C-Section Thread

camillaandcarson

This is a place to experiences with your c-section and recovery. 

bookelf221

So far I'm really surprised with how quickly I'm recovering! I will say I think part of it is due to the supporting belt - and underwear- hubby found at my request but my tummy is shrinking quickly and it helps support the area so moving is not so bad. Granted I will admit I think I started moving around and doing things sooner than I should have- the day after we got home we went out shopping- I got through two stores before I had to start waiting in the car.

tgortney

First time experience: since my epi didn't work on my abdominal area. It sucked. I felt things I never want to feel again. My RCS for the next one, they better have some good a** alternate anesthesia where I don't feel a thing.

Recovery: The hospital recovery was just plain awful and it hurt so bad. I could barely move in bed. When I left the hospital, I was really swollen, more than I was when I was pregnant.

I'm 16 days PP and while I don't have much pain anymore around the incision. I occasionally have pain that randomly happens. Worse was when I had uterine contractions. Now, I get scared every time I sneeze or cough because I don't know how bad it's going to hurt. Luckily, I only have dissolvable stitches and and glue to hold my incision together so I'm thankful for the no fuss maintenance.

cortney626

I had my first c section 8.5 years ago so I had a RCS on May 2nd. I had a great experience. Even better than 8.5 years ago which I thought was impossible. The surgery itself was pretty easy. Felt less pressure than the first time. I got my tubes tied as well. Had LO at 9:46am on Monday. I was walking that night. I got myself out of bed before they helped me. I only took Motrin, no norcos. I was discharged at noon the next day I was doing so well. I've been driving and walking since the day I came home. I've been feeling really good and recovery has been really easy. I'm so eager to work out. 

kbrands7

I have to give a shout out to the Bellefit. I understand the raving reviews now and wish I would have used it with my first. As long as I'm wearing it, I generally don't have to worry about splinting the incision for movement unless I'm actually doing something strenuous. It's made a big difference in my recovery. Now I'm just anxiously awaiting my incision feeling sturdy enough for a chiropractor visit to work on my hips. I'm glad that I'm 2 for 2 with going into labor before my cs, but my body contracting hard and fast to try to push DS2 out butt first hurt my hips. 

In terms of actual surgery, the mix in my spinal was great this time. No sedative  (so no heavy numbness!) and primarily toradol which made me less nauseated than the morphine-heavy mix I had the first time.

I know it's early, but for anyone who is planning more kids and need to or want to have a rcs, definitely reflect on your experience this time and voice what worked well for you and what you want to change if possible. I'm so glad I did because it made my second experience much more positive  (once I was able to dodge needing general anesthesia because I progressed to transition so d@!n fast-- which also happened because I spoke up and so my doctor advocated for me and tried to slow labor first). 

NinnyJean

I had my c section on Monday and am surprised by how well I feel. Due to my health declining during labor they didn't let me out of bed for the first 24 hours. The hospital gave me a great binder to wear right away which really helped. Overall I feel like I move pretty normally just at a slower speed

TXmamatobe

@kbrands7 I'm so glad you like the Bellefit! I can't wait to start using mine when we go home - hoping I will be able to fit it on right away. It will be different this time for me since I had a CS this time and not with my first, so now I'm looking for even more support. 

Jparke2

It's been 2 weeks since my c section and I've started having very painful burning/stinging pains mostly on the ends of my incision when I'm in a certain position. Im usually good walking or sitting but laying down triggers the pain, which I find odd. Perhaps it's nerve pain? Its awful. Anybody else have experience? Other than that, it hardly hurts!

yogahh

Jparke2 said:

It's been 2 weeks since my c section and I've started having very painful burning/stinging pains mostly on the ends of my incision when I'm in a certain position. Im usually good walking or sitting but laying down triggers the pain, which I find odd. Perhaps it's nerve pain? Its awful. Anybody else have experience? Other than that, it hardly hurts!

I was getting this the first week anytime I stood or tried to pull my left leg up (like getting in bed). It went away and from what I hear it's normal. Just keep up with you pain meds.

yogahh

A cs was the last thing I ever thought I would have. Even when reading books on l&d, I intentionally skipped the parts about cs thinking ignorance is bliss. So when it was suggested that we go with a cs after almost 24 hours it was like being sucker punched. Between being up for almost 2 days at that point and having a mini panic attack, by the time they wheeled me into the or I was falling asleep. It took all my strength to stay awake until she was born and the moment she was out I pretty much passed out. While my recovery wasn't bad (just occasionally sharp pains than are getting better every day) what I am most sad about is he birth experience. I felt no joy when she was born. Just a sense of relief it was over and I could sleep. I feel that was taken from me, and it's a moment I'll never get back. 

The recovery itself wasn't what I expected. Yes the first couple days sucked and I was in pain, but the whole pass gas/peeing/pooping thing was easy for me. In fact, the first poop wasn't painful at all. 

Ive noticed an increase in bleeding the last day or two. I've been more active - carrying stroller down steps and going for walks. I assume the bleeding is from exerting myself? 

Charissadeats

Any other ladies experiencing difficulty breathing? Is this a post partum or a c-section thing?? 

I feel fine otherwise - my pain is bearable. The first 24 hours was sucky because I was not allowed to get up to see my baby in NICU - but other than that I am fine!!

amberraysofdawn

Charissadeats said:

Any other ladies experiencing difficulty breathing? Is this a post partum or a c-section thing?? 

I feel fine otherwise - my pain is bearable. The first 24 hours was sucky because I was not allowed to get up to see my baby in NICU - but other than that I am fine!!

Sometimes i feel like I do...it's not nearly as difficult to breathe as when I was pregnant, but if I go too long without my pain medication, I notice it. Otherwise I'm fine breathing. And I had a csection too.

lbachran

@Charissadeats,  I had horrible breathing problems post csection. When we returned to the hospital one week pp for LO's follow up tests, I  nearly collapsed walking in from the parking lot.  My OB said it may have been a combination of Texas heat, a long walking distance, and carrying multiple things for the first time (LO, diaper bag, etc.), but I  was gasping for breath by the time I hit the hospital doors. Doctor wouldn't release me to drive or walk long distances unassisted for several weeks. I had some breathing problems while pregnant, but very infrequently and nothing like the experience pp.

LadySamLady

I was really scared of the idea of a c section and I still kinda can't believe I had one. Recovery has been ok but 3 weeks pp and I'm still in pain most days. I just keep pushing myself to get out and move
through the pain. I can't wait to be pain free!

slfezz

Day 12 PP for me and I'm finally starting to feel like my old self again and mostly pain free. This was my first c-section after 2 vaginal deliveries and recovery was definitely a lot tougher. 

I still feel sad sometimes that I did end up with a section due to sudden on-set pre-e. I feel like I failed myself since DD3 was not in any distress at the time. I try to focus on the positives: I have a healthy baby, I felt physically a lot better afterwards since my BP went down very quickly afterwards, and I have 2 extra weeks of disability which means 2 extra weeks with DD3. Even then it's hard sometimes. 

michellabanana

@yogahh I totally just gave up when I heard Ellie was out too!  I heard her cry, and was like "I'm done". Then I threw up lol 

My doctor was telling me everything she was doing, I just said "don't tell me!  Just tell me what she looks like.  I don't want all the bloody details!". I had my eyes closed the whole time.

I feel I got to experience  both.  She was almost out, but was sunny side up, so it was safer for the c section.

I was super scared of a c section, but am feeling really good.  I didn't need any Percocets, which everyone thinks means I'm super brave ( lol maybe just good doctors). 

Most painful thing was postpartum  poop! It was Guinness book record material!  But hubby was like "do you really want to be known for that?"

Baby Ellie  has got a perfect shaped head and loves laying up against her mommy!

nerdymama15

I'm five weeks pp and cs recovery has been okay.  I was walking unassisted by the second night (although slow and painfully).  I had to walk a little bit each day.  There is still some things I avoid doing like lifting really heavy things.  I sometimes still bleed when I overdo it and/or I will sometimes feel pain.  My stitches are still there. I have the disolvable staples on the inside and the tape stitches on the outside which still have not came off yet.  I was told not to touch them, not to even wash them until they fall off on their own.  They are halfway hanging on.  Nurse said if they don't come right off then not to forcefully pull them off or anything like that.  Fun thing is I'm allergic to adhesive so once they come off I'm going to be miserable. 

My CS experience was unexpected due to HELLP syndrome.  I still need to post my birth story  lol Have not had a chance to post the whole thing yet lol.

avidkeo

For ladies who have difficulty breathing PP please please mention it to your DR asap. It may not be anything, but could be a pulmonary embolism, which is very serious. If you get increased heart rate, go straight to ED. 

JennyS86

I'm 2 weeks post-op today, and I think it is crazy that when I push myself just a bit further, my bleeding increases. The first walk around the block - then heavier bleeding for an hr.  Yesterday I walked a hill, and had the first blood clot yet.  But an hr later,  back to just a light flow.  Crazy to think that my body is so responsive. 

clw617

My CS is scheduled for tomorrow! Eek! Would I regret having a milkshake this afternoon...?

But really my question is about scheduled c-section mamas who are breastfeeding or planned to breastfeed. Were you able to nurse shortly after your surgery? What was your experience with your milk coming in? I'm a repeat CS, but the first time I labored and this time I won't be so I'm curious if that can affect my breastmilk supply.

(No but seriously with the milkshake, I'm craving one for real even though I'm trying to eat rather bland today. Sigh). 

vinerie

I nursed right away after my c/s and supply has been great!! The colostrum was there, and milk came in a couple days later.

I found out I was having a c section the night before. Long story short, I was 41 weeks, they did an ultrasound and discovered he was rather big and recommended a C-section and to not even let me labor vaginally.Anyways, I was really sad, and so DH and I went out for burgers and fries for a bit of comfort food that night. It never occurred to me to be eating bland food! I was fine, but I generally have a strong stomach. 

Good luck to you!

camillaandcarson

clw617 said:

My CS is scheduled for tomorrow! Eek! Would I regret having a milkshake this afternoon...?

But really my question is about scheduled c-section mamas who are breastfeeding or planned to breastfeed. Were you able to nurse shortly after your surgery? What was your experience with your milk coming in? I'm a repeat CS, but the first time I labored and this time I won't be so I'm curious if that can affect my breastmilk supply.

(No but seriously with the milkshake, I'm craving one for real even though I'm trying to eat rather bland today. Sigh). 

Good luck tomorrow! 

Did they tell you to eat bland?
I ws allowed to eat whatever I wanted until midnight. So I did. 

First baby I got to see but didn't get to nurse until much later in recovery once all the family was done playing pass the baby after baby's temp dropped and needed to have skin to skin.
Second baby (this one) I got to have baby skin to skin in the OR. I was able to nurse then if baby wanted or nurse immediately after in recovery. Just whatever baby wanted to do.

First one milk came in at 4-5 days. Second one milk came in earlier on the 3rd day.

Not sure why the difference in milk coming in. I think the difference was I fed baby as often as possible with the 2nd, stayed really well hydrated and on top of eating, and had way less stress. But either way both babies were just fine (healthy & enough wet/dirty diapers, etc.) being EBF. 

clw617

@vinerie and @camillaandcarson  Good to know, thanks! This is good news.

Lol well with my first CS, I threw up a few times during the surgery, so I'm anticipating that again and just trying to be mindful. But I'm sure by then, it'll have been digested. I should spring for the shake. 

MrsKubley

clw617 said:

@vinerie and @camillaandcarson  Good to know, thanks! This is good news.

Lol well with my first CS, I threw up a few times during the surgery, so I'm anticipating that again and just trying to be mindful. But I'm sure by then, it'll have been digested. I should spring for the shake. 

Milk came in day 3 and this morning (day 8 postpartum) I managed to pump 9 oz out of one breast! My supply might be nuts because I had twins. 
Tell the anesthesiologist if you're nauseous, they can put stuff in your IV. 

I threw up on day 3 because the nurse that day wasn't on top of my pain meds and extreme pain makes me puke apparently. Stay on top of your meds, don't trust the nurses to do it. Some hospitals require you to ask for them every time instead of just showing up when the next dose is due. I'll tell you that throwing up 3 days after getting your abdomen cut apart is a worse pain than unmediated vaginal labor (but not by much lol). 

camillaandcarson

When/what day did you stop taking pain meds after the c-section. 

camillaandcarson

clw617 said:

 sure by then, it'll have been digested. I should spring for the shake. 

Always spring for the shake  

slfezz

camillaandcarson said:

When/what day did you stop taking pain meds after the c-section. 

I was finally able to stop around the clock pain meds around 10 days PP and then had a few days of taking them once or twice a day as needed based on my activities for the day

kbrands7

slfezz said:

camillaandcarson said:

When/what day did you stop taking pain meds after the c-section. 

I was finally able to stop around the clock pain meds around 10 days PP and then had a few days of taking them once or twice a day as needed based on my activities for the day

Same. By 10 days I stopped the every-6hrs motrin and just took some if I really overdid it. 

vinerie

I stopped at 6 days pp and am on as needed. I was fine yesterday and most of today, then this evening got some pain again, so I took a Motrin. 

lbachran

@clw617, not sure if this is too late, but when your anesthesiologist comes in to speak with you pre op, make a point to mention that you threw up in the OR previously. That should make them check in with you more frequently!  And as a PP mentioned, tell your anesthesiologist if you start becoming nauseated, they can help with medication before you start getting sick if you're vocal. If you're going to have a support person in the OR, make them aware of this as well. No need to tough out nausea if you don't have to. Hope you enjoyed your milkshake and good luck!

vinerie

Ugh!! I keep getting gas pains in weird places like my shoulders nd ribs...worse than any incision pain I've had. Make it stop!!!

folamij

clw617 said:

My CS is scheduled for tomorrow! Eek! Would I regret having a milkshake this afternoon...?

But really my question is about scheduled c-section mamas who are breastfeeding or planned to breastfeed. Were you able to nurse shortly after your surgery? What was your experience with your milk coming in? I'm a repeat CS, but the first time I labored and this time I won't be so I'm curious if that can affect my breastmilk supply.

(No but seriously with the milkshake, I'm craving one for real even though I'm trying to eat rather bland today. Sigh). 

I had an unplanned c section but I have struggled with my milk coming in. My baby is 12 days old. I was able to breastfeed after in recovery but struggled in the following days due to the delay. I had to supplement with formula but I started taking fenugreek and drinking mothers milk tea and for the first time I didn't need to give my baby a bottle this am!! That's huge for me!

TXmamatobe

I agree that the gas pains were so horrible! Far worse than the incision pain for me and the only thing that made them eventually go away was walking, which was painful on its own. The simethicone tabs helped but damn, I'm so glad that part is over. 

rbrooks6

Jparke2 said:

It's been 2 weeks since my c section and I've started having very painful burning/stinging pains mostly on the ends of my incision when I'm in a certain position. Im usually good walking or sitting but laying down triggers the pain, which I find odd. Perhaps it's nerve pain? Its awful. Anybody else have experience? Other than that, it hardly hurts!

Yes mine has finally stopped. The burning sensation on my sides it was painful. Now bothers me a little bit on my right side. Oh and I had a tubal too. My lasted for like 2 wks. after I was able to start sneezing, coughing, or laughing again without severe pain. What worked for me was taking advantage of my pain meds until those areas healed too. Kudos!

juliemay623

TXmamatobe said:

I agree that the gas pains were so horrible! Far worse than the incision pain for me and the only thing that made them eventually go away was walking, which was painful on its own. The simethicone tabs helped but damn, I'm so glad that part is over. 

I had the absolute worst gas pains in one shoulder for the entire duration of my hospital stay (way worse than the incision pain). I had a RCS and never had them with my first baby, and I'd never even heard of it being a side effect. Walking was the only thing that finally relieved the pain and that was more difficult and painful this time than with my last. So glad it finally went away!

vinerie

juliemay623 said:

TXmamatobe said:

I agree that the gas pains were so horrible! Far worse than the incision pain for me and the only thing that made them eventually go away was walking, which was painful on its own. The simethicone tabs helped but damn, I'm so glad that part is over. 

I had the absolute worst gas pains in one shoulder for the entire duration of my hospital stay (way worse than the incision pain). I had a RCS and never had them with my first baby, and I'd never even heard of it being a side effect. Walking was the only thing that finally relieved the pain and that was more difficult and painful this time than with my last. So glad it finally went away!

*****QBF*****

The gas pain in my shoulder felt like my collarbone was snapping in two. Way, way worse than any incision pain. I was so desperate for relief I walked a ton. The searing shoulder pain blocked out any incision pain and I think all that walking helped the incision as any discomfort I have there is really mild at this point. The gas pain is still there from time to time, but it comes and goes and isn't as intense as it was in the hospital, thank god!

vinerie

juliemay623 said:

TXmamatobe said:

I agree that the gas pains were so horrible! Far worse than the incision pain for me and the only thing that made them eventually go away was walking, which was painful on its own. The simethicone tabs helped but damn, I'm so glad that part is over. 

I had the absolute worst gas pains in one shoulder for the entire duration of my hospital stay (way worse than the incision pain). I had a RCS and never had them with my first baby, and I'd never even heard of it being a side effect. Walking was the only thing that finally relieved the pain and that was more difficult and painful this time than with my last. So glad it finally went away!

*****QBF*****

The gas pain in my shoulder felt like my collarbone was snapping in two. Way, way worse than any incision pain. I was so desperate for relief I walked a ton. The searing shoulder pain blocked out any incision pain and I think all that walking helped the incision as any discomfort I have there is really mild at this point. The gas pain is still there from time to time, but it comes and goes and isn't as intense as it was in the hospital, thank god!

Nicbert1214

@jparke2 I get that same pain. Feels like my insides are on fire and tearing apart. It only happens in one spot though- on the right side of my incision. I found it was happening more if I was sitting or lying down for a long period of time and then I went to get up. It's been happening less now (I had my cs on May 13) but it still has the same intensity when it does hurt. My friend said she still feels the pain occasionally and she has her cs 8 months ago, ugh. 

kbrands7

Nicbert1214 said:

@jparke2 I get that same pain. Feels like my insides are on fire and tearing apart. It only happens in one spot though- on the right side of my incision. I found it was happening more if I was sitting or lying down for a long period of time and then I went to get up. It's been happening less now (I had my cs on May 13) but it still has the same intensity when it does hurt. My friend said she still feels the pain occasionally and she has her cs 8 months ago, ugh. 

I think it seems to be hit or miss on how long the pain lingers. My first, I still had a burning feeling around the scar nearly a year after, and random pressure pains from my incision to my hips from scar tissue. This time, my pain seems to be dissipating much faster. 

kitandcat

I'm 16 days PP and while I don't have much pain anymore around the incision. I occasionally have pain that randomly happens. Worse was when I had uterine contractions. Now, I get scared every time I sneeze or cough because I don't know how bad it's going to hurt. Luckily, I only have dissolvable stitches and and glue to hold my incision together so I'm thankful for the no fuss maintenance.

I am similar. I don't have constant pain but occasionally when I sit up, sneeze or cough I get a pretty intense but quick pain. I read somewhere to hold a pillow to your incision when you cough or sneeze and it's helped control the pain actually!! 

kitandcat

I can't remember what the little bandaid things are that are on my incision... but I was told to remove them at 1 week - today! I've been super nervous about it but it was easy peasy and didn't hurt (altho the incision did feel slightly irritated after). Overall way less scary than I thought.