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How is it like to have a c-section.


Forum: Cesarean Section Birth

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  #1  
June 24th, 2007, 01:49 AM
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<span style="color:#4169E1">

Okay well I plan on having my first son born vaginally . But I’m afraid like what if something happens where doctors tell me I have no other choice and they have to perform a c-section. I’m not trying to panic because I don’t think that will happen but what if it does? It’s always that possibility and my fiancé hates c-sections but I’m sure he will still be in the same room.

I want to make him proud and have this baby vaginally but there is always that other possibility of c-section. I don’t know if I would emotionally and physically ready. How did you ladies get ready for the big operation? Did you have this because there wasn't no other choice? Or did you just have it because you feel more comfortable having a c-section done rather then vagianlly? and how did you heal? Did it hurt alot when it was done afterwards?

Thanks ladies for your time >3</span>
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  #2  
June 24th, 2007, 08:30 AM
TheOtherMichelle's Avatar Platinum Supermommy
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You're probably going to get a lot of different answers on this one, since every c-sec. delivery seems to be different like every vaginal delivery.

For me, I had an emergency c-section after about 14 hours of labor, 2-3 hours of pushing. I was determined to do it all natural, too. My doctor had said that I had about a 60% chance of c-section because my baby was in the posterior position-- head down but facing my pubic bone, rather than the optimal position of facing your back. Still, I really didn't think I would need one, so I was surprised. I had an epidural after I'd been pushing for all that time so that I could stop and give myself and the baby a rest. So when I went in the OR I was pretty much ready to go, they just added more meds to it. It's kind of a blur to me now, it happened so fast. Within just a few minutes of the doctor being in the room we heard her crying. My hubby went over to her and took pics on the digital camera and then came back to show me. Then they took the baby to the nursery and hubby went with her. I didn't feel any pain, but while they were stitching me up I started having the shakes, shortness of breath, and extreme nausea and dry heaves, which are all side effects of the meds. That was pretty scary. After I was sewn up they took me to the recovery area and checked my vitals. I was freezing but they covered me up with a bunch of warm blankets. Then they took me up to my room and I got to hold and feed my baby, within 45 minutes to an hour (tops) after she was born. The recovery was hard. I think I made it harder on myself because I DID NOT WANT a c-section prior to going into labor, I was terrified of the possibility. I hate taking pain meds and being unable to move and get about. So in that way it was harder on me emotionally. The pain was pretty bad, but like I said I hate taking pain meds so I didn't take as much as allowed. But I didn't have too many gas pains or anything like that and was eating solids for my evening meal the next day (baby was born shortly after midnight).

There are some things you can do to decrease the likelihood of having a c-section. If you are induced it can increase your risk because if your body isn't ready for labor, it will take longer and more pitocin and that can cause fetal distress leading to a c-section. And in my case, the baby's position made it difficult for her to fit through the birth canal, so preventing or turning a posterior baby can help. Go to this site: spinningbabies.com, and also look into the webster technique (chiropractic). A breech baby will also up your chances of c-sec. but the website and webster stuff can help that too.
I also think you should talk to your doctor about his/her typical rate of induction, what the reasons for it may be, and find out if you are comfortable with their answer. If not, you may want to look into switching doctors or seeking out a midwife.

You also need to talk to your fiance and see how he really feels about it. You say he hates c-sections and you want to make him proud by having a vaginal birth. Is this how he really feels or how you think he feels? You're going to have to make him understand that childbirth is unpredictable and sometimes a c-section really is necessary to have a healthy mom and baby. He also needs to know that we live in a society where the c-section rate is increasing dramatically, due to necessity, fear of lawsuits (most likely), doctor convenience (also a possibility). Which is another good reason to talk to your doctor now and see where their stance on it is, and if you aren't happy with that to seek out another or go to a midwife. Midwives statistically have a much lower c-section rate, but that may be partly because they don't take on high risk pregnancies, like pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, stuff that can also increase your risk for a c-section.

I think you're doing a good thing by looking into the possibility beforehand, but try and think positively, too. Even though the rate of c-sections are high (33%) or so, the majority of births are vaginal.
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  #3  
June 24th, 2007, 04:55 PM
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Oh my gosh thanks so much that really did help me.
And that’s my point I’m trying to make for those of us who are planning on giving birth naturally there is that possibly that we could have an emergency c-section and that story you told me helped me realized even more. So thanks for sharing! ♥ I’m trying to prove a point to my fiancé because he doesn’t understand…
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  #4  
June 24th, 2007, 06:03 PM
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Mistaya pretty much said it all...My baby was also facing the same way as hers...
I never even thought of needing a c/s until I sat in my prenatal class...There were 9 couples. The instructor/nurse said that 4 of us would end up needing c/s....that's when it hit me that it was that common....
I hated the thought of a c/s, but I hated the thought of my baby not being healthy and prolonging my labour even more. It was 2.5 days long....
It may happen....Do all that you can to not have to be induced...that seems to drive up the likelihood...

best of luck!
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  #5  
June 24th, 2007, 07:28 PM
Fluffy Baby's Avatar Platinum Supermommy
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Mistaya summed it up well. I was so determined to do it all natural, I beat myself up after the ER c/s. I am trying for a VBAC because I believe so much in natural vaginal birth. I was induced (due to "low fluid" but that is another book in itself) and my baby was in the same position, head down facing my pelic bone in the front. She wasn't ready, period dot and did not want to come out. I was induced without medication for three days. All to be knocked out for ER c/s. It was a rough recovery and long.

If your DH is not proud of you even if you had a C/S, you have bigger problems than a c/s. I suggest you explain to him that birth is unexpected and there is a possibility for almost anything to happen to grant you a c/section. There are things you can do to reduce the chances. DO NOT GET INDUCED, period DOT. That is all I have to say.
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  #6  
June 24th, 2007, 09:21 PM
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<span style="font-family:Franklin Gothic Medium">I think in the back of my mind I knew there was a chance I would need a C/S and after 16 hours of induced labor and next to no progress, I was ready to have my baby. I didn't mind the actual procedure, but I did mind the horrible shakes I had right after surgery and trying to breastfeed while hardly able to move. Tomorrow my baby is two weeks old and I'm moving about the same as before I was pregnant. I was only on the pain meds for about five days. Part of that was that I didn't want my baby getting anymore of them in the breastmilk. Now it really only hurts when moderate pressure is applied, it definately helps to get up and move (hard as it is) as soon as possible afterwards.</span>
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  #7  
June 25th, 2007, 04:56 AM
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@Mirandas mom: Thanks for the advice, I don’t know much about labor so it really helps. I’ll keep in mind not to get induced unless its serious to the point I have too. Thanks for the good luck wishes I appreciate it.

@LeAnn: Wow sounds like you been through it all, but you did make a good choice >3 you had a healthy baby so its worth all the pain in the world to me. And my fiancé understands it might be a possibility of a c-section. The reasons why he tells me this is because all the women in his family gave birth virginally but he understands now the its possible for c-section. I don’t want one either but I will have one if my baby and my health is in danger. Wow you too, getting induced must be pretty bad. I know it is, I heard lots of bad stories from them…

@Brayden's Mama: Thanks for that advice, I’ll keep that in mind if they deicide to perform a c-section. I appreciate it.
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  #8  
June 25th, 2007, 07:55 AM
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If you are adamant about not being induced in the absence of a real problem, you need to talk to your ob ASAP. I made the mistake of just going along until I was 40 weeks and then having to fight my doctor over it. When I questioned him he said some really nasty things and then scheduled me without my consent! Luckily I knew an ob from work who gave me a second opinion and took me, but you won't find many who will do that so late in the pg. So it's important you find out now what yor doctor's induction stance is, now... I later found out my first ob induces 95% of his patients.

It's also important to check out that site, spinningbabies.com and follow its recommendations on posture. I'd also recommend that you visit the natural childbirth forum, too. I learned so much there.
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  #9  
June 25th, 2007, 08:10 AM
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@Mistaya: OH THANKS SO MUCH! I'LL CHECK THOSE WEBSITES OUT AND I'LL LET YOU KNOW WHAT MY OB SAYS.
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  #10  
June 26th, 2007, 01:17 PM
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i had to have a c-section because my amniotic flud was leaking.. and i could not dilalate pass 2 cen... even after being induced... i was in the hospitial for 27 hours....i got there fri.. and had him sat.. my c-section did not hurt at all.. i didnt feel any preasure or anyting...i didnt even know my baby was out ..until.. i heard his lil cry but after....i needed pain meds like every 4 hours... and i was not able to walk on my own... i could not stand up straight... and my legs were a lil swollen..also i could not use the bathroom.. i would try to push and nothin would come out ....but when i finally did get to use the bathroom.. i wasnt able to hold it for no longer then a couple of sec. but i say about 3 weeks to a mth i was feelin back to normal... it could have been sooner.. but my doctor did not want to take my staples out.. because i was still swollen



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  #11  
June 26th, 2007, 06:26 PM
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@Zarie: Yeah I know after an operation like that it does take awhile to heal.
But I’m glad you’re doing great and your son is adorable.
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  #12  
July 8th, 2007, 08:33 AM
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Hey girl!

I had my c-section at 39w 6d...I hadnt dilated any so my DR sent me in to have a proteglanden put up next to my cervix. I started having contraction about an hour later but they werent too strong so they figured I would be back in somtime that night or the next morning when i was scheduled to come back in...anyways I had contractions all night long they were always 3-5 min apart but at times were as close as 2-3 min apart last anywhere from 20 sec to a min so they were pretty much on top of each other. I went in the next morning at 5am they checked me in and got me in my room, they hooked me up to the monitor and were pleased to see my contractions were still coming on good. So....about 24 hours after I was given the cytotech my dr came in to break my water but he was shocked to find I hadnt changed a bit...so he told me that he felt c-section was my best option, for some reason my body just wasnt doing its job and he didnt see that changing...so I said ok and waited around for my turn in the OR. When I finally got in there I could tell when they started cutting but it didnt hurt at all, it was actually kind of neat lol From the time they started cutting until when they pulled her out was 3 min it took about 45 min all together but sewing me up took a little while. They told me that I really had a lot of amniotic fluid and that she was 7lbs 11oz and my DR said he really doubted I would have been able to have her on my own anyways. I was happy with our decision and still am. DH stayed with me from thursday until Monday and thats when he went back to work. I was able to do everything on my own by then and i was feeling completely back to normal after 2 weeks, but at 1 week I felt fine. I was up doing a lot more than I should have honestly and although it helps work the soreness out its best to take it easy. I only made my bleeding last longer by getting up and it would get super heavy when I was up.

When I got in my room the nurse told me that I had to be able to walk around the hospital before they would let me leave and that they wanted me to get out of bed that night and at least walk to the bathroom. The first time I got up was kind of bad but being on the pain meds gave me time to work through the soreness with out being in unbearable pain. Good luck and I hope you get your vaginal birth....DF needs to realize that sometimes its best to have a c-section and theres nothing he can do if you have to have one, he needs to be there for you even more!
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  #13  
July 8th, 2007, 10:29 AM
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C secs are no big deal, don't let anyone scare you.

I had an elective c section, went smoothly, was up and walking that night and off my pain meds by the 4th day and was pretty much perfect at a week PP.

I will be having another c sec if I decide to have another child..no big deal at all.
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  #14  
July 8th, 2007, 11:55 AM
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Quote:
C secs are no big deal, don't let anyone scare you.

I had an elective c section, went smoothly, was up and walking that night and off my pain meds by the 4th day and was pretty much perfect at a week PP.

I will be having another c sec if I decide to have another child..no big deal at all.[/b]




Hey! How's Devyn?
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  #15  
July 8th, 2007, 01:54 PM
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I know you've had a lot of advice, on both sides of the coin. I had to have an emergency C-section, 4 weeks early. My daughter Eryn was laying on her cord and would press on it each time I pushed. I had not given a lot of thought to having a C-Section before I was told I was having one. I was a little nervous, but at least we have another means of delivery when are deliveries are not going as planned.

I happened to be one of those people that had an easy recovery and after reading some of these stories I realize how lucky I am. The first step was the worst but each day got better and better.

If you happen to have a C-Section just two pieces of advice. First, don't feel like your a bad mom if you have to call the nurses for help. The first day the nurses put the baby in my arms at 5:30 in the morning and left. With the c-section I coudn't get up and get anything I needed for the baby, and I felt incompetent if I called for the nurse. I wish someone would have told me that it is okay to ask for help.

Second you will definitely need some help getting out of bed and chairs, even if it is an easy recovery, so just plan for that.

Hope this is helpful!
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  #16  
July 8th, 2007, 06:45 PM
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I went through 20 hours of labor and 2 hours of pushing, then ended up with a c-section. It was not the easiest way to get my baby here, but I truly believe that if your baby gets here strong and healthy, it is a successful birth! Honestly, after I had my c-section, I was pretty sore for a few weeks, but it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. You'll be fine no matter what happens. I know that a lot of people feel robbed if they don't have a vaginal birth, which is understandable, but I don't feel that way at all. I feel like I got my baby here happy and healthy and that's all that matters! Good luck!
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  #17  
July 10th, 2007, 07:25 PM
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I had an emergency c-section at 33.6 weeks. I had placental previa, and started hemorraging at home, so they took me right in, it was a bit scary, but I got to "rest" and see my little one. Perfect everything, just 5 lbs 1 ounce. It was a fast healing process for me. I got two weeks of rest while "little Bryce" was in the hospital. It was great for me though so I could rest up and be ready for a "preemie" ~ anyway, c-section will happen next time and it won't be a big deal. The first pregnancy, it was natural or almost close to one with a epi ~ that took 10 hours, and tore really bad, I was sore for about two weeks. With my c-section the staples hurt for a week and sore another week, but I still could have a so-so life.

It wasn't scarey after the doctor explained the process ~ it took about well 45-50 minutes. You will be given a epidural or spinal whichever they choose, and you will not feel a thing, but you may feel "tugging" and "pulling" but that is normal. Just rest your eyes and let your "partner/husband" soothe you through those "feelings" ~ and your "partner/husband" will carry your "little one" over to show you, sometimes the baby will need "help breathing" but that is normal for a c-section birth. But shouldn't for very long, for my son it was three days, just because of being premature, but after that he was fine and fiesty!

You then will recover, and sometimes the baby will be allowed to go in there with you, but in my situation he was sent to the nicu ~ and he was flown to Childrens. For tests things that they found out later he did not have. Thank goodness. But anyway, sometimes they will send him to the nicu for "help breathing" or just to keep an eye on him for yah while you are "recoverying" ~ nicu nurses are specially trained, and usually the best at their job! Great nurses!!!

Anyway, if you have any other questions for me or would like to know more ~ please email me at Purplescraps1@yahoo.com
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  #18  
July 12th, 2007, 08:05 AM
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I had 2 sections, first one was Emergency and it went so quick and I was sleeping. Recovery was nice and easy and I bounced right back almost immediately. 20 months later I gave birth with an elective section. Recovery was a lot harder, but I also had a tubal ligation done and hadn't healed in between deliveries. I was very anxious and nervous for delivery and all went well. I do not think it is as bad as people make it sound. I have done both vaginal and sections. I really see no difference besides recovery time and that is about it!
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  #19  
July 12th, 2007, 02:49 PM
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Thanks ladies for sharing your experiences
Sounds like some of you had good and bad experiences
But I know it was worth it because now you had healthy babies! and I'm glad you ladies are doing okay.

If I have to get a c-section when the deliver date approaches I'll let you know how my experience was and even if I have a virginal delivery I'll still update you ladies on how it goes. I still have a few months left.

But I'm looking at both possibilities I don't want to assume I'm having a virginal delivery because it might not work out that way, I want to be ready just incase so that's why I came here to get good advice and I appreciate you ladies giving me that. Especially the websites they really do help, and my doctor also told me you never know what could happen so I'm getting ready for the best and the worst.
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  #20  
July 19th, 2007, 10:34 AM
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First off, hi, My name is Christine and I am new to JustMommies Any way, I LOVED having a C. We were 100% sure how our daughter would enter the world, but it was leaning more to the C for the last 2 months of my pregnancy. We went in to the Dr. to measure everything and we were asked if we wanted to have her right NOW lol. It was easy and quick. I healed pretty quick and wasn't in tooooo much pain, but I would do it over again in a hearbeat. To what ever you decide, good luck and let us know how it goes
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