Pls share your cesarean birth experiences

[sjkopel]

Delivering my first child was difficult and damaging enough to me that I have been given the option of delivering this next one by cesarean.

It would be very helpful to me to hear from woman who have had c-sections, particularly what their recovery was like, how long it took to recover, how long it was before they could resume a normal level of activity (and excercise), what it was like to breast feed while recuperating. Thank you!

[born2birth]

My first birth was a cesarean. The surgery itself was fine. They shaved me, gave me a catheter and gave me an iv. Then we went to the OR and gave me a spinal. The table shook a lot, but I didn't feel anything. It was just a couple minutes later that the baby was out! The stitching up took a lot longer and was the worst part. I wish I had had someone with me. The midwife, my dh and the baby all left right away for the nursery. I was all alone except for all the doctors. Recovery was the worst part. They were really busy and didn't get me out of bed until 24 hours later and I was so stiff. So make sure if you have a c/s that they get you up within 12 hours. And be prepared for a lot of pain. My c/s scar still hurt a couple years after! It took a good 2 months before I could do things normally again. But the pain was still there.

There are a lot of horror stories about c/s as well. Please make sure you find out all the risks and decide from there. A friend of mine nearly lost her uterus because of a horrible infection she got from her c/s.

I was unable to breastfeed. Not because of the c/s but because the stupid nurses gave my baby a bottle before I was even out of recovery. Then they bullied me into giving him more over the next 4 days of my stay because of his jaundice. However, it can be done with the right support.

[bri28]

Hello, I delivered my first baby by ceasaren after pushing for over three hours and she refusing to come out. With the regular, epidural, catheter and IV it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I had a tremendous amount of support from my husband and family. I also successfully breastfed my daughter for most of her first year. Recovery is somewhat rough, but manageable. I am now pregnant with my second (21 weeks) and considering another c - birth. I suggest read all you can about cesareans and keep in mind as long as you and the baby are healthy, thats all that matters. Good Luck

[LDM]

Hi - My C-Section was physically quite easy. I was up and about the next day, took very little pain medication after the IVs were gone. A couple of tylenol was all. There was some pain but nothing really bad. I was out shopping with my dd before she was 1 week old. There were certainly some things I avoided but pretty much it was okay. The emotional scars are still healing but I think if you are planning a C-Section and are prepared for it the emotional stuff will be very different.

Lori

[KiwiZ]

I had an unplanned c/s due to my dd's heart rate dropping to less than half of what it was supposed to and not going back up. The surgery didn't hurt at all and they gave me pain meds to take as I felt the need (I took them the first week).

As far as recovery, I could not bend or squat the first week (my abs "burned" when I tried to use them). The 2nd week was much better and I was allowed to drive. I did not exercise (except for short stroller walks and errands) until my 6 week postpartum checkup. Recovery was very quick after that due to exercising

If you have a c/s make sure you line up help for the first two weeks while you heal. Breastfeeding was no problem for me; I put two pillows on my lap to protect my incision. Hope this helps. I wish you the best with your next baby :)

[kgreeenaz]

After 21 hrs of labor with my son, I had a c-section last year. Am expecting my second son in Feb 03 and have a c-section scheduled. My first son had a tiny head but I couldn't push him out. My new baby is already huge and afraid that the same thing will happen with labor. I may try labor again if the baby comes early. My first c-section was no sweat. Dr. was great, incision was beautiful. Only took Tylenol for the pain, walked within hours, could have gone home after two days, steam-cleaned my carpets two days after I got home (don't do this - it hurt). Used a Boppy for nursing. The worst thing was sitting up in bed (at the hospital and at home) to feed the baby or just to get up. My bed now is much lower to the ground which I think will help. Make sure to put a stool near your bed if it's high. Get help at home for a few weeks after birth. Stock up on food beforehand. Learn to rely on people (I didn't). The nurses on the maternity recovery floor know who the good obs are. They said my dr's patients rarely have complications. May be worth asking beforehand if you don't know your dr. very well. God bless! All that truly matters is that you have a healthy baby and that you're OK. You'll soon forget all about any pain because you won't be sleeping for two months and you'll be completely numb!!! :)

[CatherineS]

I had a planned c-section with my first, at 40 weeks.

The did all the normal routine (shave, iv, prep stuff). When they gave me a spinal, I did not like not being able to feel my legs. I found it terrifying. I kept thinking, what if I'm paralyzed. Then, the spinal was too strong, or went to high, or something because my arms started tingling and I couldn't breath, or at least I felt like I couldn't. I started to hyperventilate. The anesthesiologist reached for the oxygen and as he was bringing it toward my face, he said "this probably won't help, most women feel like they're suffocating when we give them oxygen" and whaddya know, I too felt that way. I was freaking out.

I didn't feel anything. They wisked off my son and I could hear him crying, but I couldn't move. I wanted to hold him, but my arms were strapped down (something they often do during c-sections). They brought him to me, all bundled, but I could only just look at him. They gave me a sedative (since I had been hyperventilating, though I wasn't anymore) and knocked me out.

Two hours later, I was awake and begging for my son. They wouldn't give him to me until they moved me into the recovery room. I begged and begged. Nicely, and then more insistently. I still had no feeling in my legs so I couldn't walk to go get him.

I had a reaction to something in the spinal, and I was itching madly. Even my face. I couldn't stop scratching, and I was shaking. They said it was from the spinal. They gave me an anti-itch shot, and it make me nauseous. So then they gave me another shot to counter the nausea. It made me sleepy and very drugged feeling.

The spinal started wearing off and I was in a lot of pain. They gave me loritab. And I was so out of it. I could hardly enjoy my son. I was in so much pain, even with the loritab. And I cried a lot.

That night I wasn't able to sleep much. It hurt to move. And nurses kept coming in every hour or less to check vitals and such. Even at night. I hated it. I just wanted to sleep. I had planned on rooming in with my son, and I was so tired and out of it that I didn't want him rooming in. I feel great sorrow about that.

Moving on to my recovery, it was painful. Breastfeeding was very difficult. I stuck with it, but having the c-section make it painful. I couldn't laugh or sneeze or cough without excrutiating pain. I was able to hobble around from one room to another, but with great pain and exhaustion. I spent the first 2 weeks mostly in bed. It was hard to get around. It hurt too much to pick up my son, so my husband and MIL took care of diaper changes and often holding him when I could not. I cried. A lot. It was 4 weeks before I could walk normally, and 2 months before I could walk all the way down my block. Even 4 months postpartum, it was painful to exercise.

According to my Obgyn, I recovered nicely and healed well.

I know that many women don't experience so much pain with a c-section, and some women experience little to no pain. But some do. And some women experience pain far worse than I endured.

I gave birth to my daughter at home, and it was wonderful. Storknet was so sweet to let me write a pregnancy and birth journal, and if you'd like to read it, it is here. http://www.storknet.com/journals/catherine/index.html

I think that often (not always) pain associated with birth is due to the interventions of the institutions, and not from birth alone.

I wish you well in your choice!

[Les]

I do not usually post here. But I will fill you on my wonderful c/s experiences. (I would prefer vaginal, but completely NOT possible so rather than dwell in what is not, I prefer to enjoy what is)
I had an easy fast labor with my first but had a c/s due to a few factors, distress and my small pelvis size. (I have been told by 3 different drs my pelvis is VERY narrow probably due to a medical problem I was born with.) When it was finally time for the surgery it went very smooth and I had a beautiful baby at the end.
Second surgery even easier. I was scheduled on the 5 but went into labor on the first. So ds birthday is 9/1/01.
My recoveries were both easy, was out of bed within 6 hours, walking the halls. I had help at home but was able to walk around, fold laundry etc. My incision stopped burning a few days after I got home. You have got to take it easy when you get home!! Breastfeeding was fine, I did not use craddle hold for a while, just prefered the football hold.
C/S are like any other surgery, there is always risks. Take care and keep your eye on the big goal, a healthy baby.

[January]

Do a lot of talking about what happens after delivery. THat was the worst. Can you see the baby? will you be allowed to room in? How long in recovery for you? How long will they keep the baby from you in the nursery....

Rather than tell you what they did in my case, find out what your own hospital policies are.

[miche]

If you want to read about my c-section you can read the bottom part of my first journal entry in the pregnancy journal link in my signature. It was physically easy (compared to many), emotionally awful.

There are ways to make a cesarean a much better experience than mine was. Please visit the C-section cubby (there is a link to it on the left panel in the vbac cubby which you can find in my signature). While you are in the cubby you might want to look at the suggeted reading list. There are some books there that deal with the emotional recovery after a birth - not just c-section related, there ARE some very traumatic vaginal births as well, and I know many people who have gotten a lot from these books. The one that was recommended most to me is "Rebounding from Childbirth: Toward Emotional Recovery. It is in this list: http://www.storknet.com/bkstore/vbac.htm#csection You may find that working through some of your past birth will prepare you better for your next, whether the next is a vaginal or a cesarean birth.

So many of the things that made Tommy's birth hard for me were due to how things were handled. I didn't get to hold my son for a few hours and only had two glimpses of him before they took him away for that time. Recovery was horrible - the pain, shaking, etc. I just wasn't prepared for that. Had I known I would have wanted things differently, known that it was possible to request things like keeping my baby near me, etc, and if my support person had known to speak up for my wishes things would have been much better.

Whatever you do discuss your birth plan with your doctor and make sure you are comfortable with the choices you make and make sure that everyone else is on your team and will do what you want (unless there is a true emergency of course).

[LadyEo]

My first weas an unplanned c/s. After 9 hours at 9cm and no progress with positioning, pitocin, we opted for as c/s. I had already had an epidural so the anesthetic was put in there. I felt the pressure and tugging but no pain. I heard my daughter cry within a few minutes. Yes the stitching up does take a while but it wasn't bad. I was in recovery about 2 hours and saw my baby after about an hour and was able to start breastfeeding then. I stayed in the hospital 3 nights and had my staples out before I left. My incision healed nicely. I ended up with a neck/headache for a week or so afterwards-I think from the epi. Overall, recovery was quick, I was out shopping the day I got home. I breastfed with only minor latching problems in the beginning.

My second was a planned c/s. I arrived in the hospital and started prepping, had the IV, was shaved, etc. Got into OR where they gave me a spinal this time. I felt NOTHING. I didn't even know they were working on me until I heard my baby cry. It seemed not to take as long this time to stitch me up. I didn't get to see my baby as soon this time but I was still able to breastfeed without a problem. I was in recovery 3-4 hours.

Both times I was out of bed that night and recovery went well. It took longer for the pain to go away with the second-almost a week compared to a couple of days with my first. I was told it would be a more difficult/painful recovery the second time around. It's now 3.5 weeks after my second and I feel great. I've been walking and I think the weight is coming off nicely(won't weigh myself until my 6 week appt.)

Good luck!

[bri28]

Hi Anne,
I just wanted to say congratulations on your new addition. Glad everything went well with your second c/s. Enjoy!!!

[LadyEo]

Thanks so much!

[Shari]

I think for myself, the physical recovery was a breeze compared to the emotional recovery.

I was 16 days overdue by U/S date and 10 days overdue by LMP. My induction was slow to work. It wasn't until about 18 hours into it that my body was actually doing anything. Until that point I was not dilating or effacing. I was in labor for 32 hours and 100% effaced, and 3cms dialted when my water started to leak. They broke the membrane the rest of the way. Shortly after my son's heart rate started decelerating w/ each contraction. I was pushed into a c-section. I'd dilated to 4 cms in 20 mins after my water broke, but they still felt I wouldn't progress fast enough for it to be safe for my son.

I had an epidural in place before the c-section, so all they did was top me up and numb me completely from my chest down. I didn't like the feeling at all, I'm extremely closterphobic. I threw the oxygen mask at the anesthetist because it made me hyperventilate :D He understood thankfully, and I apologized. My arms were strapped down. Which I didn't like at all either. After a little the anesthetist (who was GREAT btw) unstrapped one of my arms. He understood my closterphobia. The birth of my son was quick, but it felt like forever. It was so noisey in the room that I had to ask several times what they said. All I heard was "ITS A ______" finally the anesthetist bent down and said BOY! I never expected the fear I felt seeing my baby across the room and not in my arms. He was bright and pink and I knew that was a good thing, but I wanted to HOLD HIM. I never got to in the OR. They held him up so I could see him and then whisked my husband and my son away. I cried and cried. I felt so alone. The anesthetist again comforted me (I sent him a thankyou letter he really was wonderful). It seemed to take forever for them to sew me up. And then nearly 2 hours in the recovery room. I was miserable. I cried nearly the whole time. Then I was taken to my post-natal room and waited VERY impatiently for the nurses to bring my son to me. I waited a HOUR. I was rather snippy when the nurse popped in to see how I was doing. I said "get my son or I'm going to get him myself". She came back minutes later with him. FINALLY I got to hold him.

Recovery physically as I said, was pretty quick. I got out of bed less than 12 hours after my c-section. The nurses were all impressed, but I was determined to recover quickly. Staying in bed too long really is hard on you. The sooner you're up, the quicker you recover. I was doing short trips down the hall by the 24 mark and felt really good that night. I felt better than I expected. The next few weeks I'd have days where I was tired and sore, but I never overdid it. But I didn't lay around either. It killed me not being able to be active when I felt fine.
I had a bit of trouble with nursing. I'm not sure exactly why. I know I'd been pumped with a ton of fluids during my induction and my c-section and DS lost alot of hydration right away because of it. He had no troubles latching, but had a lazy suck reflex. His suck wasn't productive. He didn't get much out with each suck. We worked on it and he became a nursing champ!

The emotional recovery, well I'm still working on it. I felt a whole mix of emotions. I thought I'd failed at giving birth. I thought I'd done something wrong. I felt sadness at not seeing my son for 3 hours. I felt empty. I know now that I did nothing wrong. I didn't fail. I've geared myself towards a positive attitude and I'm hoping this time will be different.

I have heard a planned c-section is a much more positive experience. My best advice is know what you want and voice your wishes...LOUDLY. There's no reason you can't hold your baby or try nursing after birth. Learn as much as you can, so you are prepared for all aspects of a c-section, and be comfortable that that is what you really want.

Goodluck!
Shari

[catkrazy99]

My c-section was easy physically, but emotionally it took me longer to recover. I had wanted a natual, no meds labor and delivery. I ended up with a c/s due to a swollen cervix.

Now I've come to terms with it emotionally and feel like the next time I'm gonna "get it right" - LOL!

[Mommy2Logan]

I ended up having to have a c-section (I had HBP and induction wasn't working), and for me, that was the way to go. Getting the epidural was the worst of it (I hate needles). After that, I felt nothing. I even had the option of watching the c-section in a mirror, but I told them just tell me when the baby is coming out - I don't want to see anything other than that (too gross)! I was really loopy that night, but once the drugs wore off it wasn't so bad. I had pain medication to take in the hospital and at home, and although you are pretty sore for a good few weeks, it's tolerable. I'm going to schedule a c-section for my next pregnancy.

[Mommy2Logan]

I forgot to say -

I didn't feel cheated at all for not having given birth vaginally. I don't think it matters how the baby comes into the world - just that he/she is healthy.

[MeganGMcD]

I had my Cesarean because of my daughter being breech and NOT budging and the placement of the umbilical cord.

I did not feel like a failure or like I did something wrong. I am actually grateful that there is such a procedure so that women can have healthy babies and dodge some of the complications that made one in three women die in childbirth at the turn of the 20th century!
I think I did it right for me!!

It is major surgery but my experience was positive and I will be delivering C-section again because after my first we discovered that I have a hip problem that it doesn't open up enough to accomadate childbirth. My mother had the same problem and had a c section with me, My Grandmother had the same problem and had a 27 hr labor with no meds and almost died. So...I figure I have it lucky!lol

Please don't make inferences to people who had c-sections that somehow they did it wrong...It could be very very RIGHT for them.

[capittm]

I had an easy pregnancy with my first child and expected the same with my second.
However, at about 36 weeks, the doctor found she was breech (due to her position, we didn't know she was a "she" until after she was born!).
After much contemplating, we decided to go ahead with the c/s. I was excited at how much more "calmly" a planned c/s went in the early stages. (Checking in, getting settled in the room, setting up iv, etc.) I thought, "hey this is going to be great!"
They walked me to the OR and my epidural was administered so I could be awake for the birth of my child. I layed back on the table (feeling a bit like I was on display what with the drapes and having both arms strapped down as they betadined my tummy) Then came "go time". My doctor tested the skin for numbness which is routine before the first incision is made. When she started testing on my right side for numbness, I let out a small yelp.
"You felt that?!" she said.
I nodded and she said she was really glad I spoke up! She had already grabed the scapel with the other hand and was getting ready to make the first cut!
From this point, my "dream birth" seemed to go out the window. The doctor and the anesthesiologist talked and talked about the options (between themselves.. no one asked me a darn thing!). They finally concluded that the epidural had only taken on the left side of my body (which is "rare" according to them afterwards).
I loved my doc, but I honestly believe they just wanted to keep things moving. They opted to put me under general anesthetic (since I was already strapped down and prepped for surgery and it would've been a hassle for them to undo everything).
I was crushed!
I was then prepped to be put under and cried my eyes out. Thank God my DH was with me. He wiped my tears and told me it would be alright. But it wasn't alright! Ladies, you know what I mean... you've carried a child for 9 months and you want to be awake for the birth! Especially if you don't know if it's a boy or a girl and there are no complications indicating why you should be under general anesthetic.
The anesthesiologist was trying to figure out why the heck I was crying. *shakes head in disgust* He kept saying, "It's alright... you're just going to take a little nap and then you'll have your beautiful baby."
I inhaled the stuff to make me "go to sleep" and I woke up back in my room. I overheard two nurses talking about a "beautiful baby girl". Groggily I asked, "Did I have a girl?!"
"You sure did!" one said. The other chimed in, "Bet you can't wait to see her!"
I couldn't wait! My husband (who was convinced this was a boy), stood looking at his nameless daughter in the nursery as I received this news. They brought her to me shortly after.
My recovery was pretty smooth as c/s go. I stayed in the hospital for 3 days and then brought my baby girl home. My son (who was 5yrs old at the time), was really great about not "hopping on mommy's tummy", though occasionally he would forget.. ouchie! My best friend was my "tummy pillow" that they gave me at the hospital to brace the incision with. If they don't give you one of these, find one!! It was essential. I also used a Boppy for feeding my daughter, even though I was bottle feeding. The extra cushion helped sooo much.
I had what I consider a very traumatic c/s (emotionally) for me. My advice is to talk. To your significant other,your doctor, friends, family, co-workers, and anyone else you feel comfortable with about your experience. Women need reassurance that a c/s birth is still a birth experience that needs to be shared with others. I believe it's a healing part of the birth that is good for you. It reassures you that your experiences were just as real and valid as a vaginal birth mother's. Most of all, it will help prepare you for the birth of the next child (if there will be a next birth!).
I am due 4/2/03 with my third child and having the c/s definitely made me think about what I really want for this child's birth. I drew up a birth plan. I've discussed what is really going to happen during L&D w/my doctor. I have talked about all my options ... hey, we are the paying customers, right? I feel so much more prepared for this birth, even though I though I was "well prepared" for the last one. My doctor knows how I feel about c/s and what I want (and don't want to happen) if I should end up requiring one again.
Just remember, everything that goes bad, good, or in between in childbirth helps us to grow as mother's.
Thanks for reading... and please feel free to email me.
Carol

[Krisgirl]

I had the *perfect*pregnancy, according to my OB. Everything was great, until the due date came and went. I was 15 days overdue, and finally got induced. I was hoping for a natural birth, without drugs, and was starting out *badly*, as I saw it. They tried inducing, but nothing happened! Actually, I had contrations, which were great, I figured "if this is labor, bring it on!". Problem was, there was no dialation, no effacement, and the baby moved UP instead of down. This was a problem.

My OB, bless him, did a quick evaluation of the situation. He told me that we had 2 options at this time. He could try more drugs to induce *real* labor, which would probably end badly OR we could just skip that and have a c-section. Not what I wanted to hear. But at this point, I was 16 days overdue and mentally tired of being pregnant - I wanted to be a mom!!!

DH and I went to our hospital room and talked about our options, such as they were. While we were in there, we heard a woman go by, talking to a nurse about her c-section after 38 hours of labor, all because the baby's head didn't engage....just like my problem. That was it - I figured that I only wanted to have to recover from surgery, not a long labor too. So c-section here we come.

The main reason I was hoping for a natural birth was simple - I hated the idea of a needle in my spine. This was a scary thing for me to get over, but I didn't have much choice...;)

I was wheeled into the operating room, it was really casual and laid back. Lots of people, bright lights, a little intimidating - but everyone was so nice. I have been told by an OR nurse that c-sections are nice for them, because it's a pleasant reason to have an operation. They almost forgot to get DH from outside, because the OB and him had the same name, so there was a bit of confusion as to which Rob was which! Pretty funny...

I had a spinal - and it took in seconds. That was a little strange. I didn't really feel a thing, until they knocked my spine with the forceps (baby was in there tight!). In all, a little surreal. I was pretty out of it emotionally. The whole thing was pretty quick, 45 minutes from going in until going out. I really didn't register that I had a little baby boy until I was in the recovery room.

I wanted to get out of there quick! I worked on getting my legs to move as fast as I could. I was only in the recovery room for 45 minutes, while DH was with our son in the nursery. Finally, we all ended up back together and we worked at breast feeding - he was hungry!

I was able to get up and walk 5 hours later, but I really pushed myself. I was hungry and wanted to get cleared to eat, and was told that walking would help pass gas (how fun!). I had pain, but was able to manage it with tylenol 3 and advil. By the time I went home, I was off the 3's and onto extra stregnth. If I could change anything, it would be that I wouldn't have pushed to get the catherter out so quick - would have been nice to not have to get up and pee so much! Also, it can be tough if you are constipated (I was pretty bad, that was really tough to deal with)

I found that recovery was hard, but not unbearable. YOU WILL NEED HELP!!! Don't be too proud to ask for it. Moving around was not as easy as I hoped, especially getting up and down from chairs and the couch and bed. Don't go anywhere fast.... I think the biggest tip I had was to not push too hard. Trust when your body is telling you to slow down and do it. You will have just had major surgery, and it is hard on the body. By 6 weeks, it was pretty good, almost completely back to normal.

Emotionally, I was better off than I expected. I think that knowing I did the right thing for our circumstances was really helpful. I don't really feel cheated by the c-section, rather I am proud of my tummy scar (not that I show it off or anything!). We did the right birth for my son and for me too.

Hope you were able to get through at least some of this! Didn't plan to be so long-winded! Good luck!

Kristin

[HeatherE]

These are great, thank you for sharing them! I have had two c-sections now, asleep for both of them and this one will be the first time awake and I'm quite nervous but really looking forward to meeting my baby :D

[babsalaba]

Mine was a crash C-section because I suffered a complete placental abruption while in labor. Unfortunately, my son did not survive despite the fact that everyone moved fast once the abruption was diagnosed. It was a dire situation for me as well, since I lost a lot of blood (2 liters, all told). Because it was an emeregency, the external incision was vertical, although the uterine one was a low-transverse one.

As far as recovery goes, healing from the vertical cut was rough. I was very weak and in a lot of pain for months. It was complicated by the fact that I'd had such a big blood loss- ie, I was anemic and just weak in general (despite blood transfusions in the hospital), not to mention the emotional recovery. The emotinal recovery however, was completely related to my son's death, not the manner of his delivery. If he had survived, I know I wouldn't have cared one way or the other how he'd been delivered.

Happily, since then I've had a successful VBAC - unmedicated and very fast. The delivery was just about 18 months to the day after the C-section. I had no complications from the C-section, so there's hope if anyone wants a VBAC.

Good luck to you!

[MelissaF]

Looks like you got a lot of good c/s stories here so I'll only add a couple things. My c/s went fine and was without incident. I had a long trying induced labor of 13 hours with little progress. I never got past 2 1/2 and I was on as much Pit. as you can give someone - ds's heartheart rate dropped towards the end and that's when the c/s became necessary. Our ds at 39 weeks was very big (10 lbs. 10 oz. / 22" long / 15 1/4" head / presenting face up) and looking back on it he was still VERY high up and not anywhere near engaged so it doesn't surprise me that I ended up with a c/s and I have NO REGRETS that I did.

The only thing I can really reflect on is that going through that tough and long labor really took the energy outta me and recovery was more difficult I think than if I had been scheduled. Not that I would have every thought at that time of having a scheduled c/s. I had a friend explain it to me the other day that I thought was fitting: "Having a c/s is like getting hit by a truck, having a c/s after going through contractions for hours upon hours is like getting hit by the truck and then being dragged for a few miles." So, I am unsure of your situation, but a scheduled c/s can make recovery easier if you don't go through the ordeal of a long labor that never progresses with a considerable amount of medical intervention. That's just my personal experience with that.

I was exhausted for days and really think the "ride" of trying to have him vaginally was what made it more difficult to get back into it, but nursing was never a problem because of the surgery. I was handed him in recovery to begin nursing at my request. (My nursing problem was that he was tongue tied - NOT because of the c/s.)

I did itch like mad because of the morphine and they gave me an anti itch in my IV. If I'd known that before I would have had them do that immediately. Instead my face was hamburger for weeks from where I inadvertantly scratched.

Also another thing that made recovery more difficult IMO I wasn't allowed food until I'd pee'd and farted (strange to say). Never before in my life did I think someone would want me to fart! So I didn't get any nourishment for over 24 hours afterwards. I have since read that it isn't necessary to do that after a c/s and without food can delay recovery. If I have to have another c/s I will demand getting something sooner than I did REGARDLESS of my body functions. I know they do it to ensure that your insides are working properly, but I think it's stupid. Again just my opinion. :)

Lastly, if you do have a c/s be sure to get some of those extra long thick maxi pads and bring them to the hospital with you. They really help keep the surgery scar cushioned and away from your underwear. My scar healed well and I don't have any residual pain because of it.

And like a few other women have said here, there's NO FAILURE in a c/s. Babies by the shear nature of their coming into this world healthy are all that count in the big scheme of things - no matter what exit they take. :)

Best wishes to you and I hope that for whatever the outcome you have an uncomplicated birth and a healthy baby.

[bri28]

Thank you all so much for being so open about your experiences. It has really helped make my decision much easier. I am expecting in about 7 weeks. I will keep you posted. Lots of luck to all of you.

[Sassy Mama]

I don't know if you even want any more responses, but I figured I'd throw in my two cents anyway.

I have had two c-sections. My first baby I was induced because I was overdue and really big. The induction went just fine and I progressed OK. I had an epidural, slept a little and early in the morning headed into transition. I was beginning to feel a lot of pain so I had another dose of the epidural. Shortly after my doctor checked me and I was at an 8 and effaced 100%. He told me I would be pushing in about 2 hours, then headed to his office.(right across the street) not 10 minutes after he left a nurse came in and turned me on my side, then my other side, then my back, then they put an oxygen mask on me. all of a sudden there were 5 nurses in my room. Someone said they didn't like the way the baby was acting. I think this is when I started to cry. They put my bed down and started wheeling me out of the room, I saw my husband standing by the door looking terrified (think Kevin Bacon in "She's Having a Baby"), they told him to stay there and someone would be back for him. I cried all the way to the OR!! All I could do was silently pray that my baby would be OK! Everything moved really fast, they shifted me to the table prepped me and had the baby out in 5 minutes! I cried for my husband the entire time. Once the baby was out he didn't cry and I panicked, I asked why he wasn't crying, someone said "he grimaced, that's a good sign!" I did't care, I yelled "Make Him Cry!!" He finally did, but it seemes like an eternity! Someone announced that he weighed 9 pounds! My Husband came in about then and sat next to me so I could see my little guy. Before they took him to the nursery I got to hold him for about a minute, but I couldn't sit up! It seemed like it took forever for them to stitch me up especially compared to how rushed the delivery had been. I didn't get to see him again for about 3 hours, but he was healthy and thats all I cared about. My doctor told me later that the nurses had noticed on the monitor that my baby's heart rate had begun to drop with each contration and continued to drop, nothing worked to help it recover, so they opted for the c/s, turns out the chord was in his way when he started to descend and he pinched off his own oxygen supply. They got me out of bed 12 hours later, but I was too weak to walk. The next day wasn't as bad, I sent him to the nursery every night in the hospital cause I was so beat! We went home 3 days later and I recovered well, but I didn't feel really normal for about 6 months. Nursing didn't go so well and I quit at three months, more me than him!

My second c-section was planned. I had been given the option and decided it was just easier to do it again! My Dr. thought my baby would probably be at least as big as the first and that scared me. Going in for the planned c/s was really weird cause I knew I was having the baby that day. We went to the hospital at 5:30am and I was on the monitors for about an hour, then they shaved me and wheeled me to the OR. I sat on the table and the spinal was put in, it worked so fast I was numb before they were done putting it in. They sent my hubby out for that part, and brought him back in once I was laying down. The Dr.s were joking with each other and us the whole time, it was strange! My doctor told me everything that he was doing and before I knew it they had the baby's head out. He started screaming the second he could breath and didn't stop! They wrapped him up and showed him to us, he looked really tiny! They took him to the nursery without weighing him. Then they stitched me up and took me to my room. Later they called and told us that he was 6 lbs. 13 oz. Not quite the 9 lbs we thought he would be. The only thing I really didn't like was I got the worst headache of my life and was really itchy from the spinal. I was able to sit up sooner this time, but they kept him for about 3 hours. This time the hospital stay was 6 days because he couldn't keep his blood sugar up and he was on an IV for 3 days, so I got to stay with him. The recovery from this one has been a thousand times easier than the first one. And nursing has been great, I nursed him the first time I had him in my room and the nurses would not give him a bottle unless I told them to, we are still going full time with no suppliments!

I think C-sections get a bad wrap a lot, but I have been extremely pleased with both of mine! I definately think a planned c/s is better than an emergency! I have never felt that I failed at giving birth, I figure both of my children are healthy and that is the only thing that really matters! I hope this helps and good luck with whatever decision you make!