THINGS I WISH I HAD KNOWN BEFORE HAVING A C-SECTION 

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Thank you for your video, so much rings true! The proud comment is absolutely the most important. I had an elective c section (for medical reasons I wasn't allowed to go into labour) and did think in some ways I was having the easy option - until I had it!!! - someone told me that the two days after is actually a c section mums 'labour' and I totally agree! There really is no easy option of bringing a baby into this world! I was very high risk so had over 10 people in the room and was completely numbed from the chest down so couldn't feel the tugging and it wasn't as 'relaxed' as your experiences. But the anaesthetist had given me lots of nice drugs to keep me chilled. The pain after had me in tears because I just wanted to hug my baby and do all the 'mum' things and I couldn't even sit up or move in the bed. But it is surprising how quickly you recover and yes - take all the drugs!!!

Hi Katie 👋🏻 I had an emergency c-section with my son George (same age as Lottie) and then a planned c-section with my daughter Emma, 11 months. It's so true what you say about being proud of yourself-I felt like a total failure first time round and believed that I wasn't a real mum as I didn't have a natural delivery. It was all quite traumatic and I had to have a debriefing session with my midwife and consultant 5 weeks post delivery to talk through things which helped a lot. It took a while but I know now that having a c-section doesn't make you any less of a mummy. Second time round the elective section was lovely, calm and controlled. Recovery was slightly quicker but I think I did too much (we stupidly moved house when my baby was 2 weeks old!!!) You almost want to prove yourself to everyone. I think because we talk about caesareans a lot and they are performed on a daily basis that you can forget that it is a major surgery!! This is a fantastic video which I'm sure will help any expecting mummy.. 💛 Oh also I tell all my friends who are having their first baby about the first poo post birth-nobody told me and I was so scared when it came down to it!! 😂🙈 Than you again for making such great videos! Love Caz xx

Absolutely loved this Katie. It's definitely great to hear about c-section experience x

Really good tips, my favourite is the last tip. My 1st was an emergency c-section and my 2nd was natural with no pain relief (no choice of my own, she just arrived too quickly). I have been asked a few times do I feel more proud by my 2nd birth and the answer is no! I have grown and given birth to two gorgeous babies! Xx

The recovery is a lot worse with a c section so whether you delivered vaginally through contractions or pain or delivered surgically with major abdominal surgery and recovery, pain is pain.

I had an emergency c section with my son, I went through the whole labour and pushed for 3 hours only to be told I needed a c section and like you I still felt so proud of myself after. Watching your video has just brought back all those memories and feelings of that experience, the good and the bad 😂 x

Very useful! I've had 2 c sections already and it's always good to refresh your memory and prepair your self. I'm due my 3rd c section in about 6 weeks but this will be my 1st one which is elective and at 39 weeks x

I found this really interesting and useful to watch, Katie. I had the option to have a scheduled section with Otto due to medical complications, but there were so many unknowns I just couldn't get my head around it - watching your video would have put me at ease about what to expect.

Just subscribed. What a Lovely speaking voice. Very informative video. I had an emergency c section that didn't go very well. Baby was fine, just took a toll on me. I knew NOTHING about sections. It wasn't a good experience, but may have been better had I known what to expect. Again, thanks for the video.Look forward to more.

Thank you so much for this video. I need an elective c section in a few weeks with my first baby and I am terrified. This video has helped loads. Xx

Thank you for your insight in this video. I'm having a planned C section with my first baby (am 10 weeks pregnant now) due to the fact that I had surgery on my uterus last year. They say the recovery is very similar to a C section recovery, but of course there will be differences. So I sort of know what I'm in for, but it wasn't at all fun so it's nice to be armed with as much information as possible for the C section and the recovery :)

Such a fab video Katie. I didn't know half of those things you mentioned x

thank you for sharing ur experiences. really appreciate it.

Really enjoyed this video Katie, it is really great to hear that a c-section can be a positive and empowering experience.

This is fab, I had an EMCS and my experience was very similar to ours. Fab video.

I had an emergency and then an elective, but it was kinda always on the cards so I wish someone would've told me things beforehand too!

This makes me feel so emotional especially the last part. 1 emergency c section nearly 2 years ago and still not over it tbh. I wish someone had told me I'd still feel a numbness for ages & ages after around the scar area. Took me a while to go back into low rise anything ha!

bloomin heck yes!! i glanced at the reflection and thought nooooo! hahaha

Thanks for sharing! Loved the very last part!!! Was your c section in the UK or US?

Great video Katie, so helpful to mums getting ready for a c section and for anyone mum who might not be expecting to have one too. Good to know a bit more about all potential births as it can feel so scary first time around having no idea what's to come x

Yes Hun I can relate to these so badly. Great video xx

I did enjoy this Katie, I never knew you had a C-section with your babies. Like you said, you grew those babies, you gave birth to those babies. So it wasn't a vaginal birth, so what? You have three beautiful, healthy babies and have every right to be proud of yourself. Both of my births were vaginal and there's still things I wish I'd known. No one tells you about the poo situation, I learned quick by telling the midwives in hospital, that I'd had a bowel movement, when actually I hadn't. Of course you feel more comfortable in your own home, more relaxed. But by god, it feels like your insides are dropping out. After you've pushed a baby out, the last thing you want to do is push again. Don't get me started on having a pee, especially if you've torn. I only learnt recently, that a baby being born back to back, isn't always safe. My son was born back to back and they never said a thing, I remember he was born this way because when they say the heads out, I looked down and seen his face. He was born so quickly, that I haemorrhaged badly and Gavin was asked to pressed the emergency call button above my bed. In comes a doctor and more midwives, I'm laid there exhausted and overwhelmed with my baby boy on my chest. Thankfully all was okay. xx

This is so helpful Katie, thank you xx

This video is spot on! Wish i I had knew these things before my C Section!

As someone who had an emergency c section last July, I related to this so much! The part about getting up for the first time post section is so true, that’s the part I remember the most out of everything and it’s the part putting me off having another because it’s a definite section next time

Your video was great. Getting a planned c section in March. You seem so personable and you're easy to listen to!

Thank you for this video. I am trying to come to terms with the idea of a c section after some complications and knowing it's a real probability this time around. My first baby was all natural and 10 years ago...a bit of an age difference. So much has changed and I never thought about a c section so, I'm in a bit of a panic. I am thankful for your tips and honesty.

Oh Katie this has brought back so many memories of my csection. Mine was an emergency and Jon had to leave for a general anaesthetic. It was fine in the moment but nothing could prepare me for the emotion of it all sinking in! Sounds like you had some positive thoughts on it all though so that's really nice to hear! X

Loved this Katie I had an emergency c section with my daughter and there were similarities/ differences with your planned sections x

I had an elective c section with our second due to complications with Isabelle and this was spot on Katie. I found myself nodding along with everything you said! 😂 The NHS should show this to all mums having an elective c section 👍🏻xx

I love this video, you have such a genuine and sweet aura ! 🥰❤️

Thank you so much for these very helpful information... I am soon going to deliver my baby thru scheduled c-section... All the best to you and your family.

This video is so awesome! Thank you for being so open and honest. This is exactly what I needed. :)

I had a emergency section after three days in labour, baby was born at 6.48am I didn't get to hold him or see him until 3pm that day until I had visitors. I hated every moment of it and wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. I know every story is different but It put me off and all of my lower stomach is completely numb.

Finally a good informative video on C section 👍🏼

Thanks for your video. This is going to be my 4th csection. I am 43 and I'm very concern about my recovery.

OMG YES THE ONE ABOUT THE FIRST TIME THEY GET YOU UP!

I had an emergency section second time round and due to complications with my anaesthetic (it numbed all the way to my neck) I couldn't feel myself breathing, I started to panic and asked for a general anaesthetic...I had no idea that Ryan would be taken out of theatre when I did and I feel such guilt about him being alone (me not being awake and Ryan not being there) when he was born. This is such a good video Katie, really informative xx

THANK YOU THIS WAS HELPFUL!

Useful information ❤

Such an honest account katie!!! Definitely got that overwhelming feeling your talking about. Birth is such a magical experience, no matter which way you do it... everyone should be proud of themselves for getting through it!!! Super mummies!!!!! 👍👍👍😊

aawww I wish I'd done a journal for my two this is flashback I loved my anesthesiologist I get that there was 21 in my room, I'm not sure what they all did but that's what I was told . I cried in 3rd day..,apparently 3 day blues are a thing lovely video missus xx

This help me a lot cus i want a c-section

This video is just what I needed to watch! I'm 27 weeks pregnant with my second and due to have an elective section after a difficult birth with my first. I've really been anxious about the delivery and recovery but this has made me feel a lot more prepared and a bit calmer, thank you! X

Charlie was an emergency section so it was all a daze. With the girls it was planned, and the amount of people was very overwhelming! As we had twins we were introduced to the neonatal team which was a bit scary but luckily we didn't need them. Our team were lovely and were admiring the girls outfits and knew their names. Both of my c-sections were utterly amazing and nothing but positive. It makes me so sad when people are petrified or dread them but for me it was an amazing experience xx

I had a c section as Darcy was breech. The staff in the theatre were amazing! I wish I had told myself that not everyone gets to leave after 24 hours, I had it in my head that if I was up and moving the next day we would be going home and that wasn't the case, we were in for 5 nights. How was your recovery in hospital? I think the hardest thing for me was the first night when Ashley had gone home, I felt bad for ringing the bell and no one had really explained that I would need help changing Darcy's nappy. And getting her in and out of the cot. At the time I didn't know if that was the right thing to do. This videos will help mums know that it's ok to ask for help, and that everyone needs it to begin with. Wish I had seen this before having Darcy xx

agreed, the tugging was sort of intense. Not painful but, I have a little body so I was moving a little bit because of the force of tugging. It was really strange. Also, I kept saying my lady parts hurt, haha. out loud. I guess I did feel some soreness during the surgery and I didn't expect that so I kept repeating it out loud until someone validated me.

I've had three 3 csections like you. Lol, I agree with you the first pooh is horrible. Hurts so much. Did you have stitches with all three? Agree with you, the theatre room is so chilled and all staff are amazing x

I had elective sections with both of mine so can totally relate to this xx

Wow. What a lovely video. I had an emergency c section after a failed pessary and drip induction and babas heart rate dropped. You've brought back some lovely memories and funny ones (how much you love the anaesthetist) and it's such a lovely true account. One thing I wished I was told is to take it easy- I left hospital the next day after my section and it was all too much and too quick, I was trying to start my babies life as super mum forgetting I'd had major surgery, I would advise anyone take it easy and enjoy the help of the hospital xxx Brilliant video, thanks so much x

what's the nausea like afterwards from anesthesia?

Totally relatable I had an emergency c-section and didn't take it well at all. Looking back I should have been open minded that things could go either way. Everything you described sounds familiar. My teeth were chattering after the operation too! I really, really love your last point. I was told I'm not a real woman until you've had a natural birth and I had to put the person straight. It's comment I hear very often which upsets me. Second time round I was much wiser thankfully I had a natural birth and I feel immensely proud of what my body had to go through to birth my babies. I've never looked at them indifferent because the end result is what counts. Safe delivery c-section or natural is the best option for you and baby. Thanks for sharing your experience great video.

I am getting a elective c section next week for my second baby my first was a emergency c section and I am a little scared for the spinal thingy to numb me does it hurt when they put it in? and do I have to stay super still when they inject it?

I had an emergency c-section and I so wish I knew these things before. As I was part of an NCT group I did feel like I cheated which is silly but I couldn't help it. Great video as always, Katie xx

It is really helpful.

Having a poo REALLY DOES NOT hurt and it is SO NOT horrific - but everyone is different and i only bled for a 1 weeks if that!!!! - c-sections are really NOT bad and i found it all very calming !! EVEYONE HAS A DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE so if your due to a seaction PLEASE don't listen to other people. DO NOT PANIC and ENJOY YOUR BABY !!

I had an elective c section for my second daughter due to placenta previa. And because it was high risk, I had a consultant perform the surgery and there was 13 people in the theatre which I was not expecting. And then they do a bit of a register?! Felt bizarre. And 'Rude' by Magic was playing on the radio when she was born. a fact my husband can't remember but I do as it was all such a surreal experience x

Hey Katie, I’ve just come across this video - I am having a planned c section next week and this was so so helpful. Thanks so much xx

Were your c sections all private or nhs?

Enjoyed this video as I am so worried in the future if I get pregnant to have a vaginal birth.

ooo yes the hand cannula is horrible!

oh my goodness this has totally took me back iv also had 3 c-sections opposite to you 2 boys then a girl all the same ages as yours!🙊 I also wish someone told me how cold the anesthetic room was along with adrenaline rush I remember vibrating like I don't know what's wrong with me 🙈😂 xx

So interesting!!

I had one C and one vag delivery and I wish the first one was a C, i had more problems with the vag .😔my C it was good and fast and healed up well💟 thank goodness😀🙏

Hi Katie, I'm expecting with baby no 3 and having to have my first elective c section due to having developed gestational diabetes. Feeling a little anxious about it so thanks for this vlog xx

I'm due a c section with my first baby in a couple of weeks, thank you for this video

To me it didn't feel like tugging it felt like receiving CPR on the stomach lol. It is very quick for the baby be delivered. The worse part for me was when they lift you off the theatre bed to put you on a ward bed and you have no control of your legs!

When and how do you bathe after a C-section?

thank u for sharing your experience. its sooo helpful.. i am having my first elective c- section and had no clue that there were many things that actually transpair before and after the surgery. big thanks for sharing ur experience

and yes the first poo is absolutely terrifying! x

I think I'd have been staring in the light watching but I've always been a bit weird.

also yes catheters hurt.

you are a star!!!! thank you sooo much for this video! xxx

Ha ha and also all the c section talk made my scar (2 & 1/2 years old) twinge 😂😂😂 tell me I'm not alone I also wish someone had told me about the scar numbness and I got huge swollen feet after. I remember the day after getting home thinking I was dying cause of the numbness and swelling and googling symptoms 😊

1 emergency cesarean in ..1 planned cesarean..The planned one was much more pleasant.

ive had two, they are hardwork to get over xx

Worst experience i have ever had...go for it only of there is any medical issue..any ways good is ur child worst are the side effects mainly of spinal anesthesia.so ask ur dr to give u general anesthesia not spinal