Tell it to me straight

MamaLlama14 · December 2013

Hi ladies,

I'm pg with #2 and have complete placenta previa. I didn't have this with DS and had a natural vaginal delivery. My OB is giving it some more time before making a final decision b/c I'm just shy of 23w, but because it's completely covering my cervix he's not hopeful that the placenta will move enough to allow a vaginal delivery again. We'll talk more concretely in a few weeks after a recheck, but of course I've already started freaking myself out with internet research.

So, tell it to me straight if you've been down the c-section road before: What is the good, the bad and the ugly?

[Deleted User] · December 2013

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MamaLlama14 · December 2013

AFwifelife said:

I had an emergency C and loved it. Had no issues during surgery or afterwards. It is major abdominal surgery but I was feeling normal and walking around after 3-4 days. I will be opting for a RCS whenever we have a second.

Do you have any more specific questions? It might help everyone narrow down their responses to you.

Thanks AF. I don't really have specific questions, just trying to gather info and be informed so I am prepared.

MamaLlama14 · December 2013

JandACoffee said:

Its not that bad. Obviously would not have been my first choice, but DD was footling breech right up til EDD and had a cord around her neck and wasn't going anywhere, so that was that.

Good: I didn't have to worry about tearing, stitches down there, scar tissue forming, cracking my pelvis (my sister did that with her first- ouch!), labor pains, etc..., for me it had no effect on bfing. I didn't get skin-to-skin right afterwards but was able to breastfeed within the hour of her being born and we are still bfing at over 12 months and have never even had to consider supplementing. I didn't miss any of the stuff like her first bath, footprints, etc... cause I requested to be present ahead of time and they waited for me. I knew exactly when she was going to be born, so I had more control over telling people when to be at the hospital and giving us enough time to settle in before having to entertain visitors. I was also able to plan at home a little better for someone to watch our pets, have meals ready, etc... Obviously that could have gone out the window if she had decided to come early, but that didn't happen.

Bad (short-term) Depending on your hospital there are very different policies as to how they handle breastfeeding right after, skin-to-skin, etc..., you are forced to get some sort of anesthesia (for me it was a spinal with a tech that was just learning how to do them and it was actually the worst part of the whole experience - not true with most people!), recovery is a little different in that it is hard to get up afterwards, you have to have a catheter for a while, obvious abdominal soreness and need for meds (all I had was percocet for 3 days and then motrin for an additional 7 and I was fine with no sedation at all), longer hospital stay (we stayed 3 nights but could have left after 2), you will need help for at least a week or so afterwards, but really I was mostly back to normal within a couple weeks with a great excuse to avoid heavy lifting/vacuuming for an additional couple weeks.

Bad (long-term) This varies a lot from person to person. Some people have long term numbness at the incision site. I am one of the lucky ones that has long-term sunburn like feeling of nerves reconnecting. Wearing lowrise jeans hurts and probably will for a long time (I'm 12 months PP). There is a scar. Some people's fades away, mine is still pretty ropey looking and probably 3mm in thickness though it is below bikini line so it isn't visible. Some people have issues losing weight around the incision. I got lucky with this one and my stomach actually is just as flat is it was before though my belly button is not an outie instead of an innie (pregnancy-related not c-section related), doing abdominal exercises is scary afterwards. Honestly, I still haven't gotten up the nerve to do a sit up. I'm sure it would be fine, but my stomach went back to normal without them and it freaks me out a little.

Honestly though, everyone's experience is different, just like everyone's experience with vaginal delivery is different. You just have to keep your focus on having a healthy baby in the safest way possible. We are looking at trying for our second probably end of next year, and while I'm not really looking forward to an RCS, I'm not dreading it either. Try to focus on the good stuff, and everything else will take care of itself!

I'm glad to hear you were able to BF quickly! That's a huge concern for me. I don't want to miss out on that.

emberlee3 · December 2013

DD was breech, and I was really, really freaked out about having a c-section, but it was totally fine. Well, actually the section was kind of miserable because I have a bad reaction to spinal or epidural anesthesia, now 2 for 2 with my blood pressure crashing and needing IV vasopressors and massive amounts of IV fluid. But once the epidural was out, everything was fine. Recovery was really easy, actually much better than my recovery after vaginal delivery with DS with a 3rd degree tear.

nosoup4u · December 2013

Use a pillow or folded up blanket pressed against your abs when you need to get out of bed, it helps a lot w support. A postpartum an binder is a good idea as well. And keep on top of your meds so you don't get overwhelmed by the pain. Good luck!

slwprincess · December 2013

MamaLlama14 said:

JandACoffee said:

Its not that bad. Obviously would not have been my first choice, but DD was footling breech right up til EDD and had a cord around her neck and wasn't going anywhere, so that was that.

Good: I didn't have to worry about tearing, stitches down there, scar tissue forming, cracking my pelvis (my sister did that with her first- ouch!), labor pains, etc..., for me it had no effect on bfing. I didn't get skin-to-skin right afterwards but was able to breastfeed within the hour of her being born and we are still bfing at over 12 months and have never even had to consider supplementing. I didn't miss any of the stuff like her first bath, footprints, etc... cause I requested to be present ahead of time and they waited for me. I knew exactly when she was going to be born, so I had more control over telling people when to be at the hospital and giving us enough time to settle in before having to entertain visitors. I was also able to plan at home a little better for someone to watch our pets, have meals ready, etc... Obviously that could have gone out the window if she had decided to come early, but that didn't happen.

Bad (short-term) Depending on your hospital there are very different policies as to how they handle breastfeeding right after, skin-to-skin, etc..., you are forced to get some sort of anesthesia (for me it was a spinal with a tech that was just learning how to do them and it was actually the worst part of the whole experience - not true with most people!), recovery is a little different in that it is hard to get up afterwards, you have to have a catheter for a while, obvious abdominal soreness and need for meds (all I had was percocet for 3 days and then motrin for an additional 7 and I was fine with no sedation at all), longer hospital stay (we stayed 3 nights but could have left after 2), you will need help for at least a week or so afterwards, but really I was mostly back to normal within a couple weeks with a great excuse to avoid heavy lifting/vacuuming for an additional couple weeks.

Bad (long-term) This varies a lot from person to person. Some people have long term numbness at the incision site. I am one of the lucky ones that has long-term sunburn like feeling of nerves reconnecting. Wearing lowrise jeans hurts and probably will for a long time (I'm 12 months PP). There is a scar. Some people's fades away, mine is still pretty ropey looking and probably 3mm in thickness though it is below bikini line so it isn't visible. Some people have issues losing weight around the incision. I got lucky with this one and my stomach actually is just as flat is it was before though my belly button is not an outie instead of an innie (pregnancy-related not c-section related), doing abdominal exercises is scary afterwards. Honestly, I still haven't gotten up the nerve to do a sit up. I'm sure it would be fine, but my stomach went back to normal without them and it freaks me out a little.

Honestly though, everyone's experience is different, just like everyone's experience with vaginal delivery is different. You just have to keep your focus on having a healthy baby in the safest way possible. We are looking at trying for our second probably end of next year, and while I'm not really looking forward to an RCS, I'm not dreading it either. Try to focus on the good stuff, and everything else will take care of itself!

I'm glad to hear you were able to BF quickly! That's a huge concern for me. I don't want to miss out on that.

I was BF both of mine as soon as we got into recovery- which was about 20 min after birth. DS ended up with breathing issues and had to go to NICU but DD was perfectly fine.

Honestly, I think attitude is everything when it comes to any kind of major surgery... I didn't think it was that bad and just focused on the positive and let go of all the rest. My best advice is to take your pain meds on time b/c it can get much harder to get it under control if you wait too long. Get up and walk even though it hurts like hell at first- it really does help you heal faster. Take colace before you go in and everyday until you go. Oh and stay in the hospital as long as they will allow. I know everyone wants to hurry home but for me, staying in the hospital forced me to rest and that helps me recover. I'm not good about staying in bed at home and will over do it!

alijeff2313 · December 2013

I had a scheduled C section due to some medical issues. The worst part is getting up and moving for the first time. That and thinking you feel okay because of the pain meds then overdoing it. Other than that, I have no regrets. It is not nearly as bad as you may think. To be completely honest with you (and I may get flac for this but its true in my opinion), if there is a known issue it is better to have it scheduled. My cousin pushed for 24 hours then they did an emergency c-sec. Her recovery was much much harder than mine. Good luck!

SLGILL1978 · December 2013

I am a first time mom and had to have a c section. My only problem was I tried to do too much in the first few weeks and ending tearing my incision in couple of places. But that was my fault. Other than that my c section was a very smooth process. I knew throughout my whole pregnancy there was a high chance I would have one. I was able to start breastfeeding while I was in recovery. I agree with the above posters - get out of bed and walk as much as you can. My daughter was born at night and the next morning my doctor had me out of bed walking around. And definitely keep on top of your pain.

KimS17 · December 2013

I'm 7 weeks pp and really have no regrets with the cs. DD was breech.
The worst part about the actual surgery is getting set up and getting the spinal. It did hurt, but no more than a bee sting. I also didn't get to hold DD right away, but I got to watch them weigh her and do the footprints and all that. I was also there for her first bath. We were in the recovery room within about 30 minutes and already bfing.

Recovery wasn't the most fun, but that's to be expected. Getting up for the first few times hurt like a b**** and I walked like a little old lady all bent over. It also hurt to hold DD for more than a few minutes while standing. I did have to have DH help with showering the first time too.

The bonus about a c-section is you can't do housework for a few weeks. My doctor said nothing for 6 weeks. I think you just need to take things easy and don't push yourself and its not so bad.

Mama-Bear · December 2013

Good:
It's planned
It's more controlled
It's not terrifying to use the bathroom or have sex
You skip the contractions
Your baby won't have a cone head

Bad:
It's planned (I like babies to pick their own birthday)
It can be painful or at least uncomfortable to sneeze/cough/blow nose for a while
You have a lower chance of having another vaginal birth
Longer downtime.
I COULD NOT pee after my last c/s, it's like I forgot how to use those muscles

My first boy was born vaginally, my twins and surro baby were all born via c/s. I wouldn't say my c/s was so much worse, but it is surgery, our bodies aren't made to deliver via c/s so I would opt for a vaginal if I was given the chance again and it would be at least as healthy for baby and I to do so.

mommytoconnor · December 2013

I am an OB nurse and can reassure you if you do a few things it will be much better recovery if you do in fact have a Csection. Your OB is right to wait to see if placenta moves, cause it can happen. If you have to have a Csection, you need to keep on top of your pain meds, take them before it gets too bad, because its easier to control pain instead of chasing it. Second you need to get up and walk within about 8 hours after your csection. This is to help your lungs stay inflated, prevent bowel complications, prevent clots from forming in your legs, prevent gas pains, and it actually decreases your pain. Take your stool softeners, the pain meds tend to constipate you so take them regularly. Rest when baby rests, ask for an abdominal binder, gives belly a bit of support.

MamaLlama14 · December 2013

I am so glad I posted here because you have all been so helpful! You've reassured me that a CS won't be the end of the world if it does in fact have to happen. The stool softeners scared me after having DS#1 vaginally last time- I was so afraid to push anything out!- but I can see how it's really important in preventing constipation and gas pains after a CS. I also opted to scale back on pain meds after my vaginal delivery b/c I didn't want to worry about it and breastfeeding, but with an abdominal surgery I have a feeling I'll be taking your advice and taking those pills right on time

Since I already have pain when sneezing and getting up, maybe I won't even notice those things by the time im PP from a CS... wishful thinking?

ashleeomalley · January 2014

I'm happy I found this post. We are in the SAME boat. I have complete placenta previa as well. I'm 24 weeks tomorrow. I had my first baby vaginally and I am also super nervous about the possibility of a c section if placenta doesn't migrate.

alijeff2313 · January 2014

mommytoconnor said:

I am an OB nurse and can reassure you if you do a few things it will be much better recovery if you do in fact have a Csection. Your OB is right to wait to see if placenta moves, cause it can happen. If you have to have a Csection, you need to keep on top of your pain meds, take them before it gets too bad, because its easier to control pain instead of chasing it. Second you need to get up and walk within about 8 hours after your csection. This is to help your lungs stay inflated, prevent bowel complications, prevent clots from forming in your legs, prevent gas pains, and it actually decreases your pain. Take your stool softeners, the pain meds tend to constipate you so take them regularly. Rest when baby rests, ask for an abdominal binder, gives belly a bit of support.

The bold part!! Yes. Very very very important!!!

Zombielove126 · January 2014

Hi ladies. I'm in your same boat with placenta previa. I'm 30 weeks and started bleeding at 28 weeks. I was in the Hospital and I'm now home on complete bedrest. It's not likely that my placenta will move at this point so I have a scheduled CS for Feb 18th. I'll be 36 weeks. That's if the bleeding doesn't get out of control.
I'm terrified of a CS because it's totally new territory for me. I have 3 children, and I delivered them all naturally, I love giving birth! I feel totally cheated, this has been the shittiest pregnancy of all, and that was the one thing (besides the healthy baby) that I was looking forward to. I've just had to come to terms with it, and reading these posts has helped, I'm honestly more scared of the epidural than anything else, lol. Good luck ladies. If you have any questions about previa let me know, I feel like it's been hard finding women who have had this.

ksimo6 · January 2014

mommytoconnor said:
I am an OB nurse and can reassure you if you do a few things it will be much better recovery if you do in fact have a Csection. Your OB is right to wait to see if placenta moves, cause it can happen. If you have to have a Csection, you need to keep on top of your pain meds, take them before it gets too bad, because its easier to control pain instead of chasing it. Second you need to get up and walk within about 8 hours after your csection. This is to help your lungs stay inflated, prevent bowel complications, prevent clots from forming in your legs, prevent gas pains, and it actually decreases your pain. Take your stool softeners, the pain meds tend to constipate you so take them regularly. Rest when baby rests, ask for an abdominal binder, gives belly a bit of support.

All if this! Get up and shower daily and walk a little bit several times a day... It helped me from getting too sore. You will have to hold your incision when you poop... It's a little intense. I started miralax when I got home from the hospital which also helped.

bumpuser10194737 · January 2014

I will be having my third this spring. Both of my first two were very easy recoveries, especially the second. The first was an emergency after 27 hours of labor, so I think it was just a little harder on my body. I was able to hold baby and nurse within about 30 min of each of them. My hospital encourages skin-to-skin and nursing right away in the recovery room. With both I was up pretty soon after (though it did hurt!), and I was able to shower by myself and even sort of shave my legs the next day!

Walking is tough at first, and you will feel really weird (I had no idea how much you use your ab muscles just to walk!), but the more you do, the better!

It was a little tough not being able to lift my oldest for awhile after the second, but I really felt very good by about two weeks after both. I was back to running by eight weeks when my OB have me the ok.

The negatives: still numb around incision area, but that's not a huge deal. Just feels a little weird. Most of the time I do not even notice it though.

Walking is rough at first. It hurts to laugh or cough for a couple of days, but you just hold a pillow over the incision.

I don't like getting the spinal or having to have an IV. The IV makes me so bloated. I get really itchy after the spinal wears off, but they did give me medicine for it, which helped a ton.

The extra day in the hospital is a bit of a pain, but also not a huge deal.

I'd rather things had gone more naturally for me, but overall, my CSs have not been bad, and I am just glad my babies made it here safely!

MamaLlama14 · January 2014

I just thought of something else as I read all of your responses: I am a HUGE lover of baby-wearing and it's one of the things I'm most looking forward to doing again with LO#2. Will this be possible in a relatively reasonable amount of time after a c/s? I mean I don't expect to leave the hospital with my Ergo on, but for those who were also baby-wearers: how long did you have to wait?

[Deleted User] · January 2014

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[Deleted User] · January 2014

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MamaLlama14 · January 2014

Thanks @JandACoffee!

emberlee3 · January 2014

MamaLlama14 said:

I just thought of something else as I read all of your responses: I am a HUGE lover of baby-wearing and it's one of the things I'm most looking forward to doing again with LO#2. Will this be possible in a relatively reasonable amount of time after a c/s? I mean I don't expect to leave the hospital with my Ergo on, but for those who were also baby-wearers: how long did you have to wait?

I started using the Ergo infant insert by about 5 weeks PP. Didn't hurt my incision once I had it all adjusted properly.

ondjima · January 2014

I had an emergency cs at 33 weeks with ds. The weirdest thing for me was when the nurse shaved my pubic area, did not expect that at all! The catheter was also unpleasant but the surgery itself and recovery afterward was not too bad. Ds was in the nicu for 24 hours so I only got to hold him or try to bf the day after he was born. But we had no problems and he was ebf for six monts and then weaned at 14 months. Good luck!

Colleenxx · January 2014

I have just had my second second c section due to placenta Perivia, I was in the same position as you are now.

I had an emergency c section with first child due to health problems I recovered ok from that then I had my daughter on 29th December and I'm already moving about back to been on my own as hubby back at work.
The scar is still red but that's normal I will barely be able to see it when completely healed. I feel good I get the odd twinge but it's only because my muscles are still fusing together.

BellaBeeBaby · January 2014

I had an emergency c-section and after all was said and done I was actually happy that I had one vs. a vaginal birth. My list of pros and cons would be (in my experience)...

Pros:

*shorter recovery time- by week 3 I stopped my meds and was able to move around a lot more. Still pain here and there but not unbearable. I didn't use a pp corset/band but i'm sure if I did I would've probably been up and at it well before 4 weeks!

*my va jay jay never hurt and i could pee and poop without hesitation

*I didn't bleed too much pp

Cons:

*I lost a tiny bit of feeling around my incision. You can't notice it at all until you have an itch there that you just can't relieve.

*You can't hold your baby right away/nurse right away. I was pretty out of it after surgery so I did get to see and hold my dd after being stitched up but just for a few minutes (tried to nurse) but I was extremely tired and needed rest.

homediva · January 2014

Um, the thing I remember most as "bad" after the csection that NO ONE TOLD ME was that afterwards, when everyone says to walk around, they really mean "walk around and fart." for real. Your tummy gets all full of gas from being open during the surgery and you literally have to pass gas to feel better. It was so extremely uncomfortable. Then one of the nurses told me to pass gas and I was like "OK, no one told me that!" I had tons of visitors so was kind of holding things in!!!
That's the truth, Sister!

Jupiter62 · January 2014

I had an unplanned c-section. Do you have a boppy? It saved me. I brought it to the hospital and had the boppy around my belly (incision area) the whole time. If I had to sneeze or cough, I would just clutch onto the boppy first.

Steer clear of iron pills or prenatals containing iron until you have your first poop.

And as PP said, walking helps you fart and IT FELT SO GOOD TO FART after the surgery.

BC&LM · January 2014

Good: I was able to deliver a healthy baby after having a failed induction due to preeclampsia. We got to stay in the hospital an extra day (as opposed to vaginally delivery), and it was nice to have that extra time to adjust to new parenthood with support. I didn't really have any vaginal pain. Other than that, I can't think of much good.

Bad/ugly: I was in A LOT of pain for at least two or three weeks, moderate pain for the rest of the month, and uncomfortable when moving certain ways until at least ten weeks. (Some people will tell you the pain's not that bad, and while that may be the case for them, it's not for all people. I've had friends/family who felt fine a couple weeks later and some who were in much more pain like me. I would say prepare for the worst and be happy if you get better than that when it comes to pain.) I threw up on the operating table several times from the anesthesia. I couldn't hold/feed my baby until several hours later because the maternity recovery room was full, and I had to go to the general recovery room. Sleeping was very uncomfortable for weeks.

Eleventy11 · January 2014

I've had two, one emergency and one planned. They were both easy peasy with easy recoveries.

Get up and walk ASAP. I was in the shower five hours after my first and seven hours after my second. I walked the halls of the maternity ward the next day. Take all the pain medicine you can, as often as you can...even if you don't think you need it. I was completely off of it five days pp, but having so much of it in the hospital helped. I nursed both of my kids past six months, so it didn't effect my breastfeeding at all. Good luck!

MamaLlama14 · January 2014

Thank you thank you thank you to all who have replied! I've had a hard time getting online the last few days b/c we have plumbing issues at my house and I've been caught up- didn't want you think I wasn't reading the comments!

I'm still bummed that I probably won't get to delivery vaginally but you are definitely reassuring me that I can do this, too!

Unknown · January 2014

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Frannavaldez9399 · January 2014

Wish I had seen this in dec

ended up with a breech boy on our hands. I was a huge huge pansy and wanted an epidural at 3 centimeters. I'm glad I got it.. He flipped over somewhere between 3 and 9 (roughly one hour) it was scary to be told we're going into surgery, but greatfull I already had the epi. That being said.. I was shaking uncontrollably and scared out of my mind. The good: other than 6 hours of labor pains, I never had to push. No cone head for my Baby. It seemed like it only lasted 15 minutes. The bad: I had prepared my house for a vaginal birth.. Made witch hazel pads stocked up in the freezer, bought (expensive) dermoplast, prepared my breastfeeding nook. I didn't need the pads and ended up throwing them out. Have no use whatsoever for the dermoplast. And I couldn't sit in my nook. The pain was too much. The ugly: I mean.. The end result was my dear son. So.. Ugly isnt a word I'd use. My husband had me scared of getting into troubles with clots, so I was up and walking around ASAP. I recommend it. I was not able watch him be born, but my husband was able to cut the cord. Then he stayed with him until I was back at recovery. Like, maybe 30 minutes? Everyone says that you don't feel pain, but you feel intense pressure.. I never felt either. I asked when they were starting, and about 15 seconds later she held up my son. I was able to breastfeed ASAP, and got to watch his first bath with no problems.. All in recovery. Once we settled into the hospital room it was business as usual. Because I walked around so quickly and frequently, we were able to go home early. After all the meds wore off.. I was in so much pain. I refused the Percocet because I wanted to be clear headed. Something I regret. I also did not take any pain meds when I left. I would probably recommend them.

Leggett44 · January 2014

I had a c/s at 36w5d due to a complete placenta previa. I had six major bleeding episodes with the last one ending me in the hospital until delivery. I was airlifted to another hospital three hours from where I live at 31w3d. I found out I had a complete placenta previa at 15w. The ER doc told me I would continue to have problems, but my OB said just the opposite. My OB said it would move. However, it never moved. The worst part of my c/s was the epidural/spinal. I was at a teaching hospital and the anesthesiologist had just received her license about three weeks before. (I didn't know this until 2 months later.) She had problems with the epidural so I had to have a spinal. The first day was the hardest for me because it hurt a lot to get up and walk. I almost passed out once...the nurse used smelling salts to get me to respond. I thought I would punch her after that. I was given an abdominal binder to wear. I hated it because it was stiff and uncomfortable. I had both a vertical and horizontal incision. The MFM doc used glue for the horizontal and staples for the vertical. The staples were definitely a pain, but didn't hurt to get removed. The recovery was definitely longer than when I delivered by daughter vaginally.

liz429 · February 2014

I had an unplanned c-section in December. Recovery was way better than I expected it to be. My son was born 12/20 @ 2:10am and we were discharged 12/21 @ 2:00 pm. The worst part of it for me was the 20 or so minutes after when I couldn't control the shaking of my body due to epidural.

TS&2xLS · February 2014

I've had 2 c sections and having my 3rd in June! It is major surgery but touch wood mine have all been great.. The only part I hate is the day after, having your first shower.. The pain is enough to bring you to your knees! (For me anyway) but once your up it gets better and better!!

okayestmom12 · February 2014

I had a scheduled c/s due to DD's breech position. Honestly... it was a wonderful experience. Sure the pain when you first stand up out of bed is enough to bring you to your knees... but if you do what you're supposed to (Walking around being key), you'll recover well.

Hrayno@hotmail.com · February 2014

The worst part for me was psychological. I was very disappointed not having a vb. it was odd to feel the tugging during the surgery but no pain. When I kept up on the pain meds I did well. I couldn't have immediate skin on skin but that was not due to the c section. My hubby held her cheek to my cheek afterwards, and we nursed as soon as we were in recovery. The bad: it hurt to wear baby in the moby for a while and impossible to shave my legs!!! Don't worry, it wasn't nearly as scary as I thought it would be! Good luck!

Giraffealaff · February 2014

The good: It was what was necessary to safely deliver my child. I didn't feel pain as I was under the influence of the epidural. My lady bits are no worse for the wear.

The bad: Recovery sucks. Especially the first few days where you are sore, tired, medicated and all you want to do is be with your LO. Obviously there is physical issues for recovery and a lot of restrictions for the first few weeks, however I find that personally the biggest issue for me has been emotionally.

which brings me to the Ugly: Emotionally, I feel like I am incompetent. Obviously I didn't do anything wrong, but it hurts knowing that I wasn't able to bring my child into this world on my own. Thankfully my H is very supportive and knows how to positively combat these feelings for me. As far as the physical ugly stuff: the worst things for me has been the gas pains and honestly the Hems. Please, for the love of god, take the stool softener. Once you are out of the hospital - continue to take it. I swear - it'll be gross and messy but oh my - you DO NOT want to endure the pain of it without.

annelou81 · February 2014

I had an unplanned C-section in November and everyone above has given good advice. My #1 advice is take the pain meds right away and continue throughout your hospital stay. I didn't take them my first day (I was naive as a first time mom!) and I thought I was going to die from the pain.

Second- I'm not sure anyone has mentioned this but during the surgery you may feel chest pains because your abdomen is open and gas has entered your body. I thought I was having a heart attack until the doctor said "You may be feeling chest pains right now, don't worry". Crazy!

Good luck! I hope everything goes well for you!

Schell2013 · February 2014

Emergency and hated every moment of it. Would I do it again if I had to in order to have my daughter? For sure.

Getting out of bed the first time is like a marathon. You're so stiff and for me I was really weak cause you can't eat and I had lost a lot of blood. It was rough but I had lots of help at home after which was a blessing.

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