Struggling to mentally prepare for c-section

So many women around the world have a section for one reason or another, I don't think you're being at all kind to yourself saying it makes you feel less of a woman and that you're failing your baby! People have all kinds of births for all kinds of reasons and if baby is breech then youre actually being a very good mum by putting your baby's needs first and getting a section which is safest for them. You can still feel empowered in a c section as well if you look at hypnobirthing/empowering sections you can still make some decisions about the set up etc that will help you feel more in control. Hope this helps xx

Please do yourself a favour and buy a C section guide from Alifeinlabor ❤️ She is a wonderful woman, mum of 3 herself, labour and delivery nurse and antenatal, postnatal and breastfeeding/pumping educator. She has been part of my pregnancy since ttc and influenced everything for me! I purchased her breastfeeding and pumping course as well as postpartum course which we watched with my husband (comes in form of videos) to be prepared and get an idea what life will look like. She got multiple pdf digital guides for good price, I bought the c section one, then guide to unmedicated birth as well as I became a full on birth nerd 🤣 If you didn't want to spend money check out her blog and she got loads of free resources there as well as amazing free podcast on spotify called The Labor Room Xx I hope it helps you as much as it helped me to feel excited and prepared and empowered for birth and postpartum and motherhood.

Have you looked at the concept of ‘gentle c sections’? Definitely worth looking into, some women choose a section because it is what they’re most comfortable with and having one makes you absolutely no less of a mother 🫶🏼 I’m really sorry that you’re feeling this way and I hope you can find a way to be kinder to yourself! Regardless of your delivery; you are one step closer to holding your beautiful baby and the health and wellbeing of both of you is what’s most important 🤍

I have had both a vaginal delivery and a c section and neither of which made me feel more empowered! Just remember you’ve grown a baby for the last nine months!!! That should make you feel empowered. The recovery from a c section has been totally fine. I’m three weeks postpartum and recovery is going well. My advice would be to get moving as quickly as possible and keep mobile. Keep the wound clean and dry and just don’t overdo it. Good luck x

I totally understand where you’re coming from. My first pregnancy had a load of issues and every choice was taken from me. I had a c-sec and an operation straight afterwards. I had 5 mins with baby then put to sleep and woke up in the evening (c-sec was the first of the day). I will say that baby was put on me straight away then checks done afterwards. I don’t know if this was because they were prepping me to go to sleep but you can request that baby is given to you straight away - unless it’s an emergency of course. I will say after baby is born all those feelings will disappear. They may come back if you decide to have another child - they did for me - I felt like I missed out on the experience of contractions, waters breaking etc… Try not to stress and concentrate on the bigger picture. Your newborn baby 💛

3rd time csection mama here. In no way do I feel like I've not birthed my children. Mine were for medical reasons too. I carried them for 9 months and a csection was the safest way for them to arrive. I had my third a week ago. You've got this mama ❤️ the theatre staff are amazing. Make sure you take all the painkillers and keep on top of them. Feel free to message me if you have any questions. Sending you a big cuddle xxxxx

I can’t give any advice on how to deal with processing this but wanted to say you’re not alone. I’m 37+2 and having another scan on Thursday to confirm baby position as he has not been head down. I had a scan last week where they told me they’re going to provisionally book my for a section too which is really not what I want after I managed to vaginally deliver my first born two years ago. I’ve never had surgery, I’m dreading all aspects of it but also know friends who have had beautiful sections and recovered well too. You’re not failing your baby, and you’re definitely not less of a woman or a mother. I wish you every luck, but know you’re not alone. These babies obviously have their own plans for entering this world x

I realise I just threw this out there and never came back to respond... I just wanted to say thank you SO much to all of you for your kind words and support 💜 I will look up some of the online support you've suggested. As for not being kind to myself - that is something I have always struggled with, so you're definitely right there! But trying to refocus my mind on what you've said about doing what is safest for my baby - even if that means c-section - doesn't make me less of a mum, and is the best thing for us both Had my final midwife appointment and pre-op today with section now booked for next Friday Still terrified, still struggling, but also SO excited to finally meet my baby