Re: C section

Re: C section

I've had two C sections. The first was an emergency after a stalled labor and the other was repeat because I had too much risk for uterine rupture and placenta previa.

We make it out to be worse than it is. We feel pressured that we didn't do something right to need a C section. The end game is that we safely bring a child into this world through whatever means necessary. So don't feel bad or let anyone else make you feel bad because the judgey moms out there are jerks.

That said, it's a funky experience of being sedated yet awake, and honestly you won't feel anything except pressure. There's not much to do to prepare beforehand except to try to be relaxed and calm. Afterwards, you will be super sore and feel like there's a huge gas bubble in your belly. Like anything, you take your time moving and doing what you can. The hospital will want you up and moving but don't overdo it. Once I was home, I was driving and moving pretty well within 2 weeks. Everyone recovers at their own pace but it's not a death sentence - and besides, who can sit down or not pick up their kid for 6-8 weeks like the Drs said?

Good luck!!!

Re: C section

I hand an emergency c after failed induction and honestly- I wish that I had just pushed for a scheduled c. Like others have said- you shouldnt feel any pain. I didnt even feel any pressure. DH wasnt with me when I got my epi or when they were prepping me, but the same doc that was with me during my labor stayed with me when DH wasnt there so that was comforting. The surgery is quick- half hour I think. I didnt even know they started until my midwife told me they did. Like everyone said- walk as soon as they let you and dont over do it. Def take the stool softeners too. Those were a lifesaver!

Re: C section

I had a c section with my twins.

Fantastic recovery. I think in large part to walking. I walked and walked. And walked. And then walked more

First time getting up sucked but it got easier and easier.

5 days in hospital and went home and felt good

Every experience is different. Best advice is don't be a hero. If you need pain meds take them

And walk. Walk walk walk lol

Re: C section

There is a sour/gross drink they give you before a c section

It can make you sick so if prone to that ask for zofran too

Re: C section

Re: C section

Posted by NYCGirl80

Posted by gina409

There is a sour/gross drink they give you before a c section

It can make you sick so if prone to that ask for zofran too

What for? I didn't have a drink before.

Re: C section

Posted by gina409

Posted by NYCGirl80

Posted by gina409

There is a sour/gross drink they give you before a c section

It can make you sick so if prone to that ask for zofran too

What for? I didn't have a drink before.

I think. It's to clean out anything in your stomach

It's awful lol

Message edited 1/10/2017 11:09:45 AM.

Re: C section

Re: C section

I had 2 c-sections. The first was after a failed induction and the second was after DS2 couldn't even tolerate practice pushing. My second recovery was much easier than my first.

Definitely get up and walk as soon as possible even if it's only to the bathroom at first. Try to walk a little more each time. Take the pain meds on time even when f you don't feel that bad. If you don't take them on schedule and start to feel a lot of discomfort, it will be harder to get back to feeling better again. I personally hated the mesh underwear because I have extremely sensitive skin. I don't know what it was that I was allergic to, but I had a horrible rash from the underwear both times. Bring clothes and underwear that won't rub against your incision. Take colace and at least have gas relief pills on hand. Take it easy. It's major surgery. Don't try to do too much early on in your recovery.

Good luck!

Re: C section

Re: C section

Re: C section

C section

I had DS on a Thursday night and left Sunday.

Re: C section

Re: C section

I'm a twin mom who had a scheduled c section.
I was scared out of my mind and really nothing I say can change that. Just remember that it's not uncommon and everything will go smoothly.
The only advice I have is when you sit up on the table, take a deep breath and just relax. As soon as the spinal goes in, you will feel heat radiate to your legs immediately.
One thing I realized as soon as they lowered me down on to the table was that I was able to see EVERYTHING below the sheet in the reflection of the overhead light so I made sure NOT to look there!
I remember looking at the clock and it was 9:20am and I was thinking "Sheesh what is taking so long" but then I remembered the videos I watched and what a process this truly was. At 10:22 baby A was pulled out. 10:23am came baby B.
Once they started the process of closing me up, I was shaking uncontrollably. It was like I was convulsing. I felt cold. FREEZING. I then felt nauseaous and threw up a few times. Which can be scary when you are lying on an incline (head lower than body) and your arms are fastened to the table. Once in recovery I was still shaking. Baby A met me in there to immediately breast feed which we did only a few minutes because it was hard to hold her while shaking so hard. Baby B was in the NICU for low sugar. (she was my tiny twin)
I was in recovery for over three hours before going to my room and there I got sick several more times. When you first try to drink water, do it VERY slowly or just do ice chips at first.
I was still so numb so felt no pain yet. Once it started to dull, the pain was unbearable. I opted for Motrin instead of the heavy stuff because it made me feel loopy while holding the babies. It wore off quicker but I felt safer.
The hardest part was getting out of bed. It hurt so bad and was so tough with the air filled bed not being firm enough to maneuver on. As soon as I was able to get up, They gave me a belly binder and after the first night they took out the catheter and I was able to walk around. I avoided being in the bed except at night because it was so hard to get in and out of. I spent a lot of time in the chair.
A tip my girlfriend told me that was so helpful. If you have to cough or sneeze, grab a pillow and hug it, it helps with the pain.

Good luck!! Wishing you a smooth delivery!

Re: C section

Posted by Michi

Posted by gina409

Posted by NYCGirl80

Posted by gina409

There is a sour/gross drink they give you before a c section

It can make you sick so if prone to that ask for zofran too

What for? I didn't have a drink before.

I think. It's to clean out anything in your stomach

It's awful lol

I had it but it was a tiny cup, like a shot glass. It wasn't terrible.

ETA: I think it is to calm the acids in your stomach.

Re: C section

Re: C section

Re: C section

Posted by kedra5

Posted by gina409

There is a sour/gross drink they give you before a c section

It can make you sick so if prone to that ask for zofran too

Yeah they told me it was an antacid...and it made me sick during my c

Re: C section

C section

Thanks all I have the pads and XL undies. I reps led my bag based on what you guys have recommended as well! I'm going to speak to my doctor about starting a stool softner and gas x at tomorrow's apt. I made a list of concerns based on everyone's experience to discuss with my doctor tomorrow. My mom and dad will be home with DH and I the first few days we are home. My mom is going to be off for 5 weeks with me and MIL is going to take off after DH goes back to work so I will have my mom and MIL to care for them.
I'm extremely nervous but wrote everything out for my doctor and then again for the hospital so anyone with me knows how I feel. I want this to be a positive experience for me. It will be my only birth experience and I just want to eat with my babies as soon as I can.
I had my gallbladder out a few years ago and remember the pain and walking. Every day I set a goal for my walking and will do so in the hospital as well

Re: C section

Re: C section

You got some good advice already! Just wanted to add, after three c sections, DH can not be there while you get the spinal. He comes after you are set up in the OR but before they begin the surgery.

So make friends with your l&d nurse who will hold your hand and stay with you through recovery. They are great. Also make friends with your anesthesiologist. I learned they are there focusing on you and your comfort throughout the surgery. If you feel sick, tell him or her. They have a direct line to you and can give you meds immediately. I mentioned I felt nauseous and very itchy, which are side effects of the anesthesia, and he gave me zofran I believe. He also talked to me, told me what was happening and kept me calm (mine used to work with Dr Oz, he really distracted me!).

OMG yes, I agree with trying not to look at any glares on the lamps or anything during the surgery bc you might see something you don't want to see.

I felt no pain, but the sensations of being pulled and pressure. Almost shaken a little I guess as they were trying to get the baby out. After they clean off baby, they will bring him over for you and DH to see and take a picture (have your camera ready).

DH left with the baby while I was being stitched up. I also had the extreme shaking as a side effect of my first c section. The OR is kept cold plus it's a side effect of the anesthesia. It went away in about an hour.

Also, I advise you not to try to move your legs while on the OR table. I did once and it made me panic that I couldn't. So don't try until in recovery!

Tell them you want to BF or at least do skin-to-skin as soon as possible after delivery. I had a preemie, so she was immediately taken to the NICU and I had no choice. But sometimes you can actually do it in the OR I understand.

After you get to your room, in a few hours you can eat and they'll probably try to get you up. You may bleed a lot when you first get up (I was dripping all over the floor despite the giant pads). Wear the mesh undies and pads they give you. They'll give you a squirt bottle with warm water to clean off, which was helpful. Your tummy will be sore. You'll be dizzy, so look up at something on the other side of the room, not down at the ground, when you first get up. True about hugging a pillow to your incision if you have to use your ab muscles for a cough or a laughing fit.

Take the pain meds on schedule. I brought high waist yoga pants/pj's, nursing tops, throw away old navy flip flops, and a robe. Definitely walk ASAP but rest too because you can over do it and push yourself too far. You'll feel better every day. I'm 12 weeks out, and feel close to totally normal now.

HTH! Best of luck.

Re: C section

Has anyone had a c-section under general anesthesia, if so can you share your experience and recovery. This is my third pregnancy and unfortunately due to a motor vehicle accident that happened last week this may be my only delivery option since I am due in two weeks and have numerous side effects and injuries from the accident. I wanted to hear some feedback prior to my next ob appointment on Friday when we will be discussing my delivery options. Thank you