C-section

Congrats! I know what you mean. I just had my son 2 weeks ago by c-section and I was scared to death. All in all it wasn't that bad. I went in at 6am and he was born at 7:44. It is different in every place but my husband got to be with me up until they gave me the spinal(awieeee). But as soon as they were done and had me on the table he was right back with me. With my first son he was with me through it all(different state). If you just breath while everything is being done you will be fine.I had him on Wed and I came home on friday. Just remember to WALK WALK WALK.

I have had 2 c-sections. With the first they induced labor and as soon as they broke my water my daughter went into distress. They lost her heartbeat and prepped me rolling the bed down the hallway to surgery.

The second was scheduled as a c-section because my son weighed 11 pounds.

My husband was present for both of my c-sections. He was there from the epidural all the way through recovery. I have no idea why they would tell you he can't be in there for that.

I found it easy to recover from the c-section. My doctor had me on my feet the same day. I was able to shower the next day. The most important thing is to relax (hard to do I know). They go quick, little pain in recovery.

Only other advice I have, is to be vigilent about caring for the incision. Usually closes up neat and quick, but sometimes they can get infected.

Hey A.
I have had only ONE BABY and they had to do a Emergency C-Section. After I was in labor ALL NIGHT LONG, she was stuck like a cork in a bottle. But if I could have done it again I would do a C-section.. Not sure why your husband can't be in the room when they give you the Epidural? Mine was and the BEST ADVICE That was given to me. (while sitting on the edge of the bed HUG YOUR HUSBAND, while they give you the epidural) Or HUG THE NURSE. My 2nd cousin gave us that info, that is what he did in the Boston Area.

Ive had 2 scections. My son was born naturally with no complications. My second child was an emergency csection, i didnt have time to freak out they rushed me to the or put me to sleep and by the time i woke up all my fmaily was laready staring at her int he nursery. My third was a scheduled csection, well resection. I was so nervous. Altho your husband cant be int here with you, at my hospital left the door open so while they were doing the spinal i could see him standing int he hallway. That was comforting knowing that he was right there watching. as far as worried about shaking dont. When they go to do the spianl they have to nurses hold you still. Mine braced me against there bodies so i would be completely still. And the csection itself well it feels weird. But all will be ok. They will talk you thru the whole process. Tell you everything that is happening right then. I started sweating profusely couldnt breathe i was so hot and i was worried about my ob going into labor herself since she was 38 weeks along when she did my csection. But everything worked out just fine. And now i have 2 beautiful lil girls. If you have anymore questions or just want to vent about it emial me at ____@____.com I was so nervous i drove my entire family crazy worrying. Its normla to be nervous.

I can feel for you. I have been where you are. I had two csections as well. My first one was pretty scary because of the unknown, but I will say the second one is much easier. The doctor will go in the same incision which will heal alot better for you. My first was about the same age as yours is now and it is a lot easier the second time around. People gave me alot of good advice with regards to dealing with possible sibling jealously to and let me tell we had none, so make sure to make your oldest child mommy's big helper with the baby and to this vert day my boys now going on 4 and 6 are very close and are still mommy's helpers. Best of luck to you and feel free to email me with any questions. Enjoy the days while they are young they go by so fast but are worth every minute. As far as the chills with the epidural, I found if I kept taking small breaths and asked the nurse foe a warm blanket they usually give you that when they can.

Good Luck to you!

I had a C-section in April 2007, when my first child, a baby girl named kaira was born. For some it might sound weird, but I opted for a C-section because I was terrified of vaginal birth. I am small structured and have anxiety disorder, so after discussing this with my doctor we came to a joint decision that C-section was the best way to deliver my child. My OB/GYN did the C-section. She was there with me holding my hand and explaining things from when the spinal anethesia was given to when she actually did the C-section and the baby was out. I trusted her completely and that was another reason I wanted a C-section because I wanted her to deliver my baby. My husband was in there during the C-section part. I was not scared at all and had no problems during the procedure. In fact I think I would have been more scared for a vaginal delivery and I know I cannot handle long hours in labor. After the C-section I was given painkillers which helped. I walked a lot in the hospital, and thereofore the recovery was fast. I was back to doing my things except a little pain while sitting up and getting up from the bed but the nurses will tell you the best way to do this. Make sure to turn aorund in your bed very often. If I do have another child then of course I would have a C-section, but if I have an option to choose I would still choose a C-section. It was the best way for me to deliver my child, planned without any surpises.

I was totally against having a c-section but had to because my child was enormous-found out after 30 hours of labor! The anticipation of the c-section is worse than the actual procedure. Once your in the OR and they start the c-section it takes only a few minutes and then your baby is there. I opted for drugs after the c-section which really helped.I can tell you that the recovery is harder than a vaginal birth. Take care of yourself and don't overdue it. If you have family or friends that can help you the next couple of weeks then let them help.

A.
I had a C-section a year ago to deliver my daugher who was also frank breach. I felt the same way. For someone who has never had surgery or really spent much time in a hospital, it's terrifying... up until you see your baby. I promise, all the anxiety you were feeling will go away. A C-section is a tough way to go. Yes, I shook like a leaf for a couple hours afterwards and my skin itched like crazy, and the meds make you loopy. It's hard to move around and the first day afterward is very painful. But, you heal. Hopefully, your husband will be there for the operation. Mine was tremendous - and I nearly squeezed his hand off. He had his hands full, keeping me calm, watching the surgery, and then holding the baby. It was scary - but it only lasts a few minutes (45 minutes from the time I walked out of my room to the time I was wheeled back in my room holding my baby). My advise, (easier said than done) try not to obsess and let everything just happen. You can do it!

Hi!
I have had 2 C-Sections. I had 23 hours of labor with my first that ended in a C-Section because he was too big. I was very nervous about my scheduled C-Section with my second. It was a totally different experience getting the epideral stone cold sober. I had an epideral with my first but I was in so much pain I didn't care. With my second I was in no pain and super nervous. I told the anesthesiologist and she was so great. She gave some meds in my IV to relax me and then I was totally fine. The C-Section was easy and the recovery went really well. I really liked being able to schedule it. I was able to get family to schedule time off work to help me out months in advance. I have another C-Section planned for July 25th!! Good Luck with yours!!

Schedule help - especially for your 18 month old. I had a c-section with my daughter after 13 hours of labor and 15 months later had a boy by repeat c-section. My husband took off three weeks from work to take care of our 15 month old and I definitely needed it. A c-section, though done every day, is still major surgery. You will find muscles you never knew you had when you try to stand, sit, reach, bend, everything. It will be a while before you can lift your 18 month old. So, be sure you have help for at least the first two weeks. Oh, and be sure to wear the binder they give you - it will ease the pain a lot! Good luck!

I have had 4 (yes 4) c-sections and to me, it's the ONLY way to go. I had 24 hours of labor with my first and then an emergent section. The other three were scheduled. The main thing is to get up and out of bed AS SOON as the MD will let you and start walking. I recovered great from all of them and with 3 of them, didn't require pain meds after the 2nd day. Within a few days of getting home I was out and about. My husband and mom were in the room when I got my epidural on 3 & 4. The second time they did it in the OR and only staff was allowed due to sterile environment but if they do it in the prep room, I don't see a problem with having someone with you. To tell the truth, I never felt one bit of pain with the epidural....my anesthestists were great; make them talk to you during the procedure too...they are calming. They can see everything that's going on down there and can reassure you when you need it....utilize their services!!! I hope this helps. Don't be afraid; it's not that bad at all!!! Good luck.

I had 2 scheduled c-sections. My son was not dropping (at 9 lbs. 5 oz. I know why). I had one with my dgt because it was safer after having the first one. It was not bad at all. The epidural went fine. I could feel some pressure but not any pain. I could feel them pulling the baby out but not any of the cutting or anything. It seemed like it went really quickly. You will not be able to hold the baby right away because your arms are strappped down with IVs and stuff but your hubby can hold him/her and let you see, touch, kiss, etc. Good luck!!

First let me just say congratulations!!
I just had a c-section in December. My first baby was born by emergency c-section 7 years ago, and I have to say the planned c-section was so much easier.
It is very cold in the room and you do feel like you have no control over your shaking, but you know how rewarding it is to go through any pain to get your baby out! It's a fast procedure and you'll be a little dazed for a day or two with all the medication in you. I didn't take anything stronger then motrine after my surgery, but everyones pain level is different. I just wanted to be as alert as possible to enjoy my new baby.
I do have to say the best advice I ever got was to get up and move. When they have you get up the first time, it will hurt, but the more you move, the faster the recovery. Don't try to do anything more then walk to the bathroom and hold your baby though.
The sooner you get up and move around and show the dr you are okay, the sooner you will be able to eat!! Waiting 12 hours before surgery, then not being able to have food for the next few hours was the worse part for me!!
I know it's a little scary, but it's worth it and you'll do just fine. It will be so fast and the little baby will take all thoughts of pain away.
Congratulations again!!

It's understandable you're scared! Both of my children were by c-section, and I was petrified the first time it happened. The spinal block only takes a few minutes at most and hubby will be back in the room in no time. I don't remember a whole lot from mine (younest is 5 and I was pretty well drugged up, lol) But I remember being so freaking cold that I thought I was going to shake off the table. I was also so tired that I just wanted to go to sleep, but once again, that was the drugs. Hubby was beside me the whole time, and the anesteseologist (sp?!?!) did a wonderful job of talking to me and keeping my mind off things. I didn't feel any pain at all. I described it to friends as feeling like someone was kneading bread in my stomach. There's a slight pulling sensation when they bring the baby out, but once again, no pain. The worst part of the whole ordeal is that first time you get out of bed after the surgery. It does hurt, I'm not going to lie to you....it hurt alot! Just take it easy and try to relax and remember that it takes longer to recover from a c-section than it does a normal birth. I hope this helps, or at least gives you an idea of what to expect.

A.,
I had both of mine c section and would do it again in a heart beat. The shot made me nervous also and I told the anesthesiologist and they talked me through it. It took all of 5 seconds and all that strees I had was not worth it. Then no pain at all. It was so smooth, painless, and they can give you a little something for anxiety if you ask for it. The hardest part for me was not lifting my 2 year old once I got home. You have to be very careful about lifting once home so the stitches can heal and close. For this I would get on the floor and play or have my 2 year old crawl in my lap. The stitches wil be sore for about 3 days so use your legs/elbows to turn over in the bed and not your stomach as much. This will help you be more comfortable. You can stay per insurance 4 days in the hospital and I recommend it so you can rest and have extra help for a few days! Best wishes! You will do GREAT!

I had an emergency c-section when my son was born. It really is very, very quick and you don't feel ANYTHING. I also had really bad shakes from the epidural. My husband was in the OR with me and held my arms down, and put his forehead against mine to keep me steady. It was slightly claustophobic with the drape near my face, but since I'm squicked out by surgery in general, I preferred not to watch anyway :)

But it really is very, very quick. Once you get the epidural, it's something like 15-20 minutes before they roll you in. And the surgery itself was about 2 minutes, with about 5 minutes to stitch you back up. Easy-breezy.

C-section is major surgery, and recovery isn't always easy. They give you painkillers, which I actually didn't need much of (I think I took a total of 2 percocet and a darvocet in 3 days, and Aleve every 6 hours). The first couple days is just adjusting to more limited mobility. The second or third day you may have some pain from the gases trying to find a way out (remember, they cut you open and sewed you up, so your abdominal cavity captured air and it needs to get out).

If you need to sneeze or cough, hold a pillow tightly against your stomach to lessen the muscle spasm. If you're breastfeeding, the football hold is best (or it was for me).

And if you can, start moving sooner. My recovery was quicker b/c I started walking and doing light things around the house by day 2. My sister-in-law stayed in bed for 2 solid weeks and her recovery was really slow.