C-section - Fayetteville, AR

First of all CONGRATULATIONS!! I am pregnant also and I am due in July. But I have had two other babies and I haven't had to have a C-section. But my cousin had her first child 6 months ago and she had to have a C-section. She had to sleep in a recliner for about 2 weeks cause she couldn't lay flat in the bed. She also wasn't able to pick up the baby from the bassinet for about a week. She was very sore but after about 2-3 weeks she was back to normal. She does get a little sore sometimes where they cut her but it isn't terrible pain. It is just a soreness. So I am thinking about 2-3 weeks you should be alright. But it might take up to 6 weeks to completely back to normal. Good Luck and have fun with the new baby.

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I'm 24 and I have had 2 c-sections and about to have another in May. I wouldn't have it any other way! I pushed for 2.5 hours with the first and cracked my tailbone in the process, so healing from the tailbone and c-section was hard. Thank God you wont have to do that! My second was such a breeze. I was up cleaning the hospital room before leaving and went home with no pain at all. I am so glad that I chose to have another. The first was mostly pain from the tailbone, dont let me frighten you, haha. C-sections were very easy for me and I wouldn't have it any other way!

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The worst part of my c-section was the gas pain in my shoulders but it doesn't last long and the nurses will give you something for that. Also, coughing and laughing could be uncomfortable. As far as post-op pain goes, mine wasn't that bad. I didn't take much of the pain killers, I mostly just took motrin. I was out of the hospital after 3 days and went home and felt the need to vaccumn. Probably not the smartest thing to do and I wouldn't recommend it. I just had all this energy when I got home after being stuck in the bed for the most part of the 3 days. Do get up and walk around after they take the catheter out. The nurses will probably make you anyway but I couldn't wait to get up and around. It wasn't until I had been home a couple of days before the exaustion set in. Luckily I have a wonderful, supportive, helpful husband. Good Luck and Congratulations!

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that's actually a pretty common technique by bad or busy doctors to be able to schedule your delivery. i'd hazard a guess that your child is no more than nine pounds tops and the c-section is unneccessary. oh and something i was told by a mother of five during my pregnancy, "the bigger the baby, the easier the pushing, and the faster the labor. honey, you want big!"

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Good night you have 31 responses so I hope your not to tired to read mine. First of all that does sound fishy because u.s aren't accurate. By experience I've known them to be 5 lbs off.
2nd of all I know you must really be nervous now in a different light because of all the responses. I had 3 c sec and I used the Womens hospital of Tx each time my dr was Woodward and my last two c secs I was told told by the O.R nurses that I had the best surgeon in the world and how they loved to work with him. Anyway my first c sec was an emergency and it was the hardest, so the plus side for you that your dr wants to do it planned. You get up and around quicker than a vag mom but the recovery is a little longer. If your dr is a good surgeon then your scar will below bakini line and want be that long. Like I said I had a good dr and I dont have any scar tissue. The only problem I had was with my first c sec and I guess I looked so nervous the second time the nurse looked at my chart and told me this will be alot easier its alot tougher if they do it in an emergeny, I suspect that is what your dr is referring to. Its a little harder to get a flat stomach especially for my friend who had one she has alot of scar tissue and problems mainly because her second c sec her quacky dr made a whole new inscission.
3rdly working in insurance at the hospital there is a problem with dr's doing c-secs because they get paid more by the insurance and patient. Ps my last two c secs were wonderful, I'm guessing because they were planned and it was hurry hurry rush rush, the nurse and my dr told me it makes a huge difference. Sorry that we are all probally making you more uneasy. Ps dont eat solid food until you've passed gas, that goes with any abd surg. please get back to us and tell us the outcome of what you decide.

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L.,
I had a CS with my son (now almost 9) and with my twin girls (5 1/2) - - I have several tips: Have a pillow in the car for your ride home from the hospital.. to put between you and your seat belt... it will help with any bumps or going over overpasses...take the pain pills that the OB prescribes for you and have hubby drop off prescription on your way home that way while you are getting settled he can go back for it. Definitely let friends/family help you - - I know, you don't necessarily want anyone doing your laundry or dishes, etc. but pick someone you are extremely close to and let them do it... I tried to be superwoman and it was just too much and I stayed in pain. Also, take naps whenever the baby sleeps.. you have to have your sleep/energy for when he/she is awake, and since they'll be waking up every 2 hrs you need to be ready. Wrap the little one in a blanket when holding them with the bottle or nursing at night.. that way when you lay them down they aren't losing your warmth... when we learned that trick, Davis would stay asleep when we layed him down, otherwise he would wake up the minute he was away from our warm skin... Good Luck...You will survive.. just do everything in moderation, don't push yourself to come back to 100% in 2 weeks! Take care..

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I had my daughter (16 months old) by C-section. It was an emergency C-section which made it rough b/c I was under general anesthesia. If you have the option of scheduling your C-section, take it. It's not as bad as everyone says. I was at home 2 days later, and out shopping for a breast pump 3 days after she was born. I was sore when trying to sit up from laying and with any fast walking. All and all it wasn't that bad. Our bodies are very strong. You'll do just fine.

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I also had a c-section for my first birth experience. The first and most important thing to remember is that it does not make you less of a woman or mother. I had some problem with this. The recovery time was not that bad. I had him on Tuesday, got out on Thursday, and was at Target on Friday. Make sure they teach you how to cough!!!!! I had some fluid start to settle because they did not do this. The worst part of it was the wait on the day of the surgery, but I guess it beats 12 hours of painful labor. The most painful time was at night trying to get comfortable, but it gets very tolerable after about 2-3 nights. Also, just in case you're gonna breast feed, I gonna tell you something no one told me: It hurts like hell in the beginning, but it is well worth it in the end. Good luck!!

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I was also nervous about having a c-section. I had vaginal birth with the first, but the second one was breech. I was actually in a lot more pain after the first. The recovery time for me was much quicker with the second. You will be sore and you should take it easy for a while. Use all the help you can. I always had to remind myself that I did just have major surgery. The first couple of days will be hard to get comfortable at night. The hardest thing for me when we got home was getting in and out of bed. Just remember that it will all be worth it in the end.

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Well L.

Everyone has a different experience. I had my son in 10/05 and I had a good experience. I do not want to scare you by giving the total details of the experience. Just know that everything will be alright and there is nothing to be afraid of. Do not look at the needle and you will be fine.

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L.,
Both of my 2 children were born by c-section. the first one was not planned but the 2nd one was...The quicker you get up and moving around the better. Also don't over do it though. My first one came open and we had to pack it every day for six weeks. That was terrible. I really think they took my staples out too soon though too. You'll be fine. They will probably do an epidural so you'll be awake the whole time.
The only thing is that you have to wait for them to sew you up so you can hold he or she yourself.
you will do great!
If you need any thing feel free to email me. ____@____.com
M. ann

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L. I would choose C-Section any time, twice on sunday!
#1 -You need to relax, relax, relax
Dr. will probably do any epidural, which means you'll be a wake to still enjoy your baby's birth.
#2 -After the surgery make sure you have supportive (not too tight) underware
#4 -Drink a lot of liquids/NOT SODAS
#3 -Accept all extra support for the first few days, I hope your hubby can be with you for the first week and rest as much as you can possibly can.

*** The Most Important thing for a first time mother
is, keep an eye for Post-partum depression. Being emotional is normal since your body will experience a sudden hormonal change due to delivery, but an extreme depression needs to be evaluated by your physician.

God Bless you and your little one!!!
Will be praying for you!

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I just had my first child in Nov 06 and she was delivered vaginally. My doctor never said anything about a c-section and the baby was 8 lbs 6 oz and I am a short petite person. I did push for 2 hours trying to get her past my pelvic bone, but I did it vaginally. I would definitely ask for a second opinion!!! You could at least attempt it vaginally and be induced that way if the baby is smaller than the doctor thought then you can have the vag. birth. Sounds to me like the doctor is just trying to make it easier for him/herself. Get a second opinion, or if you like your doc, just refuse the c-section until it is medically needed.

Hope this helps and congrats!

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Hi
I had a C-section due to a breech (breach?) baby. Read what you can and see if your hospital offers any classes for C-sections. If not, ready what you can and do what you're doing, ask around. Overall, the experience wasn't terrible, and having talked to mom's who've done it both ways, many have said they'd do a C-section over a vaginal birth any day. What I did not expect was the amount of tugging and pulling I felt. I think next time I'll be more prepared. It didn't hurt, it just felt like they were trying to stuff a badger into a duffel bag when they were putting everything back together. I just didn't expect it. I also didn't realize that I would get the shakes from the anesthetic, but I woud have had that either way because I would have had the epidural either way.

As far as recovery time, really, that was no big deal. By day 8 I was well enough to drive to evacuate from hurricane Rita, and though I was sore, that was the least of my worries. THe key to a speedy recovery is getting up and around as soon as you feel able and walking around when you can. Do this in the hospital. Walk to the nursery when your baby is there or just go for a very slow stroll. That really helped.

Please feel free to email with any other questions you have. If I think of anything else, I'll let you know.
L.

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i had to have an emergency c section with my baby too. same situation first child and surgery. just make sure you have someone at home that can help with the baby for a couple of weeks because YOU WILL BE VERY SORE!!! I can't stress this enough. Please be very carefule because you don't want to tear your staples open. don't make any sudden movements. I was lucky to have my family there to help me thru it. Just a warning it will be very painful to move or use the bathroom for a week or 2 but the doctor will give you pain medication for you that is safe for your baby in case you decide to breastfeed. Just follow the doctor's orders on keeping it clean, like I said make sure you have help, and be very careful until you feel well enough to take care of the baby without outside help.

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HI!

I've had two c-sections---the first was unexpected, the second was planned. It's not nearly as bad as you think it's going to be. Of course, surgery is risky and scary, and bad things do happen, but the vast majority of c-sections go smoothly, and moms recover very well.

I thoroughly enjoyed both of my deliveries. I was numb and relaxed, and I didn't have to work at all! Try to focus on the wonderful outcome of the surgery instead of the surgery itself. When you hear that incredible first cry, you'll forget all about the nervousness!

The babies, in Daddy's arms, followed me back to my room from the operating room and neither baby ever left my sight unless I wanted a break. They even gave my children their first baths right there in my room.

Afterward, you'll be in pain, but that can be managed with meds, even if you're breastfeeding (as I did). Get up and moving as quickly as you can, but do be careful. You'll feel a lot better after a few days, and that's when it's easy to overdo it.

The best advice I was ever given--for either kind of birth--is to buy Depends to wear instead of the big pads they give you. You'll bleed for a while, and those pads slip and slide around a bit. If you'll wear Depends, you won't have to worry about leaking on anything. It's WONDERFUL!

Hang in there, and don't spend too much time being scared. A c-section, while not the ideal, isn't the end of the world!

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You do have the right to demand a vaginal birth if you are uncomfortable about a c-section. Also I suspect your doctor's motives. My doctor was talking about big babies and c-section about two weeks before the delivery. He even said I was a week further along than I really was and scheduled an induction. He said my baby was at least 8 pounds, but it turns out my baby was less than 7. That may not sound like a big difference, but for a newborn? I ended up having a c-section and I agree with Laurie; the incision doesn't hurt as much as the gas pain. I was also too weak to pick up my baby for the first few days. Someone had to hand him to me.

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I had a C-section with my daughter, and it was really not that bad. The worst part was the gas afterward. Because they have to shift your bowel around to get to the uterus, it causes peristalsis (the muscle contractions in the bowel that move the digestive process along) to stop, allowing gas to build up. I had no problems picking up my daughter afterward, and once I got home, she slept in the bed with me, to make middle of the night nursing easier for her and for me. I didn't have any pain with the incision, just some soreness from having my innards manipulated. A C-section is nothing to be scared of.

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I was terrified when the doctor told me I was going to have a c-section----terrified. I had heard the horror stories about it and my sister had recently had one and it was horrible. I was so scared that the drugs they gave me made my body shake uncontrollably. I had to keep breathing deep breaths to calm myself down. They took me into the operating room and put the big blue sheet in front of my face and from that point on I didn't know what they were doing. I was laying there waiting for the tugging and pain and pulling----and then the doctor told me my son had lots of hair. I couldn't even believe they had started and now it was almost over! Soon after that I heard him cry and watched them take him to the weigh station and to clean him up and swaddle him. That was the worst part----I had to be away from him while they cleaned him with my husband. I just laid there watching and then they brought him to me and I was able to kiss him. It was nothing----I didn't feel anything---except I thought they were prepping my stomach at one point, right before he said my son had hair. The worst part is that afterwards you have to just lay there while your husband gets to hold him and show him off, and you are lying there being sewn up. Afterwards they gave me morphine and I don't remember much. The next day the pain was bad, but I've heard the same about natural childbirth. I don't remember how bad now---just that getting out of bad was rough. I was up walking the halls by day 2. I think I was fully recovered where I could go without any painkillers by week 2 or 3. You heal pretty fast and having a little baby to love on and kiss makes the time fly by. You won't notice any pain when you are holding them. Plus, you won't want to leave your bed for atleast 2 weeks after they are born because you are so tired, so that helps you heal too. I think with my next pregnancy I can try to do it natural----or I can have c-section. I will probably opt for c-section because my experience was so great. I don't think you have anything to be scared of---and when it's over no matter what you have a wonderful son or daughter to hold and love.

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Congrats!!! I had a c-section with my boy and I was scared, too. He is my only child. My blood pressure was high so they sent me to the hospital. I was having contractions but I did not feel anything. The doctor induced me, still nothing on my end. So we waited for my sister to make the drive to where I was and we did the surgery the next day. The worst thing for me was having to get the needle. I did not want anything going into my spine- but it wasn't bad at all. I did throw up when they put the mask on my face- but again, nothing major. And I had an allergic reaction to one of the meds I was given... so I itched for a few minutes but then I got to have my son and everything was better!!! While in the hospital, I was up quickly. I found that laying in the bed was painful. Oh- and a tip: put your bra back on as soon as possible. My back was hurting from NOT wearing one!!! (haha).. I roamed the halls all the time just to keep active. He was born Thursday and we went home Sunday. That night we were out in public... everything went well. The only thing that bothers me now (almost 18 months later) is the incision still itches at times. But it's not "pain" as other people have said they had. Good luck!!!

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My name is A. and I can totally sympathize with what you are feeling. I just recently had a c-section with my son. I wasn't expecting it at all. It was totally an emergency situation. But I can tell you that you can handle it. It's actually quite nice to go in and about ten minutes later holding your precious bundle of joy. My son is now six weeks old and I can tell you it's like nothing ever happened. To be honest with you I would probably give it a week of real discomfort. After that you can totally handle it. I was up and walking within 12-15 hrs afterwards. The one thing that I would warn you about would be coughing and laughing soon afterwards. Your muscles take a while to heal after such an ordeal. But it's not something that you can't bear. It's just uncomfortable. Never imagined that those muscles would be so conected. And just to reasure you about the scar part of it, well it's nothing. Mine has healed quite nicely and it won't be noticable with a bikini. Make sure that you have someone to help you soon afterwards. Picking up that carseat it's a complete no-no! You surely don't want to rip those stiches. Good luck and if you have any questions or concerns please let me know. I'm here! Good luck and no matter what it is totally worth it.

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I will say that I understand your fears. My second biggest fear when having my children was having to have a c-section. (My biggest fear was an episiotomy.) I had never spent overnight in the hospital and was very nervous - especially since I didn't fully know what to expect.

I will say that childbirth wasn't nearly as bad as I imagined. My first was born vaginally and was almost too big for me to have. (I don't want to scare you so I won't tell you the details. . . they aren't as bad as they sound.) I had to have a class 4 episiotomy which was the source of most of the problems I had afterward. I was up walking around the next day and back to (almost) my old self in a little over a week. For me, going to the bathroom was a nightmare and I was on laxitives for a month. I pulled one of my stitches while I was getting into my car and I wasn't given the green light for alone time with hubby for 12 weeks.

My second was born via emergency c-section. They turned up my epidural and wheeled me into the operating room. About 15 minutes later, my daughter was lying on my chest while they stitched me back up. I never felt a thing. They took her to the nursery for a bath and first tests while I was in recovery, but she was back with me as soon as I made it back to my room. I was up walking around a few hours later but was very slow. For the first few days I had to have help with stairs and getting into the shower. Recovery time for me was only a few days longer than with the vaginal delivery, but I didn't have the other problems that came with it. I was off pain medication in less than 2 weeks, and even given the green light with hubby in only 4 weeks!

Each experience is different, but the c-section was a breeze for me. IF we do it again, that's the way I'm going!

Good luck and congratulations!!!!!

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I had an 11 lb. 7oz baby in January 2007. My doctor unlike yours wanted to try to deliver natural. She wasn't a siccors type of doctor. I wish we would have planned a C-section a month before because my baby already weighed 9lbs a month before. It really put a toll on my stomach waiting longer so it is good that you are doing the C-Section! My stomach is damaged for a good while because it was stretched so large. It will eventually heal but it will take 1-2 years... I mean for it to get back in shape. Nothing went wrong or anything!

The c-Section was nothing! I felt fine in 3 weeks but I was careful just to be smart for 6 weeks. Just ask for an epideral and enjoy watching the birth of your new baby. Try to relax during the C-section and think of a happy place like the beach or something so your muscles will relax in your back! You don't want to tense up because you are nervous! You can't feel anything during the delivery but 2 days later if you were tense at all you might have soar back muscles kinda like working out! So try to relax!

Congratulations!

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L.-
I have had 2 c-sections. The recovery time, for you to really start feeling 'back to normal' is 6 weeks.Ask for help always!!! It's hard enough with a newborn, much less recovering from major surgery....congratulations and I'm sure all will go well.
K.

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How big do they think your baby is? Ultrasound can be off + or - 2 whole pounds! I would NOT submit to a c-section just because they "think" the baby might be big. This is NOT evidence-based medicine. Can you tell me your doctor's last name? I may be able to give you some insight into why he/she might be suggesting this.
http://www.motherfriendly.org/Downloads/csec-fact-sheet.pdf

http://parenting.ivillage.com/pregnancy/plabor/0,,8nbq,00...

Here are some articles that may help in understanding my concern.

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congrats on your first born , L. you will have no pian , the delivery will be very fast, there are now laser surgery for c-sections so you might not even have the ugly scar, My daughter has had four births and all c-sections she is in the Navy and she had no problems, aftert he deliveries she was able to return back to her duites on her ship with no problems of bleeding or hurting, It depends on you and yu body and how fast you heal, if you follow the doctors advice and no sex until you are totally heal you cshould be fine,. evey pregancy and every delivery is different ok.

EXERCISING IS THE KEY TO ANY SURGEY RECOVERY, THE HOLDING OF A PILLOW INTO THE STOMACH AREA PUSHING IN HARD TO KEEP THE STOMACH FROM PUSHING OUT WHILE YOU COUGHS HELPS FIGHT OFF PNEUMONIA, AND DEEP BREATHS IN AND OUT WHILE LYING IN BED ALSO HELPS THE MUSCLES IN THE STOMACH GET STRONG, THE DOCTOR WILL LIMIT YOUR WLAKING BUT YOU KNOW YOUR LIMIT WHEN YOU BEGAN TO HURT OF FEEL BAD, DO IT TO YOUR LIMITS BUT DON'T OVER DO IT. lET YOUR BODY HEAL ITSELF WITH TENDER LOVING CARE.

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I have had 3 c-sections due to the fact that my first pregnancy was twins and the one that was supposed to come first was breach. Anyways, it is not as bad as alot of people say. You will be sore for the first week or so. Just take it easy. Don't lift anything you don't have to. It feels a little weird, but it doesn't hurt. However, when they offer you pain meds, take them. I am not going to say it feels great. I quit takeing my meds a little early cause I don't like to take them and i have 3 other kids i had to take care of, but it is def. worth it. Get up and walk around as much as you can. The more you walk the easier it will be to recover and you can get back to doing what you are used to. I hope I helped you.

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L.,

Don't worry about the C-section. It is a piece of cake. I had one (for different reasons) and things went well. The hardest part was getting up for the first time. You will be VERY sore for several weeks. Don't push anything. When you are tired, rest. My incision was secured on the outside by stapes. It was a bit painful when they were removed, but I made it through. Believe it or not, the worst thing was the tape burns. They may tape you to make sure the incision stayes closed during the healing time. In my case, the tape did NOT want to let go and caused some superficial ripping on my skin. If this happens to you, use a large gause and diaper rash medicine to get it to heal fast.

Also, get the longest, largest "sanitary napkins" you can find and buy a lot of them. Once you are home, you will bleed like a horror movie. This is natural. I would completely fill a big pad in less than 2 hours. You want a lot of these pads for another reason too. Fold one against itself longways (so the absorbant side is out) and place this across your incision. This will absorb any natural oozing and buffer your incision against any rubbing of clothing.

My insurance gave me 5 days in the hospital (natural birth only got 3). I took the advise of all the books and classes and SLEPT at every opportunity. I was lucky, my son was sleeping through the night at 2 months. Getting in and out of bed was the hardest for me. It was a raised bed, but luckily it was a 4 poster bed and the poster helped a lot until my stomach muscles began to work. I went back to work after 12 weeks maturnity leave and was mowing the yard at 6 months.

Keep in mind, the information that the doctor is going off of may not be accurate, but if you attempt natual there is always a chance that you will have to have an emergency C -- If you decide to try natural, be prepared.........just in case.

Hope this helps

S.

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That sounds fishy to me. I would ask them how often they have been right about the size of the baby based on the u/s. Chances are he isnt going to be able to give you accurate numbers. My neighbor was freaked by her dr because she kept telling her based on the u/s her baby was going to be 10lbs. I talked to my neighbor and told her to refuse the c-section and to at least try labor. Low and behold he daughter was born barely weighing 6 lbs.
Ask your dr why he is so set on a c-section. Talk to him and ask him how many of his patients have vaginal devliveries. Call teh hospital that you are going to and ask them his track record for c-sections vs vaginal.
You have to remember women have been giving birth vaginal since there were humans. Very rarely is the size of the baby an excuse to do a c-section. Do some google searches and you will find lots of stories of women giving birth to 9 and 10 lb babies vaginally.
Now dont get me wrong I have had a c-section but it was not by choice. It was my second son that had to be delivered that way. I know if I get lucky and get pregnant again we are going to try for another vaginal birth becuase the recovery is so much easier and faster. Nothing wrong with c-sections as long as their is a valid reason for them.

I wanted to add on. The remark that nothing changes vaginally for those that have c-sections vs those that have vaginal births that is not true. My first was born vaginally and neither I or my husband noticed a difference afterwards. I will even say that it feels tigheter than it did before because I tend to tear more. I know sorry tmi but wanted to throw that in. For some it may change but not for all. Kegal exercises also help.

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Hi there !
I had my 1st & 2nd child by c-section !
My 1st child was turned wrong, after i was in labor for almost 10 hrs. They decided to do an emergency c-section.
Since i had my 1st child by c-sec., they said w/my second i could do the same! I got to pick my own date (close to delivery time) which was nice. Also make sure you have your epideral ready! Because you will need it.
I was working contract at the time my 1st baby came! And i was back to work in 2 weeks!!, my mom took care of both my children for me! Good luck~

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Hey, L.! First of all-- Congratulations! I had an elective c-section with my baby. I was told she was going to be big, I was HUGE and showed no sign s of labor at 40 weeks. It was June and I was miserable, so when the doctor mentioned having a c-section-- I jumped at the chance! Her is how my day went:

5 am-- woke up and went with hubby to watch him eat breakfast. No food for me pre-surgery.
5:45. Arrived at the hospital for check-in
6:00: shown to my pre-op room. Nurse catheterized me, prepared me for IV and shaved me. That was probably the worst of the ENTIRE experience-- if you can-- bring your OWN razor, or better yet, go get waxed today so you dont have to worry about it :)
6:30- family and friends began to show up to cheer me on
7:00 Wheeled into the operating room. My nurse walked me through everything and then doctors started to show up- the OB/Gyn, anesthesiologist, a couple of nurses, and a pediatrician.
7:20-- the anesthesiologist gave me my epidural and my back felt better than it had in 6 months!
7:30- my husband was brought into the room and they made the first incision. I felt NO Pain. At one point, there was a little pressure, but it was no big deal and they warned me before it happened.
7:41-- BABY IS HERE!!! We got to hold her while they stitched me back up.
7:55- Baby and daddy off to the nursery. I went into recovery and let the drugs do their work. I dozed for about 45 minutes or so, then they wheeled me to see the baby. She was having a bath, so I went to my room.
The pain meds gave me the shakes, but other than that, I was actually quite comfortable.
It took about 6 hours until I was up moving around. After I got the feeling back in my legs, I was able to walk to the bathroom and get the catheter out. By that evening, I was walking to the nursery. I even went outside while my husband smoked a cigarette.
I was in pain that was easily managed by the pain meds. It felt better to get up and get moving-- I had more pain after times of laying around. I guess I was off the meds in a little less than a week, then the reovery was quite easy after that.

So, that is a little of what you can expect. It is not as scary as you are probably thinking. I was petrified and wished i had someone to talk to about it. Godd luck and enjoy a stress free delivery! No LABOR!!! Yippee!

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HI!!! First of all, before anything....REALLY think about having the c-section, not because it hurts but because some doctors have their way with talking women into having a section. A section is always an easy way out for doctors. It's planned by their schedule so as to not interrupt any of their activities or sleep. I urge you to think because I was one of those women that got taken advantage of by their doctor, and I now will always feel as though I missed out on something.

Other than that, don't let anyone scare you about the pain. It hurts, but from what I've understood, so does having a baby naturally...even with an epidural. AND, with a c-section, you don't have to worry about all the later effects that women who deliver vaginally could suffer from...nothing changes down below for us c-section women!! LOL! The only advice that I can give you for recovery is WALK!! You may be sore, but as soon as they will let you out of that bed, get up and walk the halls. Don't just sit in the bed. Usually, they let you get out of bed the morning afterwards. Get your husband and let him escort you around the halls. It helps!! The longer you sit, the more stiff and sore you become.

Anyway, its not bad...and once you have that little baby, its not gonna matter anyway.
Good Luck and God Bless!!

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Hi L.,
I did go through the exact same thing and I always regretted it and wished that I had really tried natural birth with nbr one. By the time my dr sprung that info on me I was 37 weeks pg and there was no one who would take me at that late date. I felt trapped and so did it. With my second child I labored for three days, did everything I was supposed to (yoga, healthy diet, visualization, midwife, doula)but it still ended in a c-section. I was better with that birth ending in a section bc I really tried and I sort of had the answer for myself that I needed.
It took about 3 weeks for me to feel okay physically. I know that some women experience physical ease at 1 or 2 weeks post partum. I would get as much help as you can. Wishing you a great birth, and congratulations!
A. -mom to Dominic (9) and Julian (6)

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L.,
I must say I myself was very upset when I was told at the last minute during my labor that I was going to have emergency c-section. I had already had 2 babies with a vaginal delivery and to hear the word c-section I wasn't haven't. I was nervous and so afraid because I had no idea what to expect. I was one of those people who watched a Baby Story or whatever its called when the moms have the babies and said I NEVER WANTED THAT. Well, fortunately my doctor was great. They ended up putting me to sleep I didn't feel anything until I woke up. The only bad thing about that is I have major problems with no remembering my child coming out and into this world. I woke up hours later after he was born and I was so drugged it was ridiculous. Anyways, I recovered from that in a matter of days. By the 7th day I was up doing my normal routine of course I was still taking my medicine to reduce any pain that may have come but, I have a different look at C-Sections now they aren't so bad and for me you can't even tell or see a scar of any kind. SO THAT'S GREAT!
Good luck!

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I had one, and it was great. Loved it! easy as pie, my baby was out in a matter of mintues! Dr. was great, surgery was great, I'm not sure what they other lady is talking about with the laser surgery and all, your will have a scar regardless ( they cut a whole in you and have to stitch you back up.) So i wouldn't put hope into that.Most Dr. are verys killed when it come to sutures, so your scar shouldn't be bad anyway. The epidural was not as bad as i expected, and about the time they are taking the needle out, you are already numb.They will then insert a catheter, which will stay in for a little while. It doesn't hurt when it comes out. you will be in recovery after, and the chills and itching are not from the epidural, they are from the morphine the anestesiologist is giving you. that will not harm the baby, like i said he/she is out in a matter of minutes. The prep time in the OR takes longer than the time it takes to get the baby out. Be prepared, they will usually only allow 1 person in the OR.... so if you planned to have more that that in the regular delivery room, you can't now. Hope all goes well, if ya have anymore questions feel free to email me.

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L.,
First of all I agree with most of the mothers here. Ultrasounds can be misleading. I had to have an emergency c-section due to my blood pressure being too high which was totally dangerous for me and the baby. My ulstrasound showed the baby was around 8 lbs. Even the nurse said oh yeah you're baby is about 7 1/2 lbs. They were both wrong. My poor little guy was 3 1/2 weeks early and only 6 lbs. 9 oz. So don't let the doctor talk you into a c-section. Do what you think is best for you. I would definitely at least attempt a vaginal birth first. I don't want to scare you about the pain. It's bearable and all worth it in the end. But the soarness and recovery time is what I couldn't stand. Of course, it's different for every woman. My recovery time was about 2 weeks and 4 weeks to get back to normal.

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Well first off everyone is different. My c-section was an emergancy kinda. I wasn't in trouble and the baby wans't in trouble but my son just didn't want to come out so after 12hrs of labor and 2 hours of pushing my doc decided to do a section. They reloaded my epidural preped me and wheeled me in. I was 22 and it was my first baby and very very scared. It took all of 10 min! Yeah I was sore and in pain but how it that different then being sore and in pain from a vaginal birth? My doc did a bikinni cut outside and a virtical cut inside. He says he did that so next time maybe I can have a vaginal birth. They closed me up with 50 some odd staples and they may not do that anymore every hospital and every doc is different. I stayed in the hospital for 3 days I let my son stay in the nursery every night so I could get some rest to get ready to go home. TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF ALL HELP!! brin home all of the "mommy pads" you can get your hands on!! When I got home it was hard because I knew what I wanted to do and needed to do but couldn't. DO NOT OVER DO IT! If you do to much when you get home you could hurt yourself and ruin the chances of having another baby. Rest rest rest... take naps....rest every time the baby sleeps I would say sleep but I know that isn't possiable every time. It took me about 2 weeks to get round the house good and to be able to carry the baby too SHORT DISTANCES. DO NOT carry the baby for atleast 2 weeks. Then 6 weeks later the staples came out and all was well other then the numbness around the scar and the fantom itches but you'll get used to that. My son is gonna be 4 in July and I still get fantom itches. What I mean by famtom itches is you'll feel an itch around your scar but because of the numbness you won't be able to "scratch" it. Its silly but its real. I hope I helped and didn't scare you.

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Hey L.,
I agree with some of the others in getting another opinion of whether you really need a c-section.

I was induced to have my son because I went 10 days over my due date. I ended up having to have an emergency C-Section due to some complications during the labor process and I was terrified because it was the first surgery I've ever had (major or minor).
It turned out to be not as bad as I had expected. I didn't feel a bit of pain during the surgery but felt a little pressure during the part where they pull your abdominal muscles to the side to get at your uterus. It didn't hurt or anything but I could feel my body being pulled to the side. I do remember the burning smell and it was pretty bad but I didn't know what it was at the time. I was awake until they pulled my son out but went to sleep shortly thereafter since I had been in labor during the early morning hours. I awoke to a large heating bubble pad all over me but did not feel any pain. By the way, some of the side effects I had from the epidural were shaking and excessive itchiness. They put the heating pad on me because I was shaking and to help warm me up.

The main pain I felt in the hospital was when I tried to breastfeed my son and had to lean in a little. That was when I could feel the staples and it did hurt a bit. The first couple of times you try to get out of bed and walk will be a little difficult but make sure you have someone nearby to help. I stayed in the hospital for 3 days and refused the 4th day because I personally couldn't rest while I was there. There was always a nurse coming in to take my blood pressure, temperature, check the bleeding, check the baby, etc... I found I got more rest at home. By the way, to me it didn't really hurt when they removed the staples even though some were bent.

I made sure I got up often and walked around and I really believe that helped me to recover faster. We live in a 3 story home and I was going up and down the stairs (slowly of course) the day I come home from the hospital. I really didn't find the no driving for 2 weeks rule a problem because I had no desire to go anywhere. I personally would have no problems having another C-Section with my future kids.

The pains / problem areas that I had were:
-Massive bloating after the surgery. I had a pair of pajamas that I bought for the hospital and tried on 2 days before being induced that would not even go past my thighs 2 days after the surgery. I had started to retain water about 6 weeks before my son's birth and couldn't believe how bad it got during my stay in the hospital. I did lose it within the next 2 weeks.
-Pain in my neck and shoulders for the 1st week. I'm told that is a side effect of the epidural. It actually got so bad that I couldn't sleep for 3 nights.
-Diarrhea the first day after surgery. I think this was mostly because I wasn't allowed to eat or drink anything the day I was going to be induced and the next day of the surgery, I was only given liquids. They will keep you on a liquid diet until you start passing gas.
-Trouble with breastfeeding since it was hard to get in a comfortable position.

My doctor had prescribed a couple of medications and the only one I used was Motrin. I only took it for the first week and a half and it really helped. I stayed active during my pregnancy and really think it helped with the recovery procedure. I hope that you have a speedy and painless recovery how ever you end up having your baby. If you do end up getting another opinion, I would be interested to find out what the other doctor says.

-M.

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I had my son by c-section because his heart rate was increasing and I wasn't dilating, but I was having contractions. They gave me an epidural and I don't remember anything of the birth, except waking up for about 5 seconds to see my son and kiss him right after they pulled him out. When I woke up I was in pain. I had to be heavily medicated for the next 24 hours. I was only in the hospital for 3 days and my doctor released me for work after only 3 weeks. I felt that was too early, but she assured me it was fine. Before I went back to work, though, I wasn't able to bend over or do housework. I couldn't pick my son up if he was having tummy time on the floor. I was numb around my incision for months. I had my daughter vaginally, before my son, and I wish I could have done the same with him. My experience was not a good one. But everyone is different.

By now you have probably had your baby. Congratulations. I myself had a c-section with my 1st. But mine was breech. I had no choice. I had staples put in my stomach and was in the hospital for a week. I was off work for 2 months. If I knew then what I knew ( when I had my baby) I would have NEVER went to that doctor. I do now have a 2nd child ( teenager). I went to a different doctor with my 2nd. I had her natural. Don't let anyone tell " once a c-section, always a c-section". I'm proof you can have a natural childbirth.
Good luck with your baby.

first of all how big is ur baby.. im 4foot 10inches and i had a normal healthy 9lb 5oz baby .. and i had him normal and no drugs