December 2017 Moms
ShyTonia
member
C-Section Moms
ShyTonia
member
(I actually stole part of this from another birth month and I thought it may be helpful to us here.)
Our LO is still very comfy in her breech position
so we are just going with the flow and leaving it in God’s hands! We are scheduled Nov 29th for a Csection and I’m totally open to either birthing experience...but I’d love to learn more about Csections if y’all would like to share your stories!
So I figured we could have a "home" for questions, tips, advice and support for all Csection related topics
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?
Questions/Worries?
Lets bring a positive - favorite part of a csection?
Our LO is still very comfy in her breech position
so we are just going with the flow and leaving it in God’s hands! We are scheduled Nov 29th for a Csection and I’m totally open to either birthing experience...but I’d love to learn more about Csections if y’all would like to share your stories!So I figured we could have a "home" for questions, tips, advice and support for all Csection related topics
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?
Questions/Worries?
Lets bring a positive - favorite part of a csection?
Re: C-Section Moms
Reason for c-section(s)? High blood pressure that kept rising. I was 38.3 so henjsut went ahead and took her.
What was recovery like for you? I was up walking right st 12 hours post c section. It was terrible but I believe it helped me. I was also told to rock in a chair and it would relieve gas. I never had an gas so I’m guessing that’s why.
I took pain meds but the pain wasn’t unbearable. The worst was the burning of the incision, like where they tied the stitches off. That lasted for months. But I feel like I was feeling better after about 3 weeks.
Planning to RCS or VBAC? RCS
Tips for dealing with recovery at home? Don’t over do. Some day she you’ll feel better than others and try to do too much. Then you’ll regret it. As cliche as it sounds, rest is
the best. I won’t be getting much of that with a toddler and a newborn. Ha. Take your meds if you need too. Don’t lift anymore than youre supposed too.
Advice to someone having their first C section? You’re gonna get frustrated st times because it’s hard to move quickly. Dd would be crying and I couldn’t get to her. It was so hard and then I was so emotional I would just cry and cry. Also, you’ll learn to kinda throw your legs out of bed, then push yourself up with your arms because using abdominal muscles hurts.
Questions/Worries? I am just worried about not being able to pick up my toddler. It’s just me and her all the time and we are thick as thieves. I don’t want her to feel neglected.
Lets bring a positive - favorite part of a c section? When they lifted they preicous precious baby over the curtain and I saw her for the first time. And they put her by my head. Oh goodness! I knew right then and there that it didn’t matter how she got here, she was here and we were both safe and healthy.
So so I got to the hospital for observation and they decided to take her. I went into prep (they will give you meds, antacid, do your paper work, speak with anesthesia, shave you, etc. Then I got wheeled back. Hubs got to come with me until the OR and he had to wait outside. It was time for my spinal. They made me bend over a pillow and I had to gel them if the damn needle was in the center of my spine (scary much). I was bent over enough so they pushed me and boom, it went in. They said, “hurry move to the operating table and lay down”. Just like that I was numb.
He walked me through step by step of what he was doing. He knew I was terrified because i wasn’t saying a word. There was pressure but horrible. I got really nauseated. He had to lower my head to the ground and pull and tug her out. She come out screaming. Ha ha they showed her to me and he told me they would start stitching me up. That’s they last thing I recall because I was so enthralled with my baby.
I got sick afterwards in recovery and I got the shakes but it wasn’t terrible. i had her st 4:38pm Tuesday and went home Friday afternoon
Reason for c-section(s)? Last time, we had a failed induction. DD would not descend and I never dilated past 4 cm. My mom also had c-sections with both my brother and I due to narrow pelvic bones, so I knew it was a possibility, but I still don't really know why DD would not drop. This time, my OB practice will not do VBACs, so RCS it is.
What was recovery like for you? Not bad, honestly. I was up and walking as soon as they'd let me, showered by myself. Other than not being able to drive and pick up everything, and avoiding stairs, I got around pretty well. I even went back to work part-time a little more than 2 weeks after DD was born, so it couldn't have been too bad! Be aware your abdomen will be numb for MONTHS. They cut the nerves, so you will have an area without feeling for quite a while, which is kind of weird.
Planning to RCS or VBAC? RCS
Tips for dealing with recovery at home? Take your pain meds. Take things slowly. There were definitely times I tried to leap out of bed to get to DD or turn/twist too fast and got a swift reminder I had just had surgery. Take help that is offered.
Advice to someone having their first csection? Surgery can be scary, and it is a bit of a strange experience, but it is a very routine procedure, and I really have no qualms about doing it again. Don't stress over it. I will say, I did cry when they told me we needed to do the section the first time. I had never had surgery, so I was a little scared, and a little sad that I had "failed" to even get to try to push, etc. It's fine to feel your feelings, but as long as you and baby come out of it healthy, it is all worth it and any birth is great!
Questions/Worries? I feel good about it this time. My only concern, like @dkizz82 , is not being able to pick up DD.
Lets bring a positive - favorite part of a csection? This time, that it is scheduled. It allows me to plan so much better because our families do not live nearby, so my mom can plan to come up and take care of DD since we know exactly when this LO should arrive. Last time, I had heard a lot of horror stories about episiotomies and stitches and prolapse and other vaginal issues, and didn't have to deal with that (not that everyone does!). I'd rather have the stitches in my abdomen than down below.
Happy to answer any questions!
Married May 2014
DD born August 2016
Baby #2 due December 2017
Reason for c-section(s)? I went to my doctor because I felt like DS wasn't moving as much. While on the heart rate monitor his heart rate dropped so they sent me to the hospital. At the hospital his heart rate kept dropping and they couldn't figure out why so they did an emergency c-section. Once he was born the doctors realized he had suffered from a massive fetal maternal hemorrhage. He was bleeding into me and had lost 3/4 of this blood by the time he was delivered.
What was recovery like for you? My recovery was not too bad. My DS was transferred to a different hospital and I went with him. I was out of bed 9 hours post csection against doctor's orders because I had not seen my son and was going to the NICU whether they liked it or not! He was in the NICU for 2 weeks so during most of my recovery I was spending my day at the hospital, but not having to care for a baby at night, which I think made the recovery easier. Definitely take the pain meds/stool softener they give you! The worst part for me was I had really bad back pain for a couple of months after. I have a bad back to begin with and not being able to use my ab muscles was very difficult.
Planning to RCS or VBAC? I have a RCS scheduled for my due date. If I happen to go into labor early I may try a VBAC, but most likely not.
Tips for dealing with recovery at home? I agree with @dkizz82 definitely don't over do it. I tended to push myself because I don't like people helping me, but this time I plan to accept more help from others. With a toddler and newborn I'm going to have to! Definitely try to limit stairs/lifting as much as possible at the beginning too.
Questions/Worries? Honestly, I'm more worried this time than I was with the first one. With my DS I had no time to think about what was going to happen and I was so worried that something was wrong with him that I wasn't worried about myself. This time I'm freaking out about the recovery and how it's going to impact DS. My son is very close to me and it's going to be very hard not to pick him up. My DH is also gone unitl Dec. 8th so if she happens to come early I'm afraid he won't make it to the hospital and that I'll be on my own for recovery with 2 kids.
Lets bring a positive - favorite part of a csection? That I know that I'll have a baby by Dec. 11th at the latest and won't go overdue.
Number of c-sections? 1
Reason for c-section(s)? emergency c after 40 hours of a failed induction. i won't go into it - i have one of those birth stories that no mother that has an impending birth wants to hear about.
What was recovery like for you? this is where my experience probably isn't much use. at the time of my induction i was 8 days late. i had been in the hospital for three weeks due to a massive DVT (blood clot). i had not been able to walk for a full month due to the clot and my doctors all being complete morons. so for me, nothing was "typical." i was kept in L&D for a full 24 hours after my cesarean because they could assign me a direct nurse who was responsible for my care in that window, the mother baby unit does not have enough staff for this. i didn't have my catheter out for those 24 hours either. i could not walk on my own, so the normal recovery instructions did not apply. i was on anticoagulants, and a lot of my care was based on trying to not dislodge my clot into a full pulmonary embolism. once i got home, i still could not really walk. i had to use a walker and everything. i had a lot of people staying with me to help out with everything.
i actually feel a little unsure going into this RCS because, although i've had a csection before, nothing about it was normal. i know what to expect for the surgery prep and surgery itself, and NO IDEA what to expect for recovery both in and out of the hospital, since my physical condition is so different this time.
Planning to RCS or VBAC? i'm having a RCS on Nov. 21. it's scheduled at 38w1d due to my history and the advice of my OB, MFM, and hematologist. i have no complications other than a blood clotting disorder and the previous DVT - my blood pressure is fine, etc.
Tips for dealing with recovery at home? this is where i'm of no use whatsoever. well, only a little. i recommend a large wedge pillow for sleeping in the first week back - being just a little upright is easier on your abdomen and easier to get up and down. ACCEPT HELP, with everything. take your meds. follow your recovery instructions. don't lift too much. have a pillow handy to press into your incision for when you need to sneeze or cough. don't have a joker around that is going to make you laugh a lot at first.
Advice to someone having their first csection? honestly, don't be scared. ask as many questions you need to so you feel prepared. be aware of your limitations afterward so you have the help lined up you need. you can't usually drive for two weeks, but you will have a variety of appointments for the pediatrician and the OB during that window.
Questions/Worries? i actually have a few questions.
(1) did any of you ladies wear a belly support belt after your csection? did you wear it right away or did your incision have to heal to a degree? was it helpful or not helpful?
(2) could someone talk about their recovery instructions AT THE HOSPITAL? were you supposed to get up and moving right away? instructed to walk? how much walking are we talking about? what was the timeline until you were allowed to eat and drink? how long were you in the recovery unit before going to mother/baby?
worries for me are similar to the other ladies - trying to recover whilst having a toddler that wants to be picked up. otherwise i'm pretty zen about it.
Lets bring a positive - favorite part of a csection? for the RCS in particular, my type A personality is LOVING having it scheduled on a specific day. even for those of you having a first cesarean, there are pluses. you don't have a lot of the side effects from a traumatic vaginal birth (albeit you have a different set of things to worry about). for a completely lighthearted and vain note - your newborn pics are a teensy bit cuter because your kid wasn't smashed through your cervix and vagina and it shows, haha! (this is particularly true at my hospital because their policy is for the photographer to come by within 24 hours of birth, not later on)
Met: September 2005 Married: October 2008 DS: 09/2014
I can't really answer your second question because my recovery was not typical either since I was transferred to a different hospital a few hours after having my son. The first 24 hours after were such a blur because at that point we were still trying to process what had happened and worried about whether my DS would have permanent damage.
In the hosptial, I was up and walking as soon as they let me - maybe 10ish hours? The more you push yourself, the better. They don't let you eat until you pass gas, typically. You'll be on a clear liquid diet until then. Some people have bad nausea from the spinal, so that plays into it. I was in recovery (with baby) for about 1.
5 hours then moved to mother baby, with my second. My first I was in recovery for much longer and my daughter was in the NICU. Hope that helps!
Number of c-sections? I've had 2, this will be my third.
Reason for c-section(s)? First time I made it to a 10, developed a high fever, pushed for 2 hours with no movement at all, and doctor decided baby needed to come out as my health was deteriorating. Second was RCS.
What was recovery like for you? First was very hard, I had an infection and was pretty sick. I was in the hospital for 7 days - all infection related from water breaking for too long, nothing to do with c/s. Second was easy peasy and home within 3 days. I felt nearly normal by 3 weeks. Crazy how different they were.
Planning to RCS or VBAC? RCS - Scheduled for Dec 4 - I'm due Dec 6
Tips for dealing with recovery at home? Take it easy, drink a LOT of water, stay on top of your pain meds. Tie a sheet to the end of your bed to help pull yourself up. Ask for help.
Advice to someone having their first csection? It is major surgery, but it's not as bad as some make it out to be. Ask any questions you have to your doctor before your surgery. Also if you can, ask to meet with your anesthesiologist to find out what kind of medicine you'll be receiving. I want to know everything they give me because I have bad reactions to certain things, plus it helps to know what is going on. Most people have a super itchy reaction to the morphine, so if you do, ask what the plan will be to treat this - typically they give benadryl.
Questions/Worries? It's always worrisome going into major surgery, but I'm doing my best to stay positive.
Lets bring a positive - favorite part of a csection? Seeing that little baby for the first time. There is nothing sweeter than the first kiss. I also love hearing how big they are! I also love the time in recovery - last time I spent it with my daughter and she nursed the whole time. I felt very connected to her, even though she wasn't born the 'traditional' way.
We are def on track for November 29th for our Csection. Dr said today, at this point it’s very unlikely that she will flip. It’s definitely very exciting to be like ok this is when it’s going to happen!
I had a really good question for you ladies earlier but completely forgot what it was lol.
Met: September 2005 Married: October 2008 DS: 09/2014
If you hospital doesn't have a binder, that is totally sucky of them, but this is basically the one I have. Maybe you can even ask your OB to write you scrip for it bc it is a medical device and should be covered by insurance. THey aren't the belly shrinker band things, which are 'cosmetic' - this is what mine looks like for the most part. https://www.amazon.com/Paz-Wean-C-section-Postpartum-Shapewear/dp/B072LWZZMM/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1510325336&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=c+section+binder&psc=1
Also - Hibiclens is the soap I bought and plan to start using at 37 weeks. Some doctors say plain Dial, but you should stop using lotion based soaps at least a day or two before your surgery. It helps to prevent infection. And don't shave down there (if you still can, I applaud you) because it increases risk of infection.
(2) could someone talk about their recovery instructions AT THE HOSPITAL? were you supposed to get up and moving right away? instructed to walk? how much walking are we talking about? what was the timeline until you were allowed to eat and drink? how long were you in the recovery unit before going to mother/baby?
After the epidural wore off and they took the boots off and catheter out, I was encouraged to walk and get up and about as much as possible. I used to just take strolls down the hall for a few minutes at a time, leaving the baby with DH. My c-section happened at 5:30 pm. I was given water after pretty much right away, but they didn't give me food (jello) until the next morning. I was starving because I hadn't eaten since about 5:30 the night before. After the surgery, they took me to one room (recovery, I guess), brought baby in for 10-15 minutes, took her to have a bath, and as I recall it was only a few minutes after they took her that they moved me to our "permanent" room, so I think it was only about 30 minutes in the recovery room. But it took a lot longer for them to bring DD back to me, but that's a different story.
@ShyTonia I stayed in the hospital gown for a while (easy for nursing/skin-to-skin), but then changed to high-waisted yoga pants and a nursing tank. I personally like the tightness of the yoga pants to hold everything in, but I think some people prefer not to have pressure on the incision right away? So you could pack a looser pair of PJ pants too. Otherwise, I don't think you really need anything different from a vaginal birth.
Married May 2014
DD born August 2016
Baby #2 due December 2017
I was just told to walk a lot. I never walked the halls except the first time. I walked the room and tried to stay out of bed. I rocked in the rocking chair a lot. They said that helped. I was so out of it. Thy took her straight to the nursery and then I awoke in my own room to a nurse squeezing my nipples. Haha. Dd was in the room with me at that point but I don tknow how long she’d been there. They didn’t take her for her bath until late late hat night. Like almost midnight
This is my 4th c-section.
Reason for c-section(s)?
1st- emergency.. labored for 25 hrs, pushed for 4, no baby, her head was brusied at birth from being stuck in my pelvis.
2nd- RCS
3rd- emergency, went into labor naturally the day before RCS, not wanting a repeat of what happened with my first baby i opted for the c-section.
What was recovery like for you?
Painful. But quick. The first 4 days were the biggest struggle, after that things just continued to improve.
Planning to RCS or VBAC?
RCS plus a tubal. No more babies for me!
Tips for dealing with recovery at home?
Try to not push yourself. The more you self-care the first two weeks the better and quicker you will heal and get back to normal. Let someone else take out the garbage or do those dishes. If you feel tired, take a rest. If someone offers to do something for you, say yes. It can be hard relying on others or feeling dependent, but it's only temporary and you deserve it!
Advice to someone having their first csection?
Place a maxi pad along your incision site to help provide extra padding between your wound and your pants for the first couple of days. It will help keep it clean and dry and soak up any fluids. Make sure to change it often.
Questions/Worries?
Nope.
Lets bring a positive - favorite part of a csection?
Ummm... that's a tough one. Maybe, that your lady bits don't push out a watermelon? I was always worried things would never be the same down there after childbirth... like throwing a hot dog down a hall way. (lol..name that movie)
@disneyfan0511 so I should def bring my boppy? I was going to but the lady at the breastfeeding class said don’t bother because it won’t fit around your belly that quick?! Lol
And all you ladies this is just amazing to hear all of your experiences. So encouraging ❤️
Reason for c-section(s)? The first one was twins that were transverse.
What was recovery like for you? Honestly, it wasn't that bad. I was mentally prepared for it knowing that I was 95% sure we were having a csection, because my twins were in the T position and never flipped. It was fine by me, I was more scared to push two babies out than of the surgery.
Planning to RCS or VBAC? I actually have the option, since my first C was not an emergency. If we go before Dec. 8 I may opt to try the VBac. If not, we have a RCS scheduled for Dec. 8. I like the thought of being able to go in Friday morning, stay through the weekend and be released Monday. We shall see if baby cooperates.
Tips for dealing with recovery at home? Wear (or get) your belly binder. Take the stool softeners and the pain meds. If you end up on antibiotics and most do with a c-section, ask for a prescription for Thrush too, if you plan on breastfeeding/pumping. I didn't realize that was why I was having shooting pains in my breasts. It sucked.
Advice to someone having their first csection? See above.
Questions/Worries? Mine is the same as everyone else and with having two toddlers at home, I'm just worried about how to care for them as well. They will be going to daycare for those first couple weeks for sure.
Lets bring a positive - favorite part of a csection? My lady bits were still in tack!
Married May 2014
DD born August 2016
Baby #2 due December 2017
The hospital we are delivering at is a “baby friendly” hospital and they do skin to skin immediately for and hour after birth(mom dad and baby only) as long as there is no complications.
With csection mamas, dad leaves with baby (after being with Mom briefly) then Mom gets sewn up and will join them for skin to skin 30 minutes later.
Married May 2014
DD born August 2016
Baby #2 due December 2017
DD2, my DH was allowed to stay with me the whole time in the OR, but baby was being checked out. As soon as we were in recovery (30 - 40 min after she was born) we did skin to skin and she latched right on. She was an expert nurser and we never had any issues. Those first moments in recovery are so special and some of my favorite with her.
TTC#1: October 2015
dx: PCOS & MFI
IUI #1 w/Femara + Ovidrel June 2016 ~ BFP
July 2016: Blighted Ovum
IUI #2 w/Femara + Ovidrel September 2016 ~BFN
IUI #3 w/Femara + Ovidrel October 2016 ~BFN
IUI #4 w/Femara + Ovidrel November 2016 ~BFN
IVF with ICSI January 2017 ~BFN
FET February 2017 ~BFN
IVF with ICSI March 2017 ~BFP--Twins Due 12/8/17
Team Blue X 2!
As far as who will deliver, they might not have that schedule complete yet. If your csection is not yet scheduled, they have no way of knowing when you will deliver. Once everything is scheduled, they should have a better idea. Although some practices may not know until closer to the date.
TTC#1: October 2015
dx: PCOS & MFI
IUI #1 w/Femara + Ovidrel June 2016 ~ BFP
July 2016: Blighted Ovum
IUI #2 w/Femara + Ovidrel September 2016 ~BFN
IUI #3 w/Femara + Ovidrel October 2016 ~BFN
IUI #4 w/Femara + Ovidrel November 2016 ~BFN
IVF with ICSI January 2017 ~BFN
FET February 2017 ~BFN
IVF with ICSI March 2017 ~BFP--Twins Due 12/8/17
Team Blue X 2!
I was thinking maybe they just want to do the c sec due to it Been that time of the year.. But at the end of the day as long as my little one is safe then I'm happy.