Preparing for a planned Cesarean

Re: Preparing for a planned Cesarean

• doozer1345 member

  February 2016

  Mine was "planned" meaning that DD1 was breech. So I knew I was going to have a c section and had the date BUT my water broke and I had a c section that was "unplanned" for that day if that makes sense lol. There wasn't a whole lot of planning with it to be honest except for studying BFing as much as possible (I was convinced I wouldn't be able to or would have a hard time with a c/s...NOT the case btw). I'd say just be prepared with loose underwear bc you don't want anything hitting your incision. Other than that all other rules apply (except for the sitz bath of course).
  
  Freezer meals, pillows (for comfort), have a convenient place for LO near where you're sleeping to lessen movement for the first couple of weeks (DD was either in the bed with me or next to me in her swing). Have stuff like phone/charger, remotes, lotion, something to drink, etc set up on your night stand or a small table that is just an arms length (no reaching).
  

  
  Been married since 2009.
  Unicornuate Uterus (yes I menstruate glitter)
  Several MCs
  DD born 2013 (our miracle "you can't have babies" baby!)
  
  
  
  

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• Kita175 member

  February 2016

  This will make my 3rd planned C Section. I remember wearing alot of gowns and underwear that wouldn't touch my incision. Very thankful that my mom was there to help because when the baby cried I wasn't able to get up as quick. Plenty of rest will be needed.

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• mumbolino member

  February 2016

  I might need one which is so not what I wanted for myself. But now I'm trying to inform myself just in case I do need one . My doula suggested I look into the concept of a gentle caesarean which is a very interesting concept!!! If it's not an emergency csection a gentle Caesarian might be a great option for mom and Bub! Look into it guys;-) 

  
  

  
  

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• kbrands7 member

  February 2016

  I had the same situation as @doozer1345. The main things I'd try to keep in mind in addition to what PP have mentioned are:
  - Brace yourself for sudden movement  (sneezes, coughs, laughs, bumps on the road)
  - initially, you won't be able to drive. Some doctors restrict a few days, others a few weeks. 
  - don't lift things heavier than your baby or try to push yourself too hard (speaking from experience here-- it'll lengthen your recovery)
  - do get walking as soon as possible 
  - pack clothing that won't rub on the incision 
  - keep up with the meds. I could only handle Advil and tried to skip it on a few occasions the first week after. It was a mistake. 
  - Be aware that your abs strength is going to feel/be essentially non existent at first. This means your balance won't be as good, and it'll be more difficult to get up and down.

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• jhjelmberg member

  February 2016

  I'm having c section #3 in May....what helped me the most between the first and second was limiting my stairs to a max of once a day.  I slept on the first floor for 4-6 weeks instead of in our master bedroom.  Tall beds are hard to get in and out of 4+ times a night

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• DanandVan member

  February 2016

  Get as much help as you can the 1st week at least. I slept in a recliner during the first week at home as I wasn't able to lie down completely. God bless her, my MIL stayed with us and helped cook, clean, and help with our other 2 kids since my husband had exactly 2 days off of work so he wasn't able to help at all at home. I would have had a much more difficult recovery if it wasn't for her help. 
  Also, I would ask if the hospital will supply a belly binder type thing (forgot the name, sorry!), but that helped me to be more mobile. 
  
  
  

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• katxattack1212 member

  February 2016

  This will be my 3rd csection, too. Like everyone else said- have help the first week, do not lift more than baby, sleep in a low bed/recliner that you can get out of easily. And watch for rogue sneezes that seek up on you! I had one that I wasn't braced for....I was SURE my guts flew out of my incision. Ow! 

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• mumbolino member

  February 2016 edited February 2016

  I found a nice article here:
  
    https://www.parents.com/pregnancy/giving-birth/cesarean/gentle-cesarean-section-facts/
  
  Also something to think about: Seeding your baby.. Is that an option for you?? 
  My doula told me about this and it's becoming quite common for csection  moms / babies in Australia. 
  This is supposed to help your baby's gut health be as good as if born vaginally. 
  
  https://www.whattoexpect.com/wom/pregnancy/0625/more-c-section-moms--seeding--babies-with-bacteria-from-birth-canal-fluids.aspx
  
  https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/12/27/seeding-baby-microbiome.aspx
  
  As always: There are many opinions and pros and certainly also cons out on this. But at least it's good to find out about it and then you can decide for or against it. 

  
  

  
  

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• aldeutsch member

  February 2016

  This will be my second c/s. What I learned from my first is...the 1st week is rough
  so take help when offered, moving around helps a lot, use an abdominal binder for support (I was given one in the hospital), keep up on pain meds and use stool softeners. 

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