If You Have Had a C-Section

2006july15bride · July 2010

Can you please share your experience? My dr's office strongly recommends c sections for multiples and DH and I feel that it would be our best option (my mother had very difficult labors, probably should have had a c with me and had to have an emergency with my brother.) The girls on 1st tri are always bashing C's. I'm not looking for someone to change my mind or sway me in any direction, just share their c-section experience. Thank you.

erinri02 · July 2010

I had a c-section because baby B was breech. My doctor would have let me try for a vaginal and even asked if I wanted to the day my boys were born but I would have ended up with a c-section anyway.

My boys went to the NICU right away (28 weekers) so I never had the experience of taking care of them while still recovering. My doctor told me to take it easy but I didn't listen to him and had tons bruising and swelling.

If you do decide to go with a c-section, try to take it as easy as you can and take advantage of all the help you can get!

Temp6313048411121614 · July 2010

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Temp6313048411121614 · July 2010

Don't worry about the 1st tri girls, they're all newly pg and way too hormonal IMO. I had a c/s with my twins and it really wasn't that bad. It was different than my vaginal birth with DS1 for sure but not really better or worse. It SUCKED to try to sneeze, cough, laugh, blow my nose. I don't really know what kind of info you're looking for. It was nice that it didn't hurt to use the bathroom or have sex.

ETA: I will say that pushing the bassinet around in the hospital was torture. When I would walk around (definitely walk as soon as you can stand it, I was walking that evening), I would have DH or a nurse push the babies.

wonder-kitty · July 2010

I had a c/s with my first DD and was actually considering trying a VBAC until I found out it was twins. For me it's not worth it. I know what to expect with a c/s now so I'm hoping the 2nd time around will be easier.

For me, the c/s was painful and I asked for the strongest meds they had. I used the morphine pump that I could control and I remember pushing that button every 10 minutes all night long that first night. After that I was on Vicadin, I think and motrin in between.

The first day after was hard. The nurses came in at 6am to make me get up and walk to the bathroom. Oh, so painful. They wanted me to get right in the shower, but I refused. I wanted some time to just walk and move around before I tried to shower.

After the first 2 days things got easier and while I wasn't skipping down the hallway when I left, I was feeling much better.

I took full advantage of the nursery at nights so I could get as much rest as possible. There was plenty of time to get up in the night once we got home.

I do like the fact that with a c/s eveything "down there" stays in tact and I don't have to worry about about bladder leakage or sex being different, or hemmeroids from all the pushing.

There are pros and cons to both ways of delivering. I've only had c/s so for me it's the only thing I know. I'm not afraid to do it again so it couldn't have been that bad!

busybea · July 2010

I had a c/s with DS #1 and plan on having one with the twins. Yes, it's true, it is awful when you have to sneeze or cough, but all in all, my experience was not all that bad and the section was very quick. The recovery took about an hour after the c/s, all they wanted to make was that I got the feeling back in my feet and legs and then they moved me to my room. I was advised to get up as fast as possible and walk the halls of the hospital, which I did. I was also warned of the famous "air bubble" which can be very painful when it travels throughout the body, which it was. Air can get in during surgery and creates this, but it does not happen to everyone and it's nothing that a little pain reliever can't get rid of. Mine ended up in my shoulder, which I believe most do, but then again, i'm no doctor. Overall, I was very happy that I ended up getting a c-section with DS#1. Yes, it's a true PITA to get out of bed in the beginning, but you just have to take it easy and relax when you get home. I started feeling better about 2-4wks after surgery and the numbness finally went away after 6 months...

jenncross43 · July 2010

I had a c-section with my daughter after 15 hours of contractions and no progress. We later found out her umbilical cord was very short and even if I did push, it would have been very dangerous.

I am glad I had a c-section and happy to be having another one with the twins. I am looking forward to the Doctors being in complete control. I am sure your hospital staff will be wonderful and keep you as informed or un-informed as much as you want to be. I was happy not knowing what they were doing until they said " Lots of pressure Jenn!" And then the most amazing sound in the whole world, the cry of your baby--or babies in our case! It's cold in the OR, and it is nerve-racking. It's scary yes, but you are in good hands. In my experience, I had my Epidural in the L&D earlier that day so they wheeled me in, covered me up and started pinching me to make sure I could not feel anything. Before I knew it...it was all over. I was very out of it from all the drugs given to me during the day so I am very excited to be more aware and awake afterwards this time.

I recovered very well...but I have had several stomach surgeries due to ovarian cysts in the past so I sort of knew what to expect as far as pain went. Overall, I am very happy having c-sections. I hope this helps

ougrad1 · July 2010

My section was an emergency with Emerson so, it would be slightly different than a planned one.

It was very, very quick. I had my arms stapped down, they cut me and had her out in five minutes. I remember my dr taking her arm from her wrist to her elbow and pushing down really hard just under my boobs to get her down low enough to grab her head and she was out. It took a few seconds to hear her cry but, everything was fine. They cleaned her up and took pics and measurements while they sewed me up and that all took about 20 minutes. All in all, it was about a 30 minute deal from start to finish.

This time is planned and I know that I will go in two hours prior to the section and they will get my IV going and a catheter (sp?) started. Then, they'll take me back to the OR to give me the spinal and immediately after that they will begin the section. I have low blood pressure and my dr says it tends to continue to go down after the spinal is given so, they really have to get the babies out ASAP after the spinal is given.

It's really the way to go, imo. Also, don't you love how mom's who have never had a child love to bash sections-PLEASE!!! lol-

GL to you!!!

ETA-It's true...get up and start moving as soon as they will let you. STAY ON TOP OF YOUR MEDS even if you don't think you need them. The sooner you get up and move, the better you'll be!

2006july15bride · July 2010

Thank you ladies for sharing and for your candid honesty. As my mom says she's "had both (vag and c) and they both suck." You have all been really helpful. On some of the boards other people have mentioned c/s and the backlash is outrageous. I had just read one before and the women go on about how it "dangerous" ,"unnatural", and how "you end up with an infection." The opinions on the subject are so strong and so sensitive. Best of luck to those of you delivering soon. Everyone has beautiful children! I can't wait until I'm a MoM!

D31 · July 2010

i had a c section 7 weeks ago with my twin boys. I am a huge wimp when it comes to needles and blood and stuff, but i have to say it was a "good" experience - meaning i wasn't horrified and i'd even do it again (don't tell DH!). Mine went EXACTLY the way ougrad1 thinks hers will go - two hours before, IV and catheter, spinal, and viola - babies! we were telling jokes during the surgery and everything - it was actually kinda fun, if that's not weird?

it was a piece of cake. the recovery wasn't that bad - probably what you'd expect after a surgery like that. i'd say that by the second week i was really feeling back to "normal" but was still taking it easy - it's an easy trap to fall into when you are feeling good. at 7 weeks - I'm definitely back at my normal self as far as feeling good.

I have to admit i do feel like i missed out on something by not going vaginally, but i definitely think we made the best decision to go c section.

Polofsky · July 2010

I was deathly afraid of C-sections and tried for vag but after 15 hrs babies wouldn't cooperate and then my labor slowed so there I went...and it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it was gonna be. First few days were rough, needed DH to help me get up out of bed, walk to the bathroom, etc...but by day 5 when I went home I was able to get up and down in bed by myself, up and down off the toilet, get dressed, etc....I did notice that if I over did it during the day I would have incision pains at the end of the day so pace yourself. And I had the nurses get me an abdominal binder....I highly recommend that every time someone posts about C-section. They didn't automatically offer them at my hospital which I think is insane b/c it helped so much. Good luck!

Twinluv · July 2010

I had a C-Section a week ago last Thursday. I really wanted to try for a vaginal birth, but Baby B turned transverse at the last minute. I was terrified of the surgery from the moment I found out I was pregnant with Twins (knowing it was a big possibility). I fought the whole time against the section. Now I wish I had put all that time worrying away to good use! It was a breeze! This is coming from a self professed weenie wimp! But after experiencing a taste of labor (my water broke and within an hour and a half I was at 6cm), all I wanted was a safe, quick birth! The contractions were very strong and painful.

The actual surgery itself was relatively quick. The spinal was nothing more than a quick little bee sting, didn't feel the cath and once I laid down, my hubby was next to me and 5 mins later, both my babies were born! I didn't have to labor for hours, worry about complications, forceps/vaccuums/etc, and didn't have to worry about tearing, which as some women on here will tell you, can be a major deal. Recovery went well and I did get pretty sick afterwards, but that was just due to the morphine I was given to kick in after the spinal. It was unpleasant, but passed. After I got through that, the rest was fairly easy. It is painful for a bit, more like someone putting a hot poker on your belly, but if you stay on top of your meds, you shouldn't feel much discomfort at all. Definitely get up as soon as you can, even if it is to walk to the bathroom or down the hall. Also make sure you take colace, as the narcotics will "stop" you up a bit, and the more you can pass gas (sorry) and go to the bathroom, the more comfie you will be. Overall, I'd do it all again in a heartbeat! I feel great! Just know that the first few days home with the babies, you will need help. You need to sleep and rest. I had a great experience:)

Also, as much as I've had good take aways from these boards, there are equally as many bad things on here as well. Filtering out the good from the bad will help get the most of these boards. Keep a positive mindset and your birth will go smoothly:)

iluvadam · July 2010

I had a wonderful vaginal delivery with DS and I hope to go the same way with these babies as well. Having said that, I find it utterly ridiculous that anyone, especially a 1st tri, 1st-timer, would try to sway another momma's opinion on whether or not to have a c-section or vaginal delivery. It frankly is comical to me that someone with absolutely no experience with pregnancy or delivery would try to give advice on something they know about. It is a personal choice and no matter which you decide, it will be the right one for you. Good job speaking up for yourself and telling people not to try and sway you!! :::steps off soapbox:::

Temp159135562506975 · July 2010

i LOVED my c/s.

my vaginal birth with my singleton was horrible to heal from- i tore front to back, 4th degree. I still have issues down there that I'll be having surgery for someday- when i can afford to deal with the healing from it again....

my c/s was easy as cake - felt great - no problems taking care of the kids, going up stairs, etc.... i LOVED it.

2006july15bride · July 2010

Twinluv:

I had a C-Section a week ago last Thursday. I really wanted to try for a vaginal birth, but Baby B turned transverse at the last minute. I was terrified of the surgery from the moment I found out I was pregnant with Twins (knowing it was a big possibility). I fought the whole time against the section. Now I wish I had put all that time worrying away to good use! It was a breeze! This is coming from a self professed weenie wimp! But after experiencing a taste of labor (my water broke and within an hour and a half I was at 6cm), all I wanted was a safe, quick birth! The contractions were very strong and painful.

The actual surgery itself was relatively quick. The spinal was nothing more than a quick little bee sting, didn't feel the cath and once I laid down, my hubby was next to me and 5 mins later, both my babies were born! I didn't have to labor for hours, worry about complications, forceps/vaccuums/etc, and didn't have to worry about tearing, which as some women on here will tell you, can be a major deal. Recovery went well and I did get pretty sick afterwards, but that was just due to the morphine I was given to kick in after the spinal. It was unpleasant, but passed. After I got through that, the rest was fairly easy. It is painful for a bit, more like someone putting a hot poker on your belly, but if you stay on top of your meds, you shouldn't feel much discomfort at all. Definitely get up as soon as you can, even if it is to walk to the bathroom or down the hall. Also make sure you take colace, as the narcotics will "stop" you up a bit, and the more you can pass gas (sorry) and go to the bathroom, the more comfie you will be. Overall, I'd do it all again in a heartbeat! I feel great! Just know that the first few days home with the babies, you will need help. You need to sleep and rest. I had a great experience:)

Also, as much as I've had good take aways from these boards, there are equally as many bad things on here as well. Filtering out the good from the bad will help get the most of these boards. Keep a positive mindset and your birth will go smoothly:)

Thank you! That is a lot of great advice! Congrats on your babies!

MoMandA · July 2010

My boys were both head down and I really wanted to deliver vaginally. My OB said that with an uncomplicated, two head down pregnancy, that vaginal was the best way to deliver. I stayed pregnant until 39w 6d because I was not favorable for induction at 38 weeks, when she typically delivers twins.

I really wanted to deliver vaginally but in the end I had a c-section. The recovery was not terrible. I was off of prescription meds by the time I left the hospital. My milk came in without issue. My DH was back at work 2 weeks pp and I could care for the boys alone without too much trouble.

Stay off of the tri boards for health care advice.