I had an unplanned emergency c section May 12, which puts me at 15 days pp. The docs were great but it was scarier than I would have thought, especially being so fast. I was shaking so much and crying like crazy once my husband came in. I did feel some pain above my epi line, but the anesthesiologist hooked me up real fast with something through my IV and it was all good!. I didn't get to hold her for a few hours, when I finally got to my room after surgery and recovery.
It's been a slow, painful recovery. I keep using my abs for silly things like sitting up or coughing, and then I'm sore again. My back is killing me from unconciously hunching to "protect" that area. And of course the baby loves to kick me there, and the cats just want to sit on me there. I've been protecting myself with an arsenal of pillows and basically living on my couch (too hard to get in and out of bed).
The gas pains have been THE WORST, but finally started easing off a couple days ago. Thank gosh for colace and gas x or I may have just died, lol.
Honestly, worse than the incision pain is my nerve endings being fried. The skin just below my belly button (above incision) is SO painfully sensitive, like a really bad sunburn. The slightest brush of clothing feels aweful.
I've been living in pjs and this one pair of soft stretchy pants I got for pp (never knew just how perfect they would be--wish I had gotton 2 or 3), and all the mesh undies I stole from the hospital (all my own undies sit on my incision, so these are life savers).
I labored for 14 hours before they decided to do a cs and all I could think about was food food food. I was just starving! Since the surgery, though, I've had little to no appetite. I have to force myself to eat, so I don't get weak or nauseous.
I had a good amount of colostrum the first day, then totally dry until day 4 or 5. Pumping exclusively (rented the hospital pump until mine arrives from insurance) and supplementing with formula. My supply gets a tiny bit better each day but no where near enough to really feed her on it's own.
I can't wait to feel like "me" again...and to get rid of this gross looking dunlap belly. It's just all hangy and swollen and marked. I really miss my cute preggo belly!
@kbrands7 a year?! Oh my lol! Happy to hear at least this time around for you the pain is going away quicker I mean all in all, I feel better than I thought I would a hell of a lot faster than I had originally thought, so I guess that's a good sign.
@sharra13 I can totally relate. Mine was an induction that just didn't go as planned and ended up in a cs. I too was shaking uncontrollably from the epi, my DH was in the OR with me and he was crying and I totally felt them cut me open, pull out my LO and then close me back up- just awful! Luckily my LO doesn't kick me in my incision- but my cats jump on it all the time LOL! I've been pumping too- LO just couldn't latch on well in the hospital and I wasn't producing nearly enough to exclusively BF. Now half his feedings are BM and the other half is formula. He had his 2 week visit yesterday and has already surpassed his birth weight by 1 pound, 1 oz. so I am really happy. As for the belly, it's funny you say you miss your preggo belly- I was looking in the mirror earlier today at my jiggly belly with big ass scar and thought the same thing, my preggo belly was a lot cuter ha ha.
Not sure if it's c section related or not but my stomach has been wicked itchy, right around my belly button so quite above my incision. Anyone else have this or any tips to make it go away? There's no rash of anything but it's driving me crazy
Not sure if it's c section related or not but my stomach has been wicked itchy, right around my belly button so quite above my incision. Anyone else have this or any tips to make it go away? There's no rash of anything but it's driving me crazy
Ugh, yes, from my belly button to right below my incision is itchy! But it also is very tender and kind of feels like a giant bruise, too, so there is really no relief because even gently rubbing it is a little painful.
@ninnyjean@jparke2 mine is itchy too- but I think I owe that to wearing the stupid girdle/brace thing all day, which I really hope works by the way lol
Wow I'm so glad I read this about the gas and shoulder pain. Good lord! It was killing me and I was like what the hell did I do to my shoulder?? And would have never figured out it was gas.
Wow I'm so glad I read this about the gas and shoulder pain. Good lord! It was killing me and I was like what the hell did I do to my shoulder?? And would have never figured out it was gas.
Yes, this was me as well. My physio explained it to me in the hospital and I was very confused as to how GAS could affect my shoulder. And it was bliksems sore. Much worse than my incision.
So for those of you who are ahead of me in this game/have played before: at what point were you able to lay on your sides again? I'm only about a week and a half postpartum, but I'm reeeeealllllllly looking forward to being able to do that again.
@amberraysofdawn, by the mid/late week 3, I was able to be on my side with only slight discomfort (worse on one side due to the incision sealing unevenly). I bound my incision with an abdominal wrap to get on my side sooner because it was actually more painful to lay on my back. By the end of week 4, there was no pain while on my side.
So for those of you who are ahead of me in this game/have played before: at what point were you able to lay on your sides again? I'm only about a week and a half postpartum, but I'm reeeeealllllllly looking forward to being able to do that again.
I'm 19 days pp and just was able to lay on my side starting 2 or 3 days ago. I think using my pregnancy pillow really helped!
@amberraysofdawnI started laying on my side very early on, but it definitely hurt at first. Laying against a pillow helped, as did laying on both sides equally and engaging my core (this hurt at first too, but got much less painful after a few days of doing it consistently).
Why are you not suppose to? I don't remember that in my discharge instructions. I wish I did because Iast week I tried to nurse in a side position on the bed and started bleeding bright red blood, clots, and had a lot of pain.
I had a RCS and recovery is going quite well. It's harder in some respects since I have a 3 year old who still needs me to interact and isn't that cognizant of where his elbows are when he is cuddling me but it is easier in some respects, too, because I didn't labor and the post-partum poop wasn't nearly as traumatic. With my first, I don't remember anyone warning me about gas pains in weird places or explaining my upper back pain in that way and I'm STILL confused about how gas can get trapped in my shoulder. I mean, really?
A week PP and I woke up today feeling almost normal. Breastfeeding has been easy (I didn't have any problems last time, either, aside from normal soreness occasional cracking/bleeding) and my milk came in on day 3 or 4. I can sleep on my side (if I get to sleep) and am impressed at how small my belly looks right now. I can't wait to wear pants without pain but since it is now summer, I think I'm going to take as much advantage as I can of dresses and comfortable shorts.
@clw617 this happened to me in the hospital- I thought I pulled my trap muscle lol. When the nurse told me it was gas, I looked at her like she was insane lol. Who would have thought she was right!
I've finally been able to lay on my side within the last few days. Before it was just so uncomfortable bc it felt like pulling at the incision but now I don't notice anything.
I'm 11 days pp and I'm barely bleeding ? I only wear a liner that's about it. I remember bleeding a little more with DD so I'm confused. Are you still wearing huge pads ? who's done with bleeding as well?
@Hebah4 I only wore huge pads for a few days. By 2w, I was only seeing an increase in bleeding/clotting after I overdid it. Otherwise, it was light. At 4w now, I'm down to a panty liner for occasional very light spotting when I push it too much.
I'm 2.5 weeks pp now and have just recently started getting more on my side. It takes about a billion and one pillows to make it work, but it's getting better. I really want to sleep in my bed again...
I've been bleeding very lightly since I got home. At this point I wouldn't even call it bleeding--more of just a faint discharge (sorry if tmi). I still wear long thin pads, just bc the liners don't work in the mesh undies at all. And my reg undies are just way too uncomfortable around my incision. I'm really happy that I kept so many and they've held up in my washer/dryer or I don't know what I'd do!
So for those of you who are ahead of me in this game/have played before: at what point were you able to lay on your sides again? I'm only about a week and a half postpartum, but I'm reeeeealllllllly looking forward to being able to do that again.
Day 3 pp and I started yesterday. Probably way too soon but I was getting so sick of lying on my back in the hospital!
Another question - anyone not using a belly band? I'm feeling really good so far (knock on wood) and wondering if it's even worth it. I was also thinking of maybe just getting an abdominal binder from CVS instead of paying the big bucks for a fancier one.
@PYLWhammy I didn't use one until later last time and the issue besides lack of ab support was that things sort of settled lower than they should have for a bit without being trained otherwise.
So, I am going to copy and paste a portion of my comment from another thread, since I am on my tablet and typing on this is really tedious. ...
"I have been struggling with my delivery. It has me really bummed and down. I
wanted to do the whole shebang naturally, but had to opt for the
epidural 5 hours after being induced. After nearly 12 hours of laboring,
we started pushing. I pushed for two hours with no progression. Every
time I pushed, his heart rate would spike and not come back down... so
the c-section was a must. I didn't get to go skin to skin immediately
and had to wait an hour before holding my son. The loss of expectations
is crippling."
That is where I am at on my C-Section. I guess I was hoping for some comfort, empathy, or bonding?
So, I am going to copy and paste a portion of my comment from another thread, since I am on my tablet and typing on this is really tedious. ...
"I have been struggling with my delivery. It has me really bummed and down. I
wanted to do the whole shebang naturally, but had to opt for the
epidural 5 hours after being induced. After nearly 12 hours of laboring,
we started pushing. I pushed for two hours with no progression. Every
time I pushed, his heart rate would spike and not come back down... so
the c-section was a must. I didn't get to go skin to skin immediately
and had to wait an hour before holding my son. The loss of expectations
is crippling."
That is where I am at on my C-Section. I guess I was hoping for some comfort, empathy, or bonding?
You are not alone. I had an epi after saying for nine months I didn't want one. Had a cs after almost 24 hours of labor. Fell asleep in surgery so not only did I miss immediate skin to skin I also barely remember the birth and wasn't even happy about seeing her the first time as I was so out of it. Just remember- you did what you needed to do to have a healthy child. Try not to get too bogged down in regret over how your delivery went. CS mamas are fierce!
Count me as another momma who is sad about having a c-section. I had a successful ECV and thought I was clear for another vaginal delivery only to develop sudden onset pre-eclampsia several hours later during my induction. I wasn't able to hold DD3 for almost 90 minutes after delivery because of the mandatory hour recovery time once I got out of the OR. I had DD1 and DD2 within minutes after their vaginal deliveries. I know getting the c-section was the right choice for my health but I still cry sometimes thinking about her birth.
Just try to focus on the fact you did want needed to be done for healthy momma/healthy baby which is the most important thing. It does help me out during those time.
I've also been upset about needing to have a c section. I had hoped for an all natural birth and when I developed gestational hypertension I talked with my doctor quite a bit about how even though I was being induced I was nervous about it ending in a c section. My doctor reassured me that it was a last resort and she would do everything possible for me to have a vaginal delivery. However after a three day induction, suddenly developing severe pre eclampsia and eighteen hours of laboring my kidneys stopped functioning and LO wasn't staying down when I would push so they decided for my own health that it couldn't go further. I was pretty out of it during surgery as my magnesium levels were extemly high, I remember most of it but didn't know until days after that DH cut the umbilical cord. It was hard that after she came out he was able to go right over and see her and they quickly showed her to me but I then had to wait about five minutes before they brought her over to me for skin to skin. While I'm sad j didn't get the delivery I had hoped for I keep telling myself that at least we're both alive and healthy
I had some trouble coming to terms with having a csection last time, and before my cs this time. I had hoped for a medfree birth, but DS flipped breech a few days before my water broke. This time I was hoping for a vbac, but DS2 favored breech presentation too (I have a uterus shape that makes breech much more likely). I felt fairly empowered after this csection though for a few reasons even though my dream birth would have been a successful medfree vbac: I went into labor on my own again, I quickly progressed to transition with no time for meds to dull contractions so I actually got to experience them, my anesthesiologist listened to my concerns and gave me a sedative free spinal so I could feel my arms and such and walk shortly after surgery, I had better controlled nausea this time, I got to see his birth because they lowered the curtain for me, I was able to feed right after within 45min, and DS2 was held cheek to cheek with me right after he was born before DH did skin to skin with him.eta: I also had confirmation that he was stuck hips and heels first in my pelvis, so even though I dilated, he wouldn't have been able to come out breech.
I definitely think some feelings of disappointment, helplessness, or sadness can be normal. I remember feeling very disfigured after my first initially. Be kind to yourselves and know that you did the safest thing for your family whether it was to ensure your baby's health or your own health. If you plan to have a RCS in the future, think about what you would want to change, and ask if those changes can be implemented.
Does anyone know if there's a limit on how many children you can have if you need a c section? The other day my grandmother mentioned how I would be able to have two more babies because you can only have three c sections. Not sure if this is true or is old information?
Does anyone know if there's a limit on how many children you can have if you need a c section? The other day my grandmother mentioned how I would be able to have two more babies because you can only have three c sections. Not sure if this is true or is old information?
It depends on how your body heals. My MIL had 4 cs no problem. Typically, the operating OB will take notes on the health of the uterus and surrounding tissue, as well as clear out what excess scar tissue they can during a rcs to make a recommendation on whether or not you could safely/easily have another pregnancy.
So, I am going to copy and paste a portion of my comment from another thread, since I am on my tablet and typing on this is really tedious. ...
"I have been struggling with my delivery. It has me really bummed and down. I
wanted to do the whole shebang naturally, but had to opt for the
epidural 5 hours after being induced. After nearly 12 hours of laboring,
we started pushing. I pushed for two hours with no progression. Every
time I pushed, his heart rate would spike and not come back down... so
the c-section was a must. I didn't get to go skin to skin immediately
and had to wait an hour before holding my son. The loss of expectations
is crippling."
That is where I am at on my C-Section. I guess I was hoping for some comfort, empathy, or bonding?
I too had an unexpected csection with an epi. I wanted an unmedicated birth and practically every single thing I said I wanted I didn't get. Whenever I get sad about all the complications that arose, I look at my precious baby. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat because everything that happened kept her safe. If I didn't have the csection I don't even want to think what could have happened to her. You did what was best for your baby Momma, and that's all that matters.
So, I am going to copy and paste a portion of my comment from another thread, since I am on my tablet and typing on this is really tedious. ...
"I have been struggling with my delivery. It has me really bummed and down. I
wanted to do the whole shebang naturally, but had to opt for the
epidural 5 hours after being induced. After nearly 12 hours of laboring,
we started pushing. I pushed for two hours with no progression. Every
time I pushed, his heart rate would spike and not come back down... so
the c-section was a must. I didn't get to go skin to skin immediately
and had to wait an hour before holding my son. The loss of expectations
is crippling."
That is where I am at on my C-Section. I guess I was hoping for some comfort, empathy, or bonding?
I too had an unexpected csection with an epi. I wanted an unmedicated birth and practically every single thing I said I wanted I didn't get. Whenever I get sad about all the complications that arose, I look at my precious baby. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat because everything that happened kept her safe. If I didn't have the csection I don't even want to think what could have happened to her. You did what was best for your baby Momma, and that's all that matters.
I could not have said it better myself. I ended up with an unplanned c-section as well and while I am upset I didn't get my birth experience as planned I'm so glad I did what I had to do bc it ended up being what was best for everyone. I learned it's ok to be sad about it, but I'd try not to beat yourself up too much. You did everything you could for yourself and your baby. That's all that matters.
My first csection was an emergency after an induction. It was so harder emotionally than this one. Eventhough I had wanted a VBAC for the entire pregnancy, my body just didn't go into labor and I was able to leave the hospital on what would have been exactly 2 weeks past my due date. I made the call to have the csection instead of an induction because there were no signs of impending labor and I think that it made a huge difference to be the one in charge of that decision (though my OB agreed with me on the reasons) and to not be exhausted or in an emergency situation. I had time to process my grief that while my body can easily produce healthy, beautiful babies with easy pregnancies, I will never know what natural labor or delivery is like. This really got me down after my first csection because "our bodies were made to do this" but mine could not so did that mean something was wrong with my body? No, something was wrong with my/our expectations of birth - that it is risk-free, that it will be beautiful like Ina May Garten's stories, that it has to happen within a certain time frame (41 weeks is considered "late"), that certain events have to occur after birth in order for it to be "perfect". I really tried to let that go this time but it was really hard to do so with my first.
Maybe we should focus on what our bodies DID do perfectly throughout pregnancy, labor, and recovery because right now, at 1.5 weeks PP with a healthy baby who is breastfeeding like a champ and no more pain at my incision, my body seems pretty damn amazing.
I'm on the opposite side of the C-section as I've had two planned ones. The bonus side is I'm 8 post op and have stopped bleeding already!! Woohoo! I've been pad free for the past two days!
ME: 35 DH: 39
Married July 2011
DD Born 8/12
TTC #2 since 11/13
ME: Submucosal Fibroid Surgery Date APRIL 14th 2015 -Left Tube is blocked by Fibroid~Surgeon removed 26 Fibroids from my Ute and Unblocked my Tube
DH:Azoospermia...Thank God we have 12 vials of frozen swimmers
I had an emergency CS due to the fact that I spiked a 104 degree fever and LO's heartrate was fluctuating between 160-180 and I had no response to meds. I was terrified, crying that I didn't want it but I wasn't given an option. I couldn't have a spinal because I could still feel the 'prick test' on my belly, so I had to have general anesthesia. The worst part of the CS was the gas pain in the shoulders. I would have rather gone through more contractions than experience that! I have a binder from Motherhood Maternity that I don't use much (I really should) because the one from the hospital was horrendously large. I still have some troubles breathing, feeling very short of breath that is different than what I was experiencing during pregnancy. Almost as if I can only fill up half of my lungs at best. I'm still bleeding, at 14 days pp but I can use pantiliners, which is better than the large pads. But I will say that I enjoy the hospital panties for the time being while the incision heals!
I'm on the opposite side of the C-section as I've had two planned ones. The bonus side is I'm 8 post op and have stopped bleeding already!! Woohoo! I've been pad free for the past two days!
Same here, planned cs and very fast recovery. Med free after 3 days and back to normal life after a week... my milk came in really late though and we still supplement w. Formula
Just when I thought the pains were done.... Three weeks pp ..For the first week or so had that burning feeling on left side. That's gone now.. But now the right side is having pains. I know Im lifting more than I should and walking a lot, so I'm sure it's all related. Right side feels almost tight, with an itchy/burning sensation. Almost more of an irritation than a pain. Probably doesn't help that all bottoms and underwear rub on that spot. Wish I had more mesh panties!
I'm almost 4 weeks post c-section and I'm finding that the area above my incision up to my belly button just feels like a giant bruise and is really sensitive. Anybody else experience this or have any insight on when it might go away?
I'm almost 4 weeks post c-section and I'm finding that the area above my incision up to my belly button just feels like a giant bruise and is really sensitive. Anybody else experience this or have any insight on when it might go away?
I've had that feeling both times. This time, it went away a few days ago (at around 1mo pp). Last time it took months.
I'm almost 4 weeks post c-section and I'm finding that the area above my incision up to my belly button just feels like a giant bruise and is really sensitive. Anybody else experience this or have any insight on when it might go away?
I think mine went away shortly after my 6 week post-op appt with OB. It still HURT when he pushed down to check my uterus - warning! Ouch!
Mama to Three Girls: Twins born March 2014 at 26 weeks due to preterm labor and our 37weeker born May 9th, 2016!
Re: C-Section Thread
It's been a slow, painful recovery. I keep using my abs for silly things like sitting up or coughing, and then I'm sore again. My back is killing me from unconciously hunching to "protect" that area. And of course the baby loves to kick me there, and the cats just want to sit on me there. I've been protecting myself with an arsenal of pillows and basically living on my couch (too hard to get in and out of bed).
The gas pains have been THE WORST, but finally started easing off a couple days ago. Thank gosh for colace and gas x or I may have just died, lol.
Honestly, worse than the incision pain is my nerve endings being fried. The skin just below my belly button (above incision) is SO painfully sensitive, like a really bad sunburn. The slightest brush of clothing feels aweful.
I've been living in pjs and this one pair of soft stretchy pants I got for pp (never knew just how perfect they would be--wish I had gotton 2 or 3), and all the mesh undies I stole from the hospital (all my own undies sit on my incision, so these are life savers).
I labored for 14 hours before they decided to do a cs and all I could think about was food food food. I was just starving! Since the surgery, though, I've had little to no appetite. I have to force myself to eat, so I don't get weak or nauseous.
I had a good amount of colostrum the first day, then totally dry until day 4 or 5. Pumping exclusively (rented the hospital pump until mine arrives from insurance) and supplementing with formula. My supply gets a tiny bit better each day but no where near enough to really feed her on it's own.
I can't wait to feel like "me" again...and to get rid of this gross looking dunlap belly. It's just all hangy and swollen and marked. I really miss my cute preggo belly!
@sharra13 I can totally relate. Mine was an induction that just didn't go as planned and ended up in a cs. I too was shaking uncontrollably from the epi, my DH was in the OR with me and he was crying and I totally felt them cut me open, pull out my LO and then close me back up- just awful! Luckily my LO doesn't kick me in my incision- but my cats jump on it all the time LOL! I've been pumping too- LO just couldn't latch on well in the hospital and I wasn't producing nearly enough to exclusively BF. Now half his feedings are BM and the other half is formula. He had his 2 week visit yesterday and has already surpassed his birth weight by 1 pound, 1 oz. so I am really happy. As for the belly, it's funny you say you miss your preggo belly- I was looking in the mirror earlier today at my jiggly belly with big ass scar and thought the same thing, my preggo belly was a lot cuter ha ha.
A week PP and I woke up today feeling almost normal. Breastfeeding has been easy (I didn't have any problems last time, either, aside from normal soreness occasional cracking/bleeding) and my milk came in on day 3 or 4. I can sleep on my side (if I get to sleep) and am impressed at how small my belly looks right now. I can't wait to wear pants without pain but since it is now summer, I think I'm going to take as much advantage as I can of dresses and comfortable shorts.
I hope everyone recovers quickly!
DS: Born 5-17-16
I've been bleeding very lightly since I got home. At this point I wouldn't even call it bleeding--more of just a faint discharge (sorry if tmi). I still wear long thin pads, just bc the liners don't work in the mesh undies at all. And my reg undies are just way too uncomfortable around my incision. I'm really happy that I kept so many and they've held up in my washer/dryer or I don't know what I'd do!
Another question - anyone not using a belly band? I'm feeling really good so far (knock on wood) and wondering if it's even worth it. I was also thinking of maybe just getting an abdominal binder from CVS instead of paying the big bucks for a fancier one.
"I have been struggling with my delivery. It has me really bummed and down. I wanted to do the whole shebang naturally, but had to opt for the epidural 5 hours after being induced. After nearly 12 hours of laboring, we started pushing. I pushed for two hours with no progression. Every time I pushed, his heart rate would spike and not come back down... so the c-section was a must. I didn't get to go skin to skin immediately and had to wait an hour before holding my son. The loss of expectations is crippling."
That is where I am at on my C-Section. I guess I was hoping for some comfort, empathy, or bonding?
Just try to focus on the fact you did want needed to be done for healthy momma/healthy baby which is the most important thing. It does help me out during those time.
I definitely think some feelings of disappointment, helplessness, or sadness can be normal. I remember feeling very disfigured after my first initially. Be kind to yourselves and know that you did the safest thing for your family whether it was to ensure your baby's health or your own health. If you plan to have a RCS in the future, think about what you would want to change, and ask if those changes can be implemented.
Maybe we should focus on what our bodies DID do perfectly throughout pregnancy, labor, and recovery because right now, at 1.5 weeks PP with a healthy baby who is breastfeeding like a champ and no more pain at my incision, my body seems pretty damn amazing.
ME: 35 DH: 39
Married July 2011
DD Born 8/12
TTC #2 since 11/13
ME: Submucosal Fibroid Surgery Date APRIL 14th 2015 -Left Tube is blocked by Fibroid~Surgeon removed 26 Fibroids from my Ute and Unblocked my Tube
DH:Azoospermia...Thank God we have 12 vials of frozen swimmers
July 15-Check to see if Ute is all healed
IUI #1 8/3/15...BFN
IUI #2 9/5/15...BFP on 9/17/15
Beta #1-344
Beta #2-809
Beta #3 8,390
1st u/s 8/8/15 1 bean HB 135 @ 6w5d
Three weeks pp ..For the first week or so had that burning feeling on left side. That's gone now.. But now the right side is having pains. I know Im lifting more than I should and walking a lot, so I'm sure it's all related. Right side feels almost tight, with an itchy/burning sensation. Almost more of an irritation than a pain. Probably doesn't help that all bottoms and underwear rub on that spot. Wish I had more mesh panties!
I think mine went away shortly after my 6 week post-op appt with OB. It still HURT when he pushed down to check my uterus - warning! Ouch!
Mama to Three Girls:
Twins born March 2014 at 26 weeks due to preterm labor
and our 37weeker born May 9th, 2016!