C- section moms!

I had an unplanned c-section 8 weeks ago. I went into the birth adamant that I did not want a c-section and cried when I realized I was getting one. Honestly, the recovery was not bad at all for me. I had an epidural for the procedure. Personally the procedure was the worst part. I hated it. I felt a lot of it and they kept giving me different types of pain meds but nothing seemed to help a ton. I would have rather been unconscious. However, the recovery was a breeze. I personally liked that I didn't have to worry about tearing down there and that kind of recovery. The more you are up and moving (slowly) after the operation the better you heal. I was going on small walks a week post partum, doing what felt good for me. I personally only used Tylenol for pain. No matter what I think the delivery is hard. It was all worth it though, and as soon as they pulled my baby girl out of me I instantly thought “I could do this again”. Even though the whole operation I was thinking the opp

I had an emergency c section 3 months ago and I was terrified the whole time but the medical team I had were genuinely amazing and so kind, the anaesthetist held my hand the entire time tho and everyone reassured me the entire time. It was pretty mentally traumatic not wanting one and having to have one to save me and baby. The recovery is soo hard tho, no one tells you or prepared u for that. U can't even sit up without help and they just discharge u with paracetamol and ibuprofen being ur only pain management. They tired to discharge me 28hrs I'd give birth which I refused. U have this big scar on ur stomach and an overhang that won't ever go away. I didn't get any stretch marks on my belly so to have a huge scar I definitely didn't anticipate getting is horrible. If ur a single parent or don't have a support system that can help u 24/7 for at least 2 weeks I would recommend u try and avoid it as u can't even pick ur own baby up or sit on the toilet or cough or laugh or sneeze without being in pain x

@Josie I definitely like the fact that I’ll be able to use the bathroom without any burning pains and I don’t have to do all that postpartum care. I definitely have told myself this whole 9 months that I don’t want a c- section and now that it’s a very high possibility I’m even more nervous! this wasn’t planned at all and now it’s all kind of coming to realization that I’m going to have her cut out of me!! I’m glad you didn’t have a horrible experience and you definitely calmed my nerves alot!! I’m a person that likes to move around so I don’t think that will be an issue with me. but I have a fear of throwing up and I’ve heard a lot of stories about women throwing up while having a c- section. I’m not sure if that’s due to them eating then having an emergency c- section or what but that’s a big fear of mine!!

@Willow I definitely think it will take a toll on my confidence since it was already low from the start! have you tried the binders for your stomach? I heard those were good but I’m not sure how the later results are. I’m sorry you didn’t have a good experience though I know nothing was expected. I feel as if nothing can prepare you for this situation!! thank you so much

My LO was breech and we were going to have to have elective at 39 weeks if he didn't turn. Went in for an ECV and they scanned me and he had turned anyway! Ended up with an emergency c section after induction and failure to progress as they call it (not dilating) got to 5 cm after 24 hours and they advised c section. From what I've heard and read an elective is a completly different experience to emergency as waters are intact and babe hasn't had the contractions forcing them into the pelvis. Recovery was hard for me, I reacted to the medication they gave me (blood pressure due to it being high before birth) & I was too stubborn and tried to do too much too soon and didn't accept the help in the hospital I should have until I was kept in an extra day & had words with myself because I wanted to get home so prioritised resting. Recovery at home wasn't too bad but a wheely cart (ikea with 3 shelves) with everything for LO on saved me so much. Could just drag it to me and not have to keep getting up & down.

I had an emergency c section ended up with a spinal block which was amazing but definitely felt very sick after but they have anti sickness medication so I made sure I asked for it as soon as I could. Recovering was very very difficult but take the time and listen to your body

A lot of people throw up because of all the medications they give you. Make sure to tell your anesthesiologist if you feel nauseous right away, they can give you meds to prevent you from getting sick. And belly binders help a ton the first few days, especially when getting up and out of bed. My scar isn't really that bad! I do have a little overhang but I'm still only 8 weeks postpartum. After having my baby girl, I'm mostly proud of my body and have a lot of grace for the changes.

I had a planned c second for a baby who ended up being very large and was breech and it was great! Super calm, procedure was over in about 40 minutes start to finish, I was up and walking around the hospital room by the end of the day and was only taking ibuprofen by the time I got home. My core was a little weak for a week or so after but that was it. Just take it easy for a few days and don’t stress it - there’s a big difference between an emergency section and a planned one. Obviously everyone is different but just ask your doctor any questions or concerns you have and you’ll be ok!

I also had an ECV which successfully flipped my baby girl. Went into labor naturally, but she was a giant (9 lbs, 6.4 oz, 21.75 in) and didn’t progress down. I never got more than 5 cm dilated even after being on Pitocin for 12 hours. Ended up having to have a c section. It’s definitely a tough mental road when your whole pregnancy you definitely do not want a c section, but are told ultimately you need to have one for the health of your baby. And I definitely threw up during mine! But seeing her healthy and in her father’s arms changed everything. I was so glad to finally have her here with me, that it didn’t matter how she got there. The recover has been pretty easy for me honestly. Take one Advil and one Tylenol a day if I need it for soreness. But being active has helped a lot. Going outside for walks has also been a godsend just to get out of the house! The toughest part of my recovery has been mental. Feeling guilt and shame that my body couldn’t deliver the “natural” way is hard

I had an unplanned C-section about 10 weeks ago. I actually had planned to have a home birth and well.. baby had other plans. All in all it was a good experience and if I ever decide to have another baby I will choose to have a planned section. I was in and out of the OR in about 45 mins (granted I had the epidural before hand so add extra time it you’ll be getting that in the OR). The worst part for me was being away from my spouse for the first 15 mins while they got things ready, but once he was there with me— baby was out within I’d say 2 mins. I am a high anxiety person and the entire staff was so kind and reassuring despite my spiking heart rate (straight anxiety). After baby was out nothing else mattered. I was so distracted with him that by the time they said they were done I was surprised at how fast it went. Recovery wise — it was pretty easy if I’m being honest. The nurse had me up within 12 hours and after that I just kept slowly walking. I was walking the block by 1 week.

My little one was also breech, I turned up for my elective section at 39 + 4, and when they scanned me she had turned (no idea how I didn’t feel it!) As she turned late she was very high in my pelvis and it was advised for me to have an induction to reduce risk of her turning back. I did end up with a section in the end anyway, as she got stuck in my pelvis. Maybe it was because she turned so late, maybe it would have happened if she wasn’t breech - who knows! The procedure itself just felt funny more than anything else, there was tugging and pulling but no discomfort. I was sick in theatre as I was losing more blood than they’d like so they gave me meds that have that side effect. Apart from that, the actual section was great. Little one still got delayed cord clamping and skin to skin until I was poorly and then she was cleaned up and given to my husband. 1/2

Recovery was great. My little one spent a day in NICU as mucus blocked her throat whilst nursing in recovery so she needed checking (extra mucus is more common with c section babies), but that meant I was extra motivated to move. I had my catheter removed and got up to the wheelchair after 2 hours and kept moving to visit baby to see her and feed her over next 24 hours. My advice is get up and move as quick as you can help the recovery. I was on pain meds for about 10 days-2 weeks, then phased myself off them as I didn’t need them. Another piece of advice, stay ahead of the pain so set alarms to take meds over the first week or so. By the end of the first week I was taking very slow walks down the road and back. It was hard not being able to pick up the baby, and often frustrating not being able to sit up in bed but that phase passed so quickly. But having my husband around to help me up and pass me baby and get me everything was really needed (he took 6 weeks paternity leave)

I didn't want one, but little girl was breech and stuck. So i had one and wow! I LOVED IT!! I was in hospital for a few days prior with women who were being induced and in pain. I felt nothing and my recovery wasn't awful tbh. Just rest and take it easy and you'll reep the benefits. I loved my csection, didn't even realise they had started, I was just chatting away and then they passed me my baby. I breastfed as they were closing me up. It was honesty amazing. My anaesthetist announced her pregnancy when I was being cut open, it was a beautiful experience. It hurt a bit for the first month, but I quickly healed up. I'm now 6m pp and my scar has faded in a few places to white. I will be opting for another however would like to try for a vbac if it's an option

@Corin They offered an ECV for me but I heard that they can still turn and it can cause other problems so I told them I would rather wait to see if she flips by herself as I can still have a c section no matter what. thank you so much!! very proud of you!

@Asha I’m more scared for feeling sick lol I don’t want to dry heave while they are tugging and pulling baby out!!

@Josie I definitely will do anything to prevent throwing up. I swear I’m more scared to throw up then get cut open😂 how long is the procedure? thank you so much for all your advice!!💕

@Sarah did you get sick at all during your c- section? I’m very nervous to feel sick on an empty stomach for almost an hour!! thank you so much💕

@Jennifer I definitely did not want to have a c- section!! but anything for baby honestly I know it will be worth it once I see her for the first time just very nervous as I’m still young. I was scared to do a vaginal let alone get cut open!! every mom is a strong warrior though!💕

@Amanda I’m so sorry it didn’t go as planned!! I couldn’t imagine having such different intentions and it going the complete opposite direction! your so strong!! I appreciate you telling me your story💕 definitely helped me feel better

@Amber my man sadly doesn’t get any days off just however much PTO he has!! I’m glad yours went will and so did recovery!! did your c- section last about 40 minutes too? I’ve read it can vary!! At this point I’m expecting a c- section due to baby being so big and not having much room to flip so I’m not going to get my hopes up on her flipping! thank you so much🩷

@aria I LOVE TO HEAR THAT!!! that makes me very happy and I’m beyond proud! I would love to have an experience like this. did you feel nauseous or throw up at all? I have a phobia of throwing up lol so I’m very scared for that but I understand why it happeneds! thank you so much for calming my nerves 💕

Just had my second caesarean yesterday! He was 37+3, 7lb3oz and totally healthy. Loved it and another relaxed and happy birth experience. I was up and walking yesterday evening, showered and feeling pretty good. Only lost 280ml of blood (330ml last time), had music playing again and lots of good distractions in the room from staff. Once in recovery I got help establishing feeding xxx

@Sarah that’s awesome!! I’m glad you had such a good experience and I’m so happy you’re up and moving! Great job mama. did you feel sick at all during the c- section? did you throw up? and how long would you say it took?

@maile I like to say, it didn’t go as planned but it went exactly how it was meant to be.. Oddly enough for my entire pregnancy it was up in the air if my baby was even head down. From one day to the next he was either Breech, or transverse and seldom head down until about 38 weeks.. I kinda had a feeling deep down that a C-section was on my horizon given the fact that my child was a wiggle worm inside me.. so I had time to research and come around to the idea if need be. Once I was at the hospital and things were set up (they induced me because my water had been broken for a while) straight away my baby didn’t like the contractions and I kinda knew at that point that things were probably heading towards a C-section. 10 hours later, baby was even less tolerant of the contractions and we all agreed before a true emergency happened, it was best to go for a C-section. Turns out baby was head down but high up and was stuck so probably was never going to come out without a C-section.

@Amanda I’m very sorry it didn’t go as planned but I’m very happy you had time to prepare. I found out today and I’m almost 37 weeks. I would have to get a c- section in 2 weeks so it’s not that much time to prepare and wrap my head around it. my baby girl was head down at 25 weeks! though I was nervous about her being head down that early they said she’s kind of the boss in there and she does whatever she wants lol although that it true I wonder if that’s why she’s head up now.

@maile no sickness and no vomit, the staff are amazing and right on hand talking to you. I felt a bit nauseous in my first section and they clicked some magic buttons on the machine and it vanished. It’s all through your cannula ☺️ So I got into theatre at 8:09 and it took about 20 mins to prep me, do the audio consent and the spinal. Again, I didn’t know they’d even started surgery but my report said from first cut to baby out was 6 minutes! It’s lightning fast! I was out of theatre and in recovery by 9:06 so an hour in total. 20 mins to start, 5 mins to get him out, 35 mins to close up and get me moved out. In that 35 mins he was in my arms, with his dad, cut cord and checks, radio on, lots of congrats, it just flies by too fast to notice anything xx

@maile I did but it wasn’t because of the medication - the baby was wedged really far up under my ribs and there was no way to remove her without putting pressure on my stomach so I vomited up a little water and was fine. The doctors were very prepared and helpful and I didn’t have any lingering queasiness after. Again, just talk to them beforehand and let them know anything you’re concerned about. They’re really good at what they do and they’ve seen it all, I promise.

@Sarah That definitely makes me feel better! I know it’s a common thing but I swear it’s a phobia I have lol but yeah as long as I’m not throwing up chunks of food I think I’ll be perfectly fine😂😂 and I know they have you fast for so many hours! thank you so much!!

@Sarah thank you so much!!! I hope the time flies for me. I’m glad you had such a good experience!! 🥰