Calling all moms who have had a c-section

Brandyjean30 · May 2012

So I posted on the third tri-board a few days ago that Madison has flipped back to breech. I have an u/s on thursday to confirm and if she hasnt moved then we will achedule a c/s for 39 weeks. Now I'm fully aware that she could flip back but I want to be prepared that I will most likely have a c/s. She has only been head down for about 5 weeks of this whole pregnancy so I'm not getting my hopes up she will flip back. DH and I also discussed ECV but through research and talking to my doctor I just don't feel it's right for me. So to my question....for those moms who have had a c/s what did you do before hand to prepare your home and family? Anything you wish you would have done? Did you take anything extra to the hospital that you wouldn't for a vaginal delivery? Anything special I should know for recovery? I like to be prepared so thank you in advance for your help

Aimlc1281 · May 2012

Mine was an emergency c/s so I wasn't able to prep. Once I got home though I was grateful for the recliner in baby's room. I wasn't able to sleep in my own bed for 2-3 nights b/c sitting up was a b****. Also, you'll want to avoid steps as much as possible and plan on staying on one level for a bit. As far as recovery, the best tip I got was to continue taking the meds even if I felt better. I stopped temporarily on day 3 and really ended up regretting it.

misthang_1 · May 2012

Aimlc1281:
Mine was an emergency c/s so I wasn't able to prep. Once I got home though I was grateful for the recliner in baby's room. I wasn't able to sleep in my own bed for 2-3 nights b/c sitting up was a b****. Also, you'll want to avoid steps as much as possible and plan on staying on one level for a bit. As far as recovery, the best tip I got was to continue taking the meds even if I felt better. I stopped temporarily on day 3 and really ended up regretting it.

I totally agree with the bolded parts. I decided I could "handle" the incision pain and boy did I regret not staying ahead of the pain. I too ended back up on the pain meds. I did sleep in my bed, but getting up and out of bed was painful.

My c-section was not an emergency, but it wasn't necessarily planned. I did labor for 15 hours, but after no progression (which we were prepared for) I ended up having a c/s. One thing I am doing to prepare for my repeat c/s is taking fiber pills (gummies, actually) and will be modifying my diet and taking stool softeners a few days before hand. I can only tell you that the constipation I had after my c-section was like nothing I had ever experienced and I am doing anything and everything to avoid it this time. The last time around I had a huge steak 2 days before my induction and c-section, not so this time. Nothing but fiber filled foods for me!

As for what to bring to the hospital - you will pretty much be in a hospital gown for at least the first 24 hours after the c-section until they take out the catheter, so I am just planning on taking some nursing tanks to wear under the gown. And honestly I can't imagine trying to wear any pants while in the hospital unless I actually needed to go somewhere (where, I don't know) since you will still have your staples in until you leave. Make sure you have loose fitting clothing like sweat pants or yoga pants (with a high waist) to wear home. Finally you'll want to buy some "granny panties" to wear until the incision heals. I found that most of my underwear rolled down and right on to my c-section incision, so I went and found some that practically went up to my boobs! LOL!

My doctor tells me that a planned c-section is a lot easier than one after laboring (your body is under way less stress), so I am hoping this recovery goes even better than my last (which really wasn't all that bad other than the whole constipation thing). Good luck to you!

jamiah18 · May 2012

Good question... I have nothing to contribute since I'm an FTM, lol, but I'm interested to read responses. I'm high-risk and am preparing for a vaginal delivery, but not counting out a c/s.

Good luck:)

sassafras007 · May 2012

Mine was also an emergency at 34 weeks.

I ordered wide leg yoga pants, they can be pulled up over yout incision.

My biggest peice of advice... when going to get up take a rolled towel or blanket and press it to your incision (sounds weird) to hold yourself together...

HollyBabyNumber2 · May 2012

I'm sorry to hear that.. I had a similar situation with my first. She was also breech but they didn't realize it until I was already in labor and were checking my cervix and said "that's not her head, that's her butt!" so I was rushed into surgery for an emergency c-section. I was 17 at the time and all I remember bringing was a change of clothes for myself and a little footed onesie for the baby, my makeup, cell phone, and pillow hahaha and I was JUST FINE. Although this time, I have a list of things I am packing because in general I am much more prepared for the birth. I will note that something I was not aware of that they make you do after the c-section is blowing into this breathing thing that had some balls in it Zip it!

.. It's to make sure you don't get fluid in your lungs.. And this killlled me. It REALLY hurt my incision area when I would cough and breathe into it. I didn't take any of the pain medication afterward either. That is probably why I remember it so well, yet haven't seen it really mentioned on here when women talk about their c-sections. Also, for sure take fiber or stool softeners like a PP mentioned as they will not let you leave the hospital until you have gone #2. They want to make sure your bowels are working correctly after the surgery.. That's something I also didn't know about so they had to give me a few suppositories before I finally did the deed... Indifferent

Good luck

I hope everything goes as smoothly as possible for you

misthang_1 · May 2012

HollyBabyNumber2:
I'm sorry to hear that.. I had a similar situation with my first. She was also breech but they didn't realize it until I was already in labor and were checking my cervix and said "that's not her head, that's her butt!" so I was rushed into surgery for an emergency c-section. I was 17 at the time and all I remember bringing was a change of clothes for myself and a little footed onesie for the baby, my makeup, cell phone, and pillow hahaha and I was JUST FINE. Although this time, I have a list of things I am packing because in general I am much more prepared for the birth. I will note that something I was not aware of that they make you do after the c-section is blowing into this breathing thing that had some balls in it .. It's to make sure you don't get fluid in your lungs.. And this killlled me. It REALLY hurt my incision area when I would cough and breathe into it. I didn't take any of the pain medication afterward either. That is probably why I remember it so well, yet haven't seen it really mentioned on here when women talk about their c-sections. Also, for sure take fiber or stool softeners like a PP mentioned as they will not let you leave the hospital until you have gone #2. They want to make sure your bowels are working correctly after the surgery.. That's something I also didn't know about so they had to give me a few suppositories before I finally did the deed... Good luck I hope everything goes as smoothly as possible for you

I'm not sure how long ago you had your c-section with your last one, but I don't think they are requiring you to go #2 before you leave anymore. At least I didn't have to 18 months ago...but it may vary from hospital to hospital. I also didn't have to breathe in to anything. Again, this could just vary by hospital or doctor. For example, my doctor doesn't have you wear compression socks after your c-section, but apparently most do.

cchill01 · May 2012

I would search options for a "friendlier c-section." There are ways to make your c-section a more pleasant experience.

- Do you want to be the first to hold the baby?

- Do you want the baby with you during recovery?

- Can you have glue, over staples?

Personally, I would still give all the ideas on https://spinningbabies.com/ a shot.

If money was no object, I would have LOVED to have rented a hospital bed for the first two weeks at home.

Brandyjean30 · May 2012

Thank you so much for all of the input ladies! We'll see what happens in the next 2 weeks.

kimmyg000 · May 2012

My advice is high wasted granny panties and loose pants. This time around I just plan on wearing a dress home and for the first couple days since it will be warm. Longer hospital stay so just more clothes if you choose to wear your own. Also staying ahead of the pain by taking your meds even if you feel ok is very important. You feel ok because of the meds your taking. And your bed will be your worst enemy when you come home. I slept and plan on sleeping in my recliner when I get home for a week or two cause its so much easier to get in and out of. Don't overdue yourself when you get home. Just take care of your baby and don't worry anything else. I am lucky as I did and will have a lot of help from DH and family with making meals, housework, etc...

travnicek · May 2012

My c-section was unplanned - but to prepare for my second pregnancy, these are the things that I am doing differently:

1. Buy some granny underwear. Just do it. Your regular undies will irritate your incision, and it will hurt. =/ They will have you wear the hospital underwear at the hospital if you want them...but I plan on just bringing some high cut underwear to the hospital.

2. TAKE YOUR STOOL SOFTENERS. The combination of them cutting through your tummy and all the pain meds you will be on will totally block you up, and since you won't be able to push anything out for a little bit, you'll want to help of the softeners.

Peanut1334 · May 2012

Granny panties
If you think you are going to breastfeed, have some bottles and formula as a back-up plan. The day after we got home (5 days after my C-section) I had to go to BRU for bottle, nipple, formula shopping. If you don't use them you can always return it.
When you laugh or cough--it WILL hurt. So have a small pillow on hand.
Plan to stay on one-level of your house most of the day.
Think about your reaction to anthesia in the past. I totally forgot my past reactions (like with the dentist and other small-ish procedures) and when DH was told by the nurse that his wife was having a bad reaction to the anthesia, he thought "yeah, she usually does". I wish he reminded me BEFORE the surgery! The first 12 hours were awful. So with DS#2 we are going in extra early to talk to the anthesolgist to hopefully prevent what happened with DS#1.
Other than my reaction to anthesia, I highly recommend it. My plan C-section is planned for 6/20.

JulesL · May 2012

Best advice I can give is WALK, as soon as you are allowed to get up walk as much as you can. I was totally fine and grocery shopping after week 2 all bc I walked. I had no pain when I laughed or moved bc I was constantly stretching it out. I dont mean walk a mile I mean walk around the hospital floor, then walk around your house when you get gome. Good luck!

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