C-section thread!

Mattel · November 2017

I know some of us will have a scheduled c/s and some of us will have one unplanned, so I thought it would be nice to open a discussion about them and hopefully offer advice or encouraging words

Are you having a c/s this time? Is it a repeat?

Any tips or helpful advice for first time c/s moms?

Share your previous c/s experience if you would like

Mattel · November 2017

Are you having a c/s this time? Is it a repeat?

This will be my second. I am diabetic so I have to deliver usually around 38 weeks. We tried to induce last time but my body was not even close to being ready so I ended up with a c/s. Repeat c/s is scheduled for 3/30 (hubbys bday!) at 37w6d

Any tips or helpful advice for first time c/s moms?

Get up and get moving as soon after as you can. It helps with healing and also the inevitable constipation. Gas pains and constipation were the most painful part of recovery for me last time. It took 8 days for me to go to the bathroom and that was painful. My incision wasn’t bad at all. They still softeners they gave didn’t help me and I needed the big guns. Pain meds are important during recovery but they also exacerbate constipation.

Share your previous c/s experience if you would like

I actually enjoyed the experience. We were surrounded by the NICU team and surgical team but if still felt very personal. Because of my high risk status and some other issues that came up with the baby during my pregnancy, we were warned she would likely need to go to the NICU, she may not cry right away, they would be monitoring her blood sugar, etc. The doc told me I would feel lots of pressure and tugging and it may get uncomfortable for a bit. My husband and I were talking to each other waiting for them to start and suddenly we heard this great big huge cry. We didn’t even know they had started and she was out. I didn’t feel any of the sensations they warned me about. She was perfectly healthy, didn’t require a minute in the NICU. They called my husband over and after they diapered and swaddled her, they let him bring her over to me. She went right from the OR to recovery with me and I was able to nurse right away. It wasn’t what I had imagined but it was still an incredible experience. I’ll never forget that moment or hearing that cry that told me she was okay!

btm013 · November 2017

I’m such a post whore as I’ve been saying this whole time I’m going to try VBAC. But when I think about the convenience of scheduling a repeat C-section and not going through labor, I am tempted. I look forward to your responses!! Also curious if the second time around is easier than the first.

Mattel · November 2017

@btm013 I would love at least a TOLAC. it’s just not an option for me, which I’ve accepted. The only part that bums me out is that because my induction was such a failure, I never even experienced a single contraction. That probably sounds crazy but I wish I knew what it felt like. On the upside, I will do whatever brings my baby out healthy and with the least risk (in my situation).

kmalls · November 2017

Thanks for starting this thread, @Mattel! I have lots to say but I'm out with DD at brunch. I'll come back soon!

mikkimikey · November 2017

Are you having a c/s this time? Is it a repeat?
Yes I am having a c/s and yes it is a repeat. This is my third baby and the first one was a vagival delivery.

I had an epidural, which of course comes with a catheter. They didn’t deflate the balloon on the catheter when I started pushing, and when I pushed my daughter out, I pushed the catheter out (complete with balloon). I caused SO much bladder damage that I’ve had two bladder surgeries to try and fix the situation and nothing has worked so far.

So as to not make the bladder issue worse (as pregnancy itself tends to do anyway) I get c-sections from now on. Score!! ((insert sarcasm))

Any tips or helpful advice for first time c/s moms?
Take it easy, take it easy, take it easy. I felt like I could do ANYTHING, and actually got discharged from the hospital early after my last c-section (less than 48 hours after delivery—which is unheard of for a c/s) because I was feeling so good. But LET OTHERS HELP YOU. You will be very sore.

Also, stay ON TOP of any pain meds before you start to be in pain. Don’t be a hero. Because many times, if you start to feel the pain, it’ll be too late to “play catch-up” with the Tylenol or whatever it is you’re taking.

During the surgery, DO NOT LOOK UP AT THE LIGHT. I’m dead serious. There’s a bright light above you for the doctors to be able to see what they’re doing. Don’t look into it, as it acts like a mirror, and you will be able to see into your stomach. You’ll see everything they’re doing and it.is.not.pretty. Fat is yellow, didja know that? ((Shudder))

Share your previous c/s experience if you would like
The actual c/s went well. There was only one slightly scary part. After they delivered the baby, they were doing all of the cleaning and my husband came back over to me, and I passed out because my blood pressure yanked. Luckily, that’s what the anesthesiologist is there for, and he’s right by your head for that exact purpose. This isnwhile the doctor is doing all of the stitching up, stapling, etc.

also, your staples will get really itchy. Lightly patting them will help. Don’t scratch!

That’s all I can think of for right now!

danjoly · November 2017

Are you having a c/s this time? Is it a repeat?
Had an emergency csection last time. I was told yesterday by my MFM that unless I go in labor on my own before 38weeks and shows up the hospital 4cm+ dilated, I will have a repeat. I knew it was most likely the case because I have to be induce because of blood thinner and barely made it to 37weeks last time so I'm trying to focus on the pros of having a csection again! (Easier to get sitters lined up for DS, no long labor or contractions!!!!, show up to the hospital with a nice brushing and make up (kidding!))
Any tips or helpful advice for first time c/s moms?
I would say nobody wants (well maybe a few weirdos who want intact vagina ) want a csection but still prepare yourself for one by being informed. On my last bmb 40% of the girls ended up with CSection and most of them were emergency/unplanned ones. TALK TO YOUR HUSBAND ABOUT IT. Explain what can happen etc. I know it was one of the thing that came up the most how men were freaked out and didn't know what to expect when they were sent to get dressed up. Also, a csection is not a failure, don't let anyone tell you "you didn't really give birth" or whatever BS you can hear. Also, it might take a little longer for your milk to come in, it's ok to supplement while you wait. It won't ruin your BF and your baby won't lose too much weight that way. In your birth plan, have a section about csection and discussed it with your OB beforehand. I know every hospital have their own policies but I was happy to know that my baby would stay with me at all time (unless NICU needed) and what would happen etc.
Share your previous c/s experience if you would like
So, I was in labor for 27h after a 37weeks induction for low fluids. My DS's heart started to decelerate after the ruptured my membranes and they rushed me in for an emergency csection. Overall, I had a "great" experience. The only thing that I regret, is that I got morphine about 1h before the emergency because I was trying to delay the epidural and ended up being completely stoned from it. So part of my csection was spent trying to stay awake to soak in everything that was happening. My recovery was easy. I mean yes it hurts, STAY ON TOP OF YOUR PAIN MEDS!, but I've seen friends with very bad tearing in worst shape than I was. I was walking 2h later and by the time I got home I was mostly on motrin and only taking the big guns PK at night. Don't over do it but also don't under do it would be my advice. Your body needs to move otherwise it makes everything more painful. Try taking little walks, sitting up etc. I was going up and down the stairs the day I got home and was taking outside (small walk) with the stroller the day after. The most annoying part for me was the numbness/nerve burning sensation. I thought it would never come back to normal and it was freaking me out. 15 months after, my belly still doesn't feel 100% normal but it's not painful, it's just weird.
Using a pillow on my scar and stool softener helped a lot + big encyclopedia under my feet while pooping. High raised underwear were also a big plus until my scar healed. I also wore leggings for a long time because jeans were bothering me.

ladythrice · November 2017

danjoly said:

Also, a csection is not a failure, don't let anyone tell you "you didn't really give birth" or whatever BS you can hear.

SO. MUCH. THIS. I can't tell you how many comments I received, delivered with no negative intentions, that cut deeply because, I hadn't "truly experienced birth" and how "no idea what labor was like." Cue feelings of failure and sadness (PP) and rage (now).

ladythrice · November 2017

Are you having a c/s this time? Is it a repeat?
I had a C/S with DS and am hoping for a VBAC2 for this pregnancy. However, a C/S is always a possibility so I plan for the eventuality.

Any tips or helpful advice for first time c/s moms?
So much of what others have said:

If you are scheduling a C/S, look into getting a "Family Friendly" section--sections don't have to be cold sterile surgerys where you don't even get to see/hold your baby.
Respect that you just had major abdominal surgery. You will go through a period where you feel invincible and amazing, just remember you had surgery and be kind to your body.
TAKE.YOUR.MEDS. Don't stop taking your meds because you are feeling good.... trust me on this.
Make sure they start you on stool softeners in the hospital.
YOU.ARE.NOT.A.FAILURE. Don't ever feel like this or let people treat you as such.

Share your previous c/s experience if you would like
My C/S experience wasn't terrible. It wasn't ideal, and I feel like it wasn't necessary, just convenient for the doctors, so my issues/complaints about my section stem predominantly from that. However, that being said, I did NOT have a family friendly section. I was nauseaus during the surgery so they administered anti-nausea meds. I started shaking uncontrollably so they administered anti-shake meds.I had an epi for my section (vice a spinal block or being under). I felt the tugging. DH saw DS being born, they allowed him to look, in fact the anesthesiologist basically grabbed him and tugged him up to look and took pictures for us (<3 that man as we were too shell-shocked at this point to do much). DH was with DS the whole time but I didn't even get to see him until he was bathed, dressed, and swaddled (/cry). DH held DS while I was sewn up and transfered to recovery. Once in recovery, when I could theoretically finally hold DS, I was unable to because of the drugs given during surgery. I was too weak and exhausted. The nurses held DS to my breast for his first latch (/cry).

My goals for my delivery with DD1 were to attempt a VBAC, and if that didn't work, get my family friendly section (skin to skin, nursing in the OR, etc etc).

kmalls · November 2017

Are you having a c/s this time? Is it a repeat?
Yes, I'll be having a scheduled c/s. It will be my third c/s but the first that is scheduled.

...and I need to keep saying that outloud to convince myself! At my first appt with this pregnancy, the OB said, "well, I'd really recommend a scheduled c-section since the VBAC didn't work out last time." Up until that point it hadn't even crossed my mind that another VBAC attempt would be possible. Now that I know it's potentially on the table, it's been really hard not to consider it.

Any tips or helpful advice for first time c/s moms?
- Like @danjoly said, DO NOT think of a c-section as a failure. Is your baby out and healthy? Yes? Then you had a successful birth.
A c-section means you endured whatever you had to in order to ensure the health and safety of yourself and/or the baby.

- I cannot stress enough the importance of staying on top of your meds. With my first, my gut reaction was to refuse some doses of Percocet -- such a bad move. I was in pain and miserable. With my second, I made sure the nurses wrote out the schedule of meds on the white board in my room and had my husband hunt down whoever was on call to give them to me at the right time. Nurses shifts are constantly changing and it's easy for your medication to be forgotten. Advocate for yourself!

- Move around as much as possible, even just in small increments. My second c/s was a waaaay easier recovery because I had a 19 month old at home. That forced me to get up and move pretty frequently, and I healed so much faster.

- That being said, please don't forget that you've had major abdominal surgery. There's no need to be a hero, if someone offers you help around the house, take it! Dont be shy about it, either. Ask them to clean a bathroom or put a load of laundry in the washer. Stuff like that is tough when you're recovering.

- I was surprised to read that @mikkimikey had staples! Mine have always been dissolvable stitches that fell out on their own before my 2 week follow up appt.

Share your previous c/s experience if you would like.
My first was an emergency c/s due to fetal distress. I went into labor on my own (in the middle of an actual blizzard) and when we got to the hospital, the call was immediately made for a c/s. DS's heart rate plummeted with every contraction. I remember being in total disbelief -- like, I hadn't even considered a c/s as a possibility. Even as they were wheeling me into the OR I was thinking things would turn around and I wouldn't need one after all. In that moment I was so glad I hadn't become 1000% attached to a specific birth plan, because everything went right out the window -- and that was ok!!

My second was an unseccesful VBAC, which to this day I'm so happy I attempted. I was induced due to high fluid levels, labored for 24 hours, epidural failed, and I myself made the call for a c/s. I'm forever grateful to my OB for letting me have so much control over the situation.

okayrunner · November 2017

Are you having a c/s this time? Is it a repeat?
I'm going to join this post too. My goal is to VBAC, but because I'll likely have another big baby, it is pretty unlikely. (Thanks DHs family genes for that.) If I have to get a repeat C, my goal is family friendly and I'm hoping that my body can at least be allowed to decide when is time.

Any tips or helpful advice for first time c/s moms?
I'll reiterate that you didn't fail! I still really struggle with that, and I wouldn't wish that feeling on anyone. I definitely agree movement is helpful. The first walk was so painful, it really surprised me. I also fell out of my hospital bed getting up once, so make sure you're not alone and holding baby getting up/down.

A lot of people mentioned pain meds. I'm kind of the odd man out. I didn't take any narcotics afterwards. Strictly ibuprofen, and while I'm sure I was more sore, I knew it was better for me. Opiates make me miserable, puke, and super constipated.

Share your previous c/s experience if you would like
Mine was a "pre-emergency" c-section I guess. I had been in pitocin induced labor for 22 hours after my water had started leaking, and never made it past a four. They said I was showing signs of infection. They didn't seem to try very hard, and to be honest, I question a lot of what actually happened. In the end, DS was 9 pounds, and they said he dropped with his crooked so he couldn't progress. He had some issues with fluids from the C section, which was scary. But otherwise we are both healthy and recovered well.

g_amoss · November 2017

Thank you all for sharing your experiences! My first was a V delivery, with no unusual issues. At my first appointment after confirming this pregnancy, OB said he would do CS @ 37 weeks, which surprised me. At my last appointment, he said as long as the lower baby isn’t breach, they won’t plan CS. So, time will tell I guess!

lindsye · November 2017

@g_amoss my sister just had a successful vaginal delivery with her twins, so it definitely can be done (if that's what you end up deciding you want to do).

ladythrice · November 2017

@G-amoss and @Lindsye, that's amazing! For some reason I assumed all twin pregnancies were automatic C/S!

lindsye · November 2017

@ladythrice I'll be honest, I pretty much thought she was crazy for insisting on attempting a vaginal birth (when I thought she would surely end up needing at least one to be delivered by c section) but she stuck to her guns and made it happen! The first baby born was optimally positioned for vaginal birth but the second was not, so she did end up with some tearing and difficulty birthing the second one. But I was still amazed! I would have gone straight for the c section for sure.

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