Repeat C-section

Hi S.--congratulations!! I have a similar story to you--my first son was born (5 years ago already!) by emergency c-section. It was really scary; he had a lot of medical issues when he was a baby, but is now healthy and happy. For my 2nd (who is now 2), I opted to try VBAC. I went through like 12 hours of labor and ended up having another c-section anyway (both my boys had problems in labor--their heart rate would drop drastically, which is why I ended up with the c-sections both times).

Anyway, I think that you would be feeling the same way right now whether you've got one scheduled or not. I remember how freaked out I was when I was very pregnant with my 2nd--since labor could start ANY day at ANY time, I tried to have plans for my 3-year-old to make sure someone could take care of him--at daycare or in the middle of the night. I was really stressed out because I didn't know when labor would happen obviously (my 2nd was a week late too) and wanted to make sure my firstborn was provided for.

So I really don't think you'd be feeling any less stressed out if you were planning VBAC. At least this way, you'll have daycare lined up for your son! Try to relax--everything will work out. Make sure you have supplies lined up for your first, and stuff for you to bring to the hospital. It really is easier the 2nd time!! You know what to expect and you know what recovery will be like, although it's trickier with a young son...it really is! I hope I'm helping at all--I feel like I'm rambling. :) Feel free to e-mail me if you need to talk. Everything will be alright! Good luck!
~Steph

2 moms found this helpful

Hi S.,

I went through the exact same thing...with my first daughter, I was stricken with preeclampsia at 34 weeks and they held me off until 35 and 2 days when they had to do a c-section. Prior to the actual birth, I wasn't allowed to eat for about 40 hours, barely could drink...because they didn't know when/if I was going to have a c-section or the pitocin would kick and they tried prolong it as much as possible). During the actual operation I was so dazed and confused I barely knew where I was.

When I got pregnant again, when my oldest daughter was 6 months (I know, I'm crazy), I immediately said I wanted to try the VBAC. My doctor was initially supportive, but kinda talked me out of it for safety sake. I was all for it, but then about 2 weeks before I started having the same problems as you are...couldn't sleep, even had problems with anxiety for the first time in my life. Once the day came, and I went through it, I wondered how I could have worried so much. The actually procedure was nothing like I remembered - it was so calm and peaceful...and quick. In retrospect, I wish I would have known in advance how much easier it was going to be. Even the recovery...the doctor used this "pain pump" thing that is actually sewn into the incision and then removed before you leave the hospital (sounds weird, but it is amazing, and the removal doesn't hurt a bit).

I wish you all the best with your new addition - just relax and enjoy the last few weeks you have to dote on your son and hubby uninterrupted (the remaining baby preparations can wait...he/she only needs you)!

A.

1 mom found this helpful

Hi S.!

I am going to have a planned c-section on December 20th also! Congrats! This will be my 3rd c-section & I am a little nervous also. I keep thinking I have time to get everything together but the days keep going faster & faster! My advice to you is to relax the best you can & enjoy the alone time you have with your 3 year old. Lists have helped to keep me on track but it still overwhelming having a baby right before christmas. I have also reduced my work schedule quite a bit to get things done & to hang out with my babes.
I recovered extremely well with my 2nd so I hope the same for you. After the surgery try to get around as often as possible. It really helps! Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful

Hi S.,
I have had two C-sections. My first was an emergency C due to my son being breech. It was scary and I had a tough time recovering from it. I actually ended up back in the hospital 2 weeks after the birth with infections and a lot of pain. I got pregnant with my 2nd son 2 and a half years later and my doctor said I had the choice of VBAC or another C-section. I decided to try for a VBAC because I didn't want to have the same recovery experience as with my first. However, when I was then 2 weeks overdue, the doctor wanted to induce me. Well I labored for 12 horrible hours. My doctor said he didn't want me to labor anymore for fear of uterine rupture, because of the prior C. So I was sent to surgery and out came my 10 pound, 9 ounce baby boy. I spent many hours in the recovery room and had even worse pain than the first time. I was so weak from laboring so long and also because they wouldn't let me eat anything 12 hours before they induced me just in case I ended up in surgery. And again I ended up spending a weekend in the hospital 2 weeks after the birth because of infections. I am thankful that I was able to breastfeed my son successfully, despite all the complications. So I guess what I am trying to say to you is that I think you have made a wise decision to plan your 2nd C-section. If you tried to have a VBAC you would have to wear a fetal monitor at all times (like I did) which restricts your movement and comfort during labor, and you would run the risk of ending up in surgery anyway, in a weakened condition, making recovery that much harder. I'm not sure what to tell you as far as how to calm down, though. :-) I know that I slept very little before the arrival of my 2nd son, too. Just know that all will be right when you first look into your new little one's eyes. I wish you all the best and hope that I have helped you, at least a little bit. Please feel free to email me if you would like to ask any questions or just need support. Take care,
A.

1 mom found this helpful

Hi S., I, like you, had a very scary emergency c-section for my first child and when I got pregnant with the 2nd, I didn't even consider trying it VBAC and I don't regret it at all. The recovery was SO much easier and I actually got to spend more time with my son (2nd) since I wasn't so exhasted and drugged. I think the weirdest part is knowing exactly when you are going to deliver so I understand your anxiety. Don't regret your choice, I am sure once you deliver you will be happy that you didn't put your body or your baby thru the stress of trying to deliver vaginally. Everything will be fine!

1 mom found this helpful

Hi. I also had a planned 2nd C/S. The first was an emergency C and very scarey as well. I was more nervous than I thought I would be as the time approached. I think I was more worried that I'd start having contractions and have to go to the hospital in a hurry before the scheduled C. I tried to think how much more scarey it would have been if I would have been doing a VBAC. To me, that's more scarey. For my first delivery, I went through 28 hours of induced contractions. Very painful, and didn't even get to the vaginal delivery part. Both of my recoveries were practically a breeze. Think positive and try to relax or keep busy with the preparations, whichever makes you feel better. Good luck.

I had 2 c-sections as well. My first one was planned because my daugther was breech. Having the 2nd one planned was easy, because then you knew that it was coming, and had time to plan for the baby. If you are going to do it naturally- you really dont have the time to plan, as the baby can come at any time.. I guess thats how I see it. You already know what it is, so you probably have all the stuff you need for the baby. It is a little nerve racking knowing what to expect the 2nd time around. Mine wasnt as bad as I thought it would be. I hope you relax, and just get yourself prepared for another wonderful little boy! GOOD LUCK!!

My first child was born by emergency C and my second was a planned. I did end up going early with my second child but it wasn't an emergency C, I got to lay in bed, take a shower, and the staff was more calm. I went in at around 4:30 and they planned the surgery for 9. Having the time to relax and see everyone else relaxed put my mind at ease. The only thing I regret is not being able to eat right away!!! I also recovered much quicker from this one, I took advantage of the pain meds and relaxed. Knowing I was going to have to go home and deal with 2 this time really helped me to focus on myself those 4 days! Good luck and any ?'s just ask!

S.,

I also had an emergency c-section with my first child and was told that I should have a c-section from then on. I have three children now and all were born by c-section and are very healthy. I really think it is up to you what you want to do. Really with a c-section they aset it up 2-3 weeks before you are due. I really don't see a problem with this. Everything is going to be fine.

H.

Hello S.
I jst had my 3rd c-section 3 months ago and to be honest the 3rd was a breeze but the second one i was so nervous because the first one was only planned 3 days in advance my son ws breech. the second one i was plannig on trying n o c-section but my doctor said he really felt i should just go planned again giving the size of my baby so reluctintly i did and i couldnt get over how different it was then the first but like you i couldnt sleep for weeks before hand i was so scared bu it really does get easier. And nomatter what others do tell you its your body and you have the right to be scared but in the end look what beatiful miracles come from it you will forget about th bad as soon as you see that little life!!!!good luck and enjoy the holidays with the new addition to the family!!

My first was breech and I needed a scheduled c-section. My second was the same thing. I nested heavily in the end and cleaned the house and stuff. That might let you get out some stress. I'm not sure why your stressed. My scheduled c-section went great and I felt so good I asked to leave on day 3 instead of 4 and I took pain meds for 3-4 days after I left the hospital. The recovery this time was real fast and I've heard that from others who have had multiple c-sections. With my first I had staples and a morphine drip and I thought the staples hurt to get out and the morphine made me tired. This time I had dissolvable stitches no staples and morphine mixed in my spinal. No morphine drip. Also, I had this new pain management where they put a tube the size of a hair stran under the incision and a tub is attached to a ball of local anest. I really liked how I choose to do the second c-section. You'll be just fine. You don't have to worry about a trial of labor, an emergency c-section, and the risks are low of anything terrible happening to you or the baby. You picked well and be comfortable with your choice. You will be okay.

I have had 4 c-sections and they get easier the more you have. Just be sure you have some help, since it is harder to take care of a baby and a 3 yo, you will need some extra help in the beginning. Just take it easy, it will be fine. You would probably be nervous about the birth, no matter what. Most moms are. :0)
S.