Any 2+ moms who had vaginal for first, but c-section for others

tifvolley

How much of a difference did you have in recovery?  DD has been in a transverse position for the past week, and I'm starting to freak out that she won't move.  I can't imagine not being able to pick DS up and trying to recover from a c-section while caring for two.  I'm going to start trying ways to get her to move, but am looking for a little reassurance in the meantime.  Thanks!

lsufan

I had a vaginal birth with my first and c/s with my second and third.  DS2 was an emergency c/s under general anesthesia, and I lost a lot of blood.  It took me a full month to feel like myself again.  DS3 was a scheduled c/s, and I don't think it took me too much longer than with my vaginal birth.  I was alone all day with all three of them at one week post c/s.  I wasn't supposed to be lifting them, but I had to lift my 18 month old a few times just to get him upstairs for a diaper change or nap when he was being stubborn.  I do think I bounced back quicker after my vaginal delivery, but I also only had one baby and not 3 kids under 4 to take care of.  In the end, it wasn't a huge deal, really.  Plus, no middle of the night labor with a failed epi like with my first!

LinzDavid

I had a csection for my second.  The recovery really wasn't too bad.  And it's nice to be able to sit after it without pain.  haha 

The best advice I got was to stay up with your pain meds and accept help from people if they offer.  Also, you're not supposed to go up and down the stairs.  I don't know how your house is laid out but make sure you have everything you need on the floor of the house your going to spend the most time on.  (bfing essentials if you bf, diapers, wipes, etc etc etc)

almostjennifer

I had vag for my first and c/s for my 2nd.  I thought the recovery was comperable.  The pain and issues were different but the length of recovery was similar.

Don't be scared.  A planned c/s really isn't bad.  I preferred it actually!

#6

I had a very fast, pain free (thanks to my wonderful epi) with my ds.  So my recovery time was really quick/short.  I didnt have any tears so that wasnt a concern.  But for some reason I just didnt feel "normal" again for about 4-6wks.  I just felt "blah" icky, and sluggish for that time.  No pain, no discomfort from the actual birth just from being pg in general.  I dont know if a c section would have made a difference or not.

For K&K I had a planned c-section and it was also very fast, and pain free.  The first time I got up on the 2nd day I had not taken my pain meds yet and it hurt when I was trying to actually stand up.  Felt like my incision was pulling apart.  But I took my pain meds and about 30mins later I could have done cartwheels I felt so good.    DS was only 1yr 11 days old when the girls were born so not picking him up wasnt an option.  He wasnt even walking yet.  As long as I took my pain meds every 4-6hrs so it over lapped and they didnt wear off I felt great!  I did take them longer than a lot of women on here have said.  We were in the hospital for 6days and I still took them for about 3-4days at home.  But I had twins, (larger incision) and a 1yr old that I was constantly picking up (like I was told not to) 

I really didnt have any problems with my c section.  I also felt "normal" and overall better after it than I did my vag. birth.  It may have just been hormone difference, 2nd pg or a number of reasons.  I would do either one over again..I was really lucky to have had such an easy time for both.  My labor with my ds was only 41mins from start to finish.    11 mins was pushing and 10mins was waiting for drs and nurses to get ready.  (went unexpectedly fast when I progressed from 5-10 cm in 15mins) 

Like the PP said I think most women who have a planned c section have no problems.  Its when you have been in labor for hours/days and then go for a c section that you hear women having a more difficult time recovering.   

 

jlw2505

I had a planned c the second time due to complications the 1st time which was vaginal.  I had a very easy recovery the 2nd time but I also put a lot of that to what happened before.  With #1, I was in bad back labor with a fever and high blood pressure for 24 hours and then DD ended up in the NICU 12 hours later with seizures and a brain injury (totally fine today).  With #2, I was on bedrest from 36-38 weeks and just doing a bunch of waiting and relaxing for the last week.  No real labor (unless you count the 3 weeks of preterm labor but nothing bad) and I was super rested.  DD and I were in the hospital for 4 days before coming home.  I was able to lift my older and the baby in her car seat by the beginning of a week 1/2 PP.

tifvolley

Thanks for your stories ladies.  They are definitely reassuring. 

GettinNervous

I would try to nail down people who can help you if it happens, because I relied on so many people to help me during that time. I could NOT deal with taking care of my son and my newborn, because my recovery was BRUTAL. I'm not trying to scare you, and most people said their recovery was not bad, so I think I'm in the minority.