Posted by
neenib
17 yrs ago
Hi everyone, I have been told I need to have a c-section for medical reasons and there is absolutely no getting out of it. My first child was natural delivery, so needless to say I am starting to think about a c-section and moreover the recovery.
Can anyone give practical advice about recovery, ie., pain reduction, support for the stomach muscles, etc. I'm not overly worried about the pain factor, but obviously I want to be as comfortable as possible. Luckily I have my helper and my mum here for support.
Thanks in advance.
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hi, neenib, i had c-section with my twins for medical reasons as well. You will be given painkillers for the first week or so, but strangely, the pain is not so bad, you are right not to worry to much about it. They will encourage you to walk around a bit in something like 12-18 hours after the operation already, and I had a shower by myself in about 24 hours.
Needless to say, you are not exactly comfortable, I ended up walking bent over for something like 3 days for fear of pulling the scar. You can indeed get a sort of support belt - I got mine in the hospital - ask them, they will likely have it. But I did not really use it much.
By day 5- 6 you are fine really, you can pick up your baby, not drive of course, move around etc. There is some uncomfort for a while but not bad at all... The trouble is you have your older child - which i didnt - so no picking him up, he will have to be carefull running into you etc, etc. Ask your mum and helper to take him over as much as possible for the first few weeks - as you prob will not be able to do much with him...
Good luck - it is not at all that bad, I found!
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yup that is so true about the pain not being that bad... my ob kept asking me whether i wanted some stronger pain killers but i was totally fine. he said, well you are doing very well because what i am giving you is only slightly stronger than panadol! (tylenol). i only took them for a week and never needed anything else. i too was showering two days later. as for the walking, i think my husband tried to take me out for a walk about a week later and it was really too much for me. i had to turn back by the time i had crossed the road!
i thought the whole experience was very easy. however i've never had a natural birth so i can't really compare. but they definitely say that natural birth is a faster recovery, but of course that makes sense anyway.
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Thanks girls, think i just need some reassurance as well. As much as i try not to dwell on it, I think it's always at the back of my mind.
I know I just need to relax about it. I just worry I will get frustrated, I'm not a real sit around the house type of person. I'm usually on the go 24/7! The thought of sitting around for 6 weeks (which is what I was told the recovery is) was making my head spin!
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neenib, dont worry, no - you will be out and about in 2 wks easy - I was out and about (well to an extend) after one week. I actually was happy that I ended up needing C-section - really did not fancy natural birth, I am afraid!! chin up - all will be well!
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Thanks ldsllvn, much appreciated with the support. Funnily enough (or not!) I had a terrible birth with my first, a very traumatic labour and yet I am still more nervous about a c-section. Fear of the unkown I guess.
The only other thing I keep thinking about (other than the needle!) is the loss of feeling. I have to say I'm a bit of a panic merchant when it comes to loss of control. I worry if i can't feel my legs I will start to panic, does that make sense?
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what about breast feeding after c-section. How do you cope with that? I have heard aften women don't have milk in their breasts after a c-section is that true or a myth?
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what about breast feeding after c-section. How do you cope with that? I have heard aften women don't have milk in their breasts after a c-section is that true or a myth?
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I knew it was a myth also, but it is also so good to hear you didn't have any problems cara. I bf for 13 months with my first and I would be devastated if I couldn't bf again. I don't consider myself to be the earth mother maternal type person, but I just loved it!
Agreed with the milk coming in, it's certainly no walk in the park. I found if they were just too hard and painful to express a bit, I would have a warm shower and just let them leak away!
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If in the first 3-5 days there is only colustrum then how do babies survive only on that? Don't they need additional milk in those initial days? Some ppl say that bf is very painful, how is that possible if the breasts start to leak like you mentioned?
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I have had two natural births and one C-section (only because I was 40+). The natural births were both induced and although the labour was intense, due to the oxytocin drip, the deliveries were quick when it all got going. The C-section (which I must admit I did push for!) was a lot easier in terms of effort ie. complete lack of!! BUT (here is the big BUT) the recovery is much harder on the C section than the natural PLUS I was 41 not 24/29 as natural births.
I gave birth in NZ for the C section and was on a morphine drip for 24 hours which I could top up at my choice. The pain management was great for those 24 hours and then I was helped to the shower etc. What I wasn't prepared for was the total mess to your stomach muscles! There was a ridge and its still there three years later although I can hold it in to a certain extent but it will never be the same. I'm not overly body conscious and am happy to have three fantastic children in exchange for a beautiful body but the overhang was unexpected.
However I digress. I said to my sister I would never recommend anyone elect a C section vs natural for their first baby. However if you have to have one then its not that bad!
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Hi everyone, thanks for all your advice. You will be happy to know our little boy was delivered and we are both happy and well!
The c-section was nowhere near as painful as I imagined, so I am relieved. In fact within a week i was feeling remarkably well.
we are back home now and the real work has begun! I think the pain is lessened somewhat due to the incredible bundle we have, it makes one forget the pain.
thanks again!
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-sa
17 yrs ago
Congrats, Neenib! I am glad you are recovering well.
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