C-Section 2+moms

docseason · February 2012

Since this is my second c-section and the first one was an emergency c-section, I had already been in labor for 22hrs and had already had an epidural in place when we went into surgery. I asked my doc at my last appt if they did spinals or epidurals. She stated that they do spinals with planned c-sections. So my question to you ladies is 1) what's the difference? 2) did you have a better c-section with one over the other? Thanks

surprise3rd · February 2012

My second c was SOOOOO much better than my first. With my first I had been in labor for 27 hours, never dialated past 5, baby didn't drop, etc. and went into the c-section EXHAUSTED. The recovery was the pits. With my second, I went in the morning as planned, well rested, etc. They gave me a spinal, I don't recall any difference based on the spinal vs. epi, I just remember the recovery being so much easier because I hadn't been laboring for 27 hours. Good Luck.

magdalina.h · February 2012

I had spinals for both of mine. The recovery was similar, but this time I actually had a baby to care for so while it was easy, I would say that it was a little harder than my 1st.

Daisy22 · February 2012

Spinal - is just a shot and the needle is removed.

Epi - The needle is inserted, a catheter is placed then the needle is removed.

My hopsital does epis for everyone b/c they place a pain pump on the catheter during surgery that you keep for 24 hours.

Both of my c/s were easy but #2 was even easier. I feel it mostly b/c I knew what to expect and I'd been there/done that with a newborn so I was more relaxed afterwards.

Mama Jan · February 2012

Daisy22:
Spinal - is just a shot and the needle is removed.

Epi - The needle is inserted, a catheter is placed then the needle is removed.

This. I had an epi with my first because I was induced. My second and third were repeat c/s and I had a spinal. Not sure if it was the epi v. spinal (different meds?) but I was super nauseous for the first 24-36 hours post c/s with #2 and #3 but did not have any nausea with DS1. As far as the insertion, the epi and spinals felt all the same to me and I had identical numbness sensations with all three.

aidopotatoesmom · February 2012

This will be my third. I too had an epi with first because I labored for days!! I had the worst experience with the epi. The spinal was so much easier. Both my recoveries were quick. My second I had a little more sorness after but that was because baby was really high up in my ribs and I had a dr on me trying to push him out. My immediate recovery was easier and faster with the spinal.

Overall my 2nd c section was the birth experience I had always wished for. Easy, stress free and so joyous. Enjoy!