C-Section fears and Questions...

PatsyGK21

With each passing day the likely-hood of me getting a c-section are greater and greater. I'm really freaking out, I did not want to do it this way at all! It is major surgery, and although I have had open heart surgery and took it like a champ, I just can't handle the idea of a c-section.

My main worry is recovery. I've heard several stories about how terrible recovery is, and I'm worried it's going to get in the way of me properly attending to my baby. Obviously DH will be here to help me, but i'm still worried.How much would you say recovery gets in the way of taking care of baby?

Another thing I heard is the hospital won't let you leave until you have had a BM, or at least pass gas, if this is true, why?

Does having a C-section effect your breast milk? I've heard that when you get a c-section your milk takes longer to come in. Did this happen to you?

Thanks in advance for all the info ladies!

BigFoot80

My recovery took about 2 full weeks. I took it easy with stairs and had DH lift baby anytime he could. It wasn't too bad, and as long as your DH is there to help you, it shouldn't get  in the way of caring for baby.  My milk came in on day 3 or 4, so totally normal. You have to pass gas before leaving the hospital. I didn't find it to be a big deal, really. C/s are not the end of the world, and you will do fine. Don't be afraid to ask DH for help and make sure you focus on recovery in addition to your baby.

CocoR04

I've never had a c/s, so I can't answer your questions, but after seeing my Dad recover from his open heart surgery, I can't imagine a c/s to be worse or anywhere close!

batesae

My recovery from c/s was not that bad. The first time walking was the hardest and then after the first week o felt really good. The only pain meds I took was motrin, I never needed anything else and only took them for a week. Also I BF for 12months. Just get up and walk ASAP even tho it will be hard, also keep taking the stool softeners.

stardust317

My csection recovery was a breeze. I had a scheduled csection with no labor. I was allowed to get up and walk around the next day. The first few days were hard, but I never felt like I was unable to care for DD. my milk came in on day 4, but we did have to supplement formula. It had nothing to do with my csection and more to do with DD being a lazy eater. I very happily signed up for a repeat csection based on my overall experience.

rinascita

I haven't had a c/s but I've had GI/abdominal surgery and it is true with most (if not all) abdominal surgeries that you have to pass gas and/or have a BM before you can be released.  I had no issue though... take the Colace or stool softener as prescribed and you'll be fine.  Colace is on the 'safe' pregnancy medications list with my doctors so I wouldn't be concerned taking it post c/s.

As far as breastfeeding, I was told in my Breastfeeding for Multiples class that as soon as you feel up to it after surgery to offer the breast to your baby - they will help stimulate bringing your milk in and be able to get to your colostrum.  Same goes for a vaginal delivery but obviously it will be more delayed with a c/s.  just be sure to make it be one of your top priorities post-op if it is important to you.

Also, like PP - I saw my uncle recover from open heart surgery and personally I'e had GI/abdominal surgery... I would venture to say my uncle had it so much worse with pain and recovery time.  So I wouldn't prepare for a c/s to be worse, not even close! 

jobiann

I guess I'm not letting myself get worked up because it is what it is. Just try and relax and tell yourself it will all work out.

PatsyGK21

CocoR04:

I've never had a c/s, so I can't answer your questions, but after seeing my Dad recover from his open heart surgery, I can't imagine a c/s to be worse or anywhere close!

I was 7 when I had the heart surgery, so I dont think I knew how serious it was at the time. I think with the c/s it's more of an anxiety thing for me cause I'm able to understand what exactly is going on and look things up on google haha.

pitterpatter129

Honestly, I didn't have a great recovery, but that was partly due to also having an infection when I went into labor (sinus and fever) + 30 hours of labor including pushing + a csection. So, I'm not the best model of what a recovery might look like! Even though it was rough on me as far as getting up and around, I didn't have any issues with baby. A newborn doesn't really require you to get off the couch much. They bascially sleep and eat all day long. My DH stayed home a week after we got out of the hospital and then went back to work.

I didn't have a bowel movement before I left the hospital. I probably did pass gas though, I remember being very "farty" They want to make sure all your internal organs are working properly and nothing went wrong during surgery. It's not a big deal.

My milk didn't come in until day 10 and we did supplement a little, but I ended up bfing for 19 months after that and I had colostrum, just not full blown milk for a little while. My issues were due to a lot of blood loss and DS had a poor latch. Many csection mamas have no issues at all with milk production! Again, I'm not the model student on this one either. I think my lactation help was under par too...looking back, I could have pumped more and gotten more help with latching and better nutrition during that time.

In the end, I had a healthy baby and it all worked out fine!

 

weddinginbloom

Be sure to check out the c/s board.  They're great over there at answering questions about it.  I've already asked several questions and got lots of replies.

 For me, I would like to have a vaginal birth as that's more 'natural' but on the other hand doing without the pain of labor doesn't sounds so bad either...

sbevmc09

Everyone's recovery is different, but honestly I had a long recovery.  At 2 weeks I was just starting to get around my ranch-style house well.  It was 6 weeks before I was able to do short walks just around my little court.  Not everyone takes as long to recover as I did.  It definitely got in the way of initial bonding with DS.  Those first few weeks are so hard anyway and doing it when you're in pain and trying to heal from surgery yourself really isn't fun, but obviously you get through it. 

Also, I was unable to breastfeed.  Something that doesn't seem to be discussed very often is the fact that a C/S decreases your chances of being able to BF.  I just didn't produce any milk despite many efforts.  It's a possible side-effect of the surgery.  And yes, on average, mothers who have had C/S have to wait longer for their milk to come in.

IMHO I would avoid a C/S if at all possible.  I don't know what you're dealing with, and of course in some situations they're medically necessary, but if you have the option to avoid it do.  It's a much harder road and vaginal birth is better for the baby as well.  

GL!

brianabrad

FTM here so no experience but BFF had a c/s with her second. She breastfed without problems until baby was 6 months old. I think it did take a little longer for her milk to come in and they had to give baby some formula in the hospital but everything worked out just fine on that front. 

 

JennV514

Took care of the baby fine, bf great. My advice is to take it easy on yourself. Accept help. Take your meds. Ask the hospital for a support band. Get a step stool for next to the bed.

TofuMama7

Thank you for posting this. I had a natural birth with my son but because of a medical issue I now have I have to have a scheduled C-section with this baby (so it's a complete 180 for me!)

Since there's no choice (well, I guess I could refuse, but it's the safest option) I'm just educating myself about the procedure and talking a lot with friends who have had C-sections to help myself feel calm and prepared. From what I've heard from friends the recovery is easier with a scheduled C-section (since you don't have the added soreness from pushing for hours first) and that breastfeeding is not affected (at least not for my friend who had one vaginal and one c-section)

GL to you, I understand your fears completely (I never thought I'd be a person to have a C-section), but at the end of the day the most important thing is a healthy mom and a healthy baby, and that's what we'll get!

lcunningham

Recovery didnt get in the way too much for me. After you have LO your job is to take care of you and them. I know I spent the first month mostly sitting on my couch and caring for DS. YOu need to take your time and rest when baby does. take your meds when you are in pain and stay hydrated. 

They did make me have a bowel movement. Because it is major surgery they need to make sure everything is working afterwards. My milk wasn't delayed and when it came in it CAME IN!

Remember, everyone is different. Ask the questions you have with your OB if you will be having a c-section.