How long does it take to get back on your feet after a C/section and a natural child birth?
Has anyone had the opp to experience both? one kid natural and the other by C?
Does the method of child birth chosen impact in anyway on the baby? i did read the csection babies look a bit less squished for obvious reasons - but is there anything else to take into consideration?
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Hi -
had both. First natural. Second c. I definitely have to say that I preferred my natural experience FAR MORE. But that may have to do more with the situation here in Seoul - it was a miserable experience for me.
Healing wise, I had a bit of a struggle after my c-section as I suffered from spinal headaches (could happen with a natural birth - came from the epidural - which I didn't have with my first.) They had to do 3 blood patches afterwards, which wasn't pleasant. After that however, I would say that healing is pretty equal over all. My milk coming in was also similar as well. in a c-section your belly hurts while with natural "down there" will hurt. Both pain was endurable and not horrible.
There are some anecdotal studies that say that babies that DO go through c-secton actually do better breathing on the outside. Something having to do with the whole birth canal process. this is just anecdotal of course but it is continually being studied. As luck would have it, my second was in NICU due to breathing difficulties, and as everything was fine otherwise (lung development et. al) my father (obgyn) suspected that it was due to being born by C-section vs. natural.
Also some other studies which point that women who have really horrible PMS (PMT some call it) - cramping pain, headaches - after natural birth, those symptoms subside. I have to say that this too happened for me. After my first one, I noticed that my periods were a lot better and far less painful. However, after my c-section, i've had some weird periods - but it may be that i'm only a few months out from it and my periods have just started. So I can't say for sure on that.
It's really up to you though. After having both, I can definitely see advantages to both. After my first, I was REALLY scared of my husband in the bedroom - it was something like "nothing is going ANYWHERE near where the baby just came out" and it took a long time to get up and running in the marital duties area. However, after my c-section it was MUCH faster ... which made my husband happier.
My post partum blues were far more severe after my second than my first. AGain, may have been situation in seoul vs. c-section itself but i'm not sure.
My dad told me all in all, things are pretty equal - c-section vs. natural. Of course docs prefer a straightforward natural but my dad says that c-section has come along so far that it's practically routine.
My 2 cents? Try at least one natural. My main regret right now is that I probably will never be able to experience another natural birth. I LOVED my natural birth - and (it was natural - no drugs.) and would do it again, but my father has advised me against VBAC and so I don't think I'll have a chance to try for it. We'll see.
Hope this helps.
p.s. both of my girls didn't look squished - i pushed my first one out in under 10 minutes - I had trained using this book - and she came out FAST. No squished head.
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@@
18 yrs ago
I've had both - for me the c-section was a breeze but my natural delivery was a disaster.
I've heard the opposite to hkchoichoi in regard to the breathing, being that going through the birth canal actually helps to push all of the fluid out of the lungs and aid breathing. My c-section baby was in special care for 6 days due to her breathing and I've often wondered what "could have been" if I delieved natually.
My father was at an OB conference awhile back and the speaker said that as a "general" rule it would be worth considering a c-section if a first born looked likely to be over 9lbs.
For me it's very hard to compare as I had the c-section due to a very difficult first birth (huge baby). I think there are many people who have very positive natural experiences.
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sorry - @@ is correct. I wrote incorrectly. Natural born babies do better with the breathing than those who are born by C-section. (my second was a C and in NICU for a week for breathing.)
@@- you had a VBAC then? Who did your VBAC for you?
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Thanks HKCC and @@.
I had a surgery about a yr and a half ago to remove a fibroid from my uterus. It was big and present near the neck of the uterus - the doc who operated on me advised me not to go through natural child birth.
But the doc that i've been seeing since i got pregnant seems to think that there should be no problems if i do want to opt for natural childbirth.
I want to have a good idea of how long it takes for the scar to heal with a C section. when i had the fibroid removed it was painful for a day or two and then only painful if i coughed or laughed etc. Is it the same with a C-section?
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ooh - exactly. the scar itself after c-section was painful only for a bit and then it was tender and prickly sort of but not painful. The muscles inside from pulling out the baby - those hurt - and I found it INCREDIBLY painful to laugh or cough after birth.
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cd
18 yrs ago
I haven't had a c-section, all mine were natural deliveries, despite several big babies. But it was great, especially with the last 3 being able to get up within an hour or 2 and take a shower or bath to freshen up. Its a bit scary going to the toilet for a bowel movement for the first time after a vaginal delivery but the reality wasn;t as bad as the thought. Sex was fine afterwards too, although I did wait for my 6 week check up each time. I'm glad I didn't have to have a c-section as I think the not being able to drive, lift things etc would have made me crazy.
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HKCC - i know exactly what you mean. Getting up and lying down was not an easy task either.
oh yes - and the hubby's a bit worried about how long things will be closed for business :))) and also how different things will be after a woman goes through natural childbirth.
CD : how many do u have? :))
Well if you went through more than a couple of natural childbirths and the idea didn't scare you, it's probably not too bad. I have to admit that i am a bit terrified of the labour pains.
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i've only had a c-section (breech position) so i did't have the option of a natural. saying that though, it hurt a lot for 24hrs but after that i was fine. i walked like an old woman for about 3 days but by the end of the week i was pretty mobile. again, the loo, sneezing and coughing were all challenging in the first few days, but i guess it would be the same for a natural birth as well.
i think a lot depends on how fit you are before you go into this. i was exercising pretty much beofre the birth and started again bang on 6wks afterwards - basically as soon as the doctor gave me the go ahead.
think it's 6 wks closed for 'biz' at least until the doc says so. but sometimes the bleeding goes on for longer than that so you may not have a choice. you will also be surprised at how tired you are and frankly, at six weeks, you will probably not fancy it anyway! just warning you...
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MayC
18 yrs ago
I had a c-section for my first due to placenta previa. My baby came 7 weeks early but I thank God with all my heart that she had no trouble breathing. In fact she scored 9/10 on the apgar the minute she was born and 10/10 a few minutes after. She was in NICU for a day (just under observation because she was a preemie) and then quickly transferred out to the normal nursery. I had a wonderful birth experience. My period pains were much worse but I must admit the first few days, I hated getting up from the bed because it hurt a little and I was terrified my scar would tear although I was assured it wouldn't.
I think it really depends on how smooth things go if you opt for normal or c-section. If you go normal and have a big baby, your experience could be bad. If not, it's great. If there are complications in a c-section, it would be painful but if not, it's great.
We just have to pray that whatever way we choose, it'll go smoothly.
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Squiggles - my doctor has said that the only thing i can do in the gym is go on the treadmill or the cycle very gently without getting too hot.
He's totally vetoed weight training - so going to the gym is just sooooo boring.
I'm not sure how much in shape I will be as i'm going to india to have the baby. Will be leaving a bit early as i've heard too many stories of the baby wanting to get out 5, 7 weeks i don't want to risk things.
I'm bound to stuff myself with all the nice things that get prepare for me - so i'm sure i'll be a blob. uuugh.
Were you guys given any medication for the pain? or do they not allow pain killers for mothers who plan to breastfeed?
Yes MayC you're right - we just have to pray that whatever way we choose it'll go smoothly.
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cd
18 yrs ago
To the goddess Kali,
I have 5, although no babies anumore, sadly. My youngest is 4 1/2, and my oldest is almost 18, both girls with 3 boys in between. They were pretty good weights too , 8 lb 1oz, 7lb 3oz, 9lb 14oz, 9lb 1oz and 8lb 13oz...and the last 3 were the easiest and the quickest recoveries.
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after my c-section I was put on a pain drip. My dad told me to get off it after 18 hours of my surgery. He told me to just live with the pain - the surgery pain was fine, my spinal headaches were altogether entirely another thing. I HATED that aspect of it.
the desire to be with your husband - took me a long while with my first - better with my second.
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@@
18 yrs ago
HKCC, my first was natural then followed by a c-section, I have a girlfriend who did a VBAC (not in HK) and had no problems at all.
As for the pain of the C-section, just make sure you have good drugs! I was up and walking no problems the following morning.
For me, the biggest thing to remember is while we take the "birth experience" very seriously you really don't give it that much thought once you have your baby in your arms.
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Hello all,
I have just had an emergency C at Queen Mary and now 4 weeks from birth date. I agree with a lot of the posts above about c-section recovery - for the first couple of days, the wound pain is strong but manageable. I had a medictaion drip for the pain but asked to be taken off it after 10 hours as I needed to see my little girl (she was in the special care unit.) It was bloody painful but well worth it. After that they put me on oral pain meds, not as strong but they took the edge off. I am breastfeeding and checked with the doctors that the meds would not affect the baby. Anyhoo, I stopped taking all meds 4 days from delivery.
My scar is healing nicely and am very mobile but have to wait for the muscles to knit together before getting back in the gym. This is the part I find frustrating as I am a bit of fitness freak.. However, it is best to wait until 6 wks as I have heard some real horror stories about friends giving themselves hernias etc.
Whatever you decide for your delivery should work for you, forget about what other people think. Good luck.
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miffy
18 yrs ago
HKCC - I don't want to hijack this thread, but just read your post above : "i pushed my first one out in under 10 minutes - I had trained using this book - and she came out FAST" - could you tell me what book you used?? Sounds pretty amazing!
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miffy -
It's called Maternal Fitness by Julie Tupler. I did push her out in 10 minutes - two contractions and it was done. (my labor was on the longish side though.) The book teaches you how to control your muscles and how to use your mucles to the greatest advantage. There are lots of pelvic floor exercises as well as stretching and stuff in there. I found it invaluable.
It also helps you get your body in shape for the "marathon" of labor which can be pretty grueling and whatnot. I had a hard time finding the book in HK, so I ended up having my cousin send it to me from Seoul.
hope that helps.
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My son came out in 3 pushes, labour was also short. I drank Raspberry Leaf Tea as it supposedly helps your uterus become efficient...I guess it worked for me!
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Thanks all - i've been running around for various fairs and haven't been in front of the computer for a while.
CD : I think large families are so much more fun than just one or two kids. It's just a pity that we wait too long these days to start and then it's a bit too late to have more than one or two.
HKCC - are you sure about the title of the book?
can't find it on Amazon.co.uk.
When does one start drinking raspberry leaf tea? is it available in Hong kong?
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Hi Goddess -
couldn't find it on amazon.co.uk but could find it on the US based amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Maternal-Fitness-Preparing-Pregnancy-Recovery/dp/0684802953/sr=8-4/qid=1161060688/ref=pd_bbs_sr_4/002-0326960-2605627?ie=UTF8
odd how it's only on the US based one. They even have a video tape it seems - she also has the post pregnancy stomach flattening book which has gotten good reviews as well. (almost tried it but didn't have a chance to get it on my last trip to the US.)
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Hi Goddess,
Don't worry too much about the weight and gym right now. Do what the doctor tells you and if the gym work is boring, how about going for a swim or a walk? Or taking music into the gym / or DVD if you're lucky enough to be a member of Pure?
And yes, going early to India is a good option - not only can the baby come early, but as you get larger you will become far more immobile, uncomfortable and stressed. Most airlines also will not allow you to fly after 36wks or so, so be careful. Some airlines even ask you for a letter from the docs before then so that might be a useful piece of paper in case they don't let you on the plane!!
As for painkillers after the C, there's the drip with painkiller in, the painkileer suppository, the painkiller injection, and last but not least, Panadol! I tell you, I wasn't proud when it came to painkillers - had them all!
And lastly, good luck and enjoy each day if you can....having the little one inside is a lot easier than when he/she comes out!! But it's all worth it...
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There is some recent research that suggests that when comparing normal (no problems) vaginal births with elective (no medical reasons) c-sections, that there is a 4 times higher risk to the baby with the c-section. Something to do with breathing - with a vaginal birth the lungs get squeezed and loads of gunk comes out. With a c-section it just stays there... This is only for comparing normal, unproblematic births, mind, of course it doesn't apply of there's a medical reason for a c-section.
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Squiggles : I do go for long walks when i can - th gym has TVs for each treadmill - but still, not being able to work up a sweat is a bit frustrating.
I'm really begining to enjoy ebing pregnant. Had a spicy indian meal at a restaurant on saturday evening and the baby (god knows if it was from approval or disapproval) kicked me really strongly continuously for about 30 minutes. So strange.
Geiboyi - thanks I'll check with the doctors about this.
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goddess,
i can see how not being able to work up a sweat can be frustrating - i would be!!!
and you know what? if i had known how much i would still have to lose after having the baby, i certainly would have put my feet up a lot more. gentle exercise is probably the way to go - save the sweat for after because boy oh boy, if you're anything like me, you will need to!
enjoy!!!
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miffy
18 yrs ago
Thanks HKCC - I've ordered it from Amazon.com; here's hoping it helps!!
Goddess - I'm frustrated at the gym too, but have switched from the treadmill to the cross-trainer, where I can still watch how high my heartbeat is going but feel like I'm getting more of a workout than just walking on the treadmill. The idea that staying fit for the "marathon" of labour, as HKCC puts it, makes so much sense to me that I don't just want to give up altogether, though sometimes I do feel like it. Hopefully the book will provide me with some inspiration!
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Yes,I'm convinced too that staying in shape is absolutely the best way to go.
Have been doing a marathon of trudging around trade fairs all month.
So glad that Oct is almost over!!!
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I am 36 weeks with baby boy breeched and very nervous about having to have a c-section. Dr. says there's little chance of him turning but didn't explain much - I may have to call him and ask him to explain further (was too shocked and disappointed at the time) He says if baby doesn't turn by next visit in two weeks (16, Nov) he will have to schedule a c-section for me & honest to god never ever thought I we would have to ever consider this at this early stage...Please, has anyone here had successful manipulation and if so, please refer me the info a.s.a.p...the baba's measuring quite big so time is running out! I have read all the possible info from the feedback from others on this site - anything new??
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I had emergency C-section due to suspected CPD for my 1st baby, followed by VBAC 15 months later for my 2nd baby (and he was actually bigger than the 1st one !), both at QMH.
It took me approx. 36 hrs to be on my feet after C-section but then 4 days after the delivery I was back to QMH for an endometritis, without my baby. I think the risks of endometritis are higher after C-section. After that it took me almost 10 days to recover and I felt a bit frustated I couldn't bath my daughter ant take care of her 100% because I was feeling so weak.
SO for the 2nd on I was determined to have a VBAC, no epidural for a 8 pounds baby, no episiotomy (but small tear) and I was on my feet 4 hours later, no need for any pain killer, no time to recover the feeling in my legs like after the epidural I had for my 1st, right away I was there, comfortable, available for my baby.
So if I could choose natural birth ! But we don't always have a choice on that special day, and the priority is mum's and baby's health.
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