Talk to me about c-sections

[jackpackage]

I have to deliver via c-section next month, and the closer I get, the more terrified I get. I've never had any type of surgery before, so initially my biggest fear was anesthia. Now, it's pretty much everything-the incision, hospital stay, recovery, etc. I know they're common and it's the safest way for me to deliver, but I'm so anxious about it! If you had one (especially planned), how did you mentally prepare for it?

[Wordtothewise]

I had a c-section - not really planned (as in, the date wasn't scheduled), but I knew I would be having one (pre-term labor and a bunch of complications). It wasn't so bad, and my ob told me c-sections prior to term are usually harder on you because the ute is thicker, etc. my incision never bothered me much. Make sure you get up and walk as soon as possible - it really helps speed recovery. Also, my baby was in the NiCU, but if that hadn't been the case, I think I would have needed help for 3-5 days because I am not sure I could have carried the baby. If I ever have another baby, I am definitely having a repeat c-section. Overall it was fine and the only negative is that I have a scar.

[dcrunnergirl]

I was petrified too, especially the idea of being awake while they operate on me. But, it really wasn't nearly as bad as I thought. And, assuming everything is normal, it goes REALLY fast.

Here's how it went for me:

The nurses came to pick me up in L&D at 4:30pm, and I walked into the operating room (I had to wear my sneakers in there and everything). I climbed onto the table, and they had me sit on the edge of the table for the spinal. I was really afraid of that needle, and sobbed hysterically/ike a baby on the nurse's shoulder for the few minutes while they were prepping for it. Then they did the needle and I barely felt it. They also gave me a morphine drip for pain and a zofran drip to control nausea It took a few minutes for the spinal to kick in, which made me nervous but they assured me that I wouldn't feel it. Then, they started the surgery and I didn't feel a thing--not even the tugging some people talk about. Both my babies were born by 5:05pm, so less than a half hour after they started prepping me. DH went with the babies to recovery while they sewed me up. I was in recovery by 5:30pm. It was super-fast.

My recovery wasn't bad. Get up and walk and try pooping and to pass gas as soon as they let you. And, stay on top of your pain meds, but stop taking them as soon as you can to prevent horrible constipation.

I stayed in the hospital for 3 nights. By the end of the second day, I was walking to the other end of the VERY big hospital to the lactation center and carseat challenge room and doing laps around the maternity ward.

Good luck! You'll do great!

[NinaSimone]

My c-section wasn't planned, my labor stalled, but it really wasn't bad at all. I was terrified to have it done, but it went by pretty quickly. I felt a little bit of pressure when they pulled DD out and I had H peek over the curtain to make sure everything was going okay. The worst part for me was the effects of the medicine, it made me a little loopy and I was nervous to hold DD for too long. The next day the nurses got me out of bed and moving around. I was in the hospital for 3 days and my recovery was really easy.

Good luck, I'm sure everything will be fine!

[Deleted]

I had an emergency c-section, so it wasn't planned ahead of time. I agree with the other poster about getting up and walking around. I think my recovery was pretty easy because I was walking up and down the halls--I think it got rid of the fluid build up I had too. I think I have a very high tolerance for pain though, so its easy for me to push thru certain things.

[thatgirl2478]

My c/s wasn't planned, but it wasn't an emergency either. Essentially I was induced, but failed to progress so they opted for a c/s.

Get up and walk if they will let you. The first time is scary and a little painful but it does get better. I have a very low pain tolerance and I was able to manage the post hospital stay with just 4 ibuprofen every 4-6 hrs.

[Tea-rific]

I had a planned c section because Ben was breech. Here is how mine went...

No eating or drinking after midnight the night before. We had to be to the hospital by 9am. Surgery was scheduled for 11:45am. DH hung out with me in pre-op. They started an IV, checked to make sure the baby was still breech, and monitored both of us. There was a tv in the room so we mostly watched tv and hung out. I was really thirsty so that kinda sucked. My ob came to check on me and said we were ready to go. The pre op nurse gave me this nasty liquid to drink (about a shot glass full) to neutralize my stomach acid. It was pretty bad, but I am sensitive to strong tastes. Dh was able to walk with me (I was wheeled in my bed) to the entrance of the or, but could not come in until after they did my spinal. He went to the dad's room where he put on his scrubs and waited. Apparently they had snacks in there which he liked :-)

There were a lot of people in the or, which surprised me. I was really nervous for my spinal. The numbing shot felt like a bee sting and the actual spinal did not hurt. I did get a weird pain in my leg but it only lasted a second or two. After they laid me down post spinal I started to feel really weird and ended up throwing up all over the place (dh was still not there). The or staff said that happens a lot and not to worry about it. After I threw up I felt fine. Also they restrain your arms in the or, which was weird. Dh came in and they started. It did not take long and my sweet Ben was born. I did not feel and pain, just a lot of pressure, especially when they were pulling him out. We did not know the sex ahead of time so they held him over the drape so we could see him. It was awesome.

Dh went with Ben into a little room off the or while they fixed me up. No cameras were allowed in the or, but dh could take pictures in the little room. I had to stay in the or for about 30 minutes while they fixed me up. Dh and Ben went to recovery and waited for me (they gave Ben his bath, eye stuff, etc). I chatted with the nurse and my ob while they finished my surgery. They also let me choose what music I wanted to listen to in the or. A lot of doctors give you a med that makes you kinda loopy while they are fixing you up. I specifically asked ahead of time that i not be given it because I wanted to be alert to bf my lo in recovery, but ob agreed. I love love love my ob.

I was in recovery for an hour or so. I was pretty cold so they pulled a bunch of warm blankets on me. I was able to bf Ben right in recovery. He latched on great and the nurses were really supportive.

I was in the hospital 3 nights. I stayed ontop of my pain meds and was able to eat/drink clear liquids late that afternoon. As soon as they told me I could get up and walk I did. It was painful and I was slow, but I really think it helped me recover. I continued to take my pain meds on schedule when I got home. I tried to do too much the first day and woke up in terrible pain the next am. So dh set up our bedroom with everything I needed and I basically camped out in there with Ben.

I was pretty nervous for my c section, but it was really a great experience. Good luck!

[jackpackage]

Thanks so much for sharing your experiences! I'm going to bookmark this post and re-read a few times when the big day gets closer. It doesn't sound so scary!

[jackpackage]

Lizzy-My dumbest fear was being so out of it that I won't realize if we have a boy or girl, so I'm glad you mentioned your experience!

[Tea-rific]

May 22, 2012 9:13:36 GMT -5 jackpackage said:

Lizzy-My dumbest fear was being so out of it that I won't realize if we have a boy or girl, so I'm glad you mentioned your experience!

I was worried about that too. But all the staff in the or were excited for us that we did not know and we're celebrating right along with us. I loved that we did not find out ahead of time! :heart:

You will do great! Feel free to pm if you have more questions!

[beachdweller]

You'll do great. It really is not bad. Like PP, I had a planned c-section for a stubborn breech baby. I decided it was a pretty civilized way to give birth! You don't get to hold the kiddo for a little while while you are stitched up, but you still get the baby within an hour of having him/her. It did not impact bonding or BF for me and I actually think it INCREASED bonding for DH because he got to be with DD by himself until I was ready. Good luck!

[ecupirate04]

I've had 2. The first was an emergency and the second was planned due to the prior being an emergency.

They were both fine. Honestly now, I can't imagine delivering any other way since it is the only way I know.

I bf'ed my second daughter for a year so it had no effect on that.

Recovery can be painful but if you stay on top of your meds you should be fine.

Lizzy's post pretty much sums it up. My planned experience was reallly close to what she described above.

You will be fine!!

ETA: Both times I did 48 hours in the hospital and then went home. People gave me crap about it but the worst nights of sleep either of us have ever had with a newborn were in the hospital.

[satama]

I had 2 sections. One emergency under general, and the second was planned. The planned one was not bad at all. Make sure you speak up during the surgery if you are not feeling right, my bp dropped twice and I could feel it big time, they gave me meds right away to fix it. They can also give you something if you feel nauseous, so make sure you tell them.

We got there at 6am for an 8am surgery. DH came in as soon as my epidural was placed. He was allowed to take pics, just no flash. He was also allowed to cut the cord. I was not strapped down at all. DS stayed with me the whole time and we were wheeled to recovery together. I was then able to try to nurse him and do skin to skin. We would have gone to my room together but DS had to go to the NICU.

I agree with walking and showering as soon as they let you, but don't forget to take it easy at first. Ask for stool softeners in the hospital.

If you ask your ob she should go over standard procedures for c sections in your hospital and answer any questions you have. Good luck!

[pescalita]

I had an unplanned section, failure to progress from induction.

I already had an epidural (I was terrified of that, and it wasn't bad at all, but it was in the midst of contrax), so they just upped it, and gave me the anti-nausea shot. The nurse said it would taste really weird, and she was right.

The anisthesiologist and MrP were right by my head the whole time. The nurses counted the instruments and my OB started to prep the area. I had no idea they had even made the incision until I started feeling some serious tugging and realized they were pulling a baby out of me. That was about 10 seconds before I saw him. They took him to get cleaned up and MrP went along, while they started to get me closed. That felt like the longest part. MrP brought A in briefly, but they did have to take him to the NICU.

The worst parts were a) I was worried about the anesthesia not being strong enough. I didn't feel any pain, just pressure, but the anesthesiologist was chatting with MrP and I was worried he wasn't paying attention. Afterwards MrP told me he pushed his little button every time I made a sound. Also b) it felt like it took forever to get closed up, I think because MrP was gone a lot of that time and because I didn't know they had started until the kid was practically born. Once that was done, I was just waiting to be closed.

Recovery - mine was pretty easy, and they say it's easier if planned. I was discharged on day 2 to visit my kid, so I was pretty immobile. It took about two weeks to walk better than when I was pregnant. I was too enthusiastic about getting the poop going and ended up with a mess, so don't do that, because it sucks to clean up by yourself if your H is with the kid. Besides that, the worst part was when they pushed on my belly in the recovery room to get stuff out and make sure the staples were holding. Painful. But it came with drugs. And the morphine sucked.

I'm leaning towards a repeat c/s next time.

[miss1991]

I had had emergency c-section. There can always be complication's it is major surgery. You have every right to be scared, concerned.

It took me 3 month's to feel better and I am just now starting to feel like myself again and this could be because it was an emergency section--I really don't know my other birth's where vaginal and I was always at home the next day and by six weeks felt great.

Make sure you take your pain med's I tried to not take them--don't do this in the beginning because you still have to wake up multiple times a night whether you feel like shit or not.

Scar-Mine is still pink/red but getting lighter, I think this has to do with your skin tone, I am fair skinned. I got my staple's out about three day's after surgery and they put steri-strip's in I stayed a week in the hospital but I think four day's is he norm I had complication's

The one thing that upset me the most is how I looked after. I had post-partum swelling and looked like I gained about 20lbs after giving birth and it was very painful and took forever to go down. No one told me about this and I was very worried but it is some time's a side effect from the surgery. So do not be alarmed if this happen's to you.

The best thing I can tell you is that remember this is major surgery and not to be hard on yourself and if people want to help let them I tried to clean the house about 8 weeks after and I felt like crap I was not ready obviously. I stayed in my room with the baby when people came over and really did not want visitor's and mostly everyone understood.

I would make a plan before on what you want done and how so you can concentrate on you and the baby afterword's. Sorry this is a book but this was a shock to me as I never have experienced this before and would have loved someone to tell me these things.

I hope you have a wonderful birth and recovery! Good Luck!

[fluff]

I had a planned one for #3 and was super anxious about it. The actual operation didn't scare me, but knowing I'd be awake during it did.

I ended up being fine, but as soon as they delivered LO, the anesthesiologist gave me some anti-anxiety meds because I was starting to feel like I was going to have a panic attack. It worked out because they were tying my tubes, so I was in the OR an extra 20 or so minutes and LO was with DH in the nursery getting cleaned up. I slept through recovery and, when I woke up, it was time to see the baby.

[ecupirate04]

May 22, 2012 12:00:37 GMT -5 miss1991 said:

I had had emergency c-section. There can always be complication's it is major surgery. You have every right to be scared, concerned.

It took me 3 month's to feel better and I am just now starting to feel like myself again and this could be because it was an emergency section--I really don't know my other birth's where vaginal and I was always at home the next day and by six weeks felt great.

Make sure you take your pain med's I tried to not take them--don't do this in the beginning because you still have to wake up multiple times a night whether you feel like shit or not.

Scar-Mine is still pink/red but getting lighter, I think this has to do with your skin tone, I am fair skinned. I got my staple's out about three day's after surgery and they put steri-strip's in I stayed a week in the hospital but I think four day's is he norm I had complication's

The one thing that upset me the most is how I looked after. I had post-partum swelling and looked like I gained about 20lbs after giving birth and it was very painful and took forever to go down. No one told me about this and I was very worried but it is some time's a side effect from the surgery. So do not be alarmed if this happen's to you.

The best thing I can tell you is that remember this is major surgery and not to be hard on yourself and if people want to help let them I tried to clean the house about 8 weeks after and I felt like crap I was not ready obviously. I stayed in my room with the baby when people came over and really did not want visitor's and mostly everyone understood.

I would make a plan before on what you want done and how so you can concentrate on you and the baby afterword's. Sorry this is a book but this was a shock to me as I never have experienced this before and would have loved someone to tell me these things.

I hope you have a wonderful birth and recovery! Good Luck!

There are complications with vaginal deliveries as well. Also, the part about needing help cleaning your house 8 weeks later is not normal.

It sounds like whatever complications you had were out of the norm. This poster will likely have a normal and uncomplicated c/s.

[Deleted]

I had an emergency c/s so I did not get a chance to prepare for it. But I have been under general anesthia 2x before. Now with that being said I feel a c/s is completely different that "surgery" that first comes to mind. You are completely awake and you feel pressure but no pain at all.

The c/s is a piece of cake b/c you are awake, you see and hear everything and you have your SO/DH with you. Now recovery can be more chalenging if you do not handle pain well. Prepare to wear clothing that will not rub on your incision. Take your pain meds on schedule. Do not wait for them to wear off first. Don't over do it!

[vanillacourage]

I have had 2 and both were NBD. I'm feeding the baby & typing with one hand, so when I can make a longer post I'll come back in and share.

[jackpackage]

You guys are awesome. Seriously.

[annieh2]

I had a scheduled c-section due to a breech baby and I'm seriously considering doing it again as it was so easy. I was very nervous about it as I had not had surgery before and I think the biggest thing is to ask your ob every question you can possibly think of beforehand.

Unexpected things were having my arms out/strapped down like others mentioned, shaking afterward while the spinal wore off, and the nausea during surgery. I knew I would be nauseous due to the spinal, but my reaction was much worse than I expected and I dry heaved the entire time they stitched me up even with anti-nausea meds. Ick. In the scheme of things, it was no big deal and now I know that I have strong reactions to anesthesia and to expect it.

I was also scared to look at my incision afterward and it took a lot of encouragement to shower just because I was so apprehensive about looking at it. However, once I just took a peek, i realized that it was fine and moved on.

Get up and walk as soon as you can, stay on top of pain meds, ask for a stool softener, and ask for a abdominal binder (it feels so good to kind of hold the tummy in). Good luck!

[rootbeerfloat]

My first c/s was unplanned after my labor stalled at 7cm. I had already thrown up from the epi and after 19 hours of unsuccessful labor, I was pretty drained. I cried all the way into the OR. I hated being strapped down and wearing the oxygen mask; after DS was removed, the anesthesiologist let me go without the mask. At that point, I was relieved that everything was over and actually had a pleasant conversation with him while H tended to our son.

Recovery... I was super itchy for several hours afterward and kind of nervous about holding DS. (He was 9lbs at birth and huge, which explains why he had trouble coming out!) They encouraged me to get up and walk around as soon as possible, but even standing was tough that first night. But I was up and about the next day. Once I got home, getting up and down was a struggle for the next week or so, especially if I didn't stay on top of my pain meds. But overall, I think I recovered pretty well and fast.

I opted for a repeat c/s for DD. It was such a different experience not having to go through a tough labor first. I was perfectly awake when they wheeled me into the OR and administered the anesthesia. My recovery was even easier, and since I knew what to expect, I had both H and my mom on hand during that first week to help out.

[barefootcontessa]

I had one emergency c-s, one after a failed VBAC, and then two scheduled. Hardest one was the first because I labored for so long before c-s. Second hardest was the fourth because I had a lot of adhesions from prior c-s that were removed.

Two things: make sure the OB gives you anbx in your IV so you do not get an infection. My first IB did not do that I ended up with an infected uterus which created lots of additional scar tissue.

Second: try your best to get walking asap, i.e. the evening of the surgery (assuming you have the c-s in morning). It will really help your recovery.

[omalley]

There is a lot of great advice here already. I just wanted to add that holding a folded up blanket agaist my incision helped me when I was getting up and down. Also they gave me saltines in the recovery room and that helped with the nausea.

I was nervous about delivery too but it all went a lot better than I expected. I was discharged on day 5 and I was feeling pretty good at home (taking walks, steps, etc)

[GailGoldie]

I LOVED my c/s!!!!

My vag birth of DS1 = 4th degree tear, months of horrible pain, isssues I still have 5yr later. HATED IT.

My c/s with the twins (planned) was awesome. I was awake and had energy during the c/s (unlike being freakin exhausted and passing out between pushing with DS1).... I was with them within an hour after the delivery - and nursing right away.

I was able to get up and do things without being in horrible pain --- getting up hurt- but once i was up i was fine. When i had my vag birth? forget it- i couldn't be upright for 2 minutes without throbbing in pain and miserable.

My advice- make sure your incisiion is very dry --- after you wash it in the shower (don't be afraid to wash it pretty well, i was and it got icky looking until my doc said to wash it better, lol).... pat it dry and then take out your hair dryer on low and dry it REALLy well. Until i started doing that - mine was having a hard time healing up - it wasn't infected and didn't hurt- but just wasn't truly healing --- it was summer, hot, and sweaty- so it was hard to make it really dry- until i started using the hair dryer- then it healed so much faster.

I hardly had bleeding at all - first couple days, then literally just spotting -- the nurse said with a c/s they can usually clean things out pretty good - i was a fan of that!

Don't think about the surgery part- think about the baby part!!! You'll be fine - best of luck!

[satama]

Sorry to the pp whobhad the crappy recovery, but please do not that that scare you op. Of course everyone is different, but that is not a typical recovery. I took percocet for a little over a week, alternating with ibuprophen 800mgs. Then like 11 days pp I would just take two regular advil as needed. In the beginning I agree to take them around the clock as directed though, stay ahead of the pain.

I felt good enough to go on a two night trip to the beach three weeks after my most recent section. It was a 3 hour car ride. I just didn't swim and tried not to go too crazy. I am 8 weeks post partum now and feel completely normal.

[Deleted]

I had an emergency C due to pre-e. I was scared, but the c-section was the easiest part of my delivery/recovery. It was weird and foreign, but okay. I did throw up during the surgery, but I was pretty out of it at that point due to all the medications I was on.
I also took a really long time to stabilize so I didn't get to see DS (after the initial look here's your kid) for 12 hours. Again, that wasn't the c section, but rather my reactions to other meds that I was on.

[6fsn]

I only have one thing to add. With both of my c-sections I threw up on the table. It scared the heck out of me so be prepared that that can happen.

Also remember what everyone said- get up, try to pass gas or poop, and stay on top of the pain meds.

[everam01]

Mine was planned in that I knew I would have a csection but the day it was actually performed was a surprise to me. It was not an emergency situation, but was done the same day I got checked out in L&D.

Like you, I am terrified of surgery, especially anesthesia since I have strange reactions to medicine in general. The anticipation was worse than the actual event. During the csection (which went by super-fast) I didn't feel anything other than tugging.

I did have to use Vicodin in the hospital but switched to ibuprofen before I left the hospital. I had a lot of pain, but I also have some circumstances that don't apply to you (twins with their own placentas, a large fibroid, etc).

[thedash]

I have two words for you: stool softeners!!!

Honestly it was not bad at all. I was sore and it was awkward to do things like sit up or bend over for a few weeks. But I will definitely schedule one for my next rather than try VBAC. But seriously, the constipation was the very worst part and it's because I didn't take my stool softeners regularly. So do that!