20 questions for BTDT c-section momma's

My OB wants me to seriously consider a c-sect. She said even though Greta (baby a) is vertex, that Louisa (baby-B) is almost transverse/breech and she is so high up that she fears after Greta is born, Louisa will not make it out before the placenta resluting in an emergency c-section. So, I'm doing my research and trying to learn all I can. I do know that Louisa could flip and all will be well for a vaginal birth. I'm keeping my fingers crossed as i much prefer a vaginal delivery. She's bringing it up early to prepare me because I've been so adamant about not wanting a c-section...she wants me to prepare just in case. So, I thought I'd start with the experts...you!

Here are a few questions if you feel like answering them all or just a few:

Did you panic as they were prepping you?

DId you worry you would feel it?

What did you feel when it was happening?

Where you sad that the babies are taken away immediately?

How long did stitching you up after take?

How horrid was recovery the first 24-48 hours?

Did you struggle with breastfeeding?

When did milk come in?

What are the three or four days in the hospital for? Can you get up and walk around?

How was the recovery ten days later?

Did the babies suffer any adverse effects from this type of delivery?

Did you worry less or more knowing it was going to be a c-section?

What was the worst part of having a c-section?

What was the best part of having a c-section?

What else should I know?

Feel free to move this to First Year if that's where it should be.

 

Did you panic as they were prepping you?

>>>>Yep! I don't know why but I was a flipping mess. I was shaking so much and so jumpy that I scared the anesthesiologist as he was trying to do my spinal. All was well though.

DId you worry you would feel it?

>>>>No, I wasn't too concerned about that. The anesthesiologist assured me that the spinal would be complete (vs a possibility of an epidural being incomplete).

What did you feel when it was happening?

>>>>Honestly? Nothing. I mean I could tell my body was moving but that was it. Plus I was concentrating SO hard on the sounds (listening for the first cries, listening as the NICU team examined them, etc) that I didn't notice much of anything else.

Where you sad that the babies are taken away immediately?

>>>>Yes, but it wasn't for long plus I knew they were in good hands (with DH and my parents and the nurse). My girls were fine so didn't have to go to the SCN or NICU. They were already in the recovery room waiting for me when they rolled me in. I was able to hold them immediately.

How long did stitching you up after take?

>>>>I don't know as far as time. It wasn't long though. My c/s didn't start until around 7ish (when I got the spinal) and I think everyone was headed home from the hospital after I was settled in my room by 10? So, that's recovery room time and everything.

How horrid was recovery the first 24-48 hours?

>>>>My c/s was not bad at all. I didn't think it was "horrible" by any means and, if not for other factors, would probably happily settle for another c/s this time.

Did you struggle with breastfeeding?

>>>>Yes. I didn't get any supply. I blame this more on the fact I have PCOS, was on a terb pump and bedrest for over 5wks, they were early, etc, than just the c/s. I think it was a factor but if it were the only factor, I don't think we'd have had nearly as much trouble.

When did milk come in?

>>>>It didn't.

What are the three or four days in the hospital for? Can you get up and walk around?

>>>>They are to allow you to rest and recover as much as possible while having all of the professional help available to examine you, help with the babies, etc. They need to make sure your stitches are secure and that you are moving around well. Also, you have to have made a BM before you leave. Yes, you have to get up and walk around - at least where I was. They came in about 8hrs after surgery (early in the AM) and made me get out of bed for the first time and use the bathroom. It was hard but the more I did it, the easier it got. I would take the babies for walks around the maternity floor with DH and before I left I wasn't having much pain at all with walking. I stayed 3 days.

How was the recovery ten days later?

>>>>I was fine. I was moving all around, doing light chores, carrying the babies in their carriers, etc.

Did the babies suffer any adverse effects from this type of delivery?

>>>>None

Did you worry less or more knowing it was going to be a c-section?

>>>>Probably less with the twins. I wasn't worried about one of them turning or ending up with both a c/s and a vag delivery. I knew they'd be quickly and safely removed and that I'd have a huge medical team there to make sure everything went well.

What was the worst part of having a c-section?

>>>>This is vain but I'd have to say the twin skin. I think it's probably slightly worse because they cut through all of that.

What was the best part of having a c-section?

>>>>I knew the girls would be quickly and safely delivered within minutes of the first cut.

 

Ok here goes....now mine was a c-section with my singleton so things may be different with two but I still thought I would answer your questions best I can.

Did you panic as they were prepping you? no. I was nervous but really wanted to meet my baby!

DId you worry you would feel it? of course I worried. But they test by pinching you and then you realize that you really are numb so I quit worrying.

What did you feel when it was happening? when they were cutting and getting started nothing really. A little tugging maybe. But then....when they were trying to get her out was when I was really uncomfortable. I say that to be totally honest. I was not expecting it to be so much pressure. I cannot say that it hurt but they were pushing/pulling/tugging so hard that it took my breath away. Just much more uncomfortable than I thought it would be.

Where you sad that the babies are taken away immediately? my husband was instructed to go with babies...I was disappointed to some extent to miss out on the immediate holding that you apparently get after a vaginal but by then it was done and I just wanted them to finish me up and get me to my baby so I was ok...just wanted it all over.

How long did stitching you up after take? don't remember. Here is where things for me went a little wierd. Apparently the anasteiologist(sp?) thought I was upset/scared, I guess I was, so he ordered a mild sedative and that totally knocked me out while they closed me up.

How horrid was recovery the first 24-48 hours? not too bad. the worst was being hooked up to a catheter still and all the iv's

Did you struggle with breastfeeding? we had some difficulties BUT I was a FTM. Plus my baby had a mild skull problem that I think caused her some pain with feeding. We did get the hang of it though and I was able to BF until she had her surgery at 4 mths at which point she decided she was done bfing. I also have PCOS which they have said to be a possible factor. I did get milk in but alwasy supplemented with formula too.

When did milk come in? she was born on Tuesday and milk came in on Saturday.

What are the three or four days in the hospital for? Can you get up and walk around? recovery. yes. they get you up and get you walking pretty quickly. Otherwise I think that part of the time is so that they make sure you allow yourself some time to recover.

How was the recovery ten days later? really not bad. I was sore but the main thing I hated was having to remove the butterfly bandages myself....I was worried that I would come apart. :rotflmbo: not the case of course but I was scared!

Did the babies suffer any adverse effects from this type of delivery? I think she was fine....there are some things about a vaginal that are always going to be better for baby but in my situation because of my daughters cranial issues she had to be c-section, besides she was 10 lbs when she was born.

Did you worry less or more knowing it was going to be a c-section? the same. I think either way you just want to hear those first cries!

What was the worst part of having a c-section? grogginess the first day of DD life and the soreness

What was the best part of having a c-section? not bleeding as much, for me, and no stitches in my ******. I gotta tell you there are times when I hear vaginal birth stories and I am glad that I had a c-section

What else should I know? just that when it comes down to it all you want is what is best for baby/ies. I was dead set on a med free vaginal birth. DH and I spent a good amount of money to take Bradley method classes which is aiming for a med free husband coached birth. When we found out the she was not engaged in the birth canal properly, she was ****-eyed, and that they thought she was pretty big we were told that a CS would be the best way to deliver her. I fought that and DH and I talked about it. I was tearful about having to do a CS. But again once it came down to it a CS truly was the best way for her. We did not know about her cranial issues before she was born but afterwards it was apparent that we did the right thing....she would have never made it vaginally and I wonder how much harder thing would have been had we decided to labor first.

SOrry this is so long but I remember the frustration with being told a CS was best, I remember feeling that I would miss out on something and the truth is that no matter how they get here the result is the same. You get to hold your baby/ies and they are yours....regardless of how they got here. Granted a CS takes some recovery time but talk to someone who had a vaginal birth and they have their own recovery time too. Just different stuff. Good luck to you and I hope that all works out well.

 

Hi,
I had a total of 3 sections. Two with singletons, one with our third set of twins. I will refer to my section with the twins:
Did you panic as they were prepping you?
Yes, but mainly because I was worried about my babies. They were only 24 weeks and had to be born due to ttts.

DId you worry you would feel it?
Yes.

What did you feel when it was happening?
The worst part was the insertion of the needle in my back because they had to retry it several times before it was placed correctly and it hurt a lot.

Where you sad that the babies are taken away immediately?
Extremely, because I didn't know if they were born alive or dead or what condition they were in if they survived such an early birth.
How long did stitching you up after take?

I don't recall. It seemed forever.

How horrid was recovery the first 24-48 hours?

The first 12 hours were the worst but I was able to walk around a little after 4 hours. It is not a pleasant feeling, that's for sure.

Did you struggle with breastfeeding?

Due to my babies being 4 months early and in the NICU, I wasn't able to breastfeed (just pumping milk). But with my other c-sections, I breastfed within 3 hours.

When did milk come in?
Colostrum was there from the start but the real milk took 2 days to come in.

What are the three or four days in the hospital for? Can you get up and walk around?
You can walk around within a few hours (they actually make you to prevent blood clots). The 4 days in hospital are there to watch you for complications, such as bleeding, fever (infection), healing of the incision, blood clots, etc...It's major surgery.
How was the recovery ten days later?
Still painful. You usually don't feel quite as "yourself" for 6 weeks.

Did the babies suffer any adverse effects from this type of delivery?

No, mine were saved because of this type of delivery because of their prematurity and ttts conditon.

Did you worry less or more knowing it was going to be a c-section?

Less, in my last case. More if it had been a term delivery (I had two sets of twins vaginally without drugs at 40 weeks before).

What was the worst part of having a c-section?

The worry about my babies and the initial needle placement.

What was the best part of having a c-section?

The safety of my preemies.

What else should I know?
Think positive. If you were told the c-section is necessary, it will be the best option for your babies.

Good Luck!

 

With my first set of twins, baby a was vertex and baby b (the slightly heavier one) was footling breech but the vaginal delivery was no problem.
The second set was both vertex.
Are your babies dichorionic or monochorionic? If they are monochorionic, I would only opt for a c-section because of the potential risk of acute ttts (a sudden blood shift within the placenta after baby a is born....it can kill baby b or even both babies).
Had I known 6 years ago what I know now about monochorionic twins and ttts, I would have never given birth vaginally to my first set of monochorionic ID twins...but thank God, all went well with them.

 

If I had to do it again, I would have opted for a scheduled c-section. Unfortunately, I was induced, went through 15.5 hours of labor and then at 5:30 a.m. they decided to do a c-sec. because baby A was face up and they couldn't get her to turn.

Did you panic as they were prepping you?
~No, I was relieved. I was so exhausted and 1/2 out of it, I was ready to cut myself open and just get them out.

DId you worry you would feel it?
~Yes. But I didn't feel anything other than a little pressure.

What did you feel when it was happening?
~see above.

Where you sad that the babies are taken away immediately?
~No. I wasn't too with it, but had I been, I knew what was going to happen. The nurses explained every little detail to me, including the fact that they are whisked away by NICU nurses/doctors, etc.

How long did stitching you up after take?
~About a 1/2 hour.

How horrid was recovery the first 24-48 hours?
~For me, I was very out of it the first 24. They told me my bp had spiked real bad during delivery (I was induced because of pre-e due to high b.p.) so I was on mag sulfate and morphine. I was pretty numb.

Did you struggle with breastfeeding?
~Not in the hospital. I mean, it was a challenge, but I really wanted to do it so I stuck it out.

When did milk come in?
~Mine took 2.5 weeks and at that point all was lost for breastfeeding for me. I do regret not pushing a little harder.

What are the three or four days in the hospital for? Can you get up and walk around?
~Recovery. It's considered major abdominal surgery. The best advice I was given, and can give, is to get up as soon as they tell you that you can. I was on bedrest for 24 hours due to the high b.p. but as soon as they told me to get up (about 36 hours post-op) I did and moved around as much as I was able to.

How was the recovery ten days later?
~I felt fine in 10 days. Still sore of course and in some pain, but completely off of pain meds after 6 days.

Did the babies suffer any adverse effects from this type of delivery?
~None!

Did you worry less or more knowing it was going to be a c-section?
~Less because I knew there was no chance of distress. I was more worried about a vaginal birth because by the time I had started pushing I had been in the hospital 15 hours and was exhausted! I just felt I didn't have the strength to get these babies out and that worried me a lot.

What was the worst part of having a c-section?
~The horrible flap of skin that hangs over the scar. Ewwwwwwww!! I call it my battle wound but wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. It's a small price to pay for two gorgeous little girls.

What was the best part of having a c-section?
~The quick delivery.

What else should I know?
~Do everything they tell you. Don't be a hero, ask for pain meds if you need them. I tried to be strong and go without them on day 3 and was in horrible pain as a result. After that I asked for the meds like clockwork.

 

Did you panic as they were prepping you?
-No panicing here during prep. My girls were both transverse the entire pregnancy so there was no question of a c-section. Also I was more scared to have a vaginal birth if they had turned because I was worried that baby B would turn back as soon as baby a was born and I would need a c-section anyway.

DId you worry you would feel it?
No, I never woried about that either. I figured I may feel pressure but never any pain.

What did you feel when it was happening?
I felt nothing. I was supposed to have a combination epidural/spinal but the epidural part didn't work so I had a full spinal. I never felt anything or any pressure from them pushing on Paige to get he out (she was high up there with her back up to me, the dr got her out by her feet).

Where you sad that the babies are taken away immediately?
I got to see and hold the babies and have pictures taken before they took them away. Also DH and my parents were there to check on the babies and report back to me in recovery how they were doing. I do not recall feeling sad.

How long did stitching you up after take?
I really don't remember, it didn't seem that long.

How horrid was recovery the first 24-48 hours?
I didn't find recovery to be that bad but I am very pain tollerent. I was happy with my morphine drip that I had control of for a few hours till I fell asleep. And then I was on pain meds.

Did you struggle with breastfeeding?
I did try but the girls didn't lach on well. Paige would latch on a little bit with help from nurses and Alexandra would make faces when I tried to BF her and stick her tongue out at me.

When did milk come in?
mine never came in.

What are the three or four days in the hospital for? Can you get up and walk around?
They encourage you to get up immidiatly. I had the girls at almost 5pm and stayed in recovery and then the bed in my room all night. By the next morning I had to get up. I did take a wheelchair to the NICU the first day and once on the second day. After that I was walking all over.

How was the recovery ten days later?
I was climbing the stairs in my house. Lifting the babies from their pack and play bassenet. I was also carying them in their carseats by then too. I was driving again by about 2-3 weeks after the c-section.

Did the babies suffer any adverse effects from this type of delivery?
None

Did you worry less or more knowing it was going to be a c-section?
much less.

What was the worst part of having a c-section?
for me, the day the NICU nurse would not let me take my pain meds in the NICU after the floor nurse brought them to me. The day before I got nausous in the NICU from being in too much pain and not having my meds I think it was also combined with the fact that I was not yet eating solid foods.

What was the best part of having a c-section?
I didn't have to worry about the what ifs for a vaginal delivery of twins

What else should I know?
Make sure you call the floor nurse to ask for your pain meds when it is time. The nurses don't just bring them to you. Alos make sure you get in and out of bed yourself and walk around allot. The more you can do for yourself in the hospital the better you will be once you get home.

Feel free to move this to First Year if that's where it should be.

 

Did you panic as they were prepping you? I began to, but then I really focused on my breathing and it helped

DId you worry you would feel it? No, I trusted my dr and I've had a spinal for a previous surgery so I kinda knew what to expect from that

What did you feel when it was happening? Weird pressure when they were pulling the babies out. When the babies came out, it felt like my stomach instantly deflated!

Where you sad that the babies are taken away immediately? Not really, so much was going on. I was more sad that DH was taken away!! And was anxious to see him again.

How long did stitching you up after take? Not long, maybe 10 minutes? I was lucky, I didn't get stitches but steri-strips

How horrid was recovery the first 24-48 hours? It was pretty bad, but not completely unbearable. Getting in and out of bed was the worst, but I was standing up straight to walk on day 2.

Did you struggle with breastfeeding? Yes, I did have a problem with this. But mostly because I was so over tired...I would get frustrated easily which is terrible because you need ALOT of patience to learn breastfeeding. I wouldn't blame it on the c-section though.

When did milk come in? A few days later

What are the three or four days in the hospital for? Can you get up and walk around? I think the extended stay is just to moniter your recovery. They encourage you to walk around as soon as you can and as much as you can. It makes the recovery much better. If you can get your hands on Fushion Pilates for post-pregnancy and c-section recovery by Jennifer Gianni (a DVD) I highly recommend it

How was the recovery ten days later? It was tough still, but so much better...Getting in and out of bed always seemed to be the worst.

Did the babies suffer any adverse effects from this type of delivery? None, my babies were perfectly healthy!!

Did you worry less or more knowing it was going to be a c-section? I think I worried less because I hear all kinds of labor horror stories!!

What was the worst part of having a c-section? The recovery for sure. But I would do it again Also, I kind of felt like I missed out on the excitement of "it's time!!" but the labor pains probably would have overshadowed that..

What was the best part of having a c-section? The doctors do all the work for you!

What else should I know? Get up and walk! I took walks just about everyday once I got home and it helped so much. Just don't over exert yourself. Also, it helped me to hold a pillow to my stomach when getting out of bed...it felt like my insides would fall forward and there was a burning sensation, but the pressure from the pillow made it much better.


Good luck and if you have any other questions, please feel free to ask!!!

 

Here are a few questions if you feel like answering them all or just a few:

Did you panic as they were prepping you? Uhm, not really, i more or less joked around with them trying to keep the time lighthearted..i was excited to see the boys so i wasnt really freaking out...i knew that they knew what they were doing - i trusted my Dr. (I did ask the anesthesiologist if the sticker on my forhead said Loser though....)

DId you worry you would feel it? Yes so per advice of my cousin, when they asked me if i could still feel that, i said yes even though i really couldnt that way i would make sure that i was for sure numb enough...LOL

What did you feel when it was happening? I felt pulling and tugging but other than that...when DH came in, i asked him if they were goign to start soon and they had already cut me open and were about to pull the first one out.

Where you sad that the babies are taken away immediately? The boys were taken over to the NICU team that was waiting for them in the same OR but once they were cleaned up and checked, DH went over and got them and brought them too me with the help of my cousin who was a nicu nurse. Then NICU left b/c we didnt need them there and normal nurses waited around for DH and I to be ready to lay them down for a few so i could get sent back to recovery. They never left our sides unti l they needed to monitor temps in the normal nursery for half an hour while i was settled into my room.


How long did stitching you up after take? Not quite sure, i was too busy googling over the boys...but i think prolly like 10 minutes or so...they talk to you teh whole time though....atleast they did for me...

How horrid was recovery the first 24-48 hours? Dont remember the first day really b/c of all the "drugs" but after that, it was hard, i'm not gonna lie...but most of that was the getting up out of bed and the whole trying to be modest but that goin out the door.....i gave in and let the nurses help me out all they could. Take the meds they give you and dont be in a hurry to get the cathetar out.....but once it's out...walk walk walk walk walk...


Did you struggle with breastfeeding? Yes but only b/c the nurses took the babies and said that since i had twins i wouldnt be able to breastfeed.....once i got home, things were a different story and it worked out..it was just alot of work.


When did milk come in? A few days afterwards? Maybe not that long....

What are the three or four days in the hospital for? Recovery....walking again....and recovery. you will be sore and you will most likely bleed alot and need help doign things at first...

Can you get up and walk around? Yes once the cathetar was out, i walked as much as i could...it hurt but i walked and walked and walked....i was so sore but they say that walking helps so i walked the boys up and down the hall...

How was the recovery ten days later? Good, it got better the more you were able to move around - just not too much moving....

Did the babies suffer any adverse effects from this type of delivery? Not that i know of, they were and still are happy and healthy babies....

Did you worry less or more knowing it was going to be a c-section? Less, i diddnt want something horrible to happen with heart rates or a baby turning or something...

What was the worst part of having a c-section? the cathetar and getting out of bed the first day

What was the best part of having a c-section? Not having to worry about having two types of birth and knowing that my boys should be okay oh and having it scheduled...

What else should I know?

 

Did you panic as they were prepping you? No - I was a little nervous but I think anyone would be. They are talking to you the whole time and trying to make you as comfortable as possible

DId you worry you would feel it? yeah

What did you feel when it was happening? Emma was WAY up there so I felt them getting her but it was just a little pressure - no more than someone tapping me on the shoulder

Where you sad that the babies are taken away immediately? They brought both girls to me when they were born and we also took a picture of all 4 of us - so I don't feel like they were taken away immediately.

How long did stitching you up after take? You got me - the drugs they give you are great!

How horrid was recovery the first 24-48 hours? I guess on a scale of 1 to 10 I would say 6

Did you struggle with breastfeeding? Nope - the girls were small and had latch issues, but that had nothing to do with the c-section

When did milk come in? Day 3 or 4. But I have heard that having a c-section doesn't make a difference. Oh and when it came in IT CAME IN!!

What are the three or four days in the hospital for? They are for you to recover from surgery. Sorry - but after 8 months of carrying twins I LOVED being in the hospital. It was great to be able to rest in bed (I worked till the day before the girls were born). I didn't want to leave. Everyone there is GREAT!

Can you get up and walk around? I had my c-section at 7 pm and was up walking the next morning.

How was the recovery ten days later? Fine - every now and then there was pain.

Did the babies suffer any adverse effects from this type of delivery? Mine didn't - 4.5 and 4.11 and NO NICU time - can home with us.

Did you worry less or more knowing it was going to be a c-section? I worried less

What was the worst part of having a c-section? I guess the fluid retention

What was the best part of having a c-section? I didn't have to worry about labor or having to push one and c-section the other

What else should I know? I is not that bad - and I didn't think the recovery was bad at all.

 

Okay here it goes

Did you panic while they were prepping you? Yes I had already had my epidural because I had origianally tried for an induction, but as soon as they wheeled me into the O/R I panicked it I remember thinking "can I change my mind". I remeber not being able to feel anything from my boobs down and wondering how I was going to get from my bed to that little operating tabe. As soon as DH came in I just focused on him and prayed and I was fine.

Did you worry that you would feel it? Yes I think I worried a little.

What did you feel when it was happening? I felt a lot of pressure and pulling, kind of like when you get a tooth pulled. It doesn't really hurt but it isn't really comfortable. I remember feeling pressure on my cervix, like when they check you for dialation, but I think I am the only one that ever said they felt that.

Were you sad that the babies were taken away immediately? They didn't take them right away, DH cut the cords and helped get them cleaned up and took pictures. Then they wrapped up both babies and gave them to him and they all came and sat by my head while they finished closing me up. It was a beautiful experience. Then DH went to tell everyone that they were born after they were done stitching me up and they gave the babiies to me and we went to the recovery area. Then my family and his came back to take pictures and after everyone left they took the babies to the nursery for the two hour observation.

How long did the stitching afterward take? I want to say start to finish the whole thing lasted 45min to an hour at most.

How horrid was the recovery the first 24-48 hours? Mine was bad right after surgery, I had breakthrough pain which really isn't supposed to happen. The durimorph which is the stuff they put in the epi that is supposed to last for the first 24 hours didn't take. But they corrected it quickly with a lot of demerol and morphine. After that I was so high I didn't care. Plus all the excitement of the babies just masked the pain. Your modesty goes out the window, just let the nurses do everything for you and as soon as you can, walk the gas pains were the worst part. Looking back none of it was that bad.

Did you struggle with the BF? Yes their mouths were so tiny they had a hard time latching on one side. But I let them suppliment them and everything was fine. I was more concerned about them getting enough to eat than being a hero breast feeder. They never had a problem after my milk came in when we got home. They get better and better every week now.

When did your milk come in? Mine took five days to come in but when it came in IT CAME IN!

What are the 4 days in the hospital for? You will need the rest and you will be sore and probably bleeding a lot. It is nice to have someone giving you your meds on time and taking the babies to the nursery if you need a break (take advantage of that, I wish I had more often).

Can you get up and move around? Yes as soon as the catheder is out which was the next day for me. I would walk the boys up and down the hall and go look at the babies in the nursery. Walk as much as you can it helps with the gas. I was really sore but I tried to get up as much as I could.

How was the recovery ten days later? I was still sore when I would bend over or try to sit up from laying down but I was much better.

Did the babies suffer any adverse affects? I don't think so they were fine, no trouble breathing or excess fluid in their lungs.

I didn't know I was going to have a C/S for sure but I had originally wanted to just have the c/s because I felt it was safer for the babies, but I ended up changing my mind to induction at the last minute because they were both in a perfect position for vaginal delivery. I never dialated though after 13 hours of labor.

The worst part of the c/s was after I got home and was done with my pain meds.

The best part was not having to go through the real hard labor and knowing my boys were both healthy and safe in 2 minutes. I know this sounds vain, but they were beautiful when they first came out, perfect heads and not a mark on them their skin was perfect

 

#1 Yes I was soooo nervous..Plus it was sooooooooo cold in there and I was shaking.
#2 Yes i was so worried I would feel it, I even told dh I could feel it and he was Ummm No baby they have already cut you..
#3 I felt alot of pressure and pulling that it took my breath away..But it was because they were so high up.
#4 Yes I was sad..I seen them for a split sec and then they were gone..They were fine no NICU..
#5 It didnt take but maybe 5-10 mins top
#6 My recover time was horrible..I had a vertical cut..And I do have to say it hurt.
#7 Yes..They wouldnt latch on
#8 A week later my milk came in
#9 To recover..I had to stay 5 days cause the doc wanted me to pass gas..Yes Pass gas and I couldnt..But when I finally did, I dont think i had ever been soo happy to fart before
#10 24hrs later they made me get up and shower and sit in a chair..I was painful, but I do say the more you more the better it does get.
#11 It still hurt, but everyday was a little better..
#12 Mine didnt
#13 I did worry a little, this was my frist c-section after 3 vaginal births
# 14 For me the vertical cut..I didnt know my doc was going to cut me that way intil the morning of
#15 Not having to push them out
#16 Dont be afraid of taking your meds..They do help

 

Did you panic as they were prepping you?

Not really, I had so many family members around, I was just laying in the bed, taking it all in.

DId you worry you would feel it? No, and I didn't feel a thing! I didn't even realize we were so far along until I heard baby A crying his little lungs out!

What did you feel when it was happening? Absolutely nothing. No tugging or pressure.

Where you sad that the babies are taken away immediately? I got to see mine. They brought them over and laid them next to my head so I could give each a kiss. Then as they wheeled me to my room, they went by the nursery and stopped and pointed out my babies.

How long did stitching you up after take? I didn't have stitches or staples. It took maybe a few minutes, and they wheeled me right to recovery.

How horrid was recovery the first 24-48 hours? BAD! 6 hours after surgery they came in and made me get up and walk to the bathroom, it felt like it was a mile away. I turned white as a ghost and nearly passed out.

Did you struggle with breastfeeding? I formula fed.

When did milk come in? N/A

What are the three or four days in the hospital for? Can you get up and walk around? Yes, they urge you to get up and walk. That is the best thing for recovery. I had to get up and walk to the nurse just to get my pain meds, she was a b*tch. LOL

How was the recovery ten days later? A week after being released I went to a Christmas dinner with DH for his work. I was still a little sore, but not bad. It got better day by day.

Did the babies suffer any adverse effects from this type of delivery? None what so ever.

Did you worry less or more knowing it was going to be a c-section? Actually, no... I was just so focused on getting them into this world, I didn't care how we did it.

What was the worst part of having a c-section? The pain, and recovery. Not being able to walk around holding the babies right away.

What was the best part of having a c-section? Not sure there was a best part, LOL

What else should I know? I think that about summed it up, Good luck!

 

I chose to have a c-section because one of the babies were breach and my friend who had already delivered her twins in the same position ended up delivering one vaginally and then had to do have an emergency c-section for the second baby. I delivered my oldest son vaginally and knew that I wanted to not only do what was safest for the twins but I didn't want to heal from both types of delivery at the same time.
Of course I was a little afraid while being prep'd but I faught off the panic. It wouldn't do me or anyone else any good. Just remember that the hospital staff can take care of you better if they can focus on the babies and your health instead of your state of mind. I remember thinking of the approaching delivery like a mountain I had to climb. I knew it was coming up and that I had to do it alone. I knew I had to be strong for my little guys. When the time came, I was calm. My operating room nurse even commented as I was getting my epidural that she couldn't believe how calm I seemed. I did ask my husband to pray with me and it helped so much. He prayed for God to guide the staff and keep our babies safe and I felt so much better. (I think it even made the staff feel better.)
The c-section itself felt strange because you feel the pressure but you don't feel any pain. I think they put me to sleep right after so I woke up in recovery. They want you to walk around as soon as you can so you'll heal faster and you're given pain medication so it's not so bad. It's tight standing straight up at first and burns a little but that only lasts for a short time. Just be sure to ask for more pain medication if you need it.
The truth is.....you're so worried about and absolutely in awe of your babies that you don't think so much about yourself.
As far as the milk goes....my doctor gave me something to help me produce more milk. I have to say the worst part of my recovery was being attached to the pump so often trying to make enough milk for both babies. I went through so much just to get a couple ounces. The babies were happy to have it though and I felt proud of myself somehow for making it for them. (sounds crazy I know.....
Just remember that you're the mom of these twins for a reason.....You are strong enough to do this! You'll look back at the mountain you've climbed when it's over and know it was not only worth it but not as big as you thought it was going to be.....

 

Did you panic as they were prepping you?

A little bit -- I was very nervous, at any rate. I'd never had surgery before.


Did you worry you would feel it?

Not really.


What did you feel when it was happening?

Some tugging and pressure, but mostly I felt claustrophobic, and like I couldn't breathe. That made me panic, too.


Where you sad that the babies are taken away immediately?

They brought each of them to me, so I could give them a kiss before they took 'em away. I wasn't sad at first, just relieved they were okay. But I had a total meltdown several hours later that I hadn't seen my babies (they were in the NICU for a day, and no one would wheel me there to see them for a full day).


How long did stitching you up after take?

I don't really remember. I was really out of it.


How horrid was recovery the first 24-48 hours?

I won't lie -- pretty horrid. I had horrible shakes from the epidural drugs, and it took a long time for feeling to return to my legs, which completely freaked me out. Then, my catheter wasn't draining properly (kink in the line, or something), and my bladder backed up, causing all sorts of pain...and then, when the nurses make you get up and walk to the bathroom -- oh, good Lord. It hurt.


Did you struggle with breastfeeding?

Yes, but more because the babies came early, not because of the C-section.


When did milk come in?

Four days later. I did pump as much colostrum as I could for them, though.


What are the three or four days in the hospital for? Can you get up and walk around?

You will need those days -- I stayed 5 days, because I ran into a complication with high blood pressure and swelling, etc. Yes, you can get up and do what you need to do, but you will be VERY sore.


How was the recovery ten days later?

Not terrible, but I'm 4 weeks post-partum now, and still nowhere near recovered fully.


Did the babies suffer any adverse effects from this type of delivery?

Not that I know of -- their breathing was a little quick, but that was probably due to prematurity. Actually, not to be dramatic, but I had a C-section because of a sudden serious complication (placental abruption), so it likely saved their lives, and mine.


Did you worry less or more knowing it was going to be a c-section?

It was an emergency C, so I didn't have time to worry.


What was the worst part of having a c-section?

The recovery, for sure. I had a vaginal delivery with my older DD, including 24 hours of labor, and that was still cake compared to this.


What was the best part of having a c-section?

No labor! (Aside from the previously mentioned saved-our-lives thing. )


What else should I know?

Don't underestimate the fact that it's major surgery....line up as much help as you possibly can. My mom is still staying with us, a month later, and I still NEED the help....

 

Here are a few questions if you feel like answering them all or just a few:

Did you panic as they were prepping you?
No ... I was nervous and very chatty...but not panicked... the anesthesiologist did have to tell me to be quiet though!! hee hee.. I talk when I'm nervous.
I did have a nasty reaction of bp dropping, dry heaving ...twice... after both spinals they gave me. My aunt, who is an anesthesiologist said that I wasn't hydrated enough, that's why this happened...and indeed I do remember that they didn't have me finish off the IV bag...it was only like 3/4 done and the doc just said, "that's good enough." so make sure you watch out for that!!

DId you worry you would feel it?
Not really...they did my spinal twice b/c I could feel them on my belly when they tested to see if it had taken.

What did you feel when it was happening?
Some pressure...but not really... I was too busy trying to not pass out from the reaction to the spinal...by the time I had fully recovered from that feeling, they had pulled the first baby out... Then I was just bawling.


Where you sad that the babies are taken away immediately?
A little bummed, but I was so distracted from the rest of the surgery that honestly my thoughts were a lot more self-focused... I can say that after my vaginal delivery I didn't immediately hold my dd either. I was tired, and it took them a good 15 minutes to stitch up from my 3rd degree tear. So other's got to look at my first dd before I did... In the end, you are the mommy and don't get pysched out by weird things people tell you about bonding.. Bonding takes a lifetime... it's not something you do or lose in the first few hours after birth.

How long did stitching you up after take?
I think it was maybe 20 mintues... I felt it in my shoulder area...it really hurt my shoulder. My aunt, the doc again, told me that they didn't do my spinal well enough...she said that I had referred pain... that my spinal wasn't done deeply enough, I guess. So I got a lousy spinal in spite of the second attempt.

How horrid was recovery the first 24-48 hours?
First 24 hours were cream... felt soooo good from whatever it was he put in my spinal at the end. I didn't need any other pain meds until the next day. And even then I only took a very little bit... motrin I think. the second day was the hardest...some gas pain... pain when they came to push on my belly..my skin was really sensitive and actually the lightest touch was soooo painful. I was itchy too.. can't remember if that was the first day or the second. I found that using a pillow against my belly, or wearing the support thingy they gave me, helped a ton when getting up and down. Every day got a little bit better.

Did you struggle with breastfeeding?
I had a low milk supply with my first dd.. my milk supply with my twins was a lot more..but still not adequate for twins....not initially anyway. I think you have to realize that some first time moms do have supply issues regardless of delivery. The second pg around is usually much better with that. As far as latch and all that my twins did 100% better than my first dd did. First dd took a few days to get it...they both latched the first time we tried. So as far as whether the c/s had any impact at all on my bf experience, I would say it had none.

When did milk come in?
Second day... with my first dd it came in sometime between day 7 and 10... I had to supplement her b/c she was starving and getting dehydrated. Again, some ftm's do have this issue...so you can't entirely blame it on c/s... and I had a vaginal delivery with her.

What are the three or four days in the hospital for? Can you get up and walk around?
longer recovery time...watching for infection... on day two I was able to get up and walk around. It was very painful the first few days... tolerable by the time I got out of the hospital. But everyone has their own pain level. I was also hardly taking any pain meds. just motrin the second day. Percocet for a headache the third day...although it didn't kill my headache... which I had from sleep deprivation, not from the spinal.

How was the recovery ten days later?
Not bad at all... overall if I had to weigh out my c/s recovery, short term, with my vaginal delivery and 3rd degree tear, I would say they were about equal. In the long run, there can be long term issues, related to your monthly cycle, or occasional pain, that makes vaginal delivery preferrable. But I must say that even with my third degree tear I still had pain occasionally for about 9 months pp.

Did the babies suffer any adverse effects from this type of delivery?
Nope.

Did you worry less or more knowing it was going to be a c-section?
Less... I really struggled with the decision. My baby A was vertex...baby B was transverse/breech.. I worried about a combo birth. I prayed that God would either turn baby B to give me a sign that vaginal would be okay...or to turn baby A to take it out of my hands. Baby A went transverse at 34 weeks! So I felt a lot of peace knowing it was out of my hands.

What was the worst part of having a c-section?
Hmmm... I would have to say my reaction to the spinal. Dry heaving while trying to have a happy moment just doesn't work well.. I was so pale and out of it, couldn't even open my eyes, that my dh thought they had knocked me out. It took a good 5 minutes until I could open my eyes or focus my brain enough to enjoy the birth aspect. But hey, even with the vaginal delivery, I was so exhausted from 18 hours of labor that my brain was very fuzzy... I remember more from my c/s experience.

What was the best part of having a c-section?
Virtually no labor pains!! I did have some labor pains at 35 weeks related to dehydration from a stomach bug... that kept me up all night in L&D... not fun...but not the real intense labor I had with my dd. I would willingly forgo the pleasure of that labor experience again if I could do it without the added risk of c/s!!

What else should I know?

Please know that no matter how your babies come out it is no reflection on your status as a mommy. I think disappointment over birth experience and breastfeeding are major contributors to ppd. The birth is a one-time, relatively short event. The goal is to have healthy babies. They will not remember their birth experience... in all likelihood they will also not remember their bf experience. So view them appropriately...as very, very, minor parts of a lifetime of being a mommy. Having an ideal birth experience and bf experience is very nice for mommy... but your babies won't notice either of these things all that much... so long as they are healthy and well fed one way or the other. Just like to throw in my 2 cents about these issues... I think it's good for mommies to keep it all in perspective. Don't make the issues bigger than they are...or you may just set yourself up for a severe case of disappointment.

 

Hello! I'm new here..and thought I'd make this my first post!

Well I've had two previous pregnancies and C-sections (Small pelvic bone). The first c/s was horrible...it was an emergency, where none of the drugs were working and they finally administered general anesthesia. I didn't realize how much I missed, until my second daughter was born!

I was much more relaxed, ofcourse there's always a bit of worry, but I was grateful not to have to endure hours of labor or contractions! Now, I'm pregnant w/ twins, and looking forward to the c/s! (13w5d)

The recovery wasn't horrible...I remember laughing and coughing were the worst! My milk came in while I was still at the hospital with both of my girls, and the b/f helped ease the post-delivery bleeding.

This is what I remember, as far as the order of events:
You go to an OR prep facility to be shaved..yes, not pleasant, but the least of your worries!
Then off to the OR for the spinal. (This wasn't too bad, a long bee sting would cover it. Immediately I was numb and my legs got warm.)
At some point after that, they insert the catheter
Bring in your significant other
Start the surgery (baby is out in 5-10 minutes!)
Stitching up took about 45 minutes...and I was ready to get out of there and see my baby!

GL w/ everything!

(Sorry couldn't get my ticker to work..LOL)

 

First of all I really didn't want a C section I had one head down and one transverse I guess similar to you. They tired to induce me for 2 days with zero dilation so I ended up with C section. I will try to answer your questions.

Here are a few questions if you feel like answering them all or just a few:

Did you panic as they were prepping you?
I felt a little panicked but tried to stay calm

DId you worry you would feel it?
I did worry I would feel it, but I hardly felt anything, they said its all done and I couldn't believe it

What did you feel when it was happening?
tugging pulling but no pain and it is weird to not be able to move at all

Where you sad that the babies are taken away immediately?
I got to have them close to my face for a few minutes then by time I got to my room they were already there with my husband

How long did stitching you up after take?
I can't remember sorry didn't seem long

How horrid was recovery the first 24-48 hours?
Its difficult moving around especially taking care of two babies reaching into the isolet etc..

Did you struggle with breastfeeding?
I did

When did milk come in?
After about 5 days I think

What are the three or four days in the hospital for? Can you get up and walk around?
Once the cathetar woz out I could walk around for sure Had a shower next day etc..

How was the recovery ten days later?
Still little sore but way better

Did the babies suffer any adverse effects from this type of delivery?
no

Did you worry less or more knowing it was going to be a c-section?
Worried more

What was the worst part of having a c-section?
no sensation very wierd

What was the best part of having a c-section?
no pain during delivery

What else should I know?
you'll do whatever it takes to get those babies out. And when you hold them it won't matter if you delivered vaginally or c section



amanda

 

Here are a few questions if you feel like answering them all or just a few:

Did you panic as they were prepping you?

>>>>>>> Well, I was dead set against a c-section with my daughter and we had planned on a complete natural birth... I was in labor for 30 hours and then didn't have a choice. I was paniced and it did feel a little weird being on the meds.

DId you worry you would feel it?

>>>>>>>> I had an epidural, and was told that I would feel it, but it wouldn't be painful. I was a little worried about it, but I didn't feel pain during the procedure.

What did you feel when it was happening?

>>>>>>>> Like I said I had an epidural, many hospitals especially if the c-section is planned will give you a spinal and not an epidural. With an epidural I did not feel pain, but I could feel them moving things around and pulling the baby out. It was a little strange.

Where you sad that the babies are taken away immediately?

>>>>>>>> I was devistated that I couldn't hold my daughter right away. In fact, it still bothers me. I had planned on a much different experience for both of us, but with labor and delivery anything can happen.

How long did stitching you up after take?

>>>>>>>> I can't tell you exact time, but it was pretty quick. I think I might have been in the OR for about 45 min total from start (birth) to finish (stiching). The thing that was the worst part of the entire delivery was not the labor or the delivery, but the time afterwards. There were 200 babies born the 24 hours of my daughters birth at our hospital. There were women on strechers laboring and delivering in the hallways. The did not have room for me in the Labor and Delivery recovery area so I had to go to a regular post op recovery area. My Husband and baby were not allowed there. I delivered at 12:18 am and did not see my daughter (except for the 2 minutes they allowed me to see her in the OR) until 10:30 that morning when they finally had a room for me.

How horrid was recovery the first 24-48 hours?

>>>>>> Well, the first time they got me up was tough and that happens generally within the forst 8-12 hours after delivery. Things were sore and I had no interest in getting out of bed! But, I have to say as long as you stay on schedule taking your meds and stay ahead of the pain you will be fine, and it is not that terrible.

Did you struggle with breastfeeding?

>>>>>>> I delivered a 10lb 4oz baby 5 days after my due date and it was still hard! What they dont tell you is that although breastfeeding is naturally the best thing for your baby, it is not 'natural'. Basically, you and your babies are going to need to learn to do it. ne you learn to do it though it is not a big deal. Just stick to your guns and harrass the lactation consultant until you feel comfortable. One reason that breastfeeding is hard especially after a c-section is that the meds you are on actually delay your milk from coming in, but the more you try and the more you get the babies latched on the faster the milk will come in. I breast fed my daughter until she was 2 and 1 week, and I wouldn't change a thing. You have to be determined though, based on my hospital experience I can see why some women give up quickly.

When did milk come in?

>>>>>>>> My milk didn't actually come in until the day before I was ready to leave the hospital. It takes a while, but it is worth it.

What are the three or four days in the hospital for? Can you get up and walk around?

>>>>>>>> Basically, having a c-section is MAJOR surgery. It is routine, but it requires a great deal of caution as well. Basically, they want to make sure that there are no major complications. Some things to look for are large clots, infection at the incision. hey want to make sure you are passing gas and moving your bowels because those can be signs of complications if not. They want you up because that keeps things moving in your body and your recovery will be easier if you are up, but don't overdo it.


How was the recovery ten days later?

>>>>>>> At that point I was feeling pretty good, but I wasn't ready to jump into my normal routine. I had planned on my mother being there 2 weeks after delivery. If I had it to do over I would have asked her to stay for at least 4 weeks. You will not be able to go up and down stairs more than 1 time per day, no lifting laundry baskets, vaccuming, or lifting anything more than 10lbs. No driving for 3-6 weeks after either depending on your doctor. I would recommend that you follow thier orders and not try to do things before the timeline they give you. The reason they give them is so that you don't develop excessive scar tissue which can actually cause pain/discomfort at the incision site years later... I have none of that, but my sister-in-law has a 22 year old daughter and still gets sudden pains at the site of her incision. DONT TRY DOING MORE THAN THEY TELL YOU!

Did the babies suffer any adverse effects from this type of delivery?

>>>>>> As far as I know they don't... In fact if you are speaking just aesthtically(I know you aren't) they are far more attractive. In some cases I know that it can be less stress on the baby to have a c-section depending on the baby and the delivery circumstances.

Did you worry less or more knowing it was going to be a c-section?

>>>>>>> I didn't know and I didn't even consider the possibility of a c-section. This time around I know it may be another c-section. I still don't really want to have one, but I am being a little more proactive about the possibility. During my delivery the anestisiologist played his iPod the whole time. I hated the music... This time I will make sure that if there is music I will like it and it will relax me... I will also be creating a birth plan specifically in he event of a c-section. Obviously if there is a problem during delivery I want them to do what is best for the babies and I, but if things go well and there are no complications I will be prepared with what I want for a birth experience (as much as possible).

What was the worst part of having a c-section?

>>>>>>> Like I said for me it was the fact that the hospital was overcrowded and I couldn't recover in the Labor & Delivery area... I had never had surgery or been in the hospital for anything major and not to be near my husband and daughter was terrible. I was really paniced and afraid.

What was the best part of having a c-section?

My daughter was perfect! She had a perfectly shaped head, no bruising and she was just amazing... Since she was so big and she had a full head of hair, she looked more like a 3 month old baby than a newborn!

What else should I know?

>>>>>> Having a c-section is not that terrible. For most of us it is not the ideal, but it is not the worst thing ever either. The first 5 days are the worst and that weren't that bad and things are better from there. Keep in mind that no matter what you planned out in your mind things rarely go as planned. You can't tell exactly what will happen until you are there, and I think your doctor will tell you that labor and delivery is a unique thing for each person.
Feel free to move this to First Year if that's where it should be.
[/quote]

 

Thank you so much for all of your gracious responses. That took some time on your part and it helped me so so much!

 

Here are a few questions if you feel like answering them all or just a few:

Did you panic as they were prepping you? Yes, but if you talk to the nurses and other staff, you will feel much better. You dont even have to talk about the section... I found out at my last c-section that my nurse had lived in a tent so she could afford to put herself through college... kinda cool.

DId you worry you would feel it? Nope.

What did you feel when it was happening? Drowsy, my face itched. I felt tugging, but only because they are pulling on your lower body so your upper body responds. KWIM?

Where you sad that the babies are taken away immediately? No. The nurse showed them to me, then DH went with her back to my room where they got measured and cleaned up. This way they were ready for me to hold as soon as I got back to the room, which was right after they stitched me up. (My hospital has LDRP rooms.

How long did stitching you up after take? 10-15 minutes.

How horrid was recovery the first 24-48 hours? Depends on your surgery. Ive had three sections, one I didnt take ANY meds afte the spinal wore off, one I stayed drugged fo rlike two days... Everyone is different. One thing is, walk... right away!! Dont even wait until the next day, just walk around your bed if you have to! Also, dont hunch over!!! I know it will hurt, but try to stand as strait as possible, you'll feel better faster.

Did you struggle with breastfeeding? It wasnt easy, you will need help the first couple of days! (side note: I only bf'd for a week, Ruthie couldnt latch in right, and I felt guilty only bfing one...kwim?)

When did milk come in? Just like a normal vag delivery...

What are the three or four days in the hospital for? Can you get up and walk around? Well, I didnt stay in the hospital 3 or 4 days. the first time (with the twins) I went home 48 hours later, same with section #2, section #3 I went home in 24 hours! I hate the hopsital, some nurses are super nice and some are super bossy! And I hate people bunching me into a category, only I know how I feel and what I can do... KWIM?

How was the recovery ten days later? 10 days after I was same as 1 year before... By the 7th day I am better.

Did the babies suffer any adverse effects from this type of delivery? DS had a little fluid in his lungs from not being squeezed, but that went away.

Did you worry less or more knowing it was going to be a c-section? A little of both... Anxious as the day approaches, but not worrying about things going wrong.

What was the worst part of having a c-section? The gas afterwards from the slowing down of all the inside stuff.

What was the best part of having a c-section? No Labor!!!! woohoo! LOL!

What else should I know?I got through my vaginal labor by thinking, "its only one day out of my life, the pain will pass" and its the same way with a c-section, it hurts, but its manageable... then it gets better. I chose to have mine because I was 38w2d, no sighns of labor and I really didnt want to go through labor and a c-section! KWIM?

If you think of anymore questions, you can PM, I am an open book!!!

 

I'm holding Colby and typing 1 handed - excuse my typos . . .

Did you panic as they were prepping you?
Not at all - I was way too groggy from the epidural + staidol (narcotic). It was like I was stoned : ) I may have told the anesthesiologist my whole life story . . . he got way TMI out of me . . .

DId you worry you would feel it?
I guess - but only as much as I could in my state of mind. But when I tried to touch my leg and felt nothing, I knew I'd be fine.

What did you feel when it was happening?
My body lightening. I remember feeing like I had nothing left of my belly. And very drowsy/stoned.

Where you sad that the babies are taken away immediately?
No, I got to see and kiss them. I was too out of it to do anything else. And then I fell asleep.

How long did stitching you up after take?
No clue - I was out of it. Could've been 5 minutes, or 5 hours.

How horrid was recovery the first 24-48 hours?
I was on mag the 1st 24 hours (which I tolerated very well) so I was stuck in bed - my minimal pain was lessened by morphine.

Did you struggle with breastfeeding?
Struggle isn't the right word - I simply didn't enjoy it. I pumped for 3 weeks before deciding to stop.

When did milk come in?
I had the boys on tuesday and started pumping and getting drops on Friday.

What are the three or four days in the hospital for? Can you get up and walk around?
You can and should walk around! It's painful but it does get easier. And, don't be a martyr - accept any and all pain meds! They don't give medals for refusing them!

How was the recovery ten days later?
I was a little numb around the scar but felt pretty good. I was still quite tired, though.

Did the babies suffer any adverse effects from this type of delivery?
Adverse??? Not at all! To the contrary - they had nicely shaped, non-smushed heads!

Did you worry less or more knowing it was going to be a c-section?
I didnt know til a few hours earlier and even then was fine - I was going to accept whatever was safest for all 3 of us. The boys were head down and I was laboring and planning a vaginal delivery. But I had pre-e and my liver function was eclining faster than I was laboring - it was delver by c-section stat or risk my liver shutting down/seizures.

What was the worst part of having a c-section?
the 1st time out of bed.

What was the best part of having a c-section?
It's done quckly, no long labor.

What else should I know?
Ask your doc to use stitches not staples for a cleaner, neater scar.
Don't look up at the lights while laying on the table or risk seeing your internal "parts" in the silver housing of the light.
HEAT PACKS!!!!!!!!!!! They work miracles in easing the pain as you get out of bed the first days.
Don't feel bad if you need a c-section - it's delivery just as much as if you'd pushed the babies out!!!!

HTH - GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!

 

Did you panic as they were prepping you?
I was more nervous than I thought I'd be. DH remembers me shaking so badly, they contemplated using restraints on my wrists!

DId you worry you would feel it?
A little, but I certainly didn't.

What did you feel when it was happening?
Just some pressure and movement as they were manipulating the babies. I think I was concentrating so much on what I was hearing, I don't really remember feeling anything!

Where you sad that the babies are taken away immediately?
No...I knew they were going to a good place and that I would see them soon.

How long did stitching you up after take?
Just a few minutes

How horrid was recovery the first 24-48 hours?
Not bad at all. I was on magnesium, so that was probably the worst - had nothing to do with the surgery.

Did you struggle with breastfeeding?
Yes...but again, that was due to the mag.

When did milk come in?
The day after we got home from the hospital - the boys were 4 days old.

What are the three or four days in the hospital for? Can you get up and walk around?
I think just to make sure you are healing correctly, check for blood loss etc. Yes...I was able to get up and walk around. Especially with the pain meds!

How was the recovery ten days later?
Absolutely fine! I was so busy with the babies I didn't even think about it.

Did the babies suffer any adverse effects from this type of delivery?
No. Jonathan swallowed myconium, but can also happen with a vag. birth.

Did you worry less or more knowing it was going to be a c-section?
Less.

What was the worst part of having a c-section?
I can't think of anything! I thought it was great

What was the best part of having a c-section?
I was relieved to know I wasn't tearing "down there" and that the incision was so small.

What else should I know?
Don't forget to take your pain meds...don't try to be a hero! They won't affect your babies or your milk supply so take them to feel better!

Good luck to you! :hug99:

 

QUOTE(girls! @ Jul 13 2007, 06:02 AM) [snapback]329024[/snapback]
My OB wants me to seriously consider a c-sect. She said even though Greta (baby a) is vertex, that Louisa (baby-B) is almost transverse/breech and she is so high up that she fears after Greta is born, Louisa will not make it out before the placenta resluting in an emergency c-section. So, I'm doing my research and trying to learn all I can. I do know that Louisa could flip and all will be well for a vaginal birth. I'm keeping my fingers crossed as i much prefer a vaginal delivery. She's bringing it up early to prepare me because I've been so adamant about not wanting a c-section...she wants me to prepare just in case. So, I thought I'd start with the experts...you!

Here are a few questions if you feel like answering them all or just a few:

Did you panic as they were prepping you?
>>> no,
DId you worry you would feel it?
.. yes i worried,m but i didnt feel it.
What did you feel when it was happening?
... nothing
Where you sad that the babies are taken away immediately?
...sorta but it was 2am. i got to hold them at 5am.
How long did stitching you up after take?
..not long at all. it took longer for me to get out of recovery. lot of blood loss b/c of twins.
How horrid was recovery the first 24-48 hours?
..they kept me with a walking epidural and they gave me an abdominal binder (so I wouldn't have the feeling that my guts were falling out) sorry TMI.
Did you struggle with breastfeeding?
yes, but not b/c of the drugs.
When did milk come in?
day 2 or 3.
What are the three or four days in the hospital for? Can you get up and walk around?
yes they make you walk around.
How was the recovery ten days later?
fine
Did the babies suffer any adverse effects from this type of delivery?
my water had broken, and twin a ingested alot of water /blood. had to have stomach pumped.
Did you worry less or more knowing it was going to be a c-section?

What was the worst part of having a c-section?

What was the best part of having a c-section?
not tearing down there.
What else should I know?

Feel free to move this to First Year if that's where it should be.

 

I just discovered this post in a search for "c-section" as baby a is still breech and I am very concerned and unhappy about the prospect of a c-section. This post is so informative and answers so many of my questions so thoroughly! I just wanted to thank the poster for asking the questions and the responders for the valuable info. I also wanted to bump this post back up since I know there must be others with these same questions/concerns!

 

thanks for finding this! i remember when it was posted, and then couldn't find it after!

 

I had the "full birth experience" - vaginal delivery for Lilly (obviously Baby A) and a section for Kate. They were both vertex at the start of the whole ordeal (I delivered very prematurely as you can see from my sig - 29 weeks) but after Lilly came out, Kate folded herself in half jacknife-style, and they had to do a section.

Did you panic as they were prepping you? No. I had a lot of anxiety about the preterm birth, but it didn't really get any worse at that point.

DId you worry you would feel it? No.

What did you feel when it was happening? Pulling, weird sensations from my abdomen - no pain

Where you sad that the babies are taken away immediately? Well yes, but that was because they were preemies, and since they did come out breathing, I was able to hold Lilly for about 5 seconds, and my husband held Kate for about the same time.

How long did stitching you up after take? I don't know - 20-30 minutes?

How horrid was recovery the first 24-48 hours? It was awful and painful and messy, made worse by crappy nursing. I am told that a straight section (without labor and a vaginal birth first) is a lot less painful, by people who've done both.

Did you struggle with breastfeeding? Yes, but that would've been true with 29-weekers regardless of the birth methods.

When did milk come in? It was before I left the hospital - I think day 4.

What are the three or four days in the hospital for? Can you get up and walk around? They forced me to get up and walk to the bathroom 8 hours later at 4am (see: crappy nursing), and I was encouraged to walk as much as I could after that to help me heal. Some people do check out prior to the 4 days, but since my babies were staying, I wasn't about to do that. And really, your body does need time to heal.

How was the recovery ten days later? It was still pretty painful walking around, but I was walking to the NICU every single day.

Did the babies suffer any adverse effects from this type of delivery? It's hard to say, but my vaginally birthed baby did not require a ventilator (she did require CPAP) while my c-section baby was on a vent for almost 2 weeks. But there's no way to really know why. I do believe that statistically, c-section babies are more likely to suffer from respiratory distress syndrome than vaginally birthed babies at the same gestational age.

Did you worry less or more knowing it was going to be a c-section? N/A

What was the worst part of having a c-section? The pain afterwards.

What was the best part of having a c-section? Live baby.

What else should I know? If I could do my births over, I would not have a section from the start vs the vaginal + section. It was just an amazing experience to push out my baby, even at 29 weeks. Every situation is different, though. My section, while unplanned, was not an emergency - they were very very clear about that. It was just something that had to be done at that point.

 

Here are a few questions if you feel like answering them all or just a few: [

Did you panic as they were prepping you?
No, for some reason I was relatively calm. It all happened so fast. The resident came in to check me around 7 am and my girls were born by 8:31 and 8:32. So, the nurses all flocked into my room and made me swallow some stuff that is supposed to keep you from getting nausea, prepped "the area" and I don't even remember what else. They then wheeled me into the OR and put the spinal in (which was quick and pretty painless) and that was it!

DId you worry you would feel it?
[/COLOR]Not really. I remember saying to my OB that "I think I can still feel my legs." That's when she told me that it wasn't possible b/c they had already made the first incision. I kind of freaked out knowing that b/c I swore I could still feel my legs, but I felt NOTHING of the actual incision, etc. You will feel some pushing and pulling (pressure, not pain) and then I had a feeling like they were pushing my insides up under my ribs so they could get the stitches in my uterus. But again, it was not painful, just bizarre feeling...kind of alien like.

What did you feel when it was happening?
See above.

Where you sad that the babies are taken away immediately?
My babies were both stable at birth (34w1d) and had great apgars. So, they wrapped them both up and let DH have them to bring over to me so I could touch them and see them. That was maybe only about 5 mintues. But, I saw them clean them up, take vitals and do their footprints too. After I saw them for a few minutes, I sent DH off to the NICU with them while I got stitched up and into recovery. I wasn't really sad about it at the time b/c that was what was best for them. Like I said, it all happened so fast that it's a lot to think about. Thinking back, it would've been grea tto spend more time with them, but I got into the NICU pretty early on that late afternoon, so I spent all the time I wanted with them...by that time visitiors were gone and I had them all to myself

How long did stitching you up after take?
I think I was in the OR a total of maybe an hour or a little more. I don't remember exactly, but it's not a very long period of time.

How horrid was recovery the first 24-48 hours?
You'll be pretty sore those first two days or so. Feel free to use those painkillers LOL! Getting out of bed for the first time was really challenging...however, I had been on bedrest for 7 weeks and spent 4 weeks of that in the hospital, so I was READY to go. I felt like I hadn't stood up in forever. ha! it's weird b/c you feel like you can't stand up straight, but within a few hours, I felt better aafter moving around. they say the BEST thing you can do is get up and around after your surgery. I never used the wheelchair (in all my NICU trips) and walked every time! Just don't over do it.

Did you struggle with breastfeeding?
Yes, but my girls were small at birth and never really caught on, so once we got home I was too tired to continue trying b/c I knew I would have to follow my attempts with a bottle, so I ended up pumping EBM for them for 4 months. I quit when my supply dwindled and they were barely getting any at all anymore.

When did milk come in?
My "real" milk didn't come in for 3-4 days. I thought it would never come in. I finally got my first ounce on day 3.

What are the three or four days in the hospital for? Can you get up and walk around?
I would encourage you, even if your babies are full-term and room-in with you, to walk as much as possible! I had a very quick recovery from my c/s and even the day after mine the NICU nurses were shocked that I had had one b/c of how well I was moving around! They said that NICU moms often recover quicker b/c they are forced to get out of bed...lol! My insurance company would pay for up 5 days, so I stayed that entire time. It was easier being there and getting free meals and steps away from the NICU than at home. So, I stayed the entire time. I could've very easily went home earlier though.

How was the recovery ten days later?
Again, my girls were inthe NICU, so my recovery was fast b/c I didn't have to worry about lifting or exerting myself when I was at home. But, I had a speedy recovery and feeling almost back to normal after a week or so.

Did the babies suffer any adverse effects from this type of delivery?
Nope, mine were breathing on their own, had great apgars. Their NICU stay was just b/c they were small and need to learn to suck/swallow/breathe and then to hold their own body temps.

Did you worry less or more knowing it was going to be a c-section?
I figured I would be having a c/s, but wasn't 100% sure. I think I worried less NOT knowing about it. I didn't have to think about it. They just came in, saw my contrax were dilatigin me more and I was 100% effaced, so they just did it. There was no time to think about it.

What was the worst part of having a c-section?
Recovery - it's just long and can be painful at times. it's a major surgery and yo ujust have to be careful not to over do it.

What was the best part of having a c-section?
Not having to go through hours and hours of labor and being exhausted in the end
What else should I know?

Feel free to move this to First Year if that's where it should be.
[/quote]

 

Did you panic as they were prepping you? Yeah, but it was after 24 hours of labor and I hadn't eaten or slept the whole time. They went to do the spinal, and it didn't work, so they had to put me under, thats when I flipped. I have NEVER been put to sleep, and I was so scared. I tried to get off the table and leave, they had to give me valuum (sp?) to calm me enough. I dont remember anything after that. If I would of had a planned c section I don't think things would of been that way.

DId you worry you would feel it? Yeah, but I don't remember a thing.

What did you feel when it was happening? I was asleep, I dont remember anything.

Where you sad that the babies are taken away immediately? I'm sad that I had complications and was kept under for hours after they were born, yes. (not from the c section, they realized my ovaries were enlarged and had to do a biopsy!)

How long did stitching you up after take? Again I have no idea.

How horrid was recovery the first 24-48 hours?Very bad, but it was because I had a spinal headache for 4 days that they never caught onto. I think I would of felt much better had that not happened!

Did you struggle with breastfeeding? Unfortunatly my milk never came in.

When did milk come in? Never

What are the three or four days in the hospital for? Can you get up and walk around? I didnt get up the first day, they started to get me up the second. I think its just to make sure things are healing right, and so you have more help? I really have no idea.

How was the recovery ten days later? SO much better, it still hurt to bend over, things like that, but I felt so much better!

Did the babies suffer any adverse effects from this type of delivery? No

Did you worry less or more knowing it was going to be a c-section? If I have another child I will worry less if I have a planned c section, again I do NOT think things would of gone the way they did had it been planned.

What was the worst part of having a c-section? Not being able to hold my babies right away.

What was the best part of having a c-section? Finding out about my ovaries and being able to get that taken care of

What else should I know? The sooner you get up the better! If you have a headache, neck ache, nautiousness, MAKE SURE you get them to check for a spinal headache! Seriuosly that was the WORST part about recovery, I could barely get up, and not eat for 4 days without getting sick! I was miserable, and they were about to release me! The PP nurse came in to check me out, asked how I was feeling and actually put together what was wrong, they did the spinal block (i think that is what its called) I had to lay down for 30 min, and then I felt AWESOME, I ate right away, took a shower, held my girls and enjoyed it for the first time, I Feel robbed they didnt figure it out sooner!

 

Did you panic as they were prepping you?

Kinda, but they did their best to calm me down and it worked. I asked stupid questinos too b/c of being nervous. I made sure the thermometer on my head didnt say loser like i swore it did and all that goofy stuff, they kept making jokes to keep the calm.

DId you worry you would feel it?

I did - but when they ask "can you feel this?" and they move somethign up your side, i said yes even though i couldnt and they would give me more...and then do it again and finally i said no and we were all set. Didnt feel it.

What did you feel when it was happening?

tugging and pulling...like someone was pushing my belly. more or lessmy body moving...not so much my stomach and it didnt hurt. i could feel my body rocking back and forth on the table. honestly though i asked when DH came in if they were goign to start soon and he said they already were getting baby a out.

Where you sad that the babies are taken away immediately?

They were only taken over to the Nicu team who looked them over and then said they were fien. They gave them to DH and then left. he spend the first couple minutes standing there with both of them talking to me...

How long did stitching you up after take?

i dunno, the whole time i looked at the boys and dh and was so happy b/c they were safe and it was almost over...

How horrid was recovery the first 24-48 hours?

my nurses made it miserable but only b/c they said that i coudlnt do this or that and then they never got me up to walk or told me what not to drink or eat b/c of the gas that builds up.

Did you struggle with breastfeeding?

i struggled with getting the nurses to let me try....but once i got them to let me, it wokred...i twas just hard to handle

When did milk come in?

a few days after delivery

What are the three or four days in the hospital for? Can you get up and walk around?

you get up the day afterwards to walk around and walk walk walk as much as you can b/c the gas will build up and be so uncomfortable.

How was the recovery ten days later?

better.....still a little sore but only taking tylenon instead of the meds they gave me.

Did the babies suffer any adverse effects from this type of delivery?

nope not tha ti know of

Did you worry less or more knowing it was going to be a c-section?

less - i ddint want anything to happen to one or the other and i didnt want to deliver both ways and have to be put to sleep for an emergency section.

What was the worst part of having a c-section?

the gas


What was the best part of having a c-section?

my boys were safe and we had no complications.....no labor either

What else should I know?

walk as much as you can whenever you can to walk off teh gas, dont drink out of straws and dont eat stuff that will give you gas. you may need hel pin the shower too when they let you shower...and dont be to modest, those nurses see everything and they're used to it...let them help you out.

 

QUOTE(girls! @ Jul 13 2007, 01:02 AM) [snapback]329024[/snapback]
Did you panic as they were prepping you? No, I was calm. I normally am a calm person though.

DId you worry you would feel it?Yes, I was concerned, but I never even felt tugging or pushing like they warn you about.

What did you feel when it was happening?Nothing.. I was definitely numb.

Where you sad that the babies are taken away immediately?No, they were in good hands and I knew I'd see them soon.

How long did stitching you up after take? Probably about 20-30 minutes.

How horrid was recovery the first 24-48 hours?I was in pain, but with meds it was tolerable. Get up and move as soon as possible.

Did you struggle with breastfeeding? Umm.. it is a challenge but with nurses' help we managed. They got no formulat.

When did milk come in?5 days after birth, but you have colostrum before your milk comes in which is just enough for the babies at that age. They have tiny stomachs & don't need a lot.

What are the three or four days in the hospital for? Can you get up and walk around? To recover. Yes, you can get up and walk around.

How was the recovery ten days later? I was off pain meds within a few days of leaving the hospital.

Did the babies suffer any adverse effects from this type of delivery? NOpe.. no cone heads either! :winking0009:

Did you worry less or more knowing it was going to be a c-section? I still worried. I did not want major surgery. I would have preferred to have them vaginally, but Baby A was breech.

What was the worst part of having a c-section?The pain afterwards for the first day.

What was the best part of having a c-section?It was scheduled, I never felt labor. Babies did not struggle with a vaginal birth. I'm a twin and was very lucky my mom's doctor was fast acting after my sister was born. We were both born vaginally.

What else should I know?Don't let anyone persuade you to do what you do not want to do. If you want to do a vaginal delivery, do it! It is YOUR choice as long as the babies are in position. Remember to be flexible with your birth plan. Good luck! I wish you the best!

Feel free to move this to First Year if that's where it should be.

 

I don't know if this needs any more responses, but everyone likes to tell their story, so here's mine.



Did you panic as they were prepping you?
No, I thought I would, but I was just so relieved to be getting it over with and getting those babies OUT.

Did you worry you would feel it?
I worried about that a little, but not all that much.

What did you feel when it was happening?
Essentially nothing, other than some vague tugging. I had the same experience as PP -- I asked if they were going to start soon, and the doctor said "I'm already in, I can see the babies!" Mostly I was worried that I would panic because I wouldn't be able to feel anything -- I hate feeling numb. I just tried to breathe deeply and slowly, and keep my anxiety under control. I also tried to keep my mind somewhere else, and not listen to the doctors' conversation.

Where you sad that the babies are taken away immediately?
I should have been, but I wasn't. (Maybe the PPD was already kicking in.)

How long did stitching you up after take?
I think it was about 45 minutes, but I asked them to knock me out (which I wish I hadn't done, because it took so long to come out of it).

How horrid was recovery the first 24-48 hours?
I have to say it was pretty bad. The anesthesia (which was optional, but I requested it) made me soooo groggy for the first few hours that I didn't even want to see the babies. Then on the second day, I was incredibly nauseous and had a migraine (they had to give me an Imitrex shot because I couldn't keep anything down). The pain from the incision itself was not that bad at that point, but I had horrible gas and it was really painful every time the nurses would push on my uterus (every couple of hours) to try to get it to go down.

Did you struggle with breastfeeding?
Yes -- the girls did not latch at all. I should have tried to feed them right away, but I was so groggy and felt so awful, I let the nurses tell me it wouldn't matter. Big mistake! I managed to BF (with supplementing) for 5 weeks, but they never did latch on without nipple shields.

When did milk come in?
About 5-6 days after the birth.

What are the three or four days in the hospital for? Can you get up and walk around?
Just for recovering. You are supposed to get up and walk around, but it is really hard -- I had one "mean" nurse who I thank god for now, because she was the only one who didn't let me get away with just lying in bed. Other than that, I rested and ate (after the nausea let up). Especially if you're going home with two babies, you should take the chance to let the nurses take care of you!

How was the recovery ten days later?
By that point, much better. It was at 10 days PP that I started to notice an improvement -- by 3 weeks PP I was feeling a lot better.

Did the babies suffer any adverse effects from this type of delivery?
Not that I know of.

Did you worry less or more knowing it was going to be a c-section?
I worried less, but if I had known what it would really be like, I would have worried more.

What was the worst part of having a c-section?
The gas and constipation. My recovery was hard overall, but I think a lot of it was just from the twin pregnancy and bedrest, so that would have been true in any case. The worst part of the c/s specifically was the gas. My belly was so swollen, when I went home from the hospital after 5 days, I still looked 9 months pregnant. It was painful (even though I took Mylanta and stool softeners round the clock), and I didn't poop for almost a week.

What was the best part of having a c-section?
Not having to go through labor, and knowing exactly when the birth would happen. Also, I believed (and still do) that it was safer for the babies that way. Not that a vaginal birth is not safe, but with Amy being breech, I did not want to take any chances. It turns out that one of them also had the cord wrapped around her neck, which probably would have been OK, but would have made a vaginal birth riskier.

What else should I know?
Take your pain meds on schedule while you're in the hospital (and after that, if you still need them). I tried to go without Percocet because I thought I didn't need it, and by the time I gave in, the pain had gotten way ahead of me. If I had taken it earlier, I could have gotten out of bed and walked sooner, and that would have helped with the gas, which wound up being my biggest (literally!) problem. And the nurses will probably be behind schedule, so even though you think you're being a pest, you might need to call them before you're due for meds, to make sure they show up on time.

 

Here are a few questions if you feel like answering them all or just a few:

Did you panic as they were prepping you?
Yes and no. No, b/c I didn't have time to. Things happened so fast for me. I went for an u/s at 10a.m, left the u/s place at 11 a.m. and was being wheeled back to the OR at 1:20pm. The panic I was under was that DH wasn't there and was afraid he wasn't going to make it. He delivers for UPS and was all the way across town working. He had to wait for another driver to replace the driver that was going to replace him...that driver got lost. Then his manager offered to take him, but he too was taking forever. He finally picked him up and then got stuck in traffic due to an accident. My mom had her scrubs on, holding DH's scrubs outside the OR. He still wasn't there when I got wheeled back. I did ask if he was there after my spinal and he was....I was never so relieved to see his face.

DId you worry you would feel it?
[/COLOR] A little, but I felt the spinal start taking its effects as I was lifting my body up from being huntched over for the spinal. I was just glad I could feel myself breath.

What did you feel when it was happening?
Pretty much nothing. As they were finishing up with prepping me, my legs were numb but felt somewhat achy and they felt like they were turned outwards. I kept asking them to straighten them, and my OB said they were. Then I got the shakes bad, but knew it was normal. Surgery wise I only felt some pressure when they were getting the girls out....that was it. I felt nothing else.

Where you sad that the babies are taken away immediately?
No. I was just happy that they were crying and healthy. It took about an hour for them to bring them to me, but I was ok with that cause my family was with them, and I was sooo shaky that I was afraid to hold them. Plus, I was concerned about my recovery cause I am a worry wort.

How long did stitching you up after take?
About 20-30 mintues I think.

How horrid was recovery the first 24-48 hours?
It was a lot easier than what I thought it was going to be. I was so afraid of the pain. But, I stayed up on my pain meds, and sat and stood up that night. I was walking and taking a shower right after they took the Cath out which was 24 hrs after the c/s. I used a pillow to help stand up. Coughing was tough, but I practice my deep breathing so I wouldn't have to. I was super itchy from the pain meds and very swollen...that was the roughest for me in the hospital.

Did you struggle with breastfeeding?
I didn't even attempt and glad I didn't. I wouldn't of stayed awake long enough since the Percocet knocked me out.

When did milk come in?
Though I didn't BF, I got engorged 4 days later...OUCH!

What are the three or four days in the hospital for? Can you get up and walk around?
You are there b/c you had surgery. I loved staying in that long. Get up and walk ASAP. It helps with recovery!!

How was the recovery ten days later?
Not bad. Pretty sleep deprived so don't remember much from those days. I still took Motrin 800 for my incision...it burned a little.

Did the babies suffer any adverse effects from this type of delivery?
Mine did a little. Carlie need a little oxygen in the nursery, but just for a few minutes. They spit up a lot of mucus for about 24 hrs after. That is pretty much it though.

Did you worry less or more knowing it was going to be a c-section?
Both. I worried about the surgery and recovery...I had never had surgery before. However, I knew that they would be better off than going through labor and delivery and the risks of delivering twins vaginally.

What was the worst part of having a c-section?
Not sure honestly. Not even the spinal was bad...easier than the epidural I got with DD. I truely cannot think of one thing that was bad. For me, the worst was thinking DH wasn't going to make it and that had nothing to do with delivery.

What was the best part of having a c-section?
All of it. For me, I truely didn't want one, but now, I would do it again in a heartbeat. I have had a v-birth too. Much rather do the c/s. It felt like the lazy way of delivery, but was much better. It was fast, simple, I enjoyed having the extra day in the hospital, and everything. Plus I had a great experience with the hospital we had them at.

What else should I know?
Don't drink carbonated pop, stay up on your meds, and walk, walk, walk. I think these 3 things and being mentally prepared helped greatly.

Feel free to move this to First Year if that's where it should be.
[/quote]

 

Oops, I see you have already had your babies! I didn't even look to see who was asking! LOL I guess you don't need these questions answered anymore! BUT... I"m sure it is helpful to those reading this that have it in their future!