Recovering easier second time around?

sugarland726 · January 2014

I had an unplanned C-section with DD after 24 hours of labor including 3 hours of pushing. I was completely unprepared for the C-section and it took me awhile to recover and be able to function. I had a RCS with DS, and even though I unexpectedly went through 22 hours of contractions and still had surgery, I feel SO much better than I did with DD. Is it because I have to function more since she is around when I didn't have to before? I know what to expect? I hyped up the recovery being so much worse in my head so it's not terrible in actuality? What are your experiences? (Not that I'm complaining, I am just curious about this as it was very unexpected!)

Carmlvsjose · January 2014

I did not have a csection, but did find that recovery was much easier this time around. I had similar labor experiences with both babies, but was definitely in much less pain with this one. Glad to hear you are recovering well!

buckeyebride22 · January 2014

I feel a million times better this time. I remember crying at 3 weeks pp asking my SIL when it stopped hurting. This time, I've barely had to take Percocet. I can move normal. It's so much better. I don't know if it was not having two days of labor before hand. Having a spinal that actually worked. Or that I walked all the way to NICU as soon as I was able, but this time has been a breeze.

shortstuff15 · January 2014

My recovery with my second was way easier than with my first. I think it's more of a mental thing - you know what to expect rather than the unknown.

moosebaby2011 · January 2014

No personal experience, but a friend of mine had a c/s following a failed induction for her first, but a planned rcs for her second (her boys are 22 months apart) and she had a much easier time with recovery the second time around.

BabyHokie2014 · January 2014

I sure hope you guys are right! I'm not dreading labor, just the PP recovery again.

Unknown · January 2014

This content has been removed.

MrsGraham06 · January 2014

I also did not have a c/s, but I analyze things, so after much time contemplating I think there are several factors that go into recovery. I think part of the 1st time is that you don't know what to expect. Also, with me, my subsequent L&D were much easier, so I'm guessing that the less time laboring and pushing didn't wear me out as much. And, I was able to be in the pool more with my 3rd than my 2nd.

erika_sue · January 2014

My second was way easier than my first. My third has been harder than the second, but not as hard as the first. DD1 was born via emergency c/s after 50 hours of contractions, 3 hours of pushing, and 2 failed vacuum attempts. DS was born after about 20 hours of contractions and an unsuccessful VBAC attempt due him not descending at all. DD2 was to be a planned c/s tomorrow, but came via c/s after an hour of observation in L&D when they determined I was actually in labor. I only had contractions for about five hours this time.

mrsjenni · January 2014

My recovery with #2 was a piece of cake. Same with #3. Hoping the luck continues this time! I think it's a combo of being through it before and having no fucking time to think about healing yourself

megs12914 · January 2014

I don't have second time experience, but the first for me was awful. I didn't labor at all as I was having my for PROM and it was just go time the day I had mine. I know they work much faster when they put you to sleep because they don't want the baby getting the medicines they give you. I mean while the drugs were pushing they were already cutting the side that was numb. I think the rush makes it not so clean going in.

The recovery was rough and I finally started feeling better at 2 weeks PO. I still have some trouble getting in and of bed or if I do too much but it is way better than before. But @sugarland726 I think all if your logic makes sense for why this time is better.

cnwilbur1030 · January 2014

This post gives me hope! I've been so scared about RCS this Thurs and recovery. I had an unexpected CS with DD after laboring for a long time, and the recovery was super painful for a while. I'm hoping that cutting out that whole labor thing will help me feel better sooner.

katykatykaty · January 2014

I'm lurking from March, but this post made me happy. My c/s recovery with DD wasn't terrible, but it was definitely difficult, so I've been worried it's going to be even harder this time since I'll also have a toddler. I labored for 2 days before the c/s with DD though, so I'm hoping going straight to the RCS will help. Glad to hear it's been easier for you!

growingmybun · January 2014

Way way way easier with #2. Smaller baby, less tearing. I'm so grateful.

sleepymonkey · January 2014

This is great to know that so many of you had an easier time recovering from a RCS. I had my first last week - induced, labored for 15 hours, failed to progress so had to have a c-section. The recovery sucks and I still can't walk standing up straight. VBAC kind of makes me nervous so I think if I have a second child, I will opt for a RCS. I've wondered if the recovery would be the same.

Jackapatamus · January 2014

I hope this is true for me tomorrow (RCS). I did fairly well with my first one (but to be honest, we were in the NICU for the first two weeks, and I literally sat in a recliner for 15+ hours a day). I did walk a lot after, and I think that helped! Also, the dr. Who did my first (and is scheduled to do tomorrows) does an excellent job, IMO . My friend has had 2 c-sections by him too, and says the same thing! I'm really hoping it goes as well (or as well as my memory has served me!).

cja06 · January 2014

I didn't have CS, so I can't vouch for that, but my second (which was an induction) was WAY easier than my first (27 hours, 3 hours of pushing and sunny side up). Recovery was 1000% better too as I didn't tear with my second. I happened to mention this to my doctor today and she said in her experience deliveries after the first do tend to be easier and recovery better.

Piach · January 2014

My second has been a breeze in comparison to my first - although I developed post partum pre-e with my first. I swelled up like a sausage, had really bad carpal tunnel & was just miserable. With my second c-section, I have been the better than textbook patient. Recovery has been easier, no complications, but I also have a wonderfully easy baby.

wifetomrb101 · January 2014

You guys are making me hopeful

I didn't have a terrible time with DD, but it was hard. Hopefully this time is easier. But last time I was a wreck emotionally. This time I'm prepared (as much as possible anyways) for the hormonal craziness that goes on.

CeeJC121013 · January 2014

I agree with pretty much all the PPs. I didn't have cs's. Both labors were pretty quick and I didn't tear with either. DS was 6lbs and DD was 6lbs 6oz but recovery has been noticeably easier this time.

Want a personalized experience?

Recovering easier second time around?

Re: Recovering easier second time around?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards