Planned C-section- What to Expect?

I had a a c-section , vbac and then another C. With my first, I was not prepared. The babies stayed in the hospital for 2 weeks after so I had time on my own to recover. For my 2nd, I kind of knew but I think no matter how prepared you are, you aren't really. I had a planned c-section but due to low water, ended up with a somewhat emergency (the morning after, not rushing in to OR) Both times, they pretty much make you get up and walk the day after. That was the worst pain I had each time. Take the motrin/tylenol they alternate for you. It will help. The first time I also had vicodin at home. I do not remember having it for my son. Once you start moving around, it gets easier. Holding baby is also a lot easier sitting down so have someone hand you the baby if possible. And a large pillow can help hold baby higher. I did not have any complications at all but I do know someone that had an infection from the stitches and another that had staples.

Take advantage of no heavy lifting for a few weeks. That means someone else carries the laundry.

With my 1st child: I had an emergency c-section due to complications with by baby.
With my 2nd child: I opted for a planned c-section. Although my Doc gave me a choice.
* Make sure, that your hospital/coverage, will cover a vaginal delivery given your medical circumstances, or not.

At least in my case, per my Doctor, planned c-sections are performed, I think it was, at about 32 weeks. So that a woman does not go into labor etc. My Doc has encountered all scenarios... per planned c-sections, hemorrhaging emergencies etc. A planned c-section is just that- planned. It not waiting until the woman goes into labor, THEN doing the c-section.
Per my 1st "emergency" c-section, my body and recovery was a bit longer... because prior to that I had been in labor for hours and hours and my body was beat.

With both my c-sections, it was fine. I had an epidural. My lower half of my body was "numb." My upper body was not. I was fully awake and my Husband was there RIGHT by me, in hospital garb, and it was fine. I was fully alert. My Doc and his team talked to me throughout, and I asked how it was going etc. and I saw my baby right then when he/she came out. My Husband was right there, he cut the cord, right in the surgery room I could see and hear... my baby being checked and measured etc. It was great! My surgery did not take long at all. It was started and ended before I knew it.

My post-op recovery was fine and normal. My hospital stay was 3 days. Which was enjoyable! I told the Doc/Nurses I am breastfeeding. It was no problem. They brought my baby to me AS soon as I was recovered and whenever I asked that my baby be brought to me. Both my kids were born fine, with the c-section. And they breastfed instantly like experts! And my milk came in quick. It was no problem.

Typical 6-weeks of "recovery" at home for healing. BUT... I was fully being "Mommy" and breastfeeding and co-sleeping too. And my post-op Doctor follow up appointment was fine! My recovery and healing was fine. I went home with "instructions" on post-surgery tips and on what to do and not do, post surgery for 6 weeks. My surgical incision was not "staples". My Doc does not use staples. He uses sutures, with each "layer" of internal and external body layers. The Nurse said watching him suture a patient is like watching an Artist. And then on the outside, on my bikini line, it was sutures and steri-strips. And it goes away naturally on its own.

Now, in both of my c-sections, someone stayed home with me for the first 2-weeks. Husband and Grandma. To assist me with the house and kids. You cannot lift... heavy things. They say lift nothing heavier than your own baby. And don't force it or strain yourself, because you do not want to have your sutures split. Do not do housework!

A c-section is major surgery. And your Husband will need to know about it too, because, HE WILL need to help you. Once you get home. And yes, getting up at all hours of the night too, to assist you. Whenever.

Per pain meds post-op... well I just had prescription strength Tylenol. But I did not really need it. I just used it sporadically.

Per the prep for my c-sections, for me-- the thing that hurt the most was when the Nurse stuck the I.V. needle in my hand. Good grief. That hurt. My spinal for epidural did not hurt. The Anesthesia Doc was great! Oh and they shave you around your bikini line area and tummy.

At home, I used a Boppy Pillow for breastfeeding. I sat in a love seat type chair, that was at a good height where I did not have to strain or be in pain whenever I went to sit down or stand up. Often times I fell asleep in the chair. It was comfortable and easy for me get to in and out of. Versus a low bed. And I had a walking cane... to use to lean on when I needed extra support to stand up or sit down on furniture or the bed. Because yep, your abdominal area will be sore.
So that is my tip: having a walking cane or walking stick, can help a lot. To help you get up or sit down. Its extra support. Especially if no one is around to help you up.

At the hospital I was at, and per my Doc, they try to have you stand up and walk around as soon as you can. It gets your body circulated and helps recovery. My Doctor was surprised that I had been up walking around, (just in my room), quicker than with my 1st c-section.

The Doctor will tell you, per your situation, what you need to do to prep for the surgery.

I had an emergency c-section with my first and a planned one with my second. The planned c-section was SO much easier. I was able to get out of bed and walk around much faster and with a lot less pain. I did need painkillers for a week or so (maybe two..can't remember, but it definitely tapered off), but it really wasn't that bad.

I didn't have problems breastfeeding or with my milk coming in, both with my first (induced, many many hours of labor) or with my second (no labor at all). It was actually easier to nurse with the planned c-section because my body was in so much less pain and I could hold my daughter more easily.

Honestly, I had a very easy time with my planned c-section and was very happy not to have to go through a hard and unsuccessful labor again.

S.H.'s response could have word-for-word been my own, except we did a bassinet right next to the bed instead of co-sleeping (though there were some co-sleeping nights).

Only problems I had were

1) since we planned for the first surgery time of the day to minimize the amount of no-eating time, Starbucks wasn't even open yet for DH to get a coffee before going to the hospital (wah!)

2) one stupid nurse laid me flat on my back so I ended up passing out while waiting and freaking my husband out (really, doesn't everyone know you don't lay a preg woman flat on her back???).

3) not a problem, but I had some discomfort when gettin my epidural simply because my baby was huge and hadn't dropped yet and started kicking when I bent over.

4) (just a baby #2 problem, not c-section problem) I breast fed baby #1 for almost 2 years so figured I was a pro, but had problems with baby #2 latching, cracked nipples, etc. A wise friend pointed out that I was used to breast feeding a toddler that knew what she was doing vs starting over again with an infant. I wish I hadn't suffered through almost 6 weeks of pain and had seen the lactation specialist sooner to correct the problems.

I had people asking me if I was going to do a VBAC for my second after the c-section I had for #1, and honestly even though the chance of uterine rupture was slight, that was still too much of a chance for me, so don't beat yourself up if you end up with the surgery. Ultimately the end result is what is most important, right?

Good luck!

I had two C-sections. Neither were planned.

The first one was due to failure to progress after 28 hours of labor. Yeah, that was fun!! NOT!!! There is something called the "epidural shakes". I had that. They had to tie me on the table so I would shake off. I didn't like that. My recovery was pretty easy. I got up ASAP and started walking. You will be gasey due to air in your stomach. That is a pain in the butt, literally! =) So get up as soon as possible.

One thing, you will need something to "hold" your stomach when you move. My nurse constructed for me a piece of wood and wrapped a sheet around it to make it soft. When I had to cough or move I would put it against my tummy. It really helped.

The second, again failure to progress after 15 hours of labor. My blood pressure crashed and the doctors decided to get in immediately. I had an epidural with both C-sections. No issues with the epidural this time. Since I knew what to expect this time, I felt much more comfortable.

I'm lucky to have had this medical technology. I nursed with both as well. No problems. Congrats on your new little one.

I went into the hospital hoping for a vaginal delivery and ended up with a C-section. I will say that the hospital stay is longer and I was glad to have a few things on hand, notably earplugs, and an eye mask.
my husband had a play list for me to listen to during the procedure because hearing yourself get cut open is upsetting.
Post recovery I recommend a support or binder and also to decrease the misery and pain of your first bowel movements, offer counter pressure with a rolled up hand towel on your incision.
Make sure you move, as in walk as soon as you can to help speed your recovery. Movement that does not use a lot of abbs is really helpful to getting back on your feet as soon as they take your cath out.
The pain after C-section is really not that bad. I got off meds within 5 days. Your mobility will be shot, but in some ways, I think the pain and soreness can be less than vaginal delivery.

Don't plan on co-sleeping before 2 weeks. Its really hard to pick up baby when you have no abdominal muscles from a laying down position. So you will want to be standing to pick up baby, and leaning over a bed is not going to cut it. Get a bassinet.

I have had two C-sections, one planned and one emergency. My first was breech and absolutely refused to turn. We scheduled him a week early relative to his due date. A planned C-section is designed to create a controlled, safe environment for delivery so they should plan about one week before your due date. My doctor said he wanted to go as long as possible but not run the risk of me going into labor due to any extra complications which might arise. With my second the baby had other ideas and came two weeks early so the planned turned into an emergency. I went through the stages of labor quickly and I realized at some point why my doctor really didn’t want me going into labor. The onset of labor and all that comes with it wound up taking some of the controlled elements out of a planned C-section. More or less they are the same procedure, though. The atmosphere both times was relaxed and caring.

Get out of bed in the hospital as soon as you can. The sooner you move, the faster you will feel better. The first couple of times out of bed you probably won’t want to but keep on moving.

Stay ahead of the pain. I cannot emphasize that enough. A few times I didn’t take pain medications for whatever reason and it took hours to get the pain back under control. During that time I found the pain to be all consuming and a total distraction to everything else. I have a high tolerance for pain but I did take the Vicodin for a couple of weeks both times. I just had to. Do what you need to do. As my doctor said they don’t give out trophies for anything associated with childbirth. Take the pain medications if that’s what you need to do. Your doctor isn’t prescribing it on a whim. He or she knows you may very well need it.

Get an abdominal binder. The binder helped me with my ability to move comfortably and safely, relieved some of my pain and also provided a small barrier between my incision site and the world. I wore my binder for at least six weeks both times. I weaned myself off by slowly reducing the number of hours each day I wore the binder until eventually I didn’t need it at all.

Related to be both of the above – do less than you would ever normally do. If you overdo it, you will rue the day. I had a really hard time driving with my first C-section but didn’t the second time. Feel your way through the recovery process. Each person’s recovery is slightly different but you can figure out what works best for you. When in doubt, move slowly so you don’t accidently hurt yourself.

Both times I wound up with the worst shakes during the surgeries. It was unsetting but a side effect of the procedure. It unnerved me the first time but I was prepared for it the second time. Remember you are awake and can ask what is going on which helped me understand what I was feeling and experiencing. As well it helped the staff care for me better since I was talking to them. In general the staff was incredibly supportive and understanding since after all it is a major surgery. Good luck and congratulations.

My second was a planned C. The delivery was planned a week before my due date, expected that would be before I went into labor, but baby 2 decided to come 2 weeks early, so I was in labor before the surgery. I had no trouble getting my milk to come in, and the baby nursed well right away. I don't know if that is because I was in labor or not. But I had no trouble nursing. I used the football hold because it kept the baby off the incision site.

For drugs/comfort and nursing - I took vicodan for 3 days, which is completely compatible with nursing. But, I don't like how strong meds make me feel, so by day 4 I switched over to tylenol. By day 7, I didn't even take that on a regular basis because I didn't need it, just every now and then.

If you have a 2 story house, you need to minimize going up and down the steps. We set up the pack n play downstairs for naps and diaper changes. I also stocked it with a bunch of onsies and receiving blankets. So when I was upstairs overnight, he slept in his crib and changed diapers in his room. Once we came downstairs in the morning, I had everything I needed downstairs, and I didn't have to go back up until evening. If I wanted a nap, I napped on the couch.

It feels better to have some support around your abdomen. I had a belly band that I wore during pregnancy, and I wore it after I was home also. I also wore my maternity pants and 'granny panties' because I couldn't bear to have any waistband that sat right on the incision site. They were irritating, and I needed something that would sit higher. When I slept, I did so with a body pillow, because again, it provided support for my abdomen.

I found the first week to be painful, and after that, I felt much better really quickly.

I don't know anything about delayed cord clamping, so that is a question for your OB. However, I did still donate the cord blood to the local stem cell bank. They can collect it after a C section just like they do after a vaginal birth.

I had an emergency C-section with #1 and a VBAC with #2. While you say that a C-section may be a necessity, check with your local ICAN chapter to see if your OB is really natural birth friendly. For example, does he/she "allow" VBACs? If not, he/she may be falsely advertising as "natural birth friendly".

I would have a conversation with your doctor about whether it is an option to go into labor on your own rather than having a planned C-section. Whether doctors like it or not, babies know when they are ready to be born. It is perfectly safe in most circumstances to go into labor first before doing a C-section. As you know, labor can take a long time. If you determine that surgical birth is better than vaginal birth for your situation, than you have lots of time to get to the hospital. Also, it truly doesn't matter as much about who your surgeon is as it does who is assisting you in a vaginal delivery. You can basically take what you get. The best gift we can give our babies is to allow them to chose their own birthday - it significantly reduces the chances of a NICU stay.

At a minimum, do not chose a planned C-section earlier than 39 weeks.
Google the March of Dimes campaign on reducing early C-sections.

Cheers,
C.

As you can see, every story is a little different :-)

My first c-section was an emergency. No labor. Our hospital keeps you in bed for 24 hours after a c-section (some people walk around just hours later). My son had low glucose, and the nurses told me I needed to nurse him right away. My first thought, "But my mom isn't here yet to show me how!" The nurses helped me and he latched on right away. No problems whatsoever. I breastfed him for 7 months and could have gone longer if I had tried. I think I was just done.

My second was a scheduled c-section, so I was so much more relaxed. Until the morning of, and then I was freaking out. But that's just me. I told the nurses I wanted to breastfeed as soon as possible. They got me back to my room and got me into a position and latched him on. He also nursed like a pro from the start. I was very fortunate in that department.

My first c-section was the hardest, but I think that had a lot to do with not knowing at all what to expect, being hormonal, being a brand new mom, etc. Also, he was a honeymoon baby. My husband and I hadn't even been married a year, my husband commuted an hour for work each day. I just think there were a lot of factors that went into me being a bit of an emotional wreck to begin with.

One thing I remember about my first c-section was the first time I had to pee after they took out the catheter. I had to pee, and I couldn't. One of the nurses told me to push, and I was in so much pain I just broke down crying and asked them to put the catheter back in. My husband tried to help me relax, and as soon as I was able to relax, I just peed. It's so embarrassing to say it now, but at the time it was very traumatic. I wish the nurse had just told me to relax!

I have gotten severely nauseous by some pain meds in the past. But I know that Vicodin works, so I always request it. It has Tylenol in it, so I alternated Vicodin and Ibuprofen every 3 hours. I did this religiously the first week. After that I started taking them if I thought of it or if I was hurting. After awhile I was only taking them once or twice a day and then not at all. Your body will heal faster if you do take the meds, so do yourself a favor and take them on schedule in the beginning.

Good luck. Try not to feel too overwhelmed. At least you have a really good idea of what to expect of a newborn, so you're just adjusting to taking care of yourself. Let the nurses help you as much as possible the first day or so, and ask lots of questions.

With my first, I was in labor for over 22 hours (after having been induced), pushed for 2 hours then ended up having an emergency c-section. There was a complication so I was in the OR for 2 hours and the anesthesia began to wear off -- I started feeling some tugging. Milk came in really late and I had to supplement. I had supply issues so ended up pumping exclusively. It was a terrible labor and delivery experience.

Compared to that my second, which was a planned c-section, delivery was relatively easy. I checked in, baby was born, was given pitocin (maybe for the milk to come in?), and breastfeeding went (and is still going) smoothly -- smoother than it did with my first. In fact, this time, I had too much milk in the beginning and I don't have to pump exclusively. A much better delivery experience.

Nothing to really prepare for, except you can't eat 8-12 hours before the procedure (standard for any type of surgery where you'll be given anesthesia); procedure usually lasts 40-50 minutes barring complications, although I have a friend whose father is an OB who boasts that he can do a c-section in 15 minutes from start to finish; and recovery is the same for planned c-sections as it is for emergency c-sections -- it will be tough for the first few weeks and you'll have some tenderness/numbness for a while (months). You'll be given painkillers that are safe for breastfeeding. I took them for about 2-3 weeks on an as needed basis.

As for products, binders are helpful -- it's something that goes around the lower ab. The hospital should give you this. It'll be hard to bend over so anything that would minimize that would be helpful -- I didn't use any special products other than the binder. It'll also be hard to get in an out of bed so it would be good to have the baby sleeping next to you or have him sleep in a bassinet next to you so that it's easier to feed him.

As for my husband, he was in the operating room with me both times. He got to take pictures and videotape the birth.

You will be very sore after they remove the epidural, but I am glad I had the c-sections. My first one was an emergency after being in labor for almost 24 hours and having complications. Turned out great. Second one was supposed to be a planned c-section but ended up being an emergency c-sec because my water broke 2 weeks early. The second one had complication after the c-section. Both ended up fine. If I had the choice, I would go c-section again over v**. It was not bad but recovery takes a little longer. Can't lift heavy things up for a fews weeks after. You will have to stay in the hospital 1-2 days longer. Don't be scared, it is a common surgery. Both my children were born healthy with no problems. They will not let you eat solid food until you fart. Sounds funny but when you are hungry, it seems to take forever. I only felt pressure when they cut me open but had no pain. My husband was in the room and took pictures. They make you get up and shower and walk a little the next day. it was hard and i was very sore. take the pain meds and slowly alternate with regular ibuprofen. Best wishes.
Ask to borrow a pump in the hospital and start pumping that night or the day after. I had no trouble with my milk supply. After the baby would eat, I would pump. They stored the milk in the fridge. It was nice because my husband could feed her if I need a little sleep. Ask to speak with a lactation consultant and call her with any question or help. I called her twice to help with latching when baby was being fussy. I learned a lot from her.

I had a planned C-section with my second, because the OB wanted to do this after I had an emergency C with my first. Of course, since I planned the C-section, I wound up going into labor early. The OB on call said she would help me through a vaginal delivery if I wanted to try, so I did. I found the recovery with a C-section to be quicker and less painful than a vaginal delivery. It helps when you can sit down without being in pain on the back end. I nursed both babies and had no difference in milk production. The C-section itself was fairly uneventful. The big downside is my husband had to wait outside for most of the procedure although I could see him through the window. Even if you have a planned C-section, just keep your bag packed in case you have to go early.

What Manda M said. Almost exactly.

It's pretty basic. You show up, they give you the epi, take you in to the OR, and take the baby out. No fuss, no labor pains, nothing. You check in and get in your gown.
SO was with me in the room at my head talking to me a they did it. And when they took DD out, he went over and held her after they checked her.
They stitched me back and sent me to recovery.

Recovery is different. I bled less afterwards. Make sure to ask for an abdominal binder if they don't automatically give you one. It will be your best friend until things heal. Things like laughing, coughing, sneezing, sleeping on your side, etc... will be miserable for about a week as things heal. Your stomach will be tender.

Apart from that, honestly, it's not a big deal. Much less "traumatic" than regular vaginal delivery complete with labor and/or epidural.

Take the pain meds prescribe for you. It's major surgery & it helps. Even
if you just take it for the first 4 days. Also, this is important, when the
pain meds say take every 4 hrs, do just that every 4 hrs to stay on top of
the pain. This includes setting an alarm in the middle of the night to take
the pain med or you when you get out of bed in the morning the pain
may bring you to your knees. It did for me. After that I set that alarm for
mid sleep pain med & never had that problem again.

They say you can breast feed while taking that pain med for the 4 or so
days. Dbl chk w/your doctor but that's what mine said. Again, the pain
meds really helped as the cuts into abdomen skin & muscle walls were
painful w/o the meds. The meds helped manage the pain just fine.

They give you a mesh belly band. Helps keep your belly in so it's not as
tender.

Keep things nearby to where you will sit/nurse in living room AND baby's
bedroom. I kept a basket in living room & baby's room next to chair I'd
sit it to nurse/feed baby. It had everything I needed: burp cloth, diapers,
pacifier, wipes etc. Also, kept a Boppy nearby. This helped keep the
baby off my belly when nursing so internally it didn't hurt.

The actual procedure was surprising to me as I had never been through
anything yet but it was fine. They had me there early, gave me pain meds (epidural?), put a sheet up. The actual feeling (you do not feel the
incision just the pressure) of having them move organs to get to your
little one then it felt like some yanking for lack of a better word to get
my precious little one out into the world, they showed me my sweet
baby then off to clean up & check the baby. Then they brought the baby
back to me.

Getting out of bed hurts b/c of the incision so if your bed is high consider
sleeping in a recliner. I did. It helped a lot. Also, used a bassinet on
wheels to move the baby around instead of a lot of lifting. If I remember
correctly, they told me not to lift & have someone bring me the baby for
the first week.

Best things for me?: bassinet on wheels, basket of handy baby needs
wherever I was going to sit, take it easy (really easy) the first 7-10
days (nursing did hurt once the I stopped taking the meds), no lifting
for 2 wks I think it was, hv your SO help whenever possible (bringing
baby to you for breastfeeding so you don't have to lift baby as you're
not supposed to forawhile if memory serves me correctly), have some
meals prepared ahead of time in freezer (lasagna, shepherd's pie,
taco meat, spaghetti meat sauce etc.), receiving blankets nearby, your
phone etc.

If you have a 2 story, put things downstairs for baby, too.

While planned wasn't originally the plan (had med emergency so doc
said had to hv planned c-sect), was helpful in the end so I could have
things ready (baby stuff, my stuff, visitors, help, meals ready in freezer).

Best wishes & congratulations!

1st baby was natural and fast - she was born 40 minutes after getting to the hospital so I was warned to get to the hospital quickly with my 2nd. He ended up an emergency c-section. He was 22.5 inches and 10lbs so he was too big, got stuck and his neck was turned backward with his face presenting. I had been so certain that he would arrive quickly like his sister so had eaten a few hours before and so some kinds of anesthesia were off limits. I had to have an epidural - which I was not prepared for (I was ready for it first time but she came too quickly to have it done!). My husband got all scared about the need for surgery and I had to comfort him (!) Silly rabbit.

SInce my SIL had her babies via scheduled c-section I had some expectation about it. Here's my advice and my feeling about both combined from both my SIL and me.

The epidural is a little intimidating - but as long as I held tight to the nurse and followed directions it was a wonderful relief. I felt nothing - which in itself was a little strange. Very wierd to hear the doctors and OR staff discussing things like summer camp for their kids while they extricated my giant baby. My SIL had told me about getting sick and throwing up from the anesthesia while they were doing the c-section - the thought horrified me. So I asked the anesthesiologist about it right away and he said I should tell him if I started feeling woozy and he'd adjust the medication. So I did. I began to feel sick to my stomach, I told him, he adjusted the drug cocktail and I felt instantly better.

Afterwards, in the recovery room it was strange becuase I couldn't move my legs and I felt suddenly very hot and uncomfortable. My husband and family were all in the nursery and I had to ring for help since I was unable to move anything below my nipples. That was strange. But had I been prepared for it I wouldn't have been so surprised. The staff is very attentive when you're post-op - more so than a normal delivery. So ask questions, ask for pain meds when needed, take advantage of the extra nursing attention in those first 24 hours post-op.

I was really groggy and didn't want to hold my son those hours afterwards since I thought I'd drop him. The anesthesiologist used "duramorph" after I was stitched up - which extends the duration of the epidudral anesthesia for 12-24 hours so the first night was fine. I felt no pain, the next day they took out my catheter - I didn't even know I had one in! I was able to sit in the chair and adore my new baby and cuddle my daughter. The next night was eye-opening though becuase that's when the duramorph wore off. I was completely not expecting it and when I woke up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom I felt pain I had never felt in my life. Once I rang for the nurse and got pain medication I was fine and I never felt like that again. Moral of the story - ask when the epidural is expected to wear off and make sure you have the neccessary pain medication set up. They kept asking me if I needed pain medicaiton and I didn't feel like I did. Until that second night. Yow! Pain medication is your friend and you will heal better when you have the right pain medication set up.

Once I was a few days post op and ready to go home advil was more than enough. I had no problems picking up or carrying my baby once I got home - but it's a great excuse and I recommend you use it to the fullest for everythingi else. Once your husband witnesses a c-section he will have a whoe new respect for you. Use it for laundry, dishes, dinner, diapers, etc for a few weeks at the very least. ;o)

My SIL recovered really quickly and had no discomfort from her incision. I was a little less comfortable the 2-3 weeks following. But I was older - I was 40, my SIL was 30. I also had a giant 22.5 inch, 10 lb baby and she had normal sized babies - in the 7 lb, 17 inch range. I had to roll on my side and use my arm in order to sit up from laying down - she felt no need to do that. She loved having a planned date for her baby- deliveries, and she loved not having vaginal discharge for weeks afterwards and not having to be stitched up in that tender place. And I have to agree that was an advantage to a c-section. It was alot eaiser to go the bathroom afterwards too.

I also had my tubes tied while they were doing the c-section. We had talked about it early in the pregnancy - that if, by chance I had a c-section we wanted a tubal ligation - but the doc (and we) thought that was a remote chance. So it worked out. But it also extended the surgical time, and a little more blood loss and I think they had to move aside my intestines more and stuff them back in more afterwards. What surprised me most is how distended my abdomin was afterwards compared to my natural childbirth. Some was because of the size of my baby - but some was beacuase the intestines never go back quite the way they were before. So - food, air, liquid is all moving differently. You may have strange gas pains as a result, etc. That was completely un-expected.

But no matter what - the wonder is that we have marvelous medical resources in this country and we can safely have healthy babies without injury or damage to us or them. 150 years ago we, or our babies might not have survived.

I had a planned c section with my second child due to she was breeched. My water broke the night before I was scheduled, went into labor, and had to have my c section a couple hours earlier than planned. I was thankful my bags where packed and I was ready to get to the hopsital made for an easy transition. One thing I will suggest is getting an extra long charger cable for your phone and tablet (6 feet). Also brought wipes for my hands, chapstick, gum, and some other odds and ends for my bedside table. My initial recovery went really well. It took me a while to gain back my over all strength, I want to say by 4 months PP I was feeling human. I am looking forward to the warm weather coming up and hitting 6 months PP on Friday.

Best of luck.

I had a c-section and it was a great outcome. I tried the natural way but did not progress at all. I was afraid of a c-sec because I had read and been told that recovery was so hard and longer than vaginal. Therefore, I told my Dr multiple times that there was no c-sec possible. In the end, had to do it and wish I had just scheduled it in the first place! The recovery was much easier than expected. I was off pain meds within 3 days of being home. Maybe I just ran on adrenaline but it was not bad at all. Things I wish people had told me beforehand: 1) shave a little low ahead of time; 2) you can feel touch and pressure after the spinal block but not pain or temperature. I freaked out because someone touched me and I felt it; thought the spinal did not take and they were about to cut. 3) you will smell burning while they cauterize the wounds; you won't feel it but the smell is odd; 4) some Drs strap your arms down to avoid movement; mine didn't; 5) afterwards is super easy; you are very awake and nurses very attentive; 6) the anesthesia wearing off does make you nauseous; don't eat or drink until you are sure and even though you are feeling awesome at the time don't have a party in your room afterward because you may hurl!; 7) breastfeeding was no problem afterward and the Drs were not concerned about the drugs in my system. I think this is because you don't put out any real "milk" for a few days but not sure. All in all, if I had another baby I would schedule a c-sec ahead of time and relax until it happened. So much more controlled and everyone including the Dr is ready, thinking about you, and calm. Good luck!!

You are getting great information. My 1st was an emergency C-section after being in labor for 12 hours or so. My 2nd was a planned C-section. With my first I definitely knew when my milk came in, with the 2nd I never got that feeling and nursing was much more difficult. I have always thought that was because my body didn't go into labor on it's own and those hormones weren't released. You might talk with your doctor about this and see what he/she says.

Congratulations!!

M.

I have had an emergency C-section (which I call my unne-cesarian) and a VBAC. I am a huge proponent of VBACs, but I also know there are circumstances that necessitate a C-section, like placenta previa.

Good things-
I found the epidural to be quite easy. It felt more odd, like an electric shock, than painful, and that was over quickly. It did not bother me afterwards at all. I had no problems breastfeeding. My husband was able to stay right by me through the surgery. Recovery was not that bad. Generally, the pain of the C-section was more internal, the VBAC was more external. Biggest bonus, your girl parts don't get traumatized.

Bad things-
I had never had surgery before, other than wisdom teeth surgery, so I had no idea what to expect. I had read things about people feeling "nothing," so I was really freaked out when I could feel everything. For me, I could feel every little thing, including all the incisions. There was no pain during the surgery, but I had a huge panic attack that I could feel what was happening, and I was there due to PIH, so they were worried I would have a stroke. Then my epi started to wear off and I really could feel things as they were stitching me. Not horrible pain, just poking for the most part, but enough to freak me out more, so they had to conk me out with Versed. I saw my son for just a few seconds, then the Versed kicked in. Only it didn't work all the way, just made me feel like I was dying and didn't know who or what or where I was. Awful. I am telling you this not to freak you out but so you know what to expect- you may not feel things, but you may feel everything, just without the pain. If I had been prepared, I don't think I would have lost it so badly, which led to everything else that was bad. I highly recommend preparing some relaxation exercises, just like you would for a natural birth. You may need the ability to intentionally focus and relax.

After delivery, your teeth may chatter like crazy. This drove me nuts!

Best advice I got was to press a pillow against my incision whenever I stood up. It worked like a charm and really reduced the pain.

Definitely get up and walk around as much as you can without hurting yourself.

My second child was an emergency C-section and so the third was a planned, only 23 months later. The doctor pushed for a VBAC, but I was not comfortable with that, so we planned it.

It was very nerve-wracking for me, because the emergency was rough. The recovery was rough, the emotional roller coaster of going from a planned vaginal delivery to a major surgery was too much to handle for me. It ended up fine, obviously, but I was worried about all of that again.

The operating room was so much smoother when I was having a planned C-section. My doctor was actually telling me all about the vacation she just came back from and arguing with me that my baby was not over 9 pounds - he was 9 pounds 4 ounces, I won that bet! Haha!

The medicine did make me sick the second time though, but that was the only worse thing. I think overall the planned was a million times better. I was mentally prepared to relax for a couple of weeks and not do much of anything, which is hard for me. We had a one story house at the time, so that was great. My husband was also more prepared to be home more and really step it up with the older two (who were 1 and 3).

Know that nursing may be more uncomfortable with it, but it's temporary. Your incision area should be kept clean and dry, it will also itch. Have your husband help change the bandaging there. I only ever took Tylenol with both of those - I didn't want anything stronger while nursing even though it's 100% safe.

Not driving was the hardest part. With 3 kids, we needed to get out of the house, and I had to depend on family to do that for me. They were great so it helped, but that was the hardest part for me.

Every c-section is different. I had 2. They were both emergency, but the 2nd was more or less expected. With the first my spinal only numbed my feet and they ended up having to totally knock me out. I woke up about an hour later. That was hard because I didn't get to hear, "It's a girl!" But, I started nursing soon after I woke up. Our daughter was a huge daddy's girl from the start. I always joke it was because he got to bond with her first. I did have some nausea and vomiting from the anesthesia. I was able to nurse even with the pain killers. I weaned myself off them a little earlier than I should have. I had been hired to a new job and had to start new staff orientation when she was about 3 weeks old. I couldn't drive while on the pain meds. The biggest thing I remember was being really constipated from the meds. I thought there was no way that pushing a baby out could have been any harder than that first bowel movement. (Sorry for the TMI!) I also had to adapt how I laid down and got up so I didn't have to use my stomach muscles as much. For a couple of weeks I slept propped up on pillows instead of laying flat.

My 2nd c-section was different. The spinal worked, but it did start to wear off when they were sewing me up. Like someone else mentioned, I could feel mainly the tugging. They ended up partially knocking me out while they finished. I had the tremors/shivering that someone else mentioned but not the vomiting. My recovery was very similar, except that I took 8 weeks of maternity leave. The hardest part was having to rely on my husband to drive me places. It was also challenging because for a month or more they tell you not to lift anything heavier than your baby. That was tricky with a 2 year old. We got a small step stool to use for her to climb into the van and then into her car seat. The upside of not being able to lift things is that 7-1/2 years later my husband still does most of the laundry since I couldn't lift the laundry basket.

Definitely have a nursing pillow. It helps to take some of the weight off of your incision when you nurse or even just hold baby. I was told I would probably have to use the football hold to nurse, but I never did.

Buy big ol' granny panties!! All if my pre-pregnancy and maternity underwear sat right on my incision. Granny panties were the only thing comfortable.

You will also need big gauze pads to put on your incision. They need to be changed often so the incision stays dry and doesn't develop a yeast infection.

Have a caddy that you can keep nearby for things like bottled water, pain meds, hand sanitizer, wipes, the TV remote, books, magazines, phone, iPad, etc. The first week or so you don't want to move much.

Don't be afraid to ask for help. If your husband can take the time off take advantage of that. If he can't, try to have someone else stay with you for at least the first week.

C- sections weren't the way I wanted to go, but that's what was needed to have healthy babies. I maybe felt a little "cheated" because I didn't deliver my babies the natural way. But, I never had to sit on ice packs! I wouldn't change anything. I used the c- section as an excuse to sit and cuddle my babies. That was the best!

Good luck and blessings!