Tips on Before, During, and After a C-section

C-sections for me were just fine. I was awake through them both, and had no problems. There was only one thing on my first child. I did not hold her when they asked me if I wanted to. My arms were numb, and I was afraid of dropping her. My second c-section was just fine. I had no problems with her either. Was able to hold her with no problems. I also left the hospital earlier than they wanted with no problems.

I hope this helps.

J.

i had an emergency C with my son. you have lots of feedback so i wont repeat what i have read. one thing i was told to do before i went into labor was to warn my husband what a c-section was like. i warned him that in case i had to have a c-section that he would be looking at the doctor pulling all my organs out, putting them on my stomach and then pulling the baby out. after my c-section my husband told me he was sooo grateful that i warned him about that or it would have really freaked him out to see the doctor messing with all my organs before getting the baby out! he was prepared to see my organs and that helped him! good luck- for me it was not a bad experience and was a very easy recovery! taken advantage of all the help that is offered you!

I had 2 planned c-section. My daughter was breech and wouldn't move and we thought the risk was too great for my son after that.

The best advice I got was to bring 2 people in the room with me, my husband and a trusted relative. After my children were delivered and I held them, my husband went with them to be cleaned up etc. in the post-op room. The trusted relative stayed with me to keep me company when they finished stitching me up. Ask your OB if this is possible.

With my daughter, it was my father-in-law, who was an OB who had colon cancer. He lived only for a few months after my daughter was born. Having him there was incredibly meaningful, plus he made me laugh. My brother came for the birth of my son. My mom had died (also of cancer) a few months before and having my brother there made me feel she was there too. Plus, he adopted his kids and it was special for him to be be present for a birth.

We were able to turn a negative into positives.

On the more practical side, I'm not sure anyone's mentioned that when your public hair grows in, it's uncomfortable -- but gets better. And make sure you have someone to help you for the first few days, even a week, to help you with the physically difficult stuff and taking take of the other kids.

Good luck! Just remember that the way you baby enters the world may be different and not what you expected, but you still have the joy of a new baby. The baby is what's important, not how he or she got to you.

S.

I've had a planned c-section and an emergency c-section (I was however in the hospital for 17 hours before the second c, so I was prepared that it could happen). With both, things went great. Before/during and after. Sometimes the less you know the better off you are. As for planning ahead, well, just do what you would do if you knew the day your baby was going to be born. Pack your bag, keep in mind you'll be at the hospital for 3-4 days. As for during the c-section. I knew second to second what was happening, unlike the previous post, the Dr.'s talked the whole time and I saw both my babies the second they came out. This doesn't happen to everyone but it happended to me the second time around - I got the shakes really bad, so bad that I had severe shoulder pain for several days. I will do what I can to prevent that the 3rd time around. I didn't have this with my first. While recovering and spending your days in the hospital you will only be fed liquids and they will give you stool softeners. I think you get a solid meal after you take a poop(-: or near the last day. Laughing hurts really bad. Go easy on the meds, only take them if you really need them. With my second c-section I took Ibuprofren the first day, then that was it. With my first child I took the Vicadin - the whole bottle in a short amount of time, I was kind doozy, very happy but felt high. Plus my poor little baby was so sleepy! So, I opted to stay away from that the 2nd time around. The pain is like doing a ton of sit ups - plus a little bit more.. it really isn't that bad. I was up and walking the next day and once home, I was going up and down the stairs and doing everything the Dr. tells you not to do. If you have people around you to help you, use them that way you don't injure yourself. Get a boppy pillow or my brest friend to help you when nursing your baby. Since this is #3, you probably have all that. Your tummy will be sore for a while. You can still bond with your baby. Both of mine didn't leave my side once I got them in the recovery room. I was with them 24/7 at the hospital and 24/7 at home. I didn't have people around to help with the baby once I got home - hands on help. I had hubby but he was nervous and scared that he'd break them or something
(-: For me, this was fine. I loved it.

Also, if they ask you when you want to put in the cathader (spelling) before you are numb or after (I don't know why they ask!!) You want it put in AFTER you are numbed!!! Also, some people thought this was weird but with both of mine, I had the cathader in until the following morning (no more than 24 hours). With my first child, it was just that the nurse didn't remove it and I had no idea when it was supposed to be removed. The second time around I asked them to leave it in, they hesitated but I told them, I'd empty it myself (which I did). I just didn't want to keep going to the bathroom, I was going a lot, I think because I drank so much during my labor. So, again, maybe that is weird but it was nice to not have to get up and sit on the toilet every half hour/hour or so..

Don't listen to horror stories. Like anything you'll find people who had a great experience and people who did not. Don't stress or be afraid. This is a very common procedure and everything will go great. Talk to you Dr. ahead of time if there is anything that you are worried about.

Best wishes to you!
M.

Hi S.! I've had two C-sections and here's a tip that helped me. With my first C-section I was in the hospital for 4 days with an I.V. in my wrist. The way the I.V. was placed didn't allow for me to bend my wrist and caused pain when I tried, which made it difficult to pick up and maneuver my baby. With my next C-section, I asked the nurse if she could place the I.V. higher up on my wrist/arm so that it didn't interfere with my wrist movement. It was so much better!
Congratulations on your baby...what a fun Christmas gift!

Ok, this may sound stupid but there was one thing that kind of "ticked me off" about my planned c-section; the doctors didn't tell me immediately when my daughter was born. I just remember saying "is she almost out yet?!" and they said "oh yeah, she's been out for a minute or so, the doctors are "cleaning her up" at the table behind you". I found out later they were actually giving her CPR because she wasn't breathing well, so maybe it's not like that for everyone, maybe they were just in a hurry to give her the care she needed. BUT, my friend says same thing happened to her (also a planned c-section) and her son was fine. So maybe ask your doctor to tell you right way when baby is out and even to show you the baby the instant he/she comes out - otherwise you may feel like you "missed out" on his very first moment, like my friend and I did.

But other than that, C-sections go very smoothly these days. Nothing to it! The recovery really isn't all that bad either. You just have to take it slow, but it is actually better for your healing to move around a bit and do something rather than stay in bed all day (once you're home from the hospital that is.)

Good Luck and Congrats!! Everything will be fine, don't worry ;)

Hi S...it was just 10 months ago that I was asking the same question...and I got about 120 replies..so get ready for the responses..LOL. Well, I was scared silly nad out of my mind with worry when I was told my son was breech and even with an ECV he wouldn't turn. So I was in a terrible state leading up to my C-section. Honestly there was so many responses and they all will be great in helping ease your fears. I felt much more prepared when I went in after having so many responses. After all was said and done after having had my previous child vaginally with Pitocin and NO pain relief, That was one heck of an experiance..but the C-section turned out to be SO much easier..LOL. Honestly it was very quick and done. The scary part is getting prepped and your spinal done. Opt for the spinal and not the Epidural. I have had a failed Epidural and the spinal worked much better. In about 2 hours I was able to feel again and got up for hte first time within 8 hours. Get up as soon as you can, the sooner you get walking the better. Take a nice sturdy pillow with you to hold at your mid section for feeding baby, coughing, going to the bathroom, etc. Speaking of the bathroom, no one prepared me for the ugly side of it all...the constipation. All they gave me at the hospital was stool softeners and it did nothing. The C-section recovery was cake..the constipation for 3 days and then the craziness of ER and having enemas was NOT fun. So take a mild laxative with you to the hospital as well as glycerin suppositores. Do not let them let you leave without you having gone poop..or you will regret it..LOL. Oh and also take your own underwear and pads. I suggest The Stayfree unltrathin overnight pads..they are very easy to change and so forth..cause those big nasty pads and underwear netting they give you is a B&@$h to change yourself when recovering from a huge incision in your belly. Anyhow All that said. Honestly once it's all over and you've been home a couple weeks..you will look back on it all and say, "shoot, should have just had my other kids this way" lol. Good luck to you and remember to take pain meds on scheduale and for at least the first 3-4 days. Dont miss a dose or you will pay for it dearly. Take it easy once home, and remember the more you push yourself the longer you'll take to heal so go easy for the first 2 weeks. Good Luck and congrats on your 4th child!

My best tip to you is to have help. Have someone stay the night/day w/you at the hospital (because it is SO HARD to get out of bed) and have someone at home /w you for awhile (if you can) b/c you have a toddler still at home. One nurse didn't help me much because I refused to take the pain meds (other than Tylenol and Ibuprofen) and kind of made me feel bad for calling her to help me w/my baby to feed.
Your older children can probably help out at home.......
Also, when they say it's o.k. to get up and walk - do it! As painful as it is, it helps get rid of the gas.
Good luck!!

Hi S.-

My 1st child was a emergency c-section and I my biggest advise would be to make sure you take the pain medicine. I was in a lot of pain after my c-section but my baby was so sleepy and she wouldn't latch on. I thought it was because of the meds, (first child, I didn't have a clue!) so I stopped taking them. Well, she still didn't latch on and was still sleepy. I really think my recovery was hindered because I was in so much pain all of the time.

A lot of mom's have written about taking stool softeners and gas meds. Great advise!! It took me a while to get things moving! It also took me a while to be able to pee. They had to recatherize because I couldn't pee, but even after my V-BAC, I had the same issue so maybe it's me.

Good Luck! Gets lots of support, and congratulations to you and your family!

Hi S.,

I agree with the previous post. Walk to get rid of your gas.

Make sure your hubby is prepared to take a lot of time off, if possible, and to take on baby duty while you recover. If he isn't available, try to find someone ahead of time who is.

You need to take it easy and not push yourself, even if you are feeling miraculously great. My friend had her incision open up a few times. Your true recovery time is from 6 to 8 weeks.

Be sure that you get your binder to wear for when you walk around. I didn't get mine until my last day in the hospital. My doctor put the order in, but I didn't get it. It helps hold everything together to lessen the pain of moving around.

Oh, and, my nurses stopped asking me about my pain, so I didn't think I was allowed anymore painkillers. Nope. If you have pain, get the medicine while you can. You don't get the good stuff when you're home.

Our pediatrician also recommended taking a couple of spoonfuls of mineral oil as a stool softener. This doesn't affect your baby if you are nursing.

I pray all goes well for you!
M.

Hi Stacy-
Good luck, and congrats. Like many, I had 2 c-sections...one an emergency after almost 19 hours of labor with 3 of those hours trying to push the baby out(his head actually crowned!), and the second as a planned C-section last December 31st.

I bounced back quickly after the first c-section and thought it was quite easy. What I recommend is that they give you Toradol in the hospital, as it totally takes the pain away. When you go home, take one Advil 200mg in conjunction with one Motrin 200mg as this mimics the pain killer Toradol. This was the advise given to me from my doctor, and these are both over the counter medications that can be purchased at the market. I recommend this because the Vicoden that's usually perscribed makes most people nauseous.

My second c-section was a little more difficult to recover from, but still not bad. During a second c-section, they actually cut the old scar out so your incision is larger. Anyway, when they pulled my daughter out, she had blue limbs and had breathing difficulties which are very common with c-section babies. This is because there is no labor that helps push the fluid out of your babies lungs during contractions. In this case, if this happens, you won't see your baby for a while so expect this just in case. If this is the case, your baby will be closely monitored until the problem clears. It took my daughter 5 1/2 hours to clear until the staff was confidant she was out of the red zone to actually spend time with me in my room. They continued to check her for about 24 hours.

I hope this helps, and I hope I haven't scared you, but have prepared you of what could happen. Good luck with everything.

hi S.,

My first delivery was C-section...the one thing I can recommend is when you get home, really try to eat "light foods" ...soup, jello, etc. not anything hard to digest...ie. "In-N-Out Hamburgers, Mexican food, etc."...for the first week. My dr. told me that because when they do a c-section and have to take things out or move them so they can get to the uterus, it takes awhile for your organs to settle back into their natural place making digesting food a little difficult. Also with the epi-dural or whatever pain relieve you use things "slow down" and take awhile to start working again. None of my other friends were told this and they were really sick (vomiting and diarrhea)all the time. I listened and had NO PROBLEM recovering at all and another plus about eating light...I was back to my pre baby weight faster than I expected!! This is not to say that this happens to everyone...just my own experience...

Hope this helps and good luck.

C. C.

S.,

Best of luck!! I have had 3 c-sections, one in 1991, the second in 2007 and the last in 2008. Yes, my last two were born just 10 1/2 months apart.

The most important things are get a lot of rest, take the stool softeners, pain meds and walk as soon as you are able to. Do not overdo it, just take even a few steps to the restroom and work your way up down the hall. ASK FOR HELP!! If you need help with anything, do not hesitate to ask. When you do go to the restroom, it is fine to rest there, for as long as you need to. USE a pillow to laugh, cough or sneeze. Hold it where the incision is and use it. Ask for extra pillows if needed. Do not go home any sooner than you feel you can.

More importantly, enjoy your bundle of joy!! Let your other kids help in anyway they are capable of helping. But, do not make them feel like they are the parents. I get accused of this at times with my 17 year old, but, I do not see it. I have to remember it. Her 18 month old and 8 month old sisters are both handfuls and neither one walks or feeds themselves yet. We think the 18 month old has some developmental issues and are getting her tested in the next month. So, we use our stroller on an almost daily basis and we get a lot of help from my parents, who live 2 minutes away.

Best of luck once again!!
K. C.

Congratulations on your growing family! I had 2 kids via c-section, so I don't know what the traditional way felt like. But, you will need help, and you will need recovery time. You will not be able to lift anything heavier than your baby, so the older kids will come in handy. Make lots of dinners and general food ahead of time for the freezer. You are not supposed to drive for a couple of weeks after the surgery, so stock up. You will be fine. You will be walking the next day. Stay in the hospital as long as you can, so you can use those precious days to hide from the demands of your other children!!! (for the recovery time, of course!!) You may want to celebrate Christmas before you go "under the knife!" so there is no pressure to do that afterward. Good luck!

S.,

I have just had one C-Section, and it was for an emergency situation. My son was 8 weeks early, and with no explanation whatsoever my water broke but, he was breach and 'natural' delivery was impossible. I had 45 minutes to come to terms with the fact that I was diverting from my 'plan'.

At any rate, I think it was the most scary and yet, amazing experience I've ever had. My doctor, who I adore, talked me through the WHOLE process...she came to me and explained what was happening and how it was going to be okay, and I had to relax and let her and the team do their job. The anestheisiologist was the sweetest guy, and asked me questions and talked me through the whole epidural process...I didn't feel a thing either. My OBGYN's practice partner showed up to make sure that everything was okay and I have never been more at ease.

It was faster than I expected, and not terrible. I didn't feel a thing, and afterwards I put my mind to my son and didn't take any pain meds. I wanted to be clear and aware of what was happening for my son's sake. Healing was not too bad, and the first couple of days were awkward and uncomfortable but it was all for the greater cause...my little boy. I also, have a super high tolerance for pain so I put it out of my head and just let it be. Getting up and walking around is something to be careful with for the first few days.

I recommend getting some extra pads, the one's the hospital provides are okay but not very abosrbant. You might have trouble getting comfy the night of...I had to sleep on my back and I'm not a back sleeper so that was tough for me. But, after night two I got the hang of adjusting myself on one side and using pillows to prop myself up...a body pillow might be helpful, come to think of it. Last minute, I had to get a breast pump to encourage my milk to come in, so that's one thing you might want to look into. Although, the hospital will provide one for you to use while you're there.

Hmm, other than that. It wasn't bad. It was 3 weeks without driving, and I couldn't stand while holding my son. But, healing for me was no biggie. I was good a 5 weeks to do everything like normal. Just be careful not to over exert yourself and ask for help!!

Otherwise, don't worry. Make sure you talk to your doctor about a game plan. Ask ALL your questions and write everything down so, you don't forget.

Good Luck and Congrats!

D.

I remember wishing I had a way to encourage a bowel movement afterward. I could not go home until then and they did not feed me. I would take probiotics as soon as you can and take them with me. I would use soluble fiber too. There is an organic brand that I use now and I get it at we-us.mychoices.biz. You can get a fast shipment no matter where you are. I had a fruit basket delivered to me and started to eat that.

Get up and walk as soon as possible!!

Hi I have a new product for C Section recovery- at csectionrecoverykit.com
Soft cotton binders, a natural skin brush for swelling and a massage guide to help you have a healthier scar. With 3 kids, I would get some type of binder if not ours, get help, expect to be tired and in pain for a week or two if you do not get a binder. Be careful of infections, make lots of food ahead of time, and get help...I developed this product after an emergency c/s and its been on the market for 3 months now- trying to get the word out-
Go to our website, and check it out- suggestions on suturing and discussions with your Dr.
Dermabond is the latest for the skin, instead of staples, or suturing- but discuss-
csectionrecoverykit.com
All the best- Aloha C.

Hi S.,

First off congratulations!

I have had 3 C-sections. The first one I stopped dialating, and the other two were planned due to being a diabetic. You have been given great advice. I definately agree about the pooping. Eat light. The gas pain also is not fun. You have your older children that can be a big help for the little one. Let your family and friends help. Get up slowly. The first few days are usually the worst, for me I was only on pains meds for two days with the third one. By week two you are getting around a little easier. Listen to your body. Most importantly try not to laugh too hard, my husband and father are jokesters,they had me laughing and crying at the same time! LOL

Good luck!!!

Merry Christmas

I read a lot of your responses but not all of them so here is my 2 cent...
1. Stool softeners... the cut through the muscles you use to push, so they help A LOT!!!
2. As soon as you can walk... do it. Gets you moving in so many ways
3. Schedule help for at least a week afterwards. I had friends and family come over while my husband was at work, to help with my twins...bathe them, feed them, make sure everyones needs are meet!
4. Dont be scared to ask for help, or take your pain meds.
hope it helps!

Check with your doc about starting stool softeners several days before - they often take a few days to start working and the anesthesia often has a side effect of making you constipated. Straining to poop with an incision right across your belly is a bummer! Also make sure to drink plenty and get up to walk as much as you can as soon as they let you. Otherwise, the only other advice I can give you is to let the nurses take the baby to the nursery for as long as you can at night so you can rest. It's your last opportunity to get some rest before you get home! :-) I had two C-sections - and recovery from both was quite a bit easier than a lot of my friends who had natural deliveries.
Congratulations and best wishes!

Hi S.,
I understand your anxieties about having a C-section. If you can, try to do some writing about some of your fears just to get them "out" to be as stress free as you can going into it. I highly recommend getting a c-section recovery kit. You can go to www.mauihealingkits.com to read more about them and order. it will tremendously help your healing time. It includes a belt to help your uterus after the surgery and a booklette to help you take care of your scar, etc. You may want to get some rescue remedy to help calm your nerves proir. It is flower essence and very safe for pregnancy. Many blessings on your next new arrival...K.

I did not read all your responses, but will share mine. I had 2 c-sections-the first one an emergency due to baby distress in 11/05 and the second 2/07. Although it varies person to person-I feel the pain was minimal and recovery is not soo bad. My second recovery was a bit longer since I had to have a catheter for 7 days after leaving the hospital due to my bladder being sliced wide open(it folded into my scar from my first c-section), but other than that no problems. I took the pain meds in the hosp and for a day when I came home.Just take it easy and listen to your body.Like some of the other post rec maybe taking something before the c-section for gas/laxative it will help because that is the worst part-the gas pains and not being able to go to the bathroom.Other than that-you will feel nothing-just some pushing to get the baby out and bam your done.Good Luck and Congrats! L.:)

I didn't have it very well, so I won't go into my story. BUT, just know they don't give you any med's except for Tylenol at first. I was fine when I was just lying there, but as soon as I tried to get up, I cried in dying pain (and I'm pretty tough with pain), so make sure you ask for Percocet before trying to get around, you'll need it. And, my friend and I were talking about how we each had a sharp pain in one side (hers was opposite of mine), but it's wear the dr. stops the stitches and ties the knot...sometimes they get a little pinching of the nerve, so just know the pain goes away after 5-7 days. Hang in there, it's a longer recovery, but don't do too much afterwards, you don't want those stitches opening up. No laundry for 6-8 weeks, no carrying anything heavier than the newborn, etc. I wish you luck and an easy recovery!!! God Bless!

Wow - there's a lot of advice here so this is probably a duplicate, but... ask for gas pain meds and don't be shy about it. At first you may not realize the pain you are experiencing is actually gas.
Second, you might want to try something called the C-Panty. It is special underwear that helps with the scarring.
Last, if your husband is able to stay the night (since you have 3 other kids), make sure he brings something warm. My room was super cold.
Best of luck!
K.

Dear S. - WOW - what alot of responses. I just wanted to let you know I have had 5 c -sections. The first, an emergency, when I was 20 and the last when I was 40. What a long way medicine has come!!
My bit of advice is - relax as much as possible. As with other things the stress and worry can create more problems than the event.
Having a baby is such an amazing experience. Just breath and smile.
Don't be afraid to talk to everyone and ask questions. I finally learned with the last one! I ask for a private room, a sandwich in the middle of the night, a suppository before I went home, more pain medication etc. Let people know what you need.
Finally - enjoy that small baby. There will be time later to clean and work and be supermom. Right now just relax, read stories, watch movies, sing songs. Good luck!

Hey S.,
Good luck. You definitely an abdomen support belt, the hospital should give it to you for free. Have family members ready to help you for at least the first week. You really need to rest and follow your doctor's directions. So, have family and friend ready to help and don't be embarrased to ask for it. It hurs to walk, any slight movement is annoying and painful. Do try to walk and move at a slow pace. Also, if you plan to breastfeed, ask for the smallest dosage of pain medication.
Good luck and don'w worry about Chrismtas, a good recuperation for you and your baby's health is your priority.
good luck
ceci

*Don't eat a huge "last meal" before the surgery and like others said, eat lots of fiber.
*Also, take some dried fruit and granola bars with you for high fiber snacks.
*Don't wait until your last day to ask for a laxative if you haven't had a BM in the first couple of days.
*If you get itchy from the surgery, don't be afraid to ask for Benadryl or a higher dose if it isn't working.
*Take your pain meds. I'm not sure what they gave me,but it didn't affect breastfeeding at all. Call the nurse as soon as you think they are wearing off because it can take a while for them to show up sometimes.
*Take your own feminine products. I didn't have much bleeding with the c-section. You might want to bring a nursing gown & robe for some nice pics and visits.
*Get your little one used to not being picked up before your c-section. I had a herniated disc when 5 mos along with my 2nd and my big girl (18mos at the time) was happy to get into the carseat and climb the stairs by herself. We still cuddled as much as she wanted, but she had to climb into my lap.
*have a "snack drawer" readily accessible for your big baby during breastfeeding. Snack ziplocks of cheerios, graham crackers, etc... so you don't have to get up during breastfeeding. Make sure you big baby has an accessible drink too, they are inevitable hungry/thirst as soon as you start feeding their sibling.
*Take care of yourself so you can heal properly and fast.

Hi,
I have had two c sections in the last two years. One on 22apr07 and one 10jun08, so I guess I consider myself an expert at this point, lol. I have to tell you that they were both entirely different experiences. For my first I had tried the old fashioned way I had not wanted a c section. I pushed for many hours and made no progress so it was pretty much an emergency section, I was so tired from being in labor for so long, and I was hurting physically well when they finally got my son out I saw him for about 2 minutes and then fell a sleep for hours!. However with my second section it was totally different. It was planned so everything was easy I went in got the spinal had the section was up the whole time no pain during the procedure and was able to be with my daughter and hold her from the get go. I could not belive how easy it was. After the c section it is important to follow doctors orders. make sure you have plenty of help and do not try to overdue, because it will make your recovery process longer. DO try to get up and walk when they tell you it's ok, short walks nothing in excess. Also stay hydrated it will help you with your recovery and also with your bowel movements. Do NOT lift anything heavy not even your 18 month old trust me you will be in a world of hurt if you do. Thats why I say make sure you have plenty of help those first few weeks. Over all everyone's experience is different hope sharing mine helped a bit. Take care and good luck!
L.

I had 2 c-sections. The first was an emergency, the 2nd was planned.

With both procedures, I think it is very important to trust your Doctor. Ask any questions you have, and he/she should take the time to thoroughly explain it to you, the procedure for prior/during/and after. You should also take a "tour" of the hospital.

Ask your Doctor if your Husband can be in there with you, and have a video camera... my Hubby, per my Doctor's cue, was able to video my son and daughter coming out.. and being born. It is amazing and a very precious thing to have. RIGHT after my children were about to be taken out and "born" my Doctor told me, held them up so I could see them, they were taken to be cleaned up and examined per normal procedure, they brought my children up to me while I was still on the operating table, so I could see them and they were all wrapped up all snug. My Husband was allowed to cut the umbilical cord too, and the nurse was so kind to video it for us. (oh yah, during the surgery I could talk to my Doctor and he and his team talked to me the whole time telling my what they are doing, how it's coming, and we even was joking around because this is the way my 'nervousness' was allayed. They TOTALLY let me know each inch of the way, how the surgery was going along).

Like Michele S., I also got the "shakes"....but for me it was because I got VERY VERY cold and could not stop shaking during the surgery. But my Doctor said it's normal and it's because of the anesthesia etc. So then, his team put a bunch of blankets on my upper torso and covered me up. This helped. Just be sure that you tell the Doctor and the nurses of any questions you have even during the procedure. Because you "can" talk during the operation.

After the procedure, for me, I was in "recovery" for about an hour, and had the "runs", due to the anesthesia etc. But this is normal. After the recovery period, I was moved to my room.

After that, a couple of hours of letting me rest, my baby was brought to me so I could start nursing. (make SURE you tell your Doctor if this is your preference... and if so, that you want your baby to be brought to you as soon as possible). It is fine.

With my c-sections, my Doctor, who is one of the best in my city, was in and completed with the entire surgery within 40-45 minutes.

I would ask your Doctor, if while closing you up after the operation, if your incision will be "stapled" or sutured. My Doctor ALWAYS sutures... and the nurses said his "work" is a work of art... and that he only very few Doctors sutures the woman closed after. They say that suturing leaves less "scarring" internally afterward...and externally, my incision healed very well and was on the bikini line, and is barely visible now.

AFTER, you will probably stay in the hospital about 3 days.

WHEN YOU GO HOME... make sure someone is there with you, to help you... as you will be recovering from the surgery...they will give you a prescription strength of Tylenol (which is what I had) and this helps the pain. It is VERY VERY necessary... to make sure that you have someone home with you while you recover, care for baby and yourself, and with your other kids. You will NOT be able to go back to your regular activities right away, no heavy lifting etc. OR, since your other kids are older, warn them that you will need their help too, because "Mommy just had major surgery.." A c-section IS MAJOR surgery.

To me, THAT is the best way to recover... to have someone help you at home for the first 2 weeks. My Mom took off work to help me, and my Husband took off the other weeks. So they both took turns.

Also, after the surgery, while you are still in the hospital... once you are ambulatory, they will have you get up and walk around. This is the best way to also help your body recover. BUT, of course, not running a marathon or anything. Just s-l-o-w-l-y and for a short distance.

At first, they will have a catheter and pee-bag on you...then remove that, and then you will (with a nurses help) need to get up to go to the bathroom yourself. Yes it hurts.. .but it is manageable. Don't worry.

For me, what made me have less fear about it is: (1) I completely trusted my Doctor (2) his office and staff fully preps the woman and explains it to her (3) the hospital I was at is very good (4) my Husband and I FULLY planned who will do what once I get home and what will be done so I can recover without being stressed and worry about my other child (6) the "team" that my Doctor has and his self-picked Anesthesiologist is tops. (I had an epidural for numbing my bottom half of my body- then during the procedure I had a "drape" below my torso to curtain off the actual operation, which is normal procedure).

While is was in the hospital recovering (my eldest child was about 4 at the time), me & Hubby ALSO FULLY explained to my daughter about Mommy, why she won't be home right away etc.) AND my Husband took care of my girl in my absence. He even co-slept with her and KEPT to the SAME ROUTINE with her as I would have done if I was home.

It will be fine.... don't be scared. I know this is long winded, but hope it didn't bore you. Just some details about it that I remember and feel is important.

Main thing ALSO.. is make sure your HUBBY is FULLY abreast and informed about c-sections (before and during and after) so that he can best understand it and help you after. This is what I did with my Husband, and he likewise was involved fully as he worried about me too being under a scalpel.

take care, it will be fine. Research it online too, that is what I did.

All the best,
Susan

Hi S.,
I had a scheduled c-section too. It was fantastic because there was absolutely no pain - no labor, and I was holding my baby in about 10 minutes!!! Awesome. I had suffered so much with my first (3 days of labor and an emergency c-section), this was like a walk in the park. Of course, it's gonna be a tough few days afterwards, but I would take it anyday!
Be very good to yourself during recovery and let everyone help you as much as you can so you can recover quickly.
M.

Hi S.:

I've had two cesareans (emergency and planned) and obviously, the recovery isn't as easy as with a vaginal. Still, there's a lot you can do to help yourself. I don't want to repeat the good advice you've already received below so let me just tell you the three most important ones, IMO.

They may give you some major pain killers afterwards for pain. The first time, I fell for it and then I couldn't stay awake, the baby couldn't stay awake (we nursed and she was absorbing it through the breastmilk) and the nurses said that if she didn't gain weight, they'd keep her! Silly! She couldn't gain weight because she couldn't stay awake because of the pain killers I was taking! I called my cousin (who's a pharmacist) and she said to take extra strength Tylenol and to refuse anything else. WOW! What a difference! I had no pain, I felt so much more energetic, the mental fog was gone, my baby was alert and eating and we were OUT OF THERE! (With my son, I knew better and we left the hospital the second day with no problem!)

When it's time for them to remove your catheter, don't worry about offending them but tell the nurse to be SURE that it's fully deflated before pulling it out. She'll probably say, "Of course, I always do." Doesn't matter, INSIST that she check. It's your body and mistakes must be prevented.

Last, the other Mamas told you about pillows. Do listen to that! I also had an eighteen month old when my son was born c-section and once, she climbed into my lap and her knee went right into my gut...OWWWW! It took an entire year for the bruising to heal. Not fun! Use the pillow!

Don't let this scare you. For the few of us who require this surgery, it's a blessing that it can be done safely and, once the gorgeous baby is here, you'll forget all about it!

Best wishes,

M.

My sister just had a C-section last month and she did too much too quick which kind of back fired on her. so my advice to you would be to let the healing take its course and you should be fine the way doctors do C-sections these days is very minimal compare to before. And make sure you get your prescription before you leave the hospital or right after cuz your going to need it.

Hi, S.,

I've had two c-sections. The c-sections themselves were pretty easy on me. I had some problems with both, so I'll briefly describe the problems and how I could have avoided or better treated the problems. Because my husband is a touring musician, I was alone for a couple of months immediately following the births of my kids. Thank goodness for help from relatives.

My first problem was itchiness. In my first c-section, I felt quite itchy because a lot of tape was applied to my abdomen. My obstetrician told me that I had a tape allergy and asked him to remind him not to apply tape to me again if I delivered another baby. Toward the end of my pregnancy with my second child, at least twice, I reminded my obstetrician that I was allergic to tape. nfortunately, in the operating room right after performing the c-section, he forgot and applied not only tape by tincture of benzoine (to make the tape stick) to a large part of my abdomen. I experienced an allergic reaction to both the tape and tincture of benzoine. I almost went crazy scratching myself for six weeks until the itchiness disappeared. A six by two inch strip of skin on my lower abdomen is permanently discolored from this reaction. If your experience an allergic reaction to tincture of benzoine or tape, I recommend that you take the maximum amount of Benadryl allowed by your doctor and apply calamine lotion to the itchy area.

My second problem was pain. I experienced quite a bit of pain when I tried to lift myself out of bed. I could have avoided feeling this pain by using a trapeze, a metal triangle one can use to pull herself up, which can be rented from medical supply stores. I rented one shortly before I went into the hospital for my scheduled second c-section but didn't need the trapeze nearly as much as I didn't experience as much pain. I could have reduced the pain I experienced during my first c-section by wearing a belly band, which can be purchased at Motherhood Maternity. (I did not know where to get one until my pregnancy with my second child. My doctors and staff did not know.)

My third problem was gas build up in my right shoulder and arm. I was alone in my recovery room when this happened. At the first sign of pain, I thought that I had just lain on my arm in a funny position. As time went on, perhaps over the next 20 minutes, the pain grew worse, to the point where I felt the way I imagined someone who had just experienced a minor heart attack or whose arm had been run over by a car. I paged the nurse on call. By the time the nurse arrived, not long after, my shoulder and chest hurt so much that I could barely talk to tell her what was wrong. She gave me a tablet to help the gas dissipate. An hour later, I felt fine.

One nurse told me that one c-section patient brought only thong underpants to the hospital. The patient felt uncomfortable wearing them because the top hit her c-section.

By knowing what types of problems others encounter, you can do a lot to ensure that your c-section goes well.

Good luck and congratulations on your pregnancy!

Lynne E

Hi!
I've had 2 C-sections. With 3 other children, it'll be hard, but try not to do anything like cooking, laundry, or driving for the first week. Enlist any help you can for that week. Also, and I hope this isn't too graphic, take a long relaxing shower before you go into the hospital and shave your pubic area very low. You don't want the nurses doing it with cold water and a bic razor 5 minutes before the C-section! I don't know if you know this from other surgeries, but it'll take your bowel system a few days to get back in gear, so drink LOTS of water and don't eat things like rice that make you constipated. Those gas pains can get pretty bad if you're not careful about hydration. If you have a low pain tolerance, you could ask for a pump type of medication instead of the regular pills--vicodin and percoset made me sick. I assume you know you'll be in the hospital longer, so make allowances for that, and have someone stay with you if you can, since you won't be able to get up for a while.
I hope this doesn't sound too hard--it'll just be a couple weeks 'til you're ok again. Good luck!

Take pain medication..... It hurts, no way of getting around it. Just take it easy, and try to have other people to help with housework and stuff. If you can, make meals now and freeze them. You should have plenty of food in the house that is easy to heat up. Stock up with other things as well.
Starting all over again huh???
Well, good for you! Have fun with your new baby.
Take care.

You've gotten some really great advice! I have a couple of suggestions and I'll try not to repeat what was already given to you. (By the way, I've had 2 c-sections, one emergency and one planned).
-You may experience some REALLY painful gas pains. Drink hot water and peppermint tea. DO NOT drink from a straw ever! This will agitate the gas pains even more.
-The couple of days before your surgery, eat a lot of high fiber foods.
-Pack some high fiber snacks and choose items from the menu that contain fiber. Constipation is common and hurts your incision more if you are backed up.
-When packing for the hospital, pack twice as much for yourself as you would for a vaginal birth. A typical stay can be 3 to 4 days.
-Talk to your husband and hospital about pictures taken during the birth. I have some really amazing (although somewhat alarming to the faint of heart) of my sons coming out of belly. You may or may not want that kind of picture!

Congratulations and I pray for a great c-section and speedy recovery for you!

Hi S.-
You do have lots of advice here, and some good tips, but also a few things that might be a bit scary. "I come in peace!" Ha, ha. I had a vaginal delivery w/ my daughter (induced, 26 hrs incl. 2.5 hrs. pushing) and a planned c-section w/ my son (due to his size). In all honesty, I thought recovering from the c-section was easier than my vaginal delivery, and I only had one stitch/didn't tear much at all. It didn't make sense to me why it was easier, hello! I was cut OPEN, but for me, it was. I followed Dr.'s orders, and my 19 month old was alredy used to not being on my lap/lifted, b/c I'd had a restricted activity pregnancy. A great tip that someone told me is that if you live in a 2 story home, have a changing "center" and nap area for the baby so once you are alone, you're not going up the stairs until you're supposed to (which I think was about a week?) I could go down once and up once a day for the first few days, maybe week.

I echo what others said about the gas pain. I thought I was hydrated, but I did experience painful gas after surgery that made my shoulder sore. Weird, I know, but I guess the gas/air just travels all through your body. So, definitely take the advice about high fiber pre-surgery. I didn't know that and wish that I did.

As far as the actual surgery, it was so fast, and painless in my experience. We used a drape, b/c my husband didn't want to see everything, he stayed right by my head, but we do have some priceless pics of our little one right away, which we didn't have w/ our daughter. I was about an hour for them to finish/clean up, then in recovery for awhile, but I saw my son as soon as I was in recovery, held him and attempted breastfeeding (boy, did he know what to do!)

I wish you well in your upcoming delivery, and just try not to worry, that will go a long way in your recovery as well--it's not just your body that needs prep, it's your mind too.

-Jenny

Congrats on your growing family! I did not have a planned C-section and was really scared of the procedure because I was intent on having a home birth. But, when my water broke during my weekly midwife exam (2 weeks ahead of due date and the baby was a persistent breech <sigh>) my backup doc insisted that I come in for a C-section.

Here are some things that worked for me, I don't think I've read these tips in the other postings:
* I found that Arnica oral tablets helped with bruising on my abdomen, and as soon as I could, I applied Arnica gel (actually, a more potent version called Traumeel: http://www.traumeel.com/products/?smid=1&amp;prodID=1&amp...) near my incision to also help with bruising. Arnica is a homeopathic remedy available online and at health food stores.

* My doc at Cedar Sinai in L.A. recommended Scar Guard to help with the scar recovery so it wouldn't become a keloid scar (a keloid is a greatly enlarged scar that projects above the skin surface). We got it at Rite Aid. Scar Guard doesn't smell too good but I used it faithfully for two months and my scar is doing great.

*You can bring a headset of music with you, or they might have music to play. At first I requested classical but then they piped reggae music in the the operating room and it was nice. I DID NOT want to hear the docs and assistance talking about what they were doing to me. That was too freaky for me because I had not prepared myself mentally enough for the procedure. The music really helped, so did the drugs.

*I introduced myself to EVERYONE in the operating room. There were a lot of people and it seemed really weird to me so as best I could (heck, I was on drugs) I introduced myself and thanked them for being there. That helped calm my nerves and felt like I was in control of something.

*Make sure someone is with the baby at ALL TIMES after the baby is removed from you. AT ALL TIMES. And make sure someone is with you in the post-op recovery room.

*I didn't know, but it seems you can request to bring the placenta home with you from the hospital. There is a form to fill out but we didn't plan for the C-section and didn't realize until it was too late. I would have liked to plant it in the backyard near a fruit tree. Ah well.

*Have someone sleep with you in the hospital room to keep an eye on you and the baby (also helps with diaper changing).

*Have friends bring your fave foods. Healthy foods.

*Friends of mine said that they loved having the baby brought to the hospital nursery at night after their C-sections so they could get some sleep, but I was not at all interested in being separated from my little one. I leave that decision up to you.

*I asked the doc if my partner and I could say a prayer before the procedure began. This was really, really important to me.

*Don't push yourself too hard but walk a little every day in the slippers and robe that you bring with you to the hospital.

*STEWED PRUNES!

Best of luck, stay strong mentally and blessings,
L.

i've had 2--one unplanned, one planned. i had complications with the first (burst open, scarred badly) that caused some complications with the 2nd surgery (lots of scar tissue to remove) and my spinal was incomplete...but it is not a horrible procedure and you'll do great. here are my top-of-mind (unglamorous, but true) memories...
...often times the pain meds can make you constipated--make sure to have lots of fluids, easy-to-digest foods, prunes (if you like them), and ask your doc about taking a stool softner.
...you need to pass gas (and typically have a bm) while in the hospital. get up and walk as soon as you are allowed to do so. it gets things moving and will help you to pass gas sooner.
...get your head in a good place about the procedure ahead of time--you are doing the best thing for you & your baby given the circumstances--good for you!

you will do great. congratulations and happiest wishes!!

Since my C-Section was an emergency, I couldn't prepare for it. My first two natural were pretty easy, so I wasn't prepared for the pain. My incision got infected and inflamed (ouch). Lifting the baby after the surgery was hard for a couple of weeks. Nursing I used a pillow for the baby to lay on so there was no pressure on my abdomen. You will have to experiment for the most comfortable nursing positions. Also your toddler will want hugs and to sit in your lap (probably while nursing). No, no, no for the first two weeks no lifting toddler and toddler in lap only if very still. An unintentional foot on your incision will be agony. No driving for two weeks. You will probably need something post surgical to relieve constipation. You can nurse with the pain medication if you work it out with your doctor. If you can get anyone to help you with the toddler, take it. The toddler needs lots of attention when you come home and won't understand the infant. Like I said, just watch where the toddler comes in contact with you for a couple of weeks. By one month I was driving again and could lift the baby, but I didn't do any heavy lifting for about six months as my back went out soon after. Go figure. Follow doctor's orders post-op!

I have had 2. First, he was breech so we went with the C, the second because the doc didn't want me to do natual after the C (and I didn't push it because I was chicken about doing natural, the opposite of you, haha).

My advice from experience #1 is do what they want to do to relieve gas pain if you have any. Some of their suggestions might sound kind of icky, but seriously, they work.

My advice from experience #2 is to insist the nurses read your file and be your own advocate. I had the gas relief measures on file with my doctor, and the nurses didn't notice. I insisted they take care of the gas so I wasn't in pain. I had the IV with pain meds and the nurses were shocked that I never pushed the button for more pain med. Also, if you have a headache when you sit up, it is called a spinal headache. I had a nurse and anesthesiologist insist it wasn't but my doctor and another nurse insisted on another anesthesiologist coming up to see me, and they fixed me up in under a half hour (after a day of suffering).

Keep a pillow over the incision and hold it in place when you laugh or cough, it will help.

But this is all minor stuff, have faith, it will be fine!!!

I had an emergency c-section and the only thing that I regret is not following doctor's orders about bed rest and no housework no driving no lifting during the first few weeks home. I really wish I took it easier because my c-section scar didn't heal as well as it should have.

wishing you and your baby the best,
H.

The one thing the nurses neglected to mention to me was that I would have no bladder sensation post-op and that you need to get up to pee OFTEN anyway. So, once they removed the urinary catheter, I laid in my bed for 8 hours receiving fluids and marveling that I didn't need to pee! (the painkillers may have helped me along with that particular delusion) Then all of a sudden I was in excruciating pain, begging to go back on the morphine, until they figured out that my bladder was probably overfull . . . they told me I needed to pee . . . but when I tried, nothing happened. I'd developed a blood clot and they had to re-catheterize me. NOT FUN. Moral of the story: Once that catheter comes out, make sure you try to go every couple of hours AT LEAST (I will be trying to go more like every hour this next time). For me the lack of sensation lasted almost 2 weeks, so be careful.

Hi S.!!! I delivered both children via c-section and had no complications whatsoever. And I never had any problems peeing like the lady below. My best advice is to make sure they give you anti-gas meds in the hospital. Your abdomen will hair air/gas in it after the surgery and the gas meds help. Make sure you take your vicodin or whatever they prescribe at home every 4 hours before it wears off. Because once it wears off it takes quite a while for it to kick in again. And the biggest help was buying one of those support wrap around your belly bands from the local maternity store. It's size adjustable via velcro. That was a HUGE help with making it easier for me to get around. Oh, and let people help you sit up and down the first week or so. They can simply wrap a towel or sheet around your back so they can pull you up rather than you using your muscles. Good luck!!!

I have only had 1 c-section, but I have a total of 4 abdominal surgeries that were basically like c-sections that I recovered from. But for those I was under general anesthesia. The only problem I had with the c-section was that my spinal block didn't work very well. They kept pinching me to see if I could feel it, and I could. But I didn't feel them cut into me or pull my daughter out. But after that I felt EVERYTHING! I was in A LOT of pain for about 2 hours in total after they pulled my daughter out. They gave me morphine to help, but it didn't. It just took about 2 hours for my body to naturally send out enough pain blockers and for them to give me enough Morphine in doses to regulate my pain. But other than remembering that I had that pain, I mostly remember hearing my daughters first cry and holding her the first time.

And given all my other surgeries, I finally learned what to do in preparation for that first painful bowel movement. The day before surgery I eat mostly liquids...soups, protein shakes, and lots of fruits and veggies and LOTS of water. I also did an enema the night before and in the morning before I left for the hospital. And I definitely started taking stool softeners immediately after my c-section.

I tried to stay away from eating anything that would be constipating, like bananas and lots of dairy while in recovery that first week. I also took my probiotics daily and my organic vitamins daily while in the hospital.

I did have a few small bowel movements within about 4 days after delivery. The poop itself wasn't painful to come out, but the little pushing I had to do was.

Unfortunately for me I ended up back in the ER 7 days after delivery for an emergency bowel obstruction surgery. Basically some scar tissue from a previous surgery wrapped itself around my lower intestine. Funny thing is that I was pooping regularly by then :). But since this is your first surgery, you won't have to worry about this.

Other than the bowel obstruction surgery and recovery, I would say that my first week after the c-section was by far a better recovery than any of my other abdominal surgery recoveries. I also had a 1.5 yo son at the time.

Definitely take advantage of any help that is offered. You will be told not to lift anything heavier than your baby for 4-6 weeks. So have others do your grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning, picking up your older children, etc. And DO NOT try to do any more than is necessary. You don't want to impede your body healing itself by picking up something or staying on your feet too long.

Praying that you have a safe delivery and a healthy and fast recovery.

I had two planned c-sections, the first due to placenta previa and the second because I'd had a c-section in the past. I recovered very easily from both, had no recovery issues, no pain, no gas, no issues walking up and down stairs etc. Things that did happen to me though that were odd was I had a reaction to Duramorph the drug they give to you right before they remove the epidural so I itched like crazy and turned a very bright red - all handled with ease with a narcaine infusion that reversed the action of the drug. On my second they tried a spinal with less of the duramorph - still itched like crazy so got the narcaine again. Also on my second delivery they required a vacuum to deliver my son as he was wedged in and no amount of pushing, shoving or prodding was loosening him. No one had ever warned me that you could have a vacuum delivery by c-section. Wasn't a big deal just surprising. Also know that there are always two ob's in with you during a c-section. My Dr was good enough to not only warn me about this early but also allowed me to meet her partners so I could talk to them about my "birthing plan" and really have them participate in my special day. I'll admit the fear of the unknown is always a tad scary so having as many facts ahead of time helps. Also knowing everyone who is going to be in the room is helpful. Unfortunately you can not prepick your anesthesiologist but most of them are good and you get to meet them in the prep area. I didn't need a buddy to stay with me either while my husband went away with my babies and I got sewn up. Everyone was back by my side in the recovery area before I could even sneak in a nap. My number one hint though is when you walk into the delivery ward for your procedure carry a box of donuts and hand them to the nurses. You will be well and truly looked after!!
Congrat's and good luck

Make sure you walk. The worse part of a c-section was the gas.

Hello! I had a c-section in January. The actual procedure was fine, you are numb, so you feel absolutely nothing! Recovery is hard. I was thankful to have my husband there for the 4 days you stay in the hospital. It's not like you can just get up and change the babies diaper in the middle of the night. Plan to have your hubby there as much as possible!
My mom warned me about the first night of having gas pain. She had horrible gas pains, i did not, but i will be honest, there was gas. It is normal. Maybe watch what you eat until the gas passes.
Recovery was ok, just slower then a vaginal birth. I camped out on our couch at first because our bed was so high and it was pain to get in and out at first.
Just as any birth, after time passes you would to it all over again-no problem!

Hi Stacy,
In addition to all of the great been-there, done-that advice, I recommend checking out the Birthing-From-Within philosophy on cesarean birth. Pam England is the author of the book with the same title; you can also go to their website @: birthingfromwithin.com.
Like someone mentioned, it may be a different way to enter the world, but it is still the birth of your baby. This is a more emotional and spiritual approach, but also an important compliment to the practical advice you have already received.
Best of luck to you, and congratulations on your growing family.
- J.