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Multiples
C-section countdown: 5 days - any last minute tips?
Hi Everyone,
My c-section is scheduled for this Friday (YAYE!), and I'm wondering what last minute tips and advice you ladies might have for me before our baby girls are here. We've got frozen meals in the fridge, family members are on standby, and I'm planning on doing some light cleaning, housework, and laundry this week so there will be less to deal with after the hospital.
Based on your experiences, are there any recommendations you would make or advice you wish someone had given? I'd love to hear your opinions on anything ranging from the night before the C (food to eat to help with gas later), dealing with the C, days in the hospital, first days at home, anything at all!
Thank you so much!
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Re: C-section countdown: 5 days - any last minute tips?
First of all, congrats! These last 5 days will go quickly!!
Second, I will try to rattle off some tips for the C/post C. I didn't think I was going to have one till the hour of, so that is good you are already in a prepared mindset! Be sure to have HUGE cotton "Granny panties" to wear once you are home. I was so thankful my mother came to the rescue with some XL Hanes Her Ways (LOL).
Get a stool softner and start it asap after the C. They will most likely give you one starting in the hospital, but have an OTC bottle ready for when you are home. It will come in handy, trust me!
Take the heavy duty pain pills as soon as they allow you to. Take them like clock work to avoid feeling serious pain (that kicked in about 24 hrs. after the epidural).
As hard as it is, try your best to get up out of the bed to use the bathroom, walk to the nursery, etc. after your C. I had mine in the late afternoon and got up to use the bathroom once that night. The next day was a feat to walk down that hall to see the girls in the nursery, but it really did jump start you on the road to recovery!
Have comfy yoga pants to wear either at the hosptial (I only put therse on when walking around; otherwise, I was w/o pants!!) and at home. Careful of low rise as you won't want anything near that incision!
Avoid lifting, over doing it, etc. that first week after the C. I couldn't help it (DH couldn't be there for the 1st 5 weeks hence I really didn't rest up) and paid for it big time (I had major clotting/pp bleeding for 5 wks). If people are willing to help you with the girls, accept it and allow yourself to heal properly!!
GL!!Hope you have a safe delivery, and again, enjoy these last few days of your pg!!
I have not been through one yet but have been told to start the stool softner before you go about 2-3 days so that things are moving easier and will once you continue it after the C. Good luck!
Married and it feels so good!
you may or may not need the stool softener - don't take it unless you know you need it... I got diarrhea after my c/s - doc said some people get that instead of constipated- you never know!
DO take the gas meds - if they don't give them to you after every meal- ask for them!!!
use a hair dryer set on low to dry your incision after every shower. I wish someone told me this- b/c mine wasn't getting dry enough (it was summer and hot/sweaty= hard to keep dry)... and it took FOREVER to heal. It wasn't infected or painful- just took so long to really heal up.... once i started doing the hairdryer trick = so much faster.
best of luck! good job cooking those babies!
PEE! ?After having 2 babies on my bladder for all those months, and then the catheter during the C (and after, I had to be on mag for 24 hours, which didn't help), my bladder didn't "recognize" that I had to pee. ?So the night after I finally got off the catheter I woke up with THE WORST shooting pain up my hoo-ha... Seriously, it felt like I was being stabbed. ?The nurse came and got me and sat me on the toilet - it was the most difficult thing I ever did (ok, that's an exaggeration), but once I was able to pee, the pain was gone. ?My bladder was filled to capacity, and it was contracting so tight I nearly had to meditate to let it go. ?I couldn't feel the need to pee for about a day and a half, and had to just go by the clock. ?
You may not have this problem - I think most people don't, but just in case... I sure wish someone had told me.
Good luck!!?
My c-section is on Wed., so I'm just listening in too!
Most of the big things have been mentioned already--granny panties and stool softeners (oh yeah, and if the stool softeners aren't doing the trick, don't feel bad asking for a dulcolax suppository. My last night in the hospital was awful because I was exhausted, constipated, and engorged!)
I had some gas pain in my shoulder after the surgery and my DH brought a heating pad from home that helped. If you have one you may want to stick it in your bag just in case.
Good luck to all you ladies delivering soon!
***Twin fraternal girls born at 35w6d in 12/2008***
You read my mind. My C section is schedule for Tues. morning (less than 24 hours!!) and I was googling all last night for pre/post C tips!
GL!
I had c-section in May. During the actual surgery, just know that they have something to fix any ailment you are having. I has the shakes...I was shaking uncontrollably, and I told the anethesiologist and he shot something into my IV and it helped a lot. I started feeling nauseous, he had something for that! I had a headache...yup, he had something for that too! Dont feel like you are complaining....vocalize what is going on because they usually can help you!!!
Granny panties are a must. And I agree with taking the pain meds. I did not get up and move around as much as I should have in the hospital so that is great advice to get moving. For pants, I needed pants that I could pull way up high by my boobs...the low rise just hit me the wrong way. Also, I dont know the layout of your home, but I have a lot of stairs at my place...for the first week, I had a little makeshift changing station on the main level so I did not have to walk up and down the stairs a million times to the babys room to change her. Finally, my bed is very high. I needed a step stool to be able to climb in and out of it. I ended up sleeping in our guest room for the first two weeks as it was easier.
CONGRATULATIONS!!! You get to enjoy twice the blessing!
I've had an emergency c-section and the one thing that I remember getting advice about before hand, was to ask for anti-nausea medicine! I never had major surgery done, so I never knew my reaction to the spinal or epidural, but during my surgery I was so out of it from not having any sleep for two days, but I do remember once they were putting me back together I felt this WALL of nausea hit me. I immediately asked for it, and kept asking for it when I was in the recovery room. In my opinion, it was a life saver! I was able to be comfortable and enjoy the time with my little one.
My friend that had the surgery before me, was not given any and she spent the whole next day sick and barely could breastfeed. But everyone's different. I'd just ask the anesthesiologist ahead of time:)
Another thing, is that once you get home and take a shower, blow-dry your incision otherwise it may become infected (like mine did).
And finally, take tons of pictures:):):)
congrats!!! days to go, first make sure you bag is ready camera film ect n batteries. these three days rrlax n get plenty of sleep because trust me tommorow youre gonnna have trouble sleeping from all ya worries n excitment. a day before try to shave your private part the nurse will thank you usually the nurses do it for you don't panic when your legs are asleep during c n its normal to cry, after your stay in hospital n they take capathiter(whoeva u spell it)lol when they make you walk for the first time it will hurt but let your nurse you wanna take it slow some wanna rush it when going home take baby walk stepsk
take care
diana
mother of 4 kids ages 6,4,1 yr old n 4month old