arrange an appointment with a consultant midwife to chat through the option of VBAC v CS. Sorry if this is unwelcome advice,there may be a reason you've been advised to have elective CS but just thought I'd mention this in case it helps. Good luck with whichever method you end up with, healthy baby and healthy mummy are all that are required!