Advice on C-section for a Friend

I have 2 year old twins and had a C-section call me and I will tell you all aboutit. It is really not all that bad.
J.
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My twins were also born 6 weeks early! They are both very healthy!

I have had 3 c-sections. The delivery is fairly quick; about 30 minutes or less. I had a lot of pain for the first couple of weeks, but they should give you some good painkillers for that. Afterwards, I was back to normal fairly quickly, except for some occasional pain along the incision. Two of the 3 times I did get an infection in the incision, which was treated with anitbiotics. Time to sex was pretty much the same as for vaginal births; 6 weeks. My sex drive was fairly low afterwards for a while, but I think that has a lot more to do with breastfeeding than the c-section.

In general, there is a lot of pain the first couple of weeks, but otherwise I think the recovery is similar to that of a vaginal birth. The pain is just in a different place!

I think there are too many c-sections done unnecessarily, but if you do need to have one, it is not too bad. Good luck!

W.,
Hi, I'm a 48 year old mom with an 8 year old at home and I have to tell you after delivering two children naturally and having repair surgery after the second my C-Section at 40 was like a breath of fresh air. I know mine was not typical of all, almost unimaginable from what I was told. It took 30 minutes for the Section which I had not read about, talked about or had a clue. So trust me the doctors found me kind of humurous in the delivery room. First my OB-GYN specialist and my family doctor brought a CD player in and popped The sound track to Grease in. (Age gender thing) Then they started singing while working on me. I had no clue what this hose was over my shoulder until they clued me in it was suction taking the embryonic fluid out for delivery. They asked if I thought is dissapeared for a C-Section. My daughters dad stood beside me the whole time and I could tell he was kind of getting into what they were doing although I couldn't see. When he turned kind of pale I asked what they were doing and he kind of chuckled and said I think they just threw your liver up on your stomach (Don't know for sure, didn't ask) Of course she climbed back up in my ribs so they had to almost climb on my chest to shove her out. Interesting position for my doctor to be in. When they held her up was the first time I panicked, she looked like a ghost coated in grease. ( I didn't stop to think when you don't deliver normally the lubrication they are coated with is still on them. Gave the doctors another chuckle. They gave her to her dad, cleaned her, weighed her and announced her fine but actually hungry. They whisked dad and baby out and proceeded to do my tubal ligation at the same time. That actually took about a hour and a half. The whole time they were singing to the Grease sound track and making jokes with me. I delivered on a Wednesday morning, they removed my staples (Staples were a new revelation for me. Thought when they took them out I would fall apart) and taped me Friday morning. Friday night I was sitting in my recliner nursing my daughter. For me the C-Section was great and I had a tubal also, but I never experienced one bit of pain afterwards, no nothing. It still amazes me to see this little dinky scar and realize all that was accomplished with it. Don't know where you live but I definately will plug for Dr.Andrew Anglemeyer and Kosciusko Community Hospital where I live because without them this would have been very truamatic for someone of my age. Tell her Good luck and look at it positively because it could be a good thing. As far as sex or sitting I don't remember was to busy caring for my little miracle. But I do know first time back at sex you don't have any of the discomfort you do with a natural birth as none of those muscles were stretched. It was like I never had a baby at all. I think the sitting is when you are comfortable but use a padded cushion unless you have a padded behind because the seats are hard and again with a C you don't have the strain and pain in the vaginal or rear area. Just keep moving to keep your blood flowing. Seems I remember just whatever I was comfortable with. Main thing is not to pull or stretch the lower stomach muscles as they are trying to heal internally. Nothing to do with the lower pelvis bones or muscles. Tell her good luck and it could be a positive thing with no complications.

Hi! I had a vaginal delivery (12 hours) with my daughter. SOOO painful, sex was painful, everything! I had a c-section with my son after that and thought it was a piece of cake. The prep is longer. They shave your bikini area, and put the epidural in. Little painful, but nothing compared to everything you go thru when you have a vaginal delivery. The surgery itself takes about 30-45 minutes. They make sure you are COMPLETELY numb. Then you get to see your baby while they fix you up. You go to recovery where your at for about an hour depending on if there was any complications. Then they wisk you away to a private room. I had a slight problem with gas, because air does get in but it goes away on its own. Takes a little while to be able to lay flat, about a week or so. You walk a little hunched for about a day or two. The thing is, the pain medication numbs it so its not as constant as pain from a vaginal delivery. Tell her there is nothing to worry about. Its so much easier. Easier birth, easier recovery and easier maintenance at the site. Oh by the way, I had sex 2 weeks after with no pain. Well, maybe 3. Its so much better.

It's going to be good to hear, but recovery time does not take long at all! After i had my daughter i was moving the next day (it was hard, but it helps to start right away)By the end of the first week i was everywhere no problems. The surgery for me only took about a half hour because it ended up being an emergancy, however it usually takes about an hour for a normal C-section. I was only in the hospital two days after i had my daughter. It was great...i think i did better recovering at home than in a hospital. The only weird thing they didnt warn me about is that after i was all healed i have no feeling in the scar area. But i have since been told that is normal. If you have anymore questions please feel free to get in touch...i have aol and yahoo..aol is ____@____.com or yahoo is ____@____.com Please feel free to get ahold of me im whatever at anytime you see me on or email me. Take care and good luck!

Hi I am a mother of 3 kids, all 3 were c-section,the surgery it's self doesn't take long at all, the more c-sections you have a little longer it may take depending on the amount of scar tissue you have.My first was fast it only took like maybe 20 minutes and the last one was a little longer more like 30-almost 40 from open to close. The recovery time totally depends on the person and the way their body heals, I learned though the faster you get up and move around the better, with my second I was up and moving around that afternoon(the surgery was in am) the 3rd was a little longer I had complications, but was up the very next day. The only advice I personally have for anyone is you know your body better than anyone else do what feels right for you, you know how your body can handle things but like I said the faster you get up and move around the better. total recovery from a c-section takes a long time though, the actual internal recovery. And the sex part is up to the person unless other wise told by your doc. you just need to becareful though not to push your self with picking up heavey things and take your time on stairs and bending over or turning and getting up too fast, like i said it takes a long time for you to heal all the way interanlly. Good luck and don't rush things afterward (like when u get home things can wait to be done. I was out of the hospital in 2 days, becarefule with your staples though, with my second I had them out before I left the hospital and the 3rd I had them out the day after I left the hospital. It's really not bad at all, and the babys head comes out nice and round, not cone like.

You've had a ton of responses, but I wanted to say quickly that is really isn't that bad. I went through full labor until I was fully dilated and then had to have a C-Section TOO after all of that. My advice to her is to get up and move as soon as possible. Walk the halls the day after and resist the urge to lay around, recovery will be much easier and she will be able to keep up with her 5 yr old in no time!

Hi W.,
I had a C-section with my son because the doctor was concerned that he might be too big to safely have vaginally. I was disappointed when he only weighed 5 oz more than my daughter (who I had vaginally).
The surgery to get him out only took about 15 minutes (counting prep time and anesthesia). Sewing me back up took a little longer (while the doctor has you open, the look to make sure that, reproductively, everything looks good, and they also had a time getting my placenta out). I was in recovery about 45 min to an hour after we started.
The healing takes a long time. I was up and walking around within a day but it was painful to move, sit, stand, bend over, cough, sneeze, and laugh for about a week to a week and a half (who knew that we used those muscles down there every so many things).
As for how long until she can have sex...it's still the suggested 6 weeks, but I was up for it about three weeks later. Unfortunately though, there were (and still are) some positions/depths that we can't do because it hurts (and it didn't before). As for when sex will be pleasurable, that is between her and her husband. So many things, other than the C-section, will affect that, just like with vaginal births.
The only complications I had were: 1. I had a tape "burn" from the tape used to adhere the dressings to the wound...if the nurses had removed the tape earlier, it might not have been that bad, and I don't know how common that is (I tend to be sensitive to medical adhesives); 2. Yeast infection around the wound about 3 to 4 weeks later, but I am fat and its not possible to walk around the house naked for very long to let the area air out...but this probably won't be a problem for your friend if she's not overweight.
Overall, my suggestion to your friend is to ask the doctor to try to move the baby into the proper postion (but I will tell you that it is very painful to the mother...lots of pushing on and turning of the abdomin). If that doesn't work and she still needs to plan for a C-section, try to schedule one as early in the morning as she can (mine was scheduled for noon and I was famished by 10 am since I couldn't eat after midnight). Also tell her that she should start moving around as soon as she can feel her legs after the surgery and to move around a lot (it really does help). And hound after the nurses if they don't remove the bandages by the next day (they left mine on for over 2 days) and don't be afraid to ask for the pain meds because once the anesthia wears off, it's going to hurt. Also plan for about a three to four day stay at the hospital depending on the hospital and how she's feeling.
I hope this helps. Good luck and congrats to both of you!
N.

I had a c-section after 19 hours of labor and several hours of pushing, and finding out our son had moved into a transverse position while trying to deliver, it was unexpected, but necessary. I had some complications during surgery, I had not responded well to the epidural during labor and it didnt numb me well at all, and so I felt alot of the pulling, tugging and pushing on my body. Baby arrived safely! From start to baby it was about 30-45min I suppose, then I got really sick and had to be given an anti-nausia med, from baby to finish on my particular case was another hour and a half. I also had an issue with my uterus bleeding and had to have additional bags of pitocin added to make it clamp down, causing labor type pains for the next several hours. My healing time from the c-section was about 4 weeks really - before I felt like 'me'. The actual time the incision took to heal was longer, about 2 months. I was able to climb stairs from the day I got home, but with ease, it was about 2 weeks. I was able to lift and do what I wanted within reason within about 1 week. They sent me home on lots of pain meds, and anti-nausia meds - this helped alot! I hope this helps, I know it's not an "it was a great experience" story, but it was my reality - and if I had too, I'd do it all over again. My complications were more complex then explained, and when I asked if they were common, the doctor said it's likely with every c-section that something could come up like mine. I think had it been 'planned' I would have been more at ease. But putting all of the pain and healing aside - the end result was well worth it - and I'd take all of the chaos over again for him - my beautiful baby boy - every day of the week, and twice on Sunday! It's odd how you put all of that in the back of your mind, once you get that baby in your arms. I think reassuring your friend is great, but its also necessary to prepare her for possibilities. As for the returning to a sex life goes - your doctor will tell you at your 6 week ck up that you are free to go for it. As far as it being pleasurable again, that comes along with hormones, and personal interest, for me it was between 3-4 months before I was even interested. And thank heavens, I have the most patient and proud husband I could ask for! He and I discussed my feelings often, and he agreed that he wasn't interested unless I was, he doesn't want me to feel pressure. So we've returned to our normal sex life, and it was without feeling like I had to step up to the plate and batter up, and I think that made the transition much easier.

Hi there, Bryce my son is now 9 weeks old and we went C-Section. If it makes any difference I am also 38. I have two bits of advice for your friend. One, make sure she does not eat before the surgury, I was so sick to my stomach and it had been hours sence I had eaten. But still not long enough. Two, get out of that bed as soon as they will let her. The faster she gets out of the bed, the quicker she will heal. I was out of the hospital in 2 days because I had done so well, usually with a c-section they keep you in 3 days. Oh one more, do not do too much. yes I was out of bed fast, but I hit the floor running, I could not sit still and kept popping my staples open. Tell her not to do too much, and make sure she has someone at home that will help, I didn't. Tell her not to be scared, it hurts a lot less than natural birth and the babys head stays normal so the baby comes out a lot cuter. lol
Good luck
K. T

I had a C section and it was a cake walk. It was done so quick. I could not believe how quick it was done and I figured they would take a while to close me back up. That also was over in like fifteen minutes. You are soar for a few days but not to where it just hurts when you are sitting still. It is more when you are getting up or trying to walk around. You just walk slower and get up with some help for a few days. I was supposed to stay in the hospital for three days but went home early. I took the baby out by myself with in about nine days. I lived in a high rise and had to carry everything by myself. I had to go down the elevator, down a ramp, and through a parking lot. I have heard that everyone has different reactions to the surgery. Everyone I have talked to that had a PLANNED c section had it real easy.

i had to have an emergency C-section, because my son was breach and my labor was progressing too fast to turn him. I didn't have time to be afraid of the procedure. The procedure doesn't take very long, it took longer for me to get the epidural in than the actual surgery. Depending on her method of anesthesia, will depend on how long she will spend in recovery. My husband was allowed to be in the surgery with me, he sat on a stool by my head, a low curtain was put up to black me from seeing my belly, then when they lifted my som from me, they told my husband to stand up, and he saw them lift our son out of me. Then they brought my son around the curtain to show him to me, and took him off to be cleaned ect. The baby and dad went off to maternity, and I think I fell asleep. I woke up in recovery and had to wait until the anesthesia wore off before I could be taken up to maternity. I was only in the hopital for 3 days. My baby had to stay 10 (because he was a preemie). My recovery consisted mostly of being uncomfortable. Other than not being able to drive for awhile, I did pretty much everything I needed to do almost immediately. I'm sure the excitement of a new baby helped to take the pain away. Your friends personal health and age might play into her recovery. The hardest part for her will be to take it easy with the 5 year old. I think my doctor said three weeks before sex. Since your vagina is not involved with the surgery, pleasurable sex is no problem.
Everything went so well, I chose to have my second son by C-section also. The worry is worst than the actual procedure. Help your friend relax, trust her doctors, and trust God to see her through a new experience. God bless you both.

Hi! I recently delivered my 2 1/2 month daughter via unplanned C-section. After being in labor for three days we realized that she was not coming vaginally. I was nervouse, but to be honest the actuall procedure was not bad. I was numb and did not feel a thing. The surgery was very quick (15-20 min. total) and my daughter was just fine. However, the recovery was a bit longer and more painful than a vaginal birth. Your friend will be sore in the stomach area and need some assistance doing certain things for a few days. It took me about a good 2-3 wks. to get back to "normal" and be able to do things around the house and for myself. It was a unique experience, but it is nothing that your friend cannot do! I did not realize how common C-sections are. It seems like everyone I know has had a C-section at some point in their pregnancies! Best of luck to you and your friend!!

Hi,I hope I can be some help I have 2 children who were both c-section. My youngest is about to turn 11 so everything isn't clear.With my first I was on bedrest about the last 6week's and finally my water broke got to the hospital at 6:30 a.m. and my labor went no where else walked the hall's all day and finally at 8:00p.m. they took me in for surgery I WAS SCARED.
It seemed like it took forever to get to the baby but that was really the easiest part cause sewing me back up took for ever.
I really thought they were crazy when they told me to push cause I was numb but I pushed as if I could feel it and it did make the baby come out. I had a 7# girl. I was in the hospital for 3 day's and when they made me stand up for the first time I felt like I had been cut in half.It was very hard at first but the more you move around the easier it is.
I had a hard time bending over I went to the Dr. to have staples removed and one had broke in half so I had a small insesion to close up on it's own.I'm a heavy set women so it was a little harder for me. As far as sex I really don't remember I had 2 step kid's and a newborn to look after.
Now with my second child i had a different Dr. and she didn't feel they tried hard enough with my first to be born vag,so she was going to push more on this one. He was1 week over due so I went in the day after Labor day LOL day after labor to go into Labor. Any way they gave me some medicine to start my labor and I had to lay flat for about 3-4 hours as soon as I could get up I had a whirlpool in my tub so i got in there to let the jet's hit me and maybe shake the baby out. At 5:00a.m. my water broke so I knew they couldn't send me home. Not a lot happened all day finally about 6:00 my contractions got harder about 8:00p.m. I gave in and gor the epideral I finally got to start pushing but i was so tired wellthen they found out my baby heart rate started droping and they seen he had swollowed some bowl so they had to rush me in for c-section about 1:00a.m. I had a 9# baby boy.I went to the Dr. to have staples removed and my belly came open all the way,they said it was because I smoked plus I had came dibetic with this pregnancy. So now I had to heal completly from the inside out NO FUN so now I had 4 kid's to take care of and all this to go through.I'm sorry you probably didn't want to hear about my bad experience.
I'm sure your friend'swell be fine just tell her the more she movesaround the better it will be. After my 2nd one they
couldn't believe how fast I was up moving around but the 2nd time is a lot easier. I had my tubes tied after him cause my body couldn't take any more. I hope i have helped some. Anything else I can answer for you please let me know.
C.

I had a c-section 6 months ago, unplanned. I also work in Labor and Delivery as a scrub tech, so I am VERY familiar with the surgery, but I was still having a panic attack on the table! In my experience-- the surgery was only 30 mins long (which is typical if there are no complications and your surgeons are skilled), and I personally didn't feel a thing except a bit of pressure on my chest/upper abdomen as they were pushing her out. By that night, I was up to a chair, and the next day I was up and in the shower, and the catheter was out. Typcial hospital stay (around here) is 72 hours after surgery (I was an induction, so I went in Saturday evening, had my surgery Sunday and didn't go home until Wednesday afternoon!) I felt a little better everyday, and never even took a percocet-- but I have heard I might be the exception there! I know that by 10 days out I was taking walks around the block with the baby in the snugli carrier (just short, slow ones, but out of the house!) It's now 6 months later, and my incision site is still reddish (but I'm very fair skinned), and the whole area is weird feeling to the touch, due to nerve damage, which is also common. As far as sex, your friend should still wait 6 weeks (the standard), but if she plans on brestfeeding, she needs to know that lower estrogen levels might make sex more uncomfortable for as long as her levels are low (and for some women, that's the entire time they breastfeed and even some after). I have heard of doctors prescribing premarin creme to help with vaginal dryness, or just use a lot of lubricant. And a very sweet, patient husband helps there, too ;) I didn't have any complications, and don't see a ton when it's a scheduled, controlled case. With her having high blood pressure, she will be a slightly higher risk for bleeding during surgery, I think, but even with that, it's minimal. There is always the risk they could nick her bladder, but in the 4 years I've worked there, I have never seen that. Her doctors should cover all that, and anymore, a c/s is pretty routine. Are they going to let her try vaginal if the baby flips? If her blood pressures are too high, even if the baby does flip, they might not let her try. Hope all that info helps, and that everything turns out great for your friend!
J.

The surgery itself is not as long as you would think it was. My son is nearly a year old & I had a c-section after a failed induction. The surgery itself probably took at the most an hour? My concept of time is a little skewed because I had no sleep for almost a day & a half beforehand, but I'm thinking that's about right.

The hospital stay is 4 days. I had my c-section on a Saturday morning & was released Tuesday.

Getting back to normal is relative, really. The most important thing after a c-section, that will help you get back to normal is getting up and moving around, as soon as you can. The more you move around, the easier it is to heal. Walk around your hospital room or down the hallway. Getting up is particularly difficult at first, you find yourself hunching over. I would tell my husband after my c-section, when I would stand up, "I'll be taller by the time I make it to the bathroom." They tell you no driving for 2 weeks. No stairs for 2 weeks. By about 2 weeks aferwards I was able to move around pretty normally.

I chose not to take narcotic pain killers. The nurses were offering them left and right, but I was determined I would not take them, and I didn't. My doctor said that 800mg ibuprofin was fine, and that's what they gave me, because I was deathly afraid of being looped up on pain killers & taking care of the baby. As long as I took it every 6 hours, I was fine.

Tell her this: Laughing, coughing or sneezing are going to suck for the first few weeks. You have no idea how much you use your abdominal muscles or take them for granted until you have a c-section.

They say you are fully "healed" at 6 weeks post partum. So, that wasn't too bad. I was feeling completely back to normal at that point, and had no issues healing.

Sex--6 weeks, just like a vaginal delivery. My husband and I did not make it that long, but that is what they reccommend. Sex was immediately pleasurable for me, and as a matter of fact, more pleasurable than before I was pregnant. I was a total horndog from the time my son was born well, really still am, so sex, no issue at all.

Like I said, though, movement is important.....

I had 2 C-Sections. The first one was unplanned with my 7 year old daughter. My 2nd one was planned with my 3 year old. The 2nd one was a total breeze for the actual procedure. I had spinals with both of mine and so I was just numb from the chest down. The procedure itself lasted about 20-30 minutes I think. Then you are in recovery for 1 hour or so depending on the person. Also, the hardest part is not getting to hold your baby right away. With my 2nd one I didn't have any problems so I got to see her as soon as I got to my room from recovery and began to nurse her. So that was great!

As for recovery, I had my last daughter on a Wednesday and went home on a Friday. It mostly depends on how you feel and if you can have a bowel movement. Unfortunately you will have gas because of all the air in your tummy! The biggest thing is to take the pain medicine the first few days even if you are not in pain. Use a pillow against your stomache to get up out of bed or to sometimes stand up.

I did GREAT with both of my C-Sections and I'd do it again if I were going to have more kids. Within a week I was going normally, but of course I couldn't drive. Also, no sex for 6 weeks just like with a vaginal birth. We had sex immediately after my DR ok'd and it was not painful at all.

I had a bikini line incision and my DR did stitches on the inside. Just remember not to over do it and if it hurts then stop! Good excuse not to vacuum, etc...haha.

I wish your friend lots of luck, but I found after trying to give birth the first time normally and then having a C-Section, that I preferred the C-section!

Hi, I am a respiratory therapist at a local hospital and I work in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and I also assist with C-sections. I recently had twins of my own whom I requested a c-section for because of what I know. . . a c-section is a more controled environment for the baby and mom.
Don't get me wrong it is still surgery. . . but the procedure usually takes about 30 mins total.

First, the mom will get her spinal or epidural, then the whole team, Docs Nurses, respiratory therapists etc head in. (Due to it being a c-section there are more people) 2 docs to do surgery, 1 anesthesiologist, 1 scrub nurse, one helper nurse. Then to the side there is usually a baby doc, a nurse, and a Respiratory therapist.

Once the mom is numb from the chest down, they start cutting, once they start cutting they try to have the baby out within 5 mins of cutting. Then as the side docs and nurses take care of the baby, the obgyns work on putting mom back together. It will surprise you how efficient and smoothly a c-section goes. I know my mom and husband were in the OR with me and they were amazed at how everyone just went to work and knew their part. I had two and it went VERY smoothly.

As for recovery time. . . The incision did not hurt that much at all, they pull the stomach muscles apart rather than cut the fibers so the muscle doesn't hurt much at all, (plus. . . good pain meds). Getting over the anesthesia was the hardest part for me, it made me sick. The first few hours after surgery you are EXHAUSTED and groggy just as I imagine you are after regular delivery. I got to hold and breastfeed my babies right after surgery in my hospital bed. (Mom is totally awake during surgery) Then they took them away to clean them like normal and wheeled me to my room.

They said no sex for 6 weeks or until I was checked out. Plus, it is a little easier because you aren't sore down there, so things can resume as they were a little faster. It was pleasurable the 1st time my husband and I were intimate again at 6 weeks.

The best part is that you worry about the incision on your stomach but because you are so stretched when they cut the skin, when your skin starts shrinking so does the incision. :0)

I am sorry for this long e-mail, but I have the clinical and individual experience so I thought I might be able to help calm any fears. I would do a c-section again in a heartbeat. There was NO, I mean absolutely NO laboring for me at all. We planned it and I went in at the morning and I had my kids out and healthy as can be in a few hours.

As for complications, there aren't any COMMON complications for baby. One small thing that is different is that baby doesn't get squeeze out the birth canal so they CAN take longer to transition from being inside mom to outside (breathing wise, they don't get the amniotic fluid squeezed out of the lungs so it all has to be absorbed by baby's body), but they may just watch baby a little close for the first few mins/hours sometimes. But as I said I had 2 come out that way and they didn't have any problems transitioning. For mom. . . it is surgery so any complication that can come from surgery apply. . . a deep leg thrombosis would be the biggest concern, but that can be prevented by getting up and walking every couple of hours after baby is born and anesthesia has worn off. :0) Ok, that is my info. If you have any other questions please let me know.

K.

I delivered my son via C-section and delivering my daughter the old fashion way. For me, the C-section was much easier. The pluses include; no labor pains, I had to be cut "down there" for my daughter and that took me over a month before it healed, and no bleeding for weeks after. With a C-section, the first couple days it is painful to move around, so you want to keep your pain meds in the system and I really couldn't run errands or drive myself for about a week to 10 days. If I recall correctly, they wanted you to abstain from sex for the same length of time as with a vaginal - until after your month after check-up.

Dear W.,

I am a Registered Nurse working in Labor and Delivery for 10years. If your friend would like to give me a call to discuss c/s in length, she is more than welcome!! Let me know and I will pass along my phone number.

Sincerely,
T.

HI W.!

I just had my 2nd c-section 6 weeks ago. I noticed you had alot of GREAT responses so I will try to say something different.

Tell your friend not to sweat it. The procedure is quick and the doctors are soooo much better skilled at delivering a breech baby via c-section. The worse part I thought was getting out of bed the next morning when your feet hit the floor. After that the pain gets better.

PAIN- tell your friend to keep on the meds at a regular pace while in the hospital. Well worth it! Once home I only needed Tylenol for a couple of days.

Tell her to get a BOPPY! It wraps around your waist and it is great to prop the baby on when feeding and won't hurt the incision.

BLEEDING- She will still have the quite a bit of vaginal bleeding after the delivery. So make sure she stocks up on pads.

FOR THE FIRST TWO WEEKS- tell your friend to get as much sleep as possible (HAHAHA!) and DO NOT DO ANYTHING except feed the baby. It will aid in her recovery sooo much more. If she can get help that would be great. My Mom came and stayed with me for the first two weeks. She did everything with my husband from cooking to laundry to playing wityh my 3 year old.

It really will make a HUGE difference on her recovery- and remind her she is recoveing from TWO incisions, one on the on the uterus and one outside.

HARDEST PART- not being able to pick up or play withe 3 year old like I used to.

BY 5- 6 weeks she will feel great and have only very minor discomort around her incision if any at all!

best of luck to her!

best of luck to her.

I am a mom of 4 kids. The first 2 were vaginal deliveries, the 3rd was a c-section and then I had a 4th vaginally. I too was told to prepare for a c-section as my 3rd born, a son was in a breach position. I tried to be in denial for awhile, thinking the baby would turn, but alas, he did not. I will tell you this, I had worked my self up way more than I should have for the c-section and you know what... it was not nearly as bad as I thought. I was out shopping after 5 days. In fact my neighbor could not believe that I had had a c-section until I told her, because she could not believe I was out and about already after 5 days. Here are some positives that came out of my c-section: No long drawn out labor! Sitting was not so painful as having a vaginal delivery. Sex came easier. And my babies head was just beautiful:) Hope some of this will help.

www.freewebs.com/icanofgreenville

A local group specifically for cesarean recovery and VBAC support.

www.ican-online.org for more information on all sorts of things related to c/s and recovery, etc.

www.spinningbabies.com for information on how to turn a breech baby.

www.blueribbonbaby.org for diet information on how to bring down blood pressure!

You've gotten plenty of responses answering questions about the c-section and other people's experiences, so I am voicing my (different) opinion. A c-section is major abdominal surgery and should be avoided if at all possible. Deciding 10 weeks before her due date that surgical delivery is necessary because the baby is breech seems like jumping the gun a little. The baby still has time to turn, even if the environment is a little cramped in there! I wouldn't resign myself to the section just based on what you've said here. Doctors are WAY too quick to resort to surgery to cover their own butts, in my opinion. I would STRONGLY advise your friend to do some research on her own and make her OWN decision about what to do before worrying about the recovery. If you would like some specific information to pass along, email me at ____@____.com to preserve my integrity, I do want to tell you I am a childbirth educator, doula, and nurse, so my feelings lean toward the most natural childbirth possible. I also have resources geared toward moms experiencing problems and preparing for more complicated deliveries. Oh, and she can catch Birth Day on Discovery Health Channel weekday mornings and afternoons (I watch it all the time!) If she is squeamish at all, she may not want to know exactly what they'll be doing during the surgery! It is not pretty! (They put that drape up for more reasons than just to keep the surgical field sterile LOL)

I had a c-section with my son who is now 4 months old. I stayed in the hospital 3 nights, the last night was voluntary, because my baby had to stay under the bilirubin light (for jaundice). My c-section went very well. I dont remember a whole lot of the surgery, but i was awake the whole time. After the surgery, i went to recovery, where i breastfed the baby, and that was not comfortable mainly because it all seemed so fast, and after i got back to my room, i was a little tired and a bit sore. I didn't get out of bed until the next day because i still had the catheder (sp?) in and i didnt have to, but after they took it out, i got up and walked around. Standing up the first time was a little stiff, but it wasnt bad. I got tired of walking easy, and had to walk slow, but it didnt hurt-it just seemed stiff. The worst part was trying to have a bowel movement-I think it took about a week, and it hurt to push. After I got home, the surgery site didnt really bother me, but laying on my side was a little painful, but i could lay on my stomach first. I did use the pain meds the doc gave me, not because i was in pain, but because i was having trouble relaxing. I was cleared by the doc to have sex at my 6 week appointment, and i was completely healed by about 4-5 weeks postpartum. I would definatly do it again when i have my next baby. I had the c-section at Deconness.

Hey W.! I had c-sections with both of my kids so I'm somewhat of a pro. I'm not too clear on the length of the surgery because my anithesiologist made sure that I dind't feel ANY pain for about 4 hours or so, but was around and hour, hour and a half. My hopspital stays were 3 days. It takes a little while to get back to 'normal' everyone heals differently, I was back to 'normal' in about a month and a half. Although I still haven't gotten feeling on/around my scar yet and after having 2 c-sections I don't think I will. It's the standard 6 weeks until sex, the pleasurable part is as individual as the person. After my 6 weeks were up I wasn't ready to have sex again because I was so tired. My advice to your friend is to take it easy and slow, don't rush the recovery process by trying to do too much at one time. I made that mistake with my first child and it made the recovery process longer and harder. Also, if family and friends offer to come over and cook, clean,take care of baby so you can take a shower TAKE THEM UP ON THEIR OFFER!!!!! Don't try to do everthing in the first few weeks, you will end up very tired and in pain at the end of the day!! I hope this advise helps your friend!! Tell her good luck for me!!*M.*

my son is 3 mths now and the c-section was not bad. she will be very sore right after. The best thing for her to do is start moving as much as she can as soon as possible. I know it hurts but it will hurt worse if she sits around, she will get stiff and even more sore if she doesnt move around. The surgery itself took about 45 min. and she will be in recovery for about a hour directly after surgery. The baby should be with her the whole time (but I think that depends on the hospital). The nurses will come in and check her alot after surgery (this involves pressing lightly on her abdomon). For my first c-section they put me on a morphine pump....it sucked. Whatever pain meds they gave me in pill form worked much better. It didnt make me loopie and it lasted longer, so I was better able to take care of the baby. They will close the insision with staples and they should be removed before she leaves the hospital. They will give her care instruction when she leaves....but the most important thing for her to do is when she gets out of the shower, she needs to make sure the insision is COMPLETELY dry. It only took me about a week to be able to move around without too much trouble. the hospital stay is 72 hrs for c-secctions. If she has anyother question please feel free to contact me at ____@____.com

I had my son via C-section. The surgery was planned and it was actually quick. I was wheeled in to the OR around 8am and he was born at 8:23. I had him on a Wednesday and was released from the hospital Saturday mornning. It took a few days (4-5) before I could really move around comfortably. My husband and mother were there to help me out for a few weeks. She really needs a good support system. I only took 4 weeks of maternity leave and then it was back to work. Tell your friend it will be fine! And let her know that C-section babies are usually the best looking babies in the nursery (since they aren't squished and cone-headed from the birthing canal).

I've had two C-sections, 22 months apart and totally agree with Lori K's advice. If I had to go through my 24 1/2 hours of labor (which ended in a C-section) or go through a C-section, I'd take the C-section! :)

It looks like you and your friend have alot of info to digest!

Just wanted to say, it's different with everyone, obviously. It was not a piece of cake for me. I went to the hospital totally expecting to deliver vaginaly (& naturally!) but after more than 2 hours of pushing, my baby had turned and was stuck on my pelvis bone. I went to the OR for a C-section. It took @ 25 minutes. My recovery was horrible because all of my muscles were so sore from pushing (so you see, I got to experience both types at once!) My Dr. described what I went thru as running a 20 mile marathon and then having surgery! When they got me out of bed just hours after surgery, I felt like I was being pulled apart.

I was in the hospital for 3 days. I had pain from the surgery and depression. My incision ached for 1 year. My son was born 17 months ago and I'm expecting #2 now. My incision still itches at times.

I tell you all of this not to frighten you. I will have a sceduled section this time around, but I'm not scared (that much!) of the surgery, just the recovery. But I've been told by everyone including my Dr. that it won't be as bad as the last time because I won't be doing any pushing.

Take it easy afterwards and have someone to help you obviously. You won't be able to drive, lift anything (but the newborn) or climb stairs for several weeks. On a pleasant note, the pain meds worked great!!

I see a lot of responses to this question, and I had a very different experience. I am overweight and had high blood pressure from about 1 month on. Was on bed rest for about 6 weeks and he was breech. They tried to turn him (without the meds to relax the muscles because of BP) which hurt quite a bit and was not successful. We scheduled a c-section and I ended up having contractions about an hour before surgery. The surgery itself didn't take that long. I was in a lot of pain and my legs were still swollen when they sent me home after 3 days. 1 1/2 days later I woke up in the middle of the night I went downstairs to get some water and could hardly catch my breath going back up to my room, then when I layed back down I really couldn't breathe. Went to the ER and found out that I had fluid in my lungs/congestive heart failure and sky high BP. My body was not getting rid of the fluid and ended up in Critical Care for 3 days. They tried several different meds and nothing worked and decided to give me a fluid pill. When I got up to go to the bathroom about the 3rd time my incision came open and splashed water and blood everywhere. They finally pulled out the big guns and gave me some meds that had to have a seperate IV and was light sensitive. I had to pack my incision for about 12 weeks while it healed and ended up having a really ugly scar. My son is now three and the pain in the muscles is finally starting to go away. I can't do crunches or sit ups at all. Everytime I go in for my yearly exam they are surprised that I am still tender around the incision and lower abdomen. So, I've decided not to have any more children, which is heart wrenching, but I'd rather be here for my son than risk my life again. Good luck!

J. W.

I did, too, just see this today so a few quick thoughts:

1 - surgery was about 45 mintues from start to finish but I had the epidural in already when we went (water spontaneously broke and heart rate deceled with pitocin induction later that day, turns out my little one had the cord around her neck 2x).

2- I was up the next day and walking - stiff, but the shower felt great. Tell her to be up and walking.

3- I had my incision get infected but simple antibiotic treatment cleared that up and no problems after that.

4 - I was in the hospital from Sunday to Thursday. My doctor allowed me to stay for an extra day b/c I lived 4 hours from the hospital (I delivered there by choice, but that's a whole other story).

5 - The worst thing about it (the real dirty little secret) you can't drive for the first 6 weeks after surgery. Once you've gotten the 6-week checkup then you're free to drive.

That's the quick and dirty!

Hope it helps a little. Prepare her for the driving restrictions - that's the one that made me stir crazy!!!!!

Hi W.,

I have only one child and had to have a c-section, because I only got to 4 cm and stopped. I healed quite quickly. I think I was doing most normal things after a week. Tell your friend to have someone around at least for the first week to help with her other child and even the baby, because you don't want to overdo it. The surgery itself was pretty quick and not all that painful. I know I was up and walking around the maternity hallway the next day and felt pretty good. Sex will really be up to her. They tell you to wait six weeks, but I think everyone feels different after having a baby. Hope this helps!

I too will have a c-section in about 10 weeks. I had an adbominal cerclage put in at 12 weeks and was told it was a "trial run" for the real thing. It took me about 5 weeks to get back to normal but I was also pregnant, healing and growing at the same time. I have never had a section either. I heard it depends on your body's healing time. Hospital stay is about 3 days. The baby still has time to turn. They can turn at the last moment. Tell her good luck!

I am glad that you got all the info you need but i would stil like to voice my opinion as I just saw this post today. I found out 1 week after I was supposed to deliver that they were going to induce labor. Due to my exteremly high blood pressure. The enducing went great and at 6am i was in full labor. After a full day of dialation I reached 6inches and stopped. My son had tilted his head to the side and there was no other way to get him out i had to have the c section. We waited until my water broke and got an epedural. My son heart beat plumeted twice. Thankfully he mae it ok. they rushed me to the operating room where myepedural quit working due to a clog. we waited til i couldnt feel it anymore and they begant he surgery.

I dont remeber much as they gave me more meds then i thought they ould but i remeber very clearly when my mom layed my crying neworn son next to my head so i could see him adn kiss him for the first time. Then into the recovery area we went for the next 3 days. When i got home i didnt have much energy and slept alot but was back to normal in just a week. I took 5 weeks off of work to be with my son and definatly waited til my 6 week chack up to make sure everything was ready to go nad in good shape before we did anything intemate.

I dont reccommend that anyone have a c section if they can avoid it but its not as bad as everyone thinks it is!!! Best of luck to your friend.

G.

I don't have any advice about c-sections as I've never had one, but wanted to share this. I am pregnant with twins and the second baby is breech, which is the most common position for twins. At my original OB's office they were recommending a c-section because they had no experience with breech delivery. I really do not want a c-section and actually switched doctors at 32 weeks when I was able to find another practice who was experienced and comfortable delivering the second twin breech. I have no idea if this would be an option for your friend - perhaps her blood pressure problems would make any vaginal delivery too risky. But if she would like to consider getting a second opinion you can tell her I moved to the Bradford Clinic in Mathews. During my search the following three practices were also recommended to me and were very helpful when I called to discuss my situation: Eastover OB, Carmel OB & Charlotte OB. Best of luck to her :)

H.

I've got to get to bed and won't be back online til Monday. Have your friend email me at ____@____.com and I'll reply on Monday.

J.
Eliana 11-14-04

I have a girlfriend who is about 10 weeks away from her delivery, on full bedrest due to excessive blood pressure, and who has recently been told to plan for a C-section as her baby is in a cradled breach position. She currently has a five year old son, who was a vaginal delivery.

I believe she's a bit frightened and requested some information on details: ie, how long does the surgery itself take, how long is the hospital stay, how long does it take to heal to get back to "normal" (sitting for an hour or two at a soccer game, working fulltime, cooking dinner, etc), how long is the ACTUAL healing time, how long til sex, how long til sex is actually pleasurable again, common complications, etc. any info provided via actual experience is appreciated!!

Hi, W.,
Please tell your friend to try not to worry too much. I know thats difficult, we all worry. I had a C section six months ago with my son. My C section was done also because of high blood pressure and my baby was breech as well. The procedure took about 25 mins. I think it was harder on my husband than me. The hardest part is getting up the next day. It does hurt but each time you get up it gets a little easier. Tell her to make sure she takes her pain killers on time, even if she is not hurting too bad when it's time for them, you don't want them to wear off completely and then have to wait for the next dose to start working.Also once they remove the cathedar(sorry don't know how to spell it)tell her to make sure to try to pee. I did'nt and found out a full bladder hurts a lot more than trying to pee. It all seems scary but it is worth it. I want my next one to be done C section because natural birth really scares me! Also let her know it may be hard to be on bed rest but you really want to let the baby "cook" as long as possible. Our baby was four weeks early and had to be put in NICU for four days. Hes fine now but she really need to do what the drs advise. As far as sex goes, we waited six weeks, and it hurt the first couple of times, lubrication and a caring, cautious partner really helps. Reassure her that everything will be fine and at the end of it all she will have a beautiful baby to love!

Hi,
I had a C-section with my twin girls because my blood pressure was so high, and two of my close freinds had one also. The surgery doesn't take very long, and although I was very sore afterward, it only takes about a week to be doing most things normally. They will tell her to wait for sex six weeks, as with a vaginal delevery, but feeling sexual more depends on how hormones are making her feel than physical constraints. Tell your freind to get plenty of help with her other child and housework because the worst thing is to do to much and tear. Most people do just fine with a C-section and lots of people prefer them.

Hi W.,
This is my experience, although I had no problems throughout my pregnancy and had perfect blood pressure. I had a C-section with my son, totally unexpected. I had even skipped the C-section part of my pregnancy book because I knew it wouldn't happen to me. A week before my due date, my internal exam showed I was 3cm dialated. We thought I'd have the baby within the next few days. After a week came, no progress, so they scheduled for me to be induced. I went into back labor(my son was facing up) and the dr said he was in distress. They gave me an epidural (scary and painful when your having a contraction while your trying to sit perfectly still while they stick a needle in your spine) and I became completely paralyzed from the waste down(also scary if you've never been paralyzed before). They wisked my fiance away to dress him, and rolled me down the hall and into an operating room. SCARED SHITLESS (excuse my french) does not begin to desribe how I was feeling. I was laying spread eagle on a bed, butt naked, unable to move anything but my hands and head while a few nurses busily moved about me. They put the drape up by my head and rushed my fiance in. Although I was scared I felt no pain, and then all of a sudden, WWWAAAAAA. I heard my beautiful son cry. 8lbs, 11 oz. The whole time in the surgery room was probably 30 minutes, although with my fear, I'm not really sure. They wisked him away while they put me back together and rolled me into a recovery room. There I saw my son for the first time. He was so beautiful, but I could not hold him because I was shaking so bad(I guess sitting with your insides layed out on your chest will make you a little cold for a while) After a few minutes I regained my composure and held my son. A few more minutes and I could move my legs so they took me to my room. I had my son on Friday at 5pm. I stayed at the hospital till monday afternoon. Saturday they kept me very comfortable with percocet and ibuprofen, but then they stopped giving me the percocet unless I asked for it. I asked for it. After a while the pain was pretty bad to the point where I couldn't stand up straight. But the medicine helped. The first 2 weeks home, I had my good days where all I needed was some ibuprofen, but I also had my bad days, when I couldn't get in and out of bed, taking 2 percocet at a time. At my 6 week checkup, I was completely healed. Able to move around with no medicine, care for my son, even have sex!! Although, you need to go slow for the first time, all your insides have moved around, you'll have some scar tissue and you don't want to over do it. I had a bout of severe constipation and as funny as it sounds, I believe it was due to all the laxitives they gave me at the hospital. When you have to go, pushing with a 5 inch incision on your pelvis is pretty painful. This might be too graphic, but when I finally got it out, it was so painful that I broke out in the shakes and almost past out. Everything is back to normal now, except for this pooch on my belly that I can't get rid of, and a spot that my fiance pushes on sometimes during sex that is slightly uncomfortable. The scar looks better than I thought it would, it's in my pubic hair and hardly noticable. My son is now 10 months old and it was MORE than worth it!! I hope this helps and tell your friend I wish her the best of luck!!

I've had 2 c-sections and after reading the responses wanted to comment too. The actual incision and getting the baby out is only about 5-10 minutes. They inspect all of your insides and put you back together, so about 30 minutes total. The hospital stay depends on insurance, usually 3 days. You can cook when you feel like it and sitting at a soccer game is relaxing; your belly hurts, not your bottom. You can have sex at anytime because you did not have a vaginal delivery. Give yourself a good 6 weeks to heal and don't over do it or you will continue to bleed (like your period). It's a good way to deliver if you have too; just the healing time is longer. Good luck!

I had a C-Section three years ago with my son. The surgery doesnt take that long, but the recovery takes about an hour. She will not want to move for at least 24hrs afterwards. It is best to start moving around a little bit the next day, taking walks up and down the hallway. She doesnt want to sit there the whole time, she will get really sore and can cause blood clots. They take the staples out before you leave the hospital. Tell her not to get soap and water in that area until it fully closes. If she has steps, I wouldnt recommend her going up and down them. After about a week or so, she should start to feel better. It took me about 6 weeks to get back to my normal routine.

I went through a long labor and then had a c-section. It was not a bad experience. I really did not have much pain. I have had friends who have had vaginal tears that actually seemed to have more problems and for longer, than I did. I know a vaginal birth is very important to some women, but for me, I would choose a c-section for my next delivery.

It takes about 30 min. I had my c-section about 7:30 pm and was up and about the next morning, showering, etc. I felt good and was actully cautioned by family to slow down and remember I had surgery.

You can have sex at around 6 weeks (same as vaginal) and it did not cause any discomfort for me. Everyone heals differently though. Also, I had a very long, painful labor prior to section- so the surgery seemed like a breeze in comparison.

If your friend is having a planned c-section-I think it's a piece of cake (my first c-section was after 18 hours of labor and was not enjoyable at all).

Each hospital/dr. is different, but I arrived at the hospital at 6am-they checked me out, put me in a gown, took vitals, started an IV, gave me anti-nausea meds (2 pills)-then was transported to a pre-op area. Fluids were given (warm fluids) for about 60-90 minutes. I was then taken into the OR-was given a spinal block (shot)-takes several minutes to administer. The nurse helps you the entire time-telling you what to do.

When the spinal block takes effect-one leg went numb, then the other within a minute-then the numbness went up to my ribs. The dr. comes in-checks to make sure you are numb-then does the operation. From cut until close was about 45 minutes. Your friend will feel tugging/pressure but no pain. My spinal block wore off about 2-2.5 hours later (you stay in recovery until you can move your legs). I had nausea afterwards, but there are plenty of meds to help that.

I had staples-which were taken out before I left the hospital. Usually, moms stay in about 3 days with a c-section.

It hurts afterwards-but pain meds help tremendously. If she takes it easy for a couple of weeks, she should be fine. The first 3-4 days are the worst-then gets much better. It's amazing how fast the body can heal. I was back at work at 10 weeks after delivery and was almost back to pre-pregnancy weight and little scarring. Hope this helps.

I had a c-section not planned with my 7 month old. It was scary since i wasn't planning it, i didn't feel anything my husband was in there with me and seen it all. I was in the hosp. for 4 days required. leave from work 8 weeks due to c-section, alot of places have manditory leave. I healed up fine as long as you keep it very clean. Couldn't lay in the bath tub, which sucked. Eatting after the c-section sucked because nothing tasted good, it took my up till day number 3 to eat anything. i couldn't keep anything down after i had the baby. They put me on a morphin drip which was the devil, i hated it because i couldn't keep awake. Her best thing is to be active walking around soon so she will be able to provide for the baby. Sex on the other hand i didn't want it for a couple of months because of the cut on my stomach, it leaves a pouch and made me feel fat..

i had a c-section w/ my son...recooping is about 2 weeks...i was in the hospital for little less than a week. just like normal delivery...sex 6 weeks..trust me after c-section...sex is way out of the question.
having a c-section is tough and hard....due to you will need a lot of assistance due to your gonna be sore.
theres 2 different ways they can cut...up & down..the way i had it or the bikini cut..
so tell her good luck...take care..and get plenty of rest afterwards and she will be fine! :)

might be helpful if she sees a chiropractor and a get a full body massage, every other week. have her check her ins. to see if they cover these medically. A c-section is like most major surgery, it takes a good 6 weeks to recover. But.. how emotionally you are with it helps. I've had clients who get thier perk back in days and some who take forever. It really is how she mentally strong she is.
D.

Hi W.,
It is completely normal for your friend to be nervous. Pregnancy Induced Hypertension is very serious. It can cause seizures and at worse a stroke if it gets too high and the only way to fix it is delivery. I personally had a wonderful experience with my c-section and I would not hesitate to do it again. I was induced but after 2 days didn't respond. They gave me a spinal in the OR and the surgery itself was less than 30 minutes. I wanted to get up as soon as possible after surgery because due to the risk of blood clots and I was up 5 hours after delivery. Also if you do deep breathing exercises with that little device it can help push fluid out of your lungs, preventing infection and fever. I was advised to get back to life slowly. Sexual intercourse could resume after 6 weeks but that was IF I felt up to it. Everyone heals differently and I actually ended up waiting a little bit longer than the six weeks (much to my husbands disappointment. lol j/k) The hospital stay can be up to 4 days depending on what her insurance covers. Keep in mind though, if she ends up having a medical reason to stay (infection, fever, incision complications) then it is necessary for her to stay and her hospitalization might be longer than those initial 4 days. Both vaginal and c-section deliveries have potential complications but at the end of the day it's about doing what it takes to have a healthy baby. I am sure your friend's OB is very experienced in doing c-sections and would not advise it unless it was necessary.
Good luck to her and I pray for a healthy delivery for her little one!!

I had a non-emergency C-section in January of 2001 after 24 hours on nonadvancing labor. I was just to small to deliver my daughter. The entire procedure it self took maybe 15-20 minutes from start to finish. I feel that healing time and recovery is just as much mental as physical. My daughter was born on a Thursday late afternoon and I was very much ready for my realease Saturday afternoon. I was slow to get up and down from all furniture, but once I was able to get moving, I was fine. I actually felt well enough to go out with family and friends to celebrate the following Tuesday evening. I went on vacation 3 1/2 weeks later and went scuba diving in Cancun, Mexico. Following vacation, I went for my 4 week postpartum check-up. I was "cleared" to continue my regular activities...aka my love life. I never had any discomfort or displeasure associated with it. Don't over do it, but don't be afraid to continue living. Please tell your friend that attitude is vital and most of the discomfort is what she makes of it. Besides, isn't a little soreness worth the beautiful bundle of joy?! Best regards...

I had a c-section 2 years ago on december 29th, the actually healing time for is still going, my insision is healed. but internally i still feel pain everynow and again when i pick my daughter up or pick up a heavy box or something in that nature. they say to wait 6 weeks before having sex, i waited the 6 weeks and it stil hurt, it wasnt pleasurable for 4 months after wards, i was SORE!!! for about 2 months and tender for another 3 i think it was. to tell u the truth shell b e sitting alot, it was hard for me to walk i was crouched over for 2 weeks i think. you arent supposed to pick up anything but baby for 6 weeks afterwards as well. i had no complications whatsoever, just make sure she takes the meds she is given and take it easy or else there will be some ripping or tearing. If she wants to go to soccer games she needs to take pain meds before she leaves and walk every little sit there and enjoy the game and go home and sleep.. it was 6 good months before i was able to return to what i was before pregnancy, the surgery itself was fast, i went in at 11:15 pm and my daughter was born at 11:27 pm then i passed out and remember waking up in recovery and they took me to my room at around 2ish. so its really fast the recovery and waking up part is slow.the stay can be lengthy depending on complications and what not. i went in to be induced on december 29th at 12:00 am and didnt go home till january 1 at 10 am. so around 3 days if all goes well. hope this helps.

W.,

I have had two C-Sections. Tell your friend not to be afraid. All will be well. The first thing they are going to do is numb and medicate her. So she will not even be aware of how long the surgery will be. Alhtough, without any complications, the procedure should take no more than 15-30 minutes. As far as her hospital stay, again if there are no complications when she leave is up to her...meaning...they will want her to have a bowel movement and be up and walking before they will release her. However, the normal departure time for a C-Section is 3 to 4 days. As far has coming home and doing the normal, again it is up to you. The more you walk and move around the easier it will be(But take it slow - do not try to be superwoman). Regarding sex...well you will have to ask your doctor about when you can have sex again...I think it is 6-8 weeks. As far as being pleasurable...well that depends on you. Since all of our bodies are different. In my experience in having a C-Section, my complications included my child's heart beat going to fast (For the first one and going to slow for the second one)...But I guess you can have the same complications during a vaginal delivery. If your friend actually wants to see procedure, tell her to watch the television show "Birth-Day". I think that it is either on the Oxygen Channel or Lifetime. All in all tell your friend no worries..God is in control so just give all of her worries to him.

God Bless..

T.

I had a C-section and it was great. For a couple of days in the hospital it's hard to get out of bed but they make you and it actually makes you feel a lot better the more you move around. The only thing is that you're groggy from the meds. I had my son on Tuesday morning and I was out by Thursday afternoon so it wasn't a long stay. You have less vaginal bleeding afterwards but you really do need to take the whole six weeks before you exercise because of the stitches, I was nervous about sex and I had a little pain where my scar is but I don't think it is at all like when you have a baby vaginally. By six weeks there was nothing I couldn't do and I was actually happy about the C-section, it's been four months for me and the scar is very small and you can't see it in underwear or a bathing suit.

I had a C-section to deliver my twins and my blood pressure went up also before hand. As for the surgery itself, very fast! I went in and was given the epidural. But one word of advice, if your friend has a high tolerance to pain meds make sure she tells the anesthiologist. I have a high tolerance so Perciset to me is no better than Tylenol 3's. lol But they gave me the normal and a bit more at first since at the time I was still pretty muscular for a woman. They make the first incision and ask if you felt anything. You won't have any pain, (unless you have a high tolerance) but you will feel pressure when they are working. If feels like they're moving things around, but NO PAIN. For me I felt a stinging sensation when they did the 1st cut on the skin and a bigger sting when they were cutting inside. That was until they upped the epidural and gave me a shot of morphine in my IV. But after the incision I'd say it was about 2 minutes when they took them out. Then they also clean it out and stitch it back up. That helps cut down on the bleeding afterwards when your uterus is normally shedding everything since they do it while they are in there. I'd say I was in and out in about 30, 45min max. Then I went to recovery for about an hour.
As for the hospital stay. I was in for a 5 days since my blood pressure was up and staying there. Otherwise they say 2-3 days for a normal c-sec. The only pain you have afterwards is if you cough, sneeze, or try to stand erect since you are putting stress on the incision. Just make sure she uses a pillow to press down on her incisions if she coughs or feels the urge to sneeze. It's also nice padding for the baby to rest on instead of the incision itself. I had a couple staples start to pull. AND tell her to put Neosporen on the staples so it heals the surface better, calms down the itching you get when a cut starts to heal and also keeps from getting any infection. My nurse couldn't beleive how well my cut looked after a week. She may think about getting something silky and non snagging to place over her stapels since they like to snag on some fabrics of your underware. That was the biggest problem I think I got from that.
For the first week or two they say you shouldn't carry anything heavier than your baby to prevent ripping your staples out. As for sex, I'd say a few weeks until your incision has healed completely. Sex will be the same since it isn't anything surgical done to that area. As for doing the normal lifestyle activities, I'd say I was feeling normal a week or so after when the staples were removed. But they tell you to take it easy for a few weeks while you completely heal. They did say also that you shouldn't drive until you can slam down hard quickly on your brakes without pain. Sitting for hours won't bother it a bit. It's just the walking or standing erect at first and until the staples are removed.
For myself I found wearing a snug not tight girdle helped because I went full term with big twins and had a lot of loose skin hanging right after. So when I walked it jiggled and made me nausiated. It also felt good for it to hold my incision. Also if she is pretty set on not wanting any more children, they can tie the tubes when they do the c-section.
If you have any other questions she can email directly. Hope this helps

Just as every pregnancy is different, so is every delivery and post delivery. I am a new mom of 8 month old Kierstan baby girl. I had to be induced into labor at 41 weeks, labor lasted for 20 hours, and my dialiation stopped at 8cm. I chose to have a c-section as apposed to continuing to labor to see if I could have a vaginal birth. I already had an epidurial so they didn't have to take time for that to kick in before they took me into surgery. I think all in all the surgery part took about a half hour; from prep, actual delivery of my daughter, and closing. The only thing that I thought was odd was that while I was in recovery, I was so very cold! I was fine untill they closed up and took me to recovery, and then I just could not get warm. It wasn't untill the pediatrician finished with my daughter and they brought her to me that I finally warmed up again.
My whole stay in the hospital was 4 days. From the time they induced till my doctors released me. That, and that is the most amount of time my insurance would cover. Full recovery time is also different for all women. The doctors and nurses all wanted me to walk around the halls in the maternity ward after I got back to my room after surgery. I was lucky if I could get myself off the bed! Even though I didn't walk the halls, I did walk around my room quite a bit, but very slowly. I was off the epidural by the second day after delivery, and was then on two kinds of pain pills. My insision healed very well, and I didn't have any complications from my surgery.
After I got home, I wasn't allowed to climb any stairs for the first few days, and absolutely no driving untill my follow up appointment. I was ok with that because just getting out of bed was hard enough. Every day got a little easier, and by the time my daughter was 3 weeks old I was almost back to my old self. Be for warned! Laughing, coughing, sneezing, or anything that requires your ab muscles will be very difficult and painful for the weeks following delivery by c-section. When the nurses tell you to hold a pillow down there before any of those things, trust me, DO IT! If you can, schedule times before delivery for friends or family to come over to help out. Unfortunatly, I didn't have much of that for the first month.
I wish you an easy birth, and a speedy recovery.
L. L