C-section Moms

carries2018 · May 2017

I know we have a few random threads around, but figured we could have a "home" for questions, tips, advice, support, gifs...whatevs.

to start off i guess we could all get to know each other's history if you would like to share...

Number of c-sections?
Reason for c-section(s)?
What was recovery like for you?
Planning to RCS or VBAC?
Tips for dealing with recovery at home?
Advice to someone having their first csection?
Planning on getting tubes tied?
Questions/Worries?
Lets bring a positive - favorite part of a csection?

carries2018 · May 2017

Number of c-sections? 2 - 19 months apart, this will be my third 2.5 years after DD2

Reason for c-section(s)?
DD1 - went into labor and progressed fine. at about 9cm dilated the nurses ran into the room and machines were beeping. i didnt think much of it until the doctor ran in the room too (before it had just been the midwife). They told me to get on my knees (had the epidural at this point so it was not very easy to do that haha). things were still beeping, her HR was going low and she wasn't dropping. they told me they had to do a csection. i figured it would be about an hour or so until they got me in but it scared me how fast they moved i was in the OR within 5 min. I remember being so cold and thirsty...and scared. but they got her out safe and sound! the cord was wrapping around her a couple times which wasnt allowing her to drop and causing her HR to fall. They also said my pelvis is really narrow on the inside they didnt think she would make it through.

DD2 - i struggled with the decision to VBAC or RCS. i didnt decide until a couple days before when a spot unexpectedly opened up with my doctor, i took it as a sign. part of me regrets not trying VBAC even though the doc told me she didnt think she would have made it through my pelvis either and the cord was also wrapped around her (although that could have changed by go time).

What was recovery like for you? DD1 was harder probably bc i labored with her. but i was still shocked i was able to handle a toddler and newborn pretty well after surgery with DD2. i did get a yeast infection in my cut with DD2 bc it was May/hot and i was doing way more than i should have been doing.

Planning to RCS or VBAC? my fate is sealed this time, i am pretty relieved i dont have to make the decision.

Tips for dealing with recovery at home? get alcohol wipes. when it would get itchy i would use those. the coolness helped relieve the itch. i didnt have those with DD2 and i am sure that led to my infection. Also when you get out of the shower use the blowdryer on the cool setting on your scar to dry.

Advice to someone having their first csection? don't listen to other people's comments. that was the hardest for me. i am just happy my babies are here safe, but i felt defensive of other people saying things to me about it as if i failed. they have no idea. so screw them.

Planning on getting tubes tied? this is what i am having trouble with. i keep going back and forth. we are 99% done. but i just dont feel like i will know until DS is here. i am only 31. but i am interested to hear other thoughts on the matter.

Questions/Worries? my AS is next week. they said they need to check for the location of my placenta if it is near my scar they will have to send me to a special hospital in the city bc they can't handle that type at mine. that has me a little worried. i am sure it won't be an issue. but it has been on my mind a lot.

Lets bring a positive - favorite part of a csection? I love that H gets the bonding time before i am all sew back up and with them. i think that is so special.

nbcarlson · May 2017

Number of c-sections?
1, I only have DS.

Reason for c-section(s)?
I stopped progressing at 9cm, DS's heart rate started dropping, and then he passed meconium.

What was recovery like for you?
I don't remember it being terrible, I remember being really sore in the hospital but once I got home I didn't even need pain meds. I feel like I was mostly just exhausted from the 18 hours of unmedicated labor leading up to the CS.

Planning to RCS or VBAC?
I am going to do a RCS. I went back and forth but it mostly came down to knowing what a C-section is like already.

Tips for dealing with recovery at home?
Just take it easy, much easier said than done. I'm super stubborn and hate taking help. This time around I am going to take any help i am offered.

Advice to someone having their first csection?
Don't be hard on yourself. I felt like I missed something by not having a vaginal birth I had a ton of guilt. Ignore everyone's opinions or comments and know that you did what was best for you and the baby.

Planning on getting tubes tied?
No, I'm like 99% sure we are done having babies because we plan on adopting after this, but I'm only 27 so I'll probably get another IUD and then do something more permanent after that.

Questions/Worries?
My onlt worry is really stupid haha. I'm due 11/2 and so my RCS will be scheduled close to Halloween and I really don't want to miss Halloween with DS, I know my husband can take him around but I hate missing things!

Lets bring a positive - favorite part of a csection?
Not having to worry about vaginal tears, padsicles, and pain when I pee haha. Obviously there are other painful things you have to deal with but I am glad they are not on such a super sensitive body part.

carries2018 · May 2017

@nbcarlson maybe you can take him to the first couple houses then go back home and get some snuggles toddler free!

nbcarlson · May 2017

carries2018 said:

@nbcarlson maybe you can take him to the first couple houses then go back home and get some snuggles toddler free!

I'm pretty sure that is what we will do. Not many houses in our neighborhood participate but we usually take him to the mall as well, I think DH will be doing that part solo.

nbcarlson · May 2017

@carries2018 Did they have to check for the placenta next to the scar last time as well? Also do they cut through the same scar on a RCS? I'm not trying to look like frankenstein lol.

carries2018 · May 2017

@nbcarlson they must have checked but just didnt tell me since it wasn't an issue, this time the doc casually mentioned it and i was like WHAT!? haha. they do cut along the same scar, even if the placenta is there i guess. but they just have to have a specialist do it if the placenta is there.

beautyundefined · May 2017

Number of c-sections? 1
Reason for c-section(s)? Developed preeclampsia during labor
What was recovery like for you? Painful, but I didn't really need the pain meds after a week and a half.
Planning to RCS or VBAC? I'm going to try a tolac (trial of labor after cesarean) , so I wont be deciding until I go into labor or my doctor advises a c section.
Tips for dealing with recovery at home? Get an abdominal girtle, I didn't use one but I wish I had.
Advice to someone having their first csection? Don't stress too much, and try to get your doctor to do a gentle c section
Planning on getting tubes tied? No
Questions/Worries? Having to take care of a toddler and a newborn after the c section
Lets bring a positive - favorite part of a csection? It was quick

beautyundefined · May 2017

@carries2018 thanks for the blow dryer tip! You mentioned that having a new born and a toddler wasn't as hard as you expected it to be, do you have any tips to help dealing with that?

carries2018 · May 2017

@beautyundefined just listen to your body. i was home alone quite a bit so i did have to break the rules and lift DD1 from time to time. but i just tried to have her climb up as much as possible. when you dont go through labor your body heals faster so i think that helped. i wore DD2 when we went out. i dont know if i have magical advice, but it just wasnt as bad as i was expecting...i think mostly bc my memory of newborns was a lot harder in my imagination than what it actually was. i did an activity in the morning (go to the park, store, friends/family over, etc) then that led to a good nap time for both and i would let my body rest.

sdarling2010 · May 2017

@carries2018 thank you for starting this thread!

@nbcarlson perfect questions, I'd been wondering about where they make the incision for a 2nd csection.

Number of c-sections?
1

Reason for c-section(s)?
Labor started with my water breaking. I was in labor for 30 hours including 2 hours of pushing. Because it had been so long since my water broke, and DD wasn't making progress coming down the birth canal, a csection was necessary.

What was recovery like for you?
TBH, it was horrible. I was on pain meds for 2 weeks. And OTC pain meds for another week.

Planning to RCS or VBAC?
Right now, I'm hoping for a VBAC. But I'm not totally against a RCS or the possibility that may have to happen anyway. I have to meet with an OB (opposed to my midwife) at 32 weeks to discuss the risks and benefits to each option based on how my pregnancy has gone up to that point.

Tips for dealing with recovery at home?
If you have a 2-story house, have a pack n play/sleeping apparatus upstairs and downstairs. This saved us! Ours has the napper and changing table attachments and it made things so easy, not having to go up and downstairs to change or put down to sleep. We kept it in the living room and allowed us to nap on the couch/watch Netflix while baby slept. Also, for 2-story homes, pack a bag for the stuff you routinely need during the day so you don't have to make unnecessary trips on the stairs.

Sleeping upright for a couple weeks helped ease pressure on the incision. The pregnancy pillow is majorly handy even after the baby is out!

Advice to someone having their first csection?
I second what others have said - be kind and easy on yourself. A csection happens to keep mama and baby as safe and healthy as possible. Remember, no matter how this baby exits your body, you've still grown and birthed a baby.

Planning on getting tubes tied?
We are also 99% sure we're done having kids, too. But I'm going to get an IUD for awhile before anything permanent is done. And when it comes time to do that, DH will be getting a vasectomy.

Questions/Worries?
I'm worried about trying for a VBAC and needing a csection. The possibility of being so worn out after such a long Labor and major surgery, again, freaks me out a bit.

Has anyone attempted VBAC that didn't work out? What was your experience like - length of labor, what made the csection necessary, etc?

Lets bring a positive - favorite part of a csection?
Basically exactly what @nbcarlson said - not having to deal with major vaginal pain, pain while peeing, etc. I did also love DH snuggling with DD while I was getting stitched up.

ShreyaR · May 2017

Number of c-sections?
1

Reason for c-section(s)?
I was induced and since nothing happened, labour was not established and nothing progressed from 1 cm so the Doctor to go for a C-Sect and I said ok.

What was recovery like for you?
Recovery went smoothly but it was sooooo painful especially when I had to get in and out of bed and go to the toilet, it was painful for atleast a week and it slowly subsided but the first week was hell tbh!

Planning to RCS or VBAC?
I have still not decided. If I think about the pain then I want to try VBAC but who says VBAC is not painful? It is literally going into the unknown. I had an appointment with my midwife who gave me pros and cons of both and I am terribly confused!

Tips for dealing with recovery at home?
Ummm although I have had a section before, I still need tips for recovery at home!

Advice to someone having their first csection?
Be prepared for everything, if you have set your mind for a normal delivery but because of the situation, if you need a csection, don't be disappointed or be hard on yourself. If it's best for you and the baby, go for it and take it easy!

Planning on getting tubes tied?
I will probably just get an implant although I have no plan of having a 3rd child.

Questions/Worries?
My midwife said the only pain med they will give me after csection is paracetamol and if that doesn't help, which it defo won't, is ibuprofen! Really?? I can't imagine just surviving on that. I had my first csection in a different country and was given strong med for atleast 24 hours. I was numb and painless for atleast that period of time. So I am scared to death thinking I won't be getting anything else, I still need to ask my OB before I decide on what to do this time. My question is what sort of pain relief were you given? And if you were only given paracetamol, how was the pain?

Favourite part part of the Csection?
Baby will be out in minutes and everything else others said!

buttercream_frosting · May 2017

Number of c-sections? 1
Reason for c-section(s)? DS got stuck. Induced from stage 0. Interventions/inductions usually lead to CS.
What was recovery like for you? Incision was never painful but my back ached and my belly button was sore.
Planning to RCS or VBAC? VBAC. Very passionate for VBAC
Tips for dealing with recovery at home? Make sure you have someone to deal with ALL house chores. Focus on yourself and new baby. Try to walk a bit more every single day.
Advice to someone having their first csection? Talk to people who have been there. Understand that there is a big difference between scheduled and emergency.
Planning on getting tubes tied? No
Questions/Worries? I dont want a repeat CS.
Lets bring a positive - favorite part of a csection? Sorry but I HATED every minute of mine. It was extremely traumatic.

nbcarlson · May 2017

@buttercream_frosting I'm sorry yours was so traumatic

I remember you talking about that. Wishing you the best of luck with your VBAC, hopefully with less interventions and such yours will go smoother!

beautyundefined · May 2017

@carries2018 @nbcarlson have you ladies looked into a gentle c section? If I end up with another c section I would like it to be a gentle c section.

lovehorse77 · May 2017

Number of c-sections? 1 (just one little nugget so far)
Reason for c-section(s)? My little bean was footling breech. It was the option. So grateful to modern medicine or we both might not be here today.
What was recovery like for you? Hell.
Planning to RCS or VBAC? VBAC if at all possible.
Tips for dealing with recovery at home? Listen to your gut and demand an appointment if you feel you need to be seen.
Advice to someone having their first csection? Know that you're brave and strong and wonderful.
Planning on getting tubes tied? Hellz to the no, I want more babies!
Questions/Worries? Just worried about needing a repeat and it being even harder since I'll also have a toddler. But whatever is needed will happen. I want a healthy baby first and foremost.
Lets bring a positive - favorite part of a csection? Not the least bit worried that sex would hurt since that body area wasn't involved!

tyannej · May 2017

Thank y'all for starting this! With being a FTM I don't know what's going to happen with me. I'm hoping for a vaginal birth because I've been told horror stories about c-sections but I'm down for anything that gets her out and and in this world safely.

carries2018 · May 2017

Tbh @beautyundefined I don't really have a desire for gentle. I love my doc and the way the staff handled my other csections both in a planned and unplanned setting. I am a pretty big hypochondriac I just want the baby out and looked at. They let me see them and then H goes off with them. I trust their system and I feel most comfortable with doing what they think needs to be done. I think if gentle is something that you feel will make your experience better I definitely think you should. But my mind works better/feels more comfortable under "standard process"

lilpoots · May 2017

*lurking*

@nbcarlson @carries2018 they can cut the external incision in the same location, but sometimes have to cut in a different place on your uterus due to the location of the placenta. They don't want to nick it. FX you don't need to worry about this. My Dr warned me about this with my csection due to previa.

carries2018 · May 2017

Thanks @lilpoots that makes more sense! I don't medical obviously haha and I was talking to my doc about what it meant and I was like sooooo you cut up here?! And she was like uhhh no haha.

mandmplus1 · May 2017

Number of c-sections? One
Reason for c-section(s)? DS was stuck. Dr actually said "I have to push him back in. This is going to hurt."
What was recovery like for you? It wasn't bad. All I wanted to do was hang around the house holding my baby so I felt up to doing more sooner than my body would let me though. I remember having to have DH come pick me up when a walk around the block made me tired and I couldn't finish. I did fly across the country with my newborn at 4 weeks without issue or restrictions so I remember it being a smooth recovery.
Planning to RCS or VBAC? With what happened last time and having placenta previa this time I will have a RCS. I think it will be better this time because it is planned rather than emergency. I was in a bit of a panic at the sudden change from delivery room to operating room and I'm looking forward to the peace of mind scheduling it will bring.
Tips for dealing with recovery at home? Like others have said, I also used a cool blow dryer and really liked that. The other thing that helped me was to use a pad and fold it in half and put it on my incision. I end up with an apron stomach after pregnancy and I was afraid of sweating into my incision so I'd use the blow dryer and put a cotton pad along the length of my stomach.
Advice to someone having their first csection? I wish that I had known that I might not have control of my arms for a couple hours. I wasn't able to hold my baby on my own so the nurse and my husband helped me do skin to skin.
Planning on getting tubes tied? No. I am 99% confident I can't get pregnant without assistance after trying for so many years but I'd love a surprise baby so definitely not getting tubes tied.
Questions/Worries?
Lets bring a positive - favorite part of a section? Well I didn't have any tearing or issues peeing so that was nice. With a scheduled csection I'm looking forward to a quick delivery. Last time I labored for 20 hours then had an emergency section at 1am. I am looking forward to being relatively rested the night before and having my baby soon after getting to the hospital.

nbcarlson · May 2017

@lovehorse77 I may be in the minority here but for whatever the first few times I had sex after it was so painful. We had to wait a while because my dr didn't want me having sex and possibly getting pg before they placed my IUD, so I had plenty of time to recover. We used a ton of lube but everything was so tight I just remember being in a lot of pain.

buttercream_frosting · May 2017

@nbcarlson Thank you! I am definitely hoping for a positive birth experience. I also had a lot of feels of not being able to push DS out. Like I some how failed my fundamental role of reproducing. Hugs!

@mandmplus1 I like your positives. No tearing or peeing issues was a good thing! And no issues having sex either!

@carries2018 Your positive was a negative for me LOL. I felt really robbed when DH got to hold DS first. I was like "THAT'S MY BABY I CARRIED FOR NINE MONTHS!!" I didn't even get to see him when he was born because i was knocked out cold for my CS. You have a more generous heart than me.

nbcarlson · May 2017

beautyundefined said:

@carries2018 @nbcarlson have you ladies looked into a gentle c section? If I end up with another c section I would like it to be a gentle c section.

I have sort of looked into it. The only thing I'd like to do differently this time is skin to skin right away because my milk took forever to come in and I'm hoping that might help. Other than that I really have no gripes about my CS.

OliveOyl2014 · May 2017

Number of c-sections?

This will be my third! DD in April 2014 and DS in Oct 2015

Reason for c-section(s)?

With DD my water had been broken for almost 24 hours with little progression, and I developed a fever. With DS I dilated to 9 and started pushing and his head was not in the right position.

What was recovery like for you?
Tough with both. I was on a lot of pain but I would say that recovery was easier the second time around.

Planning to RCS or VBAC?

My midwife and the practice she is with will not allow a vbac. I have no choice but RCS.

Tips for dealing with recovery at home?

Find a comfortable place to sleep. Our bed was too high for me to get up on and the couch ended up being more comfortable.

Advice to someone having their first csection?

Don't be alarmed that you stay numb around the incision for a loooooong time. Like at least a year later I had numb areas. And during the actual operation you will shake a lot. Like uncontrollably.

Planning on getting tubes tied?

YES! Definitely done after this!

Questions/Worries?

What type of anesthesia did they give you for the repeat sections? Was it pretty much the same as the epidural?

Lets bring a positive - favorite part of a csection?

I wasn't as worried about the first poo since nothing was torn up down there.

shan24 · May 2017

Thanks for starting this thread! I have the option of requesting a section because I tore so spectacularly with DS. At 3 months pp, I had an ovary removed, and the incision was in the same spot as a c section, so I have some idea about what recovery of abdominal surgery is like with a baby. My fear is being cut into while I'm awake. That's giving me some serious anxiety.

ForwardnBackward · May 2017

@carries2018 re: tubes tied. My friend made a (somewhat morbid) point the other day. She is declining tubes tied during c-section even though they are "done" after this because "what if something happens to one of their kids?" Not to say they would decide to have more to "replace" (for lack of a good word) but it just felt too permanent when she thought of that. Just another perspective (that many may not be keen on).

mandmplus1 · May 2017

@shan24 I also had fears about being awake. I was practically hyperventilating over it and the anesthesiologist talked me though it to calm me down and also promised they'd make sure I was numb before proceeding. I remember him saying "I'm here. We won't cut until we know your numb. You have to work on your breathing to calm down or I will have to knock you completely out and you won't see your baby for hours." And he sat by my head the whole procedure talking to me. That did the trick.

carries2018 · May 2017

@shan24 the idea of being awake scared me the most about a csection. it really isnt that bad. they made sure i was numb. and there was a curtain so i couldnt see anything. and they kept talking to me to sort of distract me. and the baby is out really quick and you are kissing/watching them clean them up you just sort of forget about it.

@forwardnbackward that is in the back of my mind. if anything happened during the surgery (even just to me) they wouldnt tie the tubes. i think we will just wait but i haven't been on BC for 7 years i am kind of scared to go back on and IUD scares the shiznit out of me.

beautyundefined · May 2017

@nbcarlson thats the only way that I would schedule a rcs, I want the baby to be immediately put on my chest during my c section

melarowan · May 2017

Ladies, thank you for starting this thread. The whole idea of c-section gives me major anxiety and reading this is prompting me to have a lengthy conversation with the OB at my next appointment.

With my GD, there's a good chance this will be a BIG baby and they'll insist on a c-section. My major concern is that I'm a big lady and my tummy folds over right in the cutting spot, so how well will it heal, pain factors, etc. I am planning to be back to work 4-6 weeks after delivery because I can't afford more. If I need to figure out how to afford more time off to heal, now's the time to find out.

carries2018 · May 2017

@melarowan i have a hanging stomach that covers my incision. it was fine, but you just have to be careful about keeping it dry (blow dryer helps and the alcohol wipes). in October (depending where you live i guess) it is pretty cool so i didnt really have issues with that csection and sweating, it was the May one i did. if possible i would try to take 6 weeks if possible, assuming your job isnt to labor intensive 4 weeks would be fine to return physically but mentally i would give yourself 6 weeks at least.

OliveOyl2014 · May 2017

This may sound very vain, but has anyone considered doing a tummy tuck at the same time as csection? I hate the way my stomach hangs down and I'm half considering asking my doctor if they offer it.

carries2018 · May 2017

YOU CAN DO THAT!?

OliveOyl2014 · May 2017

@carries2018 I'm not even sure it is possible. I guess you would have to book a plastic surgeon at the same time. I'll ask my midwife on Friday if they offer it.

carries2018 · May 2017

yea ask and report back. it is my dream to be skinny and not do anything to get there.

monstera13 · May 2017

Apparently that is called a C-Tuck. Google says it's not a great idea:

https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/tummy-tuck-after-c-section#3

carries2018 · May 2017

the idea of waiting around for an plastic surgeon doesnt sound fun when i want to get it wrapped up. i thought the OB could just do it.

OliveOyl2014 · June 2017

jessirh said:

Apparently that is called a C-Tuck. Google says it's not a great idea:

https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/tummy-tuck-after-c-section#3

Thanks for the info! I figured logistically it would be a nightmare to get everyone on schedule at the same time. Wishful thinking lol

lovehorse77 · June 2017

The being awake while the c section was happening was majorly awful for me. For whatever reason my body has a history of not responding well to numbing methods and this was no different for me. Had to he knocked out after I got to see her bc I was feeling WAAAAY too much. Another reason I hope this baby puts her little head down and scoots right on out. :-P
If you don't have previous history of not responding well w numbing stuff I wouldn't even worry a bit. I don't know almost anyone who had the experience I did. (In real life anyway, not Internet life)

folamij · June 2017

Number of c-sections?
1

Reason for c-section(s)?
I went into labor naturally but my water didn't break. Labor stalled and DD's heart rate dropped. Emergency CS was ordered to get her out.

What was recovery like for you?
Hellish. I was so pumped full of fluids that I had to take lasics. I really couldn't do anything for 2 weeks.

Planning to RCS or VBAC?
I want a VBAC. My OB said per hospital policy she has to put me on the RCS I found I don't go into labor by 39 weeks. At my next appointment, I plan to see if it can be pushed until 40 weeks.

Tips for dealing with recovery at home?
Keep a bedside basket of necessary supplies for those first few days. It was so convenient to have everything I needed altogether without having walk all around the house.
If you have help, TAKE IT! Let someone else cook and clean.

Advice to someone having their first csection?
Give yourself some grace. Don't push yourself too hard if you're not feeling 100%. GET AN ABDOMINAL BINDER!!! Bellefit's are worth it IMO.

Planning on getting tubes tied?
Nope. Still considering having more

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