Had my RCS 11/3/11

CommAve07 · November 2011

I just wanted to post that I had my daughter via RCS last week on Thursday. She was a healthy 8 lbs 12 oz and born at 39 weeks and 4 days. I was on the fence about a vbac - I wanted one because I labored 36 grueling hours to get a section with DS. I felt awful for weeks following and my recovery was so painful and slow. I didn't want the restrictions of a c-section when I was home caring for a newborn and toddler. After some growth ultrasounds and decision making with DH, we decided if she didn't arrive before my scheduled RCS date we would just go ahead with it. The closer we got, the more I was sure it might be for the best.

Everything about a scheduled C-section seemed so much easier to me. The pre-op stuff went well that morning and we walked into the OR and got prepped for the spinal. The spinal was so easy and worked MUCH MUCH better than my EPI from the last one. I felt much better during the procedure. I had pain during my other section but just felt pressure really on this one. She came out quickly and then after I was all put back together we were in recovery. I felt pretty good in recovery and the first night went well. I was up sooner and walking sooner.

The pain was much more manageable and I was amazed at how much better I could move - especially once the catheter came out and I had to get to the bathroom by myself. DH stayed the first night but was home with DS most of the stay. I had the baby room in and was able to care for her on my own. Staying on top of the pain with meds is very important. I just came home yesterday and was quite active (stairs, walking, playing gently with DS) - I have been able to do even more today on my second day at home. I am amazed at how much better I feel at less than 1 week PP than I did at nearly 3-4 weeks PP with DS.

I was given a "gownie" by a friend and loved changing into a pretty hospital gown during my stay after I got to shower. The PP bleeding has been minimal, so no gushing and staining wearing my own stuff at the hospital. Coming home, it really helped being organized before I left - basket of snacks and bottled water on 2nd floor, small step stool by our bed (our bed is fairly high to climb in and out of), plenty of food and household stuff so no crazy errands to pick things up.

I was so incredibly nervous about the RCS and wanted to share that my experience was positive overall and the recovery has gone so much better than expected. DD actually weighed more than DS so I am not sure if the vbac would have worked for me anyway. I am grateful we are all healthy and doing well.

Hope everyone else needing a c-section has a safe procedure and a speedy recovery.

Thanks!

05/06 · November 2011

Glad your experience went so well. Thanks for shairng this. I'm scheduled to have my rcs on Friday and I feel a little nervous, so reading these posts always helps. I hope mine goes just as well.

EveryNameIWantIsTaken · November 2011

Glad you had a good experience. I'm hoping that this time will be much better since I won't be recovering from laboring for a long time too.

MDmama519 · November 2011

Thank you so much for sharing your story! I scheduled my RCS last week for April 10th and I'm getting nervous.

I am happy it was a great experience for you!

Switzerland · November 2011

I also had a rcs on November 3rd -- recovery has been perfect -- only thing that was not so good is DD had too much amniotic fluid in her lungs and had to be in NICU for 5 days but now she is back with me.

lilydeven · November 2011

glad all turned out well! congrats!

mrs.jenRN · November 2011

I'm glad everything went well! I am going to try for a VBAC if everything looks good next time around, but I am keeping my options open that I may just need a rcs. I am terrified but hearing your story and so many others of how much less painful it is after not laboring and being exhausted makes me feel a little better.