Last minute research on csection. Stupid question please help.

kimbber · February 2013

Hi ladies. I was not expecting this, so was doing all my research on a vag delivery. But now that I'm almost 38 weeks its looking like I may have to have a section. My apt is Monday to see my status, in the meantime I feel like I need to do some research.

If its scheduled, is there anything different I should pack in my bags? I know we will be there longer.

Also, will I bleed vaginally? I was expecting to bring nightgowns that could get ruined.

Does your breast milk come in right away? How does your body know? I plan on bf but have not gotten my pump yet due to insurance policy and the coverage after she is born only if its medically necessary.

Any feedback is greatly appreciated!!

mben1119 · February 2013

You will bleed vaginally. I bled for nearly 8 weeks pp, but from what I understand 4 to 6 weeks is average. My milk came in 3 days pp, but baby only needs the colostrum you produce at first anyway. Your body triggers milk production when your placenta detaches from your uterus, even if it is done surgically. In terms of what to bring that would be different, high waisted comfy panties and pants for going home. From the hospital, the mesh panties they provide are amazing.

xDanniellex · February 2013

If its scheduled, is there anything different I should pack in my bags? I know we will be there longer. I didn't pack anything differently. The first c-section was a surprise and the 2nd was scheduled.

Also, will I bleed vaginally? I was expecting to bring nightgowns that could get ruined. Yes, you will. The nurses will have to change/check the pads while you are still numb. I wore the hospital gowns the whole time.

Does your breast milk come in right away? How does your body know? I plan on bf but have not gotten my pump yet due to insurance policy and the coverage after she is born only if its medically necessary. I delivered this last time on a Monday morning and my milk came in Wednesday night. Just keep putting the baby to your breast and your body will figure it out.

kimbber · February 2013

Good info so far ladies, I guess I'm curious as to what our bodies do as to the reason that we would still bleed that much after? I thought that through the surgery they "took" everything that would typically be passed vaginally?

sytom · February 2013

I agree with previous posts. I'll be completely girly, but don't forget to bring something to hold your hair. I don't know why, but I remember my hair getting wet be cause I was so hot!

As far as bleeding goes, I was able to change into cute pj's the next day and I didn't ruin anything.

Good luck to you!

Wendy1210 · February 2013

I bled but from what my friends said, I didn't bleed quite as much. I do know that I would bring my own maxi pads and granny panties as I call them. They gave me the mile long hospital maxi pads which are awful and this mesh underwear which it was better wearing my own.

My hospital supplied me with a pump while I was there. So, that was beneficial. You can always go home with a rented one from the hospital until you get your own or continue to rent.My supply didn't come in well but I think it was mainly bc my son wouldn't latch so, that made it harder.

I also had my husband bring snacks and drinks for me that I kept in the fridge in the room. That was better than relying on hospital food... Tongue Tied

Best wishes!

RayRay007 · February 2013

kimbber:
Good info so far ladies, I guess I'm curious as to what our bodies do as to the reason that we would still bleed that much after? I thought that through the surgery they "took" everything that would typically be passed vaginally?

Where the placenta detaches is like an open wound. You'll probably bleed less than if you had a vag delivery because they do clean you out pretty good, but your ute is still contracting and cause the wound to bleed.

I don't know about packing because I had an emergency c/s and didn't have anything with me. I wore hospital gowns and mesh panties.

My milk came in about day 3-4. The birth triggers hormones even if you don't labour or have a vag delivery.

kimbber · February 2013

Teacher Clark:
I highly suggest packing granny panties, like the kind that come up to your belly button. You don't want anything coming close to your scar. I would definitely ask for a binder if they don't automatically give you one. It helped my mobility sooooo much since it gave me support for my back and stomach muscles. You will most likely have a longer stay then for a vaginal birth. Therefore, you may want some of your own clothes after you can shower and such, just to feel more human. I'm bringing yoga pants and tanks with a shelf bra along with a cardigan.

when it comes to binding, does the hospital usually supply one that you able to reuse? Like something of quality you might purchase online?

1026pumpkin · February 2013

The only things I would bring to preop are insurance, ID, and a hairbrush, mouthwash, and facial wipes to freshen up after delivery, and phone and camera. In my main bag I had my own Always pads and black granny panties because I hate the hospital kind, 2 pairs of yoga pants with roll down tops, 3 nursing tanks, a hoodie and flip flops. I also brought my own toiletries and make up. I felt a million times better getting up, showering, and doing light hair and makeup....I just couldn't stay in bed all day.

My bleeding at first was like a very heavy period, but not bad enough to ruin clothes. I bled for about 2 or 3 weeks and then kept spotting until about 6 weeks.

My colostrum came in right away and milk a day or two later. Just let the hospital know you want to breastfeed and want to start as soon as possible. I don't think the section interferes with milk coming in.

anvloveskme · February 2013

I still bled a fair amount and it lasted about 6 weeks. My milk came in pretty quickly - I EBF'd 6 months and then Supplemented due to supply issues. I will bring similar items to what I brought with DD.

surpriseaddition · February 2013

My first birth was vaginal and second was a c-section. For me, the bleeding was much lighter with the c-section, but lasted almost as long as the vaginal. My milk came in at the same time with both types of deliveries, and I successfully BF my c-section DS until 18 months! PPs have great suggestions for your bag. GL!

SheLovesMrHip · February 2013

I didnt read the other posts so I am sure they covered what I will say. I bled for about 2 weeks. About the flow of a normal period. My milk came in on the second day but I didnt BF so I hated my engorged boobs. They hurt like a SOB!!!! As far as packing.....I jad a bag full of all sorts of things, including makeup lol. After the fact I lived in the hospital gown, mesh panties and a sports bra the entire week of my hospital stay. GL and congrats!!

light52 · February 2013

Our baby is in NICU so I've learned a lot from the nurses. They told me that it is very common for milk to take 12 days longer to come in after a csection. Mine came in at the same time as with my other kids but due to not being able to breastfeed, it took a bit longer for the pump to bring it down.

I brought nightgowns so they could get to my incision better. I also had a reaction to the adhesive on my dressing so it felt good to air it out. By my last day I felt much better in yoga pants though.

HarrietNJMommy · February 2013

1. I packed my iPad or laptop (my hospital has wifi) as well as all my other stuff.

2. Yes, you will bleed vaginally. I wear yoga pants during my stay (have done so for all 4 c-sections).

3. Breastmilk has nothing to do with whether you deliver vaginally or c-section. Your baby stimulates production. You shouldn't need a pump in the hospital, but if you do, the hospital will give you one during your stay.

GL!

Ruthie04 · February 2013

(1) I wore nursing night gowns and a robe in the hospital. They were always lifting up my gown, pulling down the underwear and pushing my belly. You want to give them easy access. None of my nightgowns got ruined, but I didn't start wearing them until after the glorious first shower. You may want to bring your own pads, but I was fine with the hospital ones. Get some super big, high cut panties for going home and the first few weeks. I LOVED the mesh panties, but I ran out. I also asked the nurse for extras when I left . One thing that I was insanely grateful for were the DISPOSABLE FACIAL CLEANSING WIPES. I couldn't take a shower for 2 days and I felt so gross. I would wipe off my face, arms, and chest several times/ day. That was the thing I was most grateful for.

(2) Yes. I bled for eight weeks. The first few days were the worst, but it was "period" like, on and off, for one month. They'll put a pad under you, so you shouldn't ruin any clothes.

(3) The second that placenta is out, your body knows you are no longer pregnant. I was told that milk usually comes in after 3-5 days. Mine came in the day of discharge (day four). You should be able to use the hospital pump while there and you can usually rent one. I still have my rental at 4mos. pp. However, you may want to check with your hospital regarding availability.

laurncui812.0 · February 2013

Im going to add to bring knee high socks because I hate those air compression things they put on your legs for circulation. I told myself last time I would remember to bring them and forgot. This next time I will not forget.

Angela814 · February 2013

If its scheduled, is there anything different I should pack in my bags? I know we will be there longer. I can't remember anything specific that was different. I was there for 4 days with each DD.

Also, will I bleed vaginally? Yes. I bled for around 6-8 weeks each time.

Does your breast milk come in right away? With DD1 I went into labor on my own at 41w3d. I had a c/s after failure to progress, and my milk came in by day 4. With DD2 I had a repeat c/s at 40w2d. My milk came in on day 2.

MrsB*s · February 2013

Nothing different but the granny panties! I always bring PJs that I buy cheap and don't care if they get ruined, but they never have. (I'm approaching my third section in a few weeks.) I like to have PJs, but I get ones that I'm comfortable seeing visitors in or walking the halls in. And I actually like having the pants, which I just scoot down for the doctor and nurse checks. That way, I don't have to reveal everything!

I actually buy granny panties to wear for several weeks. The mesh are my favorite, but they never give you enough to get through as long as I'd want to wear them for! And yes, you'll bleed, and for a good 6 to 8 weeks, but it's only period-like for me for about a week. Then it's just more from healing. You'll actually know you overdid it if that picks up again, or if your section is sore again.

I don't BF for medical reasons, but I remember when my milk came in with my second vividly -- probably day 4, since I was home, but newly home. I actually got a low grade fever (100) and terrible chills when it happened, which apparently is not unusual.

SamanthaG+3 · February 2013

I've had 3 vaginal births and just had my first c-section with my 4th baby (she was breech). I bled so much less with the c-section. It's been exactly 4 weeks and I haven't seen any blood in 4-5 days now. Even before it was very light, like I wore pantyliners the last couple weeks for it, and even on my 4th day in the hospital (was 3 days, but we stayed an extra 2 to "nest" bc DD was in NICU), I had DH go get me some regular pads bc those ginormous ones they give you in the hospital were uncomfortable and i didn't need all that coverage.

My milk came in on day 4. I just used the hospital pump in the hospital, then used my medela pump when i got home.

Nightgowns will be good..anything loose will be more comfy. I would bring an ab binder or a bella band if you had one for pregnancy. I hear some hospitals give you one, but I didn't get anything at mine. I hear it helps a lot with getting out of bed. I know it would have helped me to stand up and walk! I even felt better wearing yoga pants..bc of the slight pressure of them on my waist and over the incision area.

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Last minute research on csection. Stupid question please help.

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