Cesarean Sections

£amb · Mar 26, 2007

tigercub said:
Another question...how did c-sec mum's go with things like bonding? Breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding wasn't a problem. I put a bundle of blankets under my arms to support my son, and at the same time kept him off the incision until it healed completely.

icbeckyc · Mar 26, 2007

tigercub said:
Another question...how did c-sec mum's go with things like bonding? Breastfeeding?

That was no biggy at all. She was ready to nurse as soon as they put her on my chest. I tried in the recovery room, but couldn't get comfortable. When they got us in my room and I had an extra pillow it was no problem at all. I loved falling asleep with her in my arms.

Singin4Him · Mar 26, 2007

tigercub said:
Another question...how did c-sec mum's go with things like bonding? Breastfeeding?

We bonded instantly! There was no problem there! My son and I had/have a great breastfeeding relationship! I breastfed him as soon as they brought him to me and he latched on right away and did great! I just put a pillow under him to support him and protect my tummy and there was no pain while feeding at anytime during my healing.

seamonster said:
Huh. I've never heard that before. ?

Everyone I know who has done c-section and then VBAC says the recovery with the natural birth was far easier because the woman's body is designed to give birth vaginally.

I think it's like Crystal said, because of the contractions the abdomen already became sore which might have caused more pain during healing and a longer recovery in general. I've actually heard the opposite about c-sections, most women I know who have had both prefer c-section over labor and vaginal birth. To each her own I guess.

PegasusOnFire · Mar 26, 2007

Singin4Him said:
For those with emergency c-sections there may be more pain because you labored first for a while...?

I will better beable to answer this questoin after I have my non-labored c-section

tigercub said:
Another question...how did c-sec mum's go with things like bonding? Breastfeeding?

Bonding was hard for me not because of the c-section but because of the sever drepression. Breastfeeding, couldn't due this due to medications used to treat the depression.

GolfingMom · Mar 26, 2007

I had no issues with bonding. I BF a few months with my first and ELECTED to FF my second. I guess I take the easy route

seamonster · Mar 26, 2007

Maybe I'm weird, but labor actually wasn't that bad for me. I thought recovering from the c-section hurt more than labor did.

Neenie1 · Mar 26, 2007

I have had 2 caesareans.

I didn't really want either of them, but the first was emergency, I was in early labour for about a day, but nothing was progressing, and the baby's heart rate was dropping, so needed an emergency caesarean.

The 2nd one I wanted VBAC, but I had toxaemia and my blood pressure was WAAAAY too high, so they did another c-section,

Anyway, I am glad that I have 2 healthy children, also the other thing with my 2nd caesarean, was the cord was wrapped around my daughters neck 3 times, so it's kind of lucky that I had the caesarean lol, I don't know what she got up to in there, but it must have been fun.

I think the recovery from my 2nd c-section was quicker because I knew what to expect, after my 1st I suffered from PND, but with my 2nd I knew it was on the cards that I may need a c-section (in case the VBAC option wasn't working or for whatever reason)

Also bonding with 2nd was easier because I was able to hold her straight away, whereas with my 1st they wouldn't let me have him in recovery, so it was too long before I got to see him properly.

WIth my first I had spinal block with was great, I didn't feel that much, just when they were pushing my tummy to get him out properly.

When I had my 2nd they used epidural which I wouldn't recommend, I could feel them cutting and it's incredibly painful, (not that labours not, I'm not saying that) it was a terrifying experience.

annaapple · Mar 27, 2007

Neenie1 said:
I have had 2 caesareans.

I didn't really want either of them, but the first was emergency, I was in early labour for about a day, but nothing was progressing, and the baby's heart rate was dropping, so needed an emergency caesarean.

The 2nd one I wanted VBAC, but I had toxaemia and my blood pressure was WAAAAY too high, so they did another c-section,

Anyway, I am glad that I have 2 healthy children, also the other thing with my 2nd caesarean, was the cord was wrapped around my daughters neck 3 times, so it's kind of lucky that I had the caesarean lol, I don't know what she got up to in there, but it must have been fun.

I think the recovery from my 2nd c-section was quicker because I knew what to expect, after my 1st I suffered from PND, but with my 2nd I knew it was on the cards that I may need a c-section (in case the VBAC option wasn't working or for whatever reason)

Also bonding with 2nd was easier because I was able to hold her straight away, whereas with my 1st they wouldn't let me have him in recovery, so it was too long before I got to see him properly.

WIth my first I had spinal block with was great, I didn't feel that much, just when they were pushing my tummy to get him out properly.

When I had my 2nd they used epidural which I wouldn't recommend, I could feel them cutting and it's incredibly painful, (not that labours not, I'm not saying that) it was a terrifying experience.

A lot of this applies to me too! Emergency number 1 - got stuck at 7cms after about 20 hours of labour and my body gave up. DS never engaged and when he was cut out the cord was round his neck twice and he was the wrong way round.

Determined to VBAC after PND brought on in part by hideous birth experience (like being left alone in recovery at 3 am after more than 24 hours without sleep...) but DS no. 2 didn't engage either and we had agreed if he engaged VBAC, if not, elective so i would not go through the exhaustion etc of the first time. Second section was easier and I got to hold my son in recovery and bf right away. So no bonding issues. Had only epidural and found it fine - was pleased to be wriggling my toes as they finished the stitching! As I once read: a section is like this: you know when you're looking for something in your handbag and you're rummaging around? I was that handbag! Only regret is that it limits the number of children I can safely have, but I trust that God knows best!

EDIT: forgot to add: DS no.2 had cord 3 times round his neck! He's still that adventurous...

mommy68 · Mar 30, 2007

All of mine were born via c-section. My first was an emergency and frankly, I didn't want to go through that horror again so I planned the others out before my due date. I had a really good post partum with all of them, just had the PPD really bad with my last child but that wasn't related to the c-section, just hormones.

PlainMeteorologist · Mar 31, 2007

My sister-in-law had a c-section about a year ago. As she was approaching her due date, her baby flipped around to breech. Because of this, her OB decided a c-section was necessary, against my sister-in-law's better judgment, despite the fact that she was (1) not in labor, (2) not past her due date, and (3) no attempt was made to flip the baby head down, even though he had been head down only a week earlier.

So, she underwent the procedure, and she had a baby boy. However, the procedure was partially botched--part of her placenta was left in. The placenta got infected, requiring her to take antibiotics. Consequently, her milk dried up. The inability to breastfeed contributed to her post partum depression. She was ordered on a month of bed rest for recovery, where she was physically incapable of caring for her baby, which made her even more depressed. To this day, her c-section scar still causes her pain.

My wife and I are expecting our first baby, and stories like this have helped convince us to have natural childbirth outside of a hospital.

Neenie1 · Apr 1, 2007

Um Plain Meteorologist - there is just one problem with your theory - while it may be nice for everyone to choose to have a natural birth, there are emergency situations. I would have preferred to have a natural birth, but couldn't - well not without losing my son.

I am not saying that you shouldn't want a natural birth - it is just better to keep options open.

CrystalBrooke · Apr 1, 2007

PlainMeteorologist said:
My sister-in-law had a c-section about a year ago. As she was approaching her due date, her baby flipped around to breech. Because of this, her OB decided a c-section was necessary, against my sister-in-law's better judgment, despite the fact that she was (1) not in labor, (2) not past her due date, and (3) no attempt was made to flip the baby head down, even though he had been head down only a week earlier.

So, she underwent the procedure, and she had a baby boy. However, the procedure was partially botched--part of her placenta was left in. The placenta got infected, requiring her to take antibiotics. Consequently, her milk dried up. The inability to breastfeed contributed to her post partum depression. She was ordered on a month of bed rest for recovery, where she was physically incapable of caring for her baby, which made her even more depressed. To this day, her c-section scar still causes her pain.

My wife and I are expecting our first baby, and stories like this have helped convince us to have natural childbirth outside of a hospital.

Congrats on your upcoming arrival

But what if the baby's heart rate starts to drop drastically during labor, are you still going to try to have a natural childbirth just because your SIL had a bad experience...that could cost your child his/her life. I would have loved to have had a natural birth, but sometimes there are no other options but to have a cesarian.

seamonster · Apr 1, 2007

But what if the baby's heart rate starts to drop drastically during labor, are you still going to try to have a natural childbirth just because your SIL had a bad experience...that could cost your child his/her life. I would have loved to have had a natural birth, but sometimes there are no other options but to have a cesarian.

Yup.

Not all c-sections are elective.

I labored naturally but was very glad to have the fetal monitering available to know that my son's heart rate was dropping dramatically enough that he would die if he wasn't born right away. Ideally I would have loved a vaginal birth but sometimes what's more important than the "perfect birth" is having a healthy baby.

spiersdodgerblue · Apr 2, 2007

tigercub said:
Hi

I am looking for any information or accounts people have of cesarean section births. I know there is heaps of info online but I'd like to hear stuff from people on here Also some personal accounts if anyone wants to share.

Thanks

Please note I am not currently pregnant.

I had my first emergency c-section after 14 hours of labor w/no progress at all and was told pelvic area was too small. And I was turning yellow...and we all know what that means.
To tell you the truth I prayed for a c-section. I was scared of that thing comin out of that little hole, hehehe. Come to fine out my sweet baby girl weighed 8lbs 9oz and was 21in. long. Had no regrets, no real problems w/recovery and not one problem w/breast feeding nor bonding.

My second was by appoitment and glad I did not have to go through all that labor. My boy weighed 9lbs. 11oz and 23 in. long. Dang I was a size 5 when I got pg and gained about 27 pounds and I'm 5'6". For me them is some big baby's. I know I'm a wimp but I thanked God for c-sections. And agian no problems bonding, healing or breast feeding. Recovery on this one was easier I believe cause of no labor.

My daughter just had her first and had the baby natural and I was glad It worked for her.

None of us are the same.

~Nikki~ · Apr 2, 2007

seamonster said:
[/size][/color][/font]Yup.

Not all c-sections are elective.

I labored naturally but was very glad to have the fetal monitering available to know that my son's heart rate was dropping dramatically enough that he would die if he wasn't born right away. Ideally I would have loved a vaginal birth but sometimes what's more important than the "perfect birth" is having a healthy baby.

I agree. I too wanted a natural birth, but my son's heart rate was dropping to half what it should have been, and staying down for ages.

I'd decided to stay strapped to the monitor during the contractions even though it meant I couldn't change position easily, and it proved to be the best thing. Had I said "no monitor, and no interference", my son could have been born brain damaged or dead.

As it is, though I wanted a natural birth, and a c-section is a hassle in terms of longer recovery etc, it was worth it. My son is beautiful, and perfectly healthy.

And considering I'd give my life for him, a c-section is hardly a big deal in comparison.

JustBeachy · Apr 2, 2007

I had an emergency c-section after 18 1/2 hours of labor because I stopped dialating. After that many hours of labor, mostly drug-free, I was relieved to be wheeled into the operating room. The worst part of it was that after laboring for hours and then getting some drugs, I was so loopy and nearly unconcious that I barely saw my daughter. My MIL got to hold her before I did. BUT the recovery was not so bad. My husband stayed at the hospital with me, so he was there to help me take care of Laina. On the second day after surgery I was able to slowly walk around the hallway. It wasn't a fun recovery, but I wasn't miserable either. I had the most adorable little girl to distract me.

LynnMcG · Apr 4, 2007

I had 2 emergency c-sections.

My first occured after more than 20 hours of labor. My daughter was presenting sunny-side up and basically got stuck and went into fetal distress.

My second section was scheduled but had to be done three months premature because I had HELLP syndrome.

My recovery was fairly quick for both. The trick is to get up and walk around as soon as you can. That helps everything get back to normal as soon as possible and speeds up recovery.

Singin4Him · Apr 4, 2007

LynnMcG said:
My recovery was fairly quick for both. The trick is to get up and walk around as soon as you can. That helps everything get back to normal as soon as possible and speeds up recovery.

I completely agree! I think that is what helped me recover so quickly. The second they told me I could get up and walk around I got up and showered and walked around a bit afterward. Of course after being in bed for over 24 hours I did need help to shower and walk around at first but after that I was ok.

LynnMcG · Apr 4, 2007

Singin4Him said:
I completely agree! I think that is what helped me recover so quickly. The second they told me I could get up and walk around I got up and showered and walked around a bit afterward. Of course after being in bed for over 24 hours I did need help to shower and walk around at first but after that I was ok.

They (nurses) made me get up after 8 hours. It was pretty funny, because they encouraged me to move to get my intestines back on track. I couldn't eat solid food until I passed gas I think. So they were sort of bribing me to move so I could eat. And after such a long labor with my first, ice pops and jello quickly lost their allure!

united4Peace · Apr 4, 2007

My first ds was an emerg c-section which put me out for a good month or so (he was almost 10 lbs and was stuck, had a fecal movement and they had to get him out, which was good as he had a super long cord which was wrapped around his neck 2x).
I was popping the Tylenol 3 , DH would get up in the middle of the night and rock ds on many occasions as I was knocked out.

DS #2 was born planned c-section. At first I was going to do VBAC but as the Pregnancy proceeded and I got larger it was decided against as they figured the baby was too big...
It was good that it was planned at ds #2 was also almost 10 lbs and again there would have been no way he would have fit.
The second cesarean healed fast. Infact I was up and walking hours after I had had him.
I believe I took a few tylenol 3 and then switched to reg tylenol for a bit.

As for BFing...
Both were easy...I layed down with both...much easier than sitting up for me
Bf'd oldest for 9 - 10 mnths and youngest for 1 yr, neither of them started teething until I quit bfing either .

Cesarean Sections

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