c section question

Discussion in 'The First Year' started by srange, Jan 21, 2008.

  1. srange

    srange Well-Known Member

    Hi all
    I am sorry that I don't post often, but I lurk all the time. I am now 33w along with b/g twins. So far, I have had a very uneventful pregnancy and am still working full time. My babes are breech and there isn't much chance of them flipping since there is no space left :) I have 2 other kids, but both were vaginal deliveries. Any advice on c-section? I have been told that you are catheterized for 24 hours after. Is this true across the board, or do I have any say in this? I have had a horrible experience in the past with a catheter. Also, do they really leave the iv in for 24 hours as well? How long after c section delivery before you can hold/nurse the babes (assuming they don't need any nicu time)?

    Thanks for all your help. I have learned so much from everyone just by reading other posts!!

    Stacy
     
  2. Hillybean

    Hillybean Well-Known Member

    They put my catheter in after the spinal so I didn't feel a thing. I think that they took it out the next morning (my c-section was at 7 at night) so that I could get up and walk around. Honestly - I loved it!!! It was so nice not to have to get up every ten minutes to pee - and I really didn't even notice that it was there.

    My c-section advice would be to take your pain meds on schedule, get up and walk around and try to relax in the operating room.
     
  3. twoin2005

    twoin2005 Well-Known Member

    If I remember correctly, I had the catheter for 12 hours. I had my c-section at 9:30pm and they had me up to go use the bathroom at 9:30am the following morning.

    As for the IV, I do not recall having it that long honestly. I looked at photos from the next morning, and I don't see one?? Don't remember though.

    Then as for how soon you can hold them...I delivered at 9:30pm and was back in my room holding the babies at 11pm. I did not spend much time in recovery. Fine by me! I attempted nursing them at that time.
     
  4. Callen

    Callen Well-Known Member

    I have had 4 sections and yes the catheter & IV were in for 24hrs. Done right, you should have no issues with either. Even with a section, there is no reason you cannot nurse your babies as soon as you have them with you :)

    Good luck!
     
  5. Her Royal Jennyness

    Her Royal Jennyness Well-Known Member

    I think it's probably an across the board thing because a cesarean section is major surgery. They usually have you catheterized for 24 hours so they can put these squeezy things on your legs to prevent a clot. I had/have restless leg syndrome so they felt really good to me.

    They left my IVs in for the entire 4 days I was in the hospital. :( I had a morphine drip for 24 hours then I became dehydrated so they gave me water. The last 2 days they kept it in "just in case".

    If you have a problem with getting a UTI from a catheter you can ask your Dr to give you some antibiotics for that and drink LOTS of water to flush it out of your system. The nice thing about the catheter is that you can drink and drink and drink but you don't have to get up and pee every 5 minutes.

    I was able to hold James about 2 hours after my c/s, but I wasn't able to hold Sean (who was in the NICU) for 24 hours because I wasn't allowed to move. I'm actually grateful for that because the doctor accidentally cut Sean's lip during the c/s and he had blood all over his face for a few hours until the nurses cleaned him off. I'm glad I didn't have to see that.
     
  6. Kimkessenich

    Kimkessenich Well-Known Member

    My catheter went in about 1/2 hour before my section, my kids were born at about 10pm and they took it out about about 5am. The reason they had to leave it in was because my whole lower half was completely numb and I wouldn't have been able to get up to go to the bathroom. Once it was out I had no issues.
     
  7. mandyfish3

    mandyfish3 Well-Known Member

    I did NOT have a C-Section adn still had to have a catheter. This was part of th reason I didn't want a C-Section because i was so afraid of that (abnormal I know!) but I ended up with one anyways for about 12 hours. I couldnt' pee after the girls were delivered so it was in after that.
     
  8. Heathermomof5

    Heathermomof5 Well-Known Member

    My catheter went in about 30 minutes before they took me to the OR and came out at 7:30 that evening - my girls were born at 8:02 and 8:03am. that is also when they made me get up and sit on the toilet to try to urinate - my advice is to ask for pain meds to be given as often as they can be whether you feel like you need them or not.

    CONGRATULATIONS!!!! on your twins!!! cherish every little kick - before you know it you will blink your eyes and they will
    be a year old!!! time flies!!!
     
  9. HT

    HT Well-Known Member

    I had a cathedar with my vaginal birth and c-section. After my vaginal birth I got a bladder infection which landed me back in the ER several days after coming home because of a high fever. I mentioned this after my c-section so they did a urine test on me before I went home to make sure I was o.k. My c-section was awesome - I had one scheduled because of a breech baby also, but it ended up being emergency because I went into labor. My vaginal birth was pretty good also - 8 hrs start to finish, but I wasn't tired from labor all day with the c-section. I agree with the previous poster that said it was nice not having to get up to pee the 1st day. The nurse actually came in at 11 pm to take it out and I asked her to leave it until the morning so I didn't have to get out of bed. Try not to worry. I did tons of it prior to mine and as I said it was a great experience. Since you have other kids, I would definitely enjoy as many days as they will let you stay. I did and I felt great when I came home - climbing stairs, ect. The key is to get up and start walking the day after. Hurts like **** at first, but it really helps.
     
  10. sulik110202

    sulik110202 Well-Known Member

    I had a c-section and my cathedar and IV were in for 24 hours. The cathedar went in (that was my 1st experience with one and wow did that hurt) about 1/2 hour before the surgery, my c-section was at 8 a.m. and it came out the next day around 10 a.m. I was able to hold the babies in recovery about 45 minutes after the surgery. My DH and the nurse fed them their first bottle in the recovery room because I wasn't quite up to it that soon after surgery. They asked me if I wanted to, but I just felt too out of it to try myself. Take your pain meds when you are supposed too. My DH kept track of when it was time to have meds and would call the nurse and ask for them too make sure I got them on-time. I only took Motrin and Tylenol 3 for pain meds. One night I had a vicodin because I was in terrible pain from bloating due to gas. My other piece of advise which I have posted previously is don't hold your gas in. It gets very painful if you do that, so don't be modest if you have guests in your room.

    Good Luck with the rest of your pregnancy!
     
  11. pink and blue mom

    pink and blue mom Well-Known Member

    They put mine in at 1am (before the spinal...ouch) and took it out when I transfered out of recovery to my mom/baby room which was around 9am.
     
  12. jschaad

    jschaad Well-Known Member

    I got mine about 1 hour before they delivered them. They put mine in BEFORE the spinal and i hated it. YUCK! I was on the mag drip so it was 36 hours before i got up because every time we tried i blacked out. So they left mine in longer and i to enjoyed that once it was in i did not have to get up. ;) It was not bad having it removed, nothing like the placement of it... Like others said here though they got theirs AFTER the spinal... Makes more sense if you ask me... Good luck!
     
  13. eandelander

    eandelander Well-Known Member

    My cathedar was taken out as soon as I got back to my room, I was up walking the same night though, my meds wore off soooo fast, it helped the pain to be up and walking (for me anyway)...

    Though when they stopped my labor the first time they put in a cathedar and it caused no problems for me what-so-ever... That was my second time having one, the first time was no problem either... I made sure I didn't have any sugar, though when mine was in, I drank a lot of water and milk, and made sure i cleaned up as soon as they took it out!
     
  14. kingeomer

    kingeomer Well-Known Member TS Moderator

    I had one with my c-section. They took it out after 24 hours. The nurse who put mine in must have been good at it because I did not feel a thing. It was uncomfortable having it taken it out but I was okay. They wheeled me into the nursery about 3 hours after to see the babies and that evening, since we are bottle feeding, they did bring the twins in for us to feed.
     
  15. Leighann

    Leighann Well-Known Member

    They put my catheter in after the spinal so I didn't feel it. (incidentally I had to have a catheter put in at 30 weeks when I went into ptl and they started the mag sulfate. I was awake for that and while it was uncomfortable it was not painful.)

    I think the cath was in for a day, but I think I had my IV in longer but can't remember. As for holding/bf-ing, the girls were born at 1:39 and 1:40pm. DH held Ana in the delivery room, a nurse held Meara and then both were whisked to the NICU. I was able to hold Ana at 8 pm, Meara at 11pm (even though she was hooked up to the CPAP), and I was even able to attempt to bf Ana at 11pm with the help of lc (didn't work so I started pumping that night). I ended up bottle feeding her and then we attempted to bottle feed Meara the next day, but it didn't work and she was galvage fed for a couple days. I wasn't able to attempt to bf her for a couple of days because of her health issues.

    My point is even if your kiddos are in the NICU, depending on their situation, there is a good chance you can still hold and feed your little ones from early on. GL with the rest of your pg!
     
  16. Kyrstyn

    Kyrstyn Well-Known Member

    They put in the catheter after they gave me my spinal, so like PP I did not feel a thing. They took the catheter out once I was able to get up and go to the bathroom on my own, which was about 3 hours after I got to my room (5 hours after the babies were born). I had no problems with either my c-section or my catheter.
    Good Luck!
     
  17. angie7

    angie7 Well-Known Member

    They put my catheter in around 7pm (I was in preterm labor and couldnt get up to pee so they put it in with no meds!) I delivered my girls at 941pm & 942pm on a Thursday. They took it out the next morning around 12pm and I had a HORRIBLE time with it. I have problems with catheters and anethesia of any kind. I didnt pee until Saturday morning at 5am which is completely normal for me. They threatned many times that if I couldnt go that they would have to cath me again, so I finally lied and told them that I went in the shower. B/c I know that if they would have done it again, I would have another 12+ hours to deal with it. Im not going to lie to you, that was the worst pain I have ever been in and you're talking to someone who had major brain surgery 1.5 years before my girls were born and a major neck surgery 3 months ago!! But with a c-section there is no way around the cath......
     
  18. debid

    debid Well-Known Member

    I don't recall details of the catheter or IV but I had both for at least 24 hours since I got them during my induction and didn't have my section until the next day. I didn't have issues with either but found the nasal oxygen incredibly annoying.

    As for breastfeeding, my operation began at 9AM and I was nursing around 9:40. I was wheeled from the OR to my room and Trevor was there within a couple of minutes. Trent spent 10 minutes in the warmer but that was all he needed so he was on right after Trevor finished. They had me unswaddle them for their feedings and place them skin-to-skin because they said it was good for their body temps (not to mention bonding).

    Recovery time is affected by whether you have an epidural/spinal or general anesthesia (much longer recovery).
     
  19. Susanna+3

    Susanna+3 Well-Known Member

    QUOTE(mykidsmom @ Jan 21 2008, 04:32 PM) [snapback]582303[/snapback]
    Hi all
    I am sorry that I don't post often, but I lurk all the time. I am now 33w along with b/g twins. So far, I have had a very uneventful pregnancy and am still working full time. My babes are breech and there isn't much chance of them flipping since there is no space left :) I have 2 other kids, but both were vaginal deliveries. Any advice on c-section? I have been told that you are catheterized for 24 hours after. Is this true across the board, or do I have any say in this? I have had a horrible experience in the past with a catheter. Also, do they really leave the iv in for 24 hours as well? How long after c section delivery before you can hold/nurse the babes (assuming they don't need any nicu time)?

    Thanks for all your help. I have learned so much from everyone just by reading other posts!!

    Stacy


    yes on the catheter...wasn't a big deal at all..I did have to buzz the nurses a few times b/c the tube needed adjusting...I would feel like I had to pee b/c it wasn't draining right. I did get to nurse my twins within 20 minutes of being out of surgery...as soon as my temp went back up to normal. They tandom nursed right there in the recovery room. can't remember on the IV...I think it was close to 24 hours b/c they left the morphine pump on...but I really never hit the morphine button b/c the spinal meds kept me feeling good in terms of pain for the first 24 hours.
     
  20. becky5

    becky5 Guest

    I had the catheter put in before the spinal, it wasn't a big deal. That was around 430pm, and they took it out around 9am the next day, because they wanted me up and moving. I had the morphine pump, until we figured out I was allergic to it :icon_eek: , and then I was taking pain meds by mouth. The IV came out at the same time as the catheter from what I remember. Good luck! For me, the c-section was a lot tougher to recover from than my 3 vaginal deliveries.
     
  21. suzrod

    suzrod Well-Known Member

    I had c-sections with my son and my daughter and I don't recall having my catheter in that long. I don't remember having my IV in that long either. I was able to hold my children while in recovery. I know it can be scary but just remember, once you're in the OR and they start the c-section, your babies will be out very quickly. It only takes about 5 minutes. Then, once the babies are out, you'll just be watching them and not thinking about anything else. :)
     
  22. Erykah

    Erykah Well-Known Member

    You are not allowed out of bed for 24 hours so I doubt there is much wiggle room there, sorry.
     
  23. SeattleLisa

    SeattleLisa Well-Known Member

    I had a C too, baby a was breech. The cathetar was put in after my spinal, so I didn't feel a thing. And it was in for probably 24 hours. It was really nice not to get up to pee. I was dreading the removal, but it really wasn't bad at all. I was on IV for about 24 hrs, but they left the tap in for another day after that - just in case.

    I held Callie as soon as they were done with my surgery - I actually held her in my arms as they wheeled us both back to my recovery room. And I was nursing her almost immediately - less than an hour after delivery. Daniel went to NICU so I didn't get to hold him until a few hours later.
     
  24. akameme

    akameme Well-Known Member TS Moderator

    My catheter was put in after the epidural, so i felt nothing. I LOVED having it, it was so great not to have to feel the need to pee, i loved it. But in order to start moving around, they took it out the next morning (not sure of the time, probably after 7am because it was the morning nurse) (It was put in around 9am the previous day). They kept in the iv line in case I needed anything so they wouldn't have to start a new line. It wasn't attached to anything.

    Becca was wheeled into recovery and they let me try breast feeding within probably an hour? I was pretty out of it.
     
  25. megkc03

    megkc03 Well-Known Member TS Moderator

    My catheter was put in AFTER my spinal-and I made sure to ask my ob before hand if that was going to happen. I LOVED having it. I never knew I went to the bathroom-and to not have to get up and go was GREAT! I went into the OR at 12:20pm....I was able to feed the boys in the recovery room...and my catheter was taken out the next morning around 5:30am. There was absolutely no pain involved. I did have the IV in while I was there-for at least 24 hours-in fact I think even longer-at least 2-3 days-I think just in case I needed it for whatever reason. They don't want to have to do another one. That HURTS! I think that's the worst part of the whole process! LOL!

    And yes-TAKE YOUR MEDS! That's what ppl here said and it's SO true. I was out of the OR at 2pm....and by 10pm, the nurse had me get up and walk to the bathroom. You are not the most graceful-but it helped. And I felt fine within the two weeks of their births. Good luck!
     
  26. KYsweetheart

    KYsweetheart Well-Known Member

    You have the catheder in during the surgery, after and through recovery. They come in 6 hours after your surgery and get you up to walk. When you get back in bed, you have the choice to either leave it in or have them take it out. I left mine in for 24 hrs. because I was in so much pain I didn't want to get up during the night to pee.

    On the IV's mine were taken out right after surgery with the twins because I wasn't experiencing any problems afterwards. With Katie I had them in for 24 hrs because I had a temp.
     
  27. angiea

    angiea Member

    Hi! With my C-section, I had my catheter in only a few hours after I was on the postpartum floor...same with my IV. I had the squeezing things on my legs too, to avoid blood clots, but when I had to go to the bathroom, I just took them off and then put them back on when I got back in bed. I didn't really have a lot of big issues.
    As far as nursing, they encouraged me to nurse as soon as I could. I was really sore because my babies were really big...7 lbs.2 oz and 9 lbs. 13 oz. so it took a lot of jerking me around to get them out. Also, I sort of panicked in the operating room so whatever they gave me to calm down took awhile to wear off. After that, I nursed.
     
  28. mar66rus2

    mar66rus2 Well-Known Member

    QUOTE(mykidsmom @ Jan 21 2008, 04:32 PM) [snapback]582303[/snapback]
    Hi all
    I am sorry that I don't post often, but I lurk all the time. I am now 33w along with b/g twins. So far, I have had a very uneventful pregnancy and am still working full time. My babes are breech and there isn't much chance of them flipping since there is no space left :) I have 2 other kids, but both were vaginal deliveries. Any advice on c-section? I have been told that you are catheterized for 24 hours after. Is this true across the board, or do I have any say in this? I have had a horrible experience in the past with a catheter. Also, do they really leave the iv in for 24 hours as well? How long after c section delivery before you can hold/nurse the babes (assuming they don't need any nicu time)?

    Thanks for all your help. I have learned so much from everyone just by reading other posts!!

    Stacy


    I had my cath/IV for 24hrs after. I was able to stand up with the cath in, but did not walk around til it was out. I didn't feel it go in at all and it actually felt so good not to feel like I was going to pee myself for the first time in months....loved it! My only issue with it was that the nurse taped the tube to my leg and if I moved around it would pull on it....I just had her untape it and it was fine. The IV was fine too but did stay in 24hrs for pain meds, then they took it out when i went to oral pain meds.

    April
     
  29. dr802

    dr802 Well-Known Member

    Mine was taken out exactly 12 hours after my c-section-it was put int earlier than that b/c I was in labor and getting an epidural, but that I wound up having a c-section. Like others have said-take the pain meds and walk-it does help even though you can't imagine getting up and doing so. Also, I could have held my girls right after in recovery but I was so exhausted I couldn't keep my eyes open, so my DH and the nurse propped them on me to take pics. When I got to my room at 3 am, they brought them in so I could hold them for the 1st time. They also kept my IV in until I finally went to the bathroom-just peeps-it took me all day b/c your bladder needs to work itself up again to do the job.
    Good luck!

    [​IMG]
     
  30. dr802

    dr802 Well-Known Member

    QUOTE(Erykah @ Jan 21 2008, 04:25 PM) [snapback]582791[/snapback]
    You are not allowed out of bed for 24 hours so I doubt there is much wiggle room there, sorry.


    I really think it depends on your doctor and hospital-I was up and out of bed 12 hours later.

    [​IMG]
     
  31. mmyers

    mmyers Well-Known Member

    i had a emergency c-section. they left hte catheder in me til the next day and i had my twins b/g, at 20:33 and 20:34. so about 12 hours i believe and the damn IV i had it in for 1 whole day and a half. i had mine at 30 weeks. they wouldnt even let my husband in the room when they did the c-section!

    michele
     
  32. HT

    HT Well-Known Member

    I got to hold both girls soon as both of them were out. I held them while the doctor sewed me up. They took the babies while they pushed me in the next room for recovery, but they immediately brought them back to me to hold. They immediately started having me nurse them.
     
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