So Nervous About C Section

I'm a 2 time c-section Mommy. My first was an emergency section after 2 days of failed induction. My blood pressure was so high there was no chance that I could give birth vaginally. My first one was bad. I was exhausted from not sleeping. I had been NPO and bed ridden for 2 days as well. Recovery was difficult because I wasn't able to get up and walk like you're suppose to do. And I foolishly didn't use the pain pump like I should have. BUT..I never had any problems breast feeding :) Recovery took a little over 2 weeks.

My second was planned. It was a total breeze. I went into the hospital at 9:00 and had my baby a little after 12:00. There were no complications. I was up and walking with in 15 hours of my surgery. I was on solid food with in 24 hours and I got to home 2 days after my surgery. It was awesome! My recovery was quick as well. I think it took me about a week to be totally off pain pills. I was mostly just using them at night. I had a phenomenal breast feeding experience. I was able to hold my baby in the recovery room. She latched on immediately and nursed for the first hour of her life. :) Getting up and moving as soon as I could was a big factor in my healing, as was using my pain pump.

In both instances my milk came in about 3 days after giving birth. The pain medication that they give you doesn't have any affect on breast feeding. It also doesn't affect the baby.

Call the hospital and ask for a tour and explanation on how they handle c-section patients. Ask them if you'll be allowed to have the baby while you're in recovery. For me, that made ALL the difference. My oldest was born at 37 weeks, so she had to go to the NICU to be looked over. For some reason, the nurses were under the impression that I wanted to rest. They kept her in the NICU for almost 3 hours after she was born. I kept waiting for them to bring her back. I finally paged the nurse and she was almost surprised that I wanted my baby! Make it VERY VERY clear that you want your child brought to you immediately. Also, as soon as they give you the all clear for clear liquids, eat! It will make you feel better.

You'll want to take a nice pair of socks to wear in bed. You'll have to stay in bed for at least the first 12 hours after your surgery. My feet were FREEZING! Also, some comfortable shoes to walk the halls in. Bring high waisted pants. I used my maternity pants for the first few weeks after the baby was born. You don't want anything (including panties) that are going to rub on your incision. I took my own shampoo and body wash. I also took my makeup. I put some on immediately after the surgery. It just made me feel better. More human. Oh! Gum! Take gum! My breath was HORRIBLE because you're NPO for 12 hours before your surgery. I don't even know if you can eat immediately after, but I think you can chew gum or have a mint. Other than that, there's really nothing special that I can think of.

One tip the nurses at the hospital showed me was to sick one of the big maxi pads they give you onto the inside of your panties. Put the padded side toward the incision. It helps to protect it. The nurses at the hospital where my first was born NEVER told me that. They weren't very good.

Feel free to message me if you have any other questions that I didn't answer. I know I had a million with both surgeries.

I had a C-Section and all went well. In fact, because of the natural endorphines that come from breast feeding, I didn't even need pain meds.

I know there were great lactation specialists at the hospital where I delivered. Maybe there will be some at your hospital to help with your great questions?

I did have to take it easy with lifting and such for the first few weeks, but other than that, I don't think it was any "worse" (for lack of a better word) than what my friends have gone through with vaginal births and tearing issues and such.

Concentrate on the positive. Easier said than done, but positive mental imagery is a wonderful tool in stressful situations.
Just my two cents,
R.

I have been surprised at the women I know that have had C-Sections. I did not think they could handle it because of how they reacted around me when they had to do any physical labor. I guess when you have to get things done and have a little one counting on you. You get through it. Maybe they will let you go home sooner if you get yourself walking quickly. I never had one but I have heard it is painful, but after a few days you get back into things. The faster you walk around the better it will be, from what my sister told me. Good Luck! :)

I had two natural vaginals, my 2nd child was 1 1/2 when my 3rd was an emergency c-section.

I don't know what you mean by "version?" do you HAVE to have the c-section? The surgery is certainly easier on you than painful contractions and delivery, but the recovery is HARSH and I cant' believe people choose it over getting up and walking to your room after a regular delivery (mine were no drugs). But don't worry about the actual procedure going wrong. It's fast and easy and you're conscious of what is happening.

Just be aware that recovery is VERY major, and you will need help to do everything for 2 weeks. Even hand you the baby to nurse. You can't stand and bend and lift etc. I worried about all my pain killers while nursing, but was assured by everyone it was fine. I was definitely bummed to be so set back physically (exercising freaked me out with the pain of the incision for months) and the scar and all that after getting through two natural births. I had 2 toddlers to chase and felt like I had been seriously injured, unlike the natural deliveries where I was just tired.

But I did eventually feel fine again, and now the scar is minor and I don't care. You will be fine, and lots of people do it, just putting those things out there in case you end up with a choice. Make sure you have lots of help (can be just one person as long as someone is always with you) for the two weeks following surgery. The nursing and everything is the same, you just need help lifting the baby at first. You won't be able to do housework and stuff, getting out of bed is really hard. You'll be sitting and laying a lot.

Get one of those rubbery elastic waist things from an athletic department to cinch in your belly, it helps stabilize the incision not to have your belly flopping, and don't forget high waisted granny panties so your elastic doesn't cut into low incision.
Most of all congrats, it's a new adventure!

Kate,
2nd opinion? There are other options for 'versions' out there - please check them out! C-section should be *last * on your doc's list, not the casual fallback!
Oh I wish I could tell you everything - but that's impossible.

If you can line up help, do it. I have no family here, and 2nd time around was beyond rough, but there's 3 years between my boys. 2 shouldn't be so hard, but you will be EXPLAINING a lot. and explaining a lot more than you think you should be.

Be wary and watchful for your 2 year old hitting the baby. just don't make much of it and quickly QUICKLY turn it into showing him/her how to touch the baby and then give THEM the attention they need - becuase that is what they are looking for. You can head this off at the pass by hugging out of the blue (even if it was 5 minutes ago), kissing the top of the head, etc. Attention is hard to give when you are recovering.

Don't let anyone tell your baby (oldest) to WAIT for the baby. Nurse and talk to your toddler at the same time. it won't always be like this. Savor your moments with your infant alone on the overnight when toddler is asleep, or when your toddler is playing comfortably by themselves during the day. Pushing off your toddler will only bring them back at you all the more determined 'me first' and that will bring out behaviors you haven't seen in a while if at all.

Packing? Pack for 4 days. bring the good camera. leave the wedding bands at home. milk will come in eventually. Pump a ton to relieve excess - your baby will drink it up eventually. Freeze it!

You may windup 'unweaning' your two year old - AND THAT IS OKAY! dn't let anyone tell you otherwise - contact la Leche League. They have more info and a ton of resources.

The Mother Magazine is a great source, Mothering Magazine, too, La Leche L has a great mag now online, and Attachment parenting has a great mother load of resources.

My oldest just peeped, and I'm off, wish you luck on 2nd opinion, forgo the drugs if you can during recovery - you will need your WITS about you!

So praying you find a 'version' that changes things for the better - or a hospital that will deliver breech - they are out there! check out Ina May Gaskin in Tennessee and Spiritual Midwifery.

good luck and much love hon!
M.

I had 2 c-sections also (the 2nd was planned). My daughter was only 14 months old when I had my second baby, so I understand your concern! My advice is keep up with the pain meds in the hospital and try to walk around as much as possible, maybe starting around the 2nd or 3rd day. My 1st c-section was tough because it was after induced labor so I think my body got hit with a double whammy, and I was so afraid of getting sick from the meds that I didn't take them right off the bat. My 2nd c-section was a BREEZE! Had the baby at 730am and was back in recovery, totally awake, by 755am. I'd say the recovery was between a week or two, where you'll need help. After one week, I turned a corner. I was very worried about picking up my toddler but after a couple weeks it was fine. You'll know what you can handle. Good luck. It'll be fine.

Hi! I can't answer all of your questions, since my two deliveries were the reverse of yours (section then VBAC). But I wanted to tell you two things...first, I have a friend that was breech literally up to the day before a scheduled section, and her daughter turned that morning. They were prepping her for surgery, did a last minute ultrasound, and she had turned!
Second, my first was a section at 39 weeks and I had absolutely no trouble with breastfeeding. My colostrum was there in post-op and my milk came in about 2 days later, Max was a champion feeder with no supplementation of any kind.
Recovery won't be as bad as you think, but I highly recommend having someone stay at the house with you for 2-3 weeks after you come home from the hospital. I had a friend who is also a nurse stay with me, she took one week off then worked three shifts a week for the next two weeks. It helps so much having someone to help with the kiddos and all the little daily stuff...like feeding the dog :)
Best of luck, and positive thoughts for a turning baby!!!!
Oh, and check out the website on "Spinning babies" they have some tips for getting baby to turn...frozen peas on baby's head, handstands in the pool, other things like that...

my son was fine on my last dr's appointment on friday, and on sunday my water broke and he was breech. so about 36 hours. maybe mine was an unusual case but it's not uncommon, i know that. also, there was just a post on here about a woman wondering about c-sections. yes some mothers on here decided to go all horror-story on her (sounds like you already have that covered so it won't be anything new to you) but there were tons of women answering who had great experiences. i suggest you go read it. it was from yesterday....good luck!

Don't freak yourself out! Recovery from a c-section really is not that bad, especially a scheduled c-section because you aren't tired of worn out from labor.

As far as what to pack for the hospital - not much. I happily wore the hospital gown the whole time I was there. If you want a robe to put on over it, that's great, but otherwise, don't bother packing clothes except what you need to wear home. Your incision site might still be pretty sore when you leave the hospital, so wear something with a pretty loose waistband.

I've had two c-sections; one unplanned, one planned. Recovery from the planned was really easy - I was able to get myself out of bed and walking the same day. Both times, my milk came in around day 4 I think. I nursed my first for 14 months and my baby is still going strong at 7 months. Having a c-section didn't affect my milk at all.

As for caring for another... mine was 3.5 when I had my second, so it's a little hard to compare to a two year old. The biggest thing is not being able to pick them up, but you can make up for it with a lot of snuggles and lap time. Hopefully your toddler still naps. If she does, make sure you nap when she does - lie down with the baby and nurse in bed if you have to so that you can have that downtime. You'll definitely need it since toddlers are always on the move and you'll be exhausted from all the baby's night wakings.

Good luck and congrats!

*With a toddler I say allow plenty of help from others so you're not having to get up and move around too much.
*What to pack: Very large cotton undies that will rest well above your incision/bikini line. Also, if you are fond of the net undies they give at the hospital don't be too shy to ask for more.
* I recommend have a variety of new inexpensive toys, books and maybe even a dvd or 2 to bring out at different times.
*You may need lots of help: Your nerves are going to be regenerating and that can be really painful, plus you don't want to do too much and risk rupturing your incision. Also, you will have pain medicine to take that can make you drowsy should you choose to take it.
*Since you don't have much family then lean on who you have and be honest with them about the type of help you need (meals, errands, dishes, etc.) and how frequent you need help.
* Line up as many people are willing to help, you can always stop them when you don't need anymore help or as much.

Congrats on the new (coming) baby, update us when you can and best wishes!

Hi Kate. I'm sorry that your version was not successful, good for you for trying it though. Chiropractors and acupuncturists do have techniques that can be successful in turning breech babies, if you are interested in trying.

While you are in the hospital, absolutely ask to have the lactation consultant visit, not just the postpartum nurses, to help you with breastfeeding after a cesarean.
As for home, look into a postpartum doula. Since you probably already have your main baby gear, if people want to know what a good gift is, ask for contributions toward a doula to help you. You may also get some cheaper help afterwards with a teenage mothers helper who can come after school and entertain the toddler for you. When you are alone and not up to chasing the toddler, gate the 3 of you in a safe room so he/she can explore without you worrying. Also make up a new basket of toys/books/etc that come out when it's breastfeeding time and your hands are busy. Good luck!

I can't answer most of your questions because I only have the one son. My recovery wasn't bad at all. They had my son lay on my bare chest to help the milk come in. Your body will know what to do. My milk came in the same night he was born. You may not have to be in the hospital 4 nights. I was offered the chance to go home a day early, but chose to stay in the hospital because my son wouldn't latch and I wanted t be near the lactation consultants until he finally got the hang of it. (I don't think the latch issues had anything to do with the c--section).

Try not to stress about having to possibly have a c-section. It isn't typically people's first choice, but sometimes it is necessary and unavoidable. I had an emergency c-section with my 2nd child and it literally saved her life! In fact, my situation was so urgent that I didn't even have time for an epidural, so I had to have general anesthesia. I remember being SO scared right before I went under, and when they woke me up to tell me my baby girl was healthy and ready to meet me, it was a HUGE relief- I could feel my entire body relax and I was just happy that it was over (and that I didn't even need to endure more labor or delivery.)

The recovery wasn't nearly as bad as I was anticipating and my milk came in right away. (I was calling my nurse for a pump 28 hours after my baby was born!) I have been breastfeeding for a year now. In fact, we had a much easier time learning to breastfeed than with my first child!

My older daughter was 22 months old when my baby was born, and my husband had to go back to work after a week. I had help from my mom for another week or two during the day, and honestly after about 2-3 weeks, I was feeling like I could do most everything I NEEDED to do. Instead of carrying my toddler around, I'd get situated in the glider or in our bed and then have her climb up to cuddle with me. I left all the laundry and cleaning to my husband for awhile and I just made sure I was spending as much time as I could with my toddler when the baby was asleep. We watched a lot more tv than normal, but we did it together and it was special.

Best of luck to you!

ps- acupuncture worked for a co-worker of mine when her baby was breech- he turned around at 38 or 39 weeks and was born vaginally!

1 - and most important - Ask if the doctor can simply *separate* your ab muscles, rather than cut through them. For some, this is standard practice now, for others, it's a request. You're recovery will be 2-3 weeks instead of 8-12. I speak from experience. I was back to full workouts and all that by 4 weeks pp.

2 - ask for the support bandage as soon as you get into your hospital bed. Makes a world of difference to take the pressure off of the incision!

Apart from that, just the same stuff you brought the first time around. Stairs will be hard for the first week home. So if DH or someone can help with household chores, you'll be fine. I carried the baby around and all that with no limitations.

I understand being nervous about everything involving a c section. It was the only thing I didn't want for the birth of my own baby 3 years ago, but after 24 hours of labor & no progress, the c-section was literally a breeze. The recovery was a little tougher for me bec. of the labor & surgery, but if you can plan ahead & get help for meals each night from friends, neighbors, church, etc, get someone to babysit your 2 year old for a few hours each day so that you can nap when the baby naps, and maybe your hubby can pitch in with laundry & chores on the weekends? The most important thing will be for you to take care of yourself and get yourself back on your feet. The tough thing will be no lifting, and that will be hard for your 2 year old. If she doesn't watch tv/movies yet, you may have to resort to that. Maybe even have some special treats for her for "quiet time" so that you can give her a treat like a new coloring book, color wonder coloring, play doh, etc, and she can entertain herself a bit while you're busy with the baby.

I don't think I needed anything special for the hospital, but I did use the "my breast friend" nursing pillow at the hospital, and that's supposed to be better for c-sections than the boppy. I swear I had that pillow attached to me 24-7 after the baby was born! Ask the nurses for help & tips on different positions on breastfeeding while you're at the hospital. They should be able to help. My milk came in as soon as it was supposed to, no issues there.

My dr. gave me some kind of girdle thing to wear from the hospital too, which helped.

Everything is going to go great. You'll be amazed at how easy the actual procedure is! These doctors do this every single day, all day long, it's no sweat for them! You'll do great! :)

My 3rd was transverse, and I remember worrying about the same things. My daughter turned at 37 weeks and came at 38 weeks so I was lucky enough to have a 3rd vaginal delivery. Good luck to you!

Have you looked into acupuncture or chiropractor working on you to turn baby? They are usually more successful - as are laying in certain positions BEFORE trying a version.

Maybe you should see if you can talk to a Midwife about what successful methods they use...

I had a cesarean as a single Mother, it took over 2 weeks to get her latched on well and it wasn't a 'successful breastfeeding relationship' until about month 3. I also had to return to the hospital twice after the cesarean due to complications... leaving my newborn with my parents.

If you can avoid a cesarean, I'd try anything possible to do so!

You can try accupuncture and some other alternative treatments to see if the baby will move. I was nursing the second they gave me my baby. Have 2 people with you. ONe maybe your husband to stay the whole time with you and another to be outside or and follow baby the whole way.
I had counseling to just my second one 2 years ago and everything was fine. Well other then recovering from major surgery of course. I had nightmares about everything and none of them came true. I am with ya on not liking or wanting them, but i am sure you will be fine.
A boopy pillow was my best friend for the first month it really helped with nursing.

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