C-Section in a week...any advice?

[Spolly88]

While I really wanted things to go as naturally as possible...nothing seems to ever go to plan with me! Our bub is large-for-dates and we decided that an elective c-section is the safest option.

It was decided and booked yesterday, and it's happening on Thursday (07-02-08)! I'm trying not to freak out, and I have an antenatal appointment to check everything's good to go on Wednesday. Not really knowing what's going to happen, I'm trying to write a list of questions or things to ask at the Wed appt.

I'd really appreciate any advice from c-section experienced mums! On anaesthetic, closure of the wound, dressing me and baby afterwards...anything!
I spent 8 months writing a natural birth plan only to throw it out this morning and start again.

Also, as I'm 39 weeks pregnant as of tomorrow, what do you think would happen if I went into labour before my op? Would I have the c-section straight away or would they give me the chance to try and deliver naturally?

...I have no idea. Help!

[georgiesmum]

Morning,

How exciting for you - you get to meet your little bundle of joy very soon!!!

I had an emergency c-section after 17 hours of labour. To be honest I actually enjoyed mine - there was a whole room full of people giving encouragement and they were telling me what was happening the whole time. It was really quick too - all over in about 30 minutes.

As for some tips - take big granny undies as these are more comfortable as they cover the wound and don't sit directly on it. I had internal stitches and then one outside horizontal stitch which was removed on the day I came home. You will be stiff in hospital and your movement will be restricted but I found it good to walk up and down the corridors for a short time every day. Although it is a little painful and uncomfortable it really helps with the stiffness. Take the painkillers the hospital give you at regular intervals and you shouldn't experience much pain at all. You will feel much better after about 7-10 days. Certainly after 14 days I was pretty much back to normal again. For me, having a c-section wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.

I'm not sure what your hospital will do if you go into labour though - I'm guessing your obstetrician will make that decision at the time. If they think it is too dangerous for you to give birth then they will probably do an emergency. If you look like you will be able to do it and are progressing normally then they will let you go naturally. My tip - have an epidural!!!!

Good luck with it all.

[samsausage]

As for some tips - take big granny undies as these are more comfortable as they cover the wound and don't sit directly on it. I had internal stitches and then one outside horizontal stitch which was removed on the day I came home. You will be stiff in hospital and your movement will be restricted but I found it good to walk up and down the corridors for a short time every day. Although it is a little painful and uncomfortable it really helps with the stiffness. Take the painkillers the hospital give you at regular intervals and you shouldn't experience much pain at all. You will feel much better after about 7-10 days. Certainly after 14 days I was pretty much back to normal again. For me, having a c-section wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.

:iagree:

I had a really similar experience, no complications, home after 2 days. Mine wasn't planned (but not an emergency) and there was no problem being in labour and then going for the c/s. A girlfriend recetly went for and elective and labour started about 4 hrs prior, they still the did the elective no drama's.

I had issues with milk supply (not all women who have c/s's do though) and wasn't prepared for that so if you're planning to b/f maybe read up what you can and even call your local ABA now (while you still have some powers of reasoning :D) and ask if there's any proactive steps you can take.

Good luck - enjoy your wee one!

[sam's mum]

totally agree on the granny undies.

take the painkillers on offer for the first day or two.

don't do too much too soon. it is major abdominal surgery and you don't want to do long term damage by not resting enough after.

do not do sit ups or go jogging in the first 12 weeks, it increases the risk of a prolapse by a lot (the physio told me this in hospital)

when you first get out of bed, take the time to fully straighten up before you start to walk. the middie told me that if you don't straighten first you will keep walking hunched (it was true for me)

some people don't have much hassle after a cs, but others get a lot of pain. be ready for either and, if you can, have someone on hand to help at home. the recommendation is not to lift anything heavier than you baby in the first 6 weeks. (back to increasing the risk of prolapse and further damage to your healing stomach)

ring your insurance company to find out what their coverage is for drivers after a cs. some won't cover in the first 6 weeks, some will only cover if ob puts in writing that you can drive, others only need a verbal from the OB.

[Rachael]

:hugs:

Everything will be fine. As the others said make sure you have big granny undies and also make sure that any pjs you ahve are not too tight, I used my nighty over my pjs just more comfy.

Try and walk around as much as possible so that you heal better.

(maybe tmi)
I had lovely painkillers that worked well, make sure they give them too you when they are due..mine were the ones that go in the anal passage, the pessarie things. They work better as they are close to the wound etc.

Boomerang pillow is great to help with breastfeeding.

Have DH stay in hospital with you and make sure someone is going to be home with you for at least 3weeks.

I healed quickly and it was alot less painful than I thought :) Nothing to be worried about at all, obs do this sort of thing all the time.

Goodluck :hugs:

[spark]

How exciting for you!!

I had my elective c/section 10 weeks ago and while I wouldn't go as far as saying I enjoyed it, it was straightforward and nowhere near as painful or uncomfortable as I thought it would be. I felt pretty much back to normal by about 6 weeks after.

To be honest (not trying to scare you at all) I was a bit overwhelmed by the whole thing. I was totally fine by the time I was wheeled back to my room, but in theatre I just freaked a bit. My DH really talked me through it and it was all over so quickly which was good.

I had a spinal block and although I obviously couldn't feel the pain, I did feel movement still (weird). I read some people thought it felt like someone doing washing up in your tummy and that pretty much sums it up! I had disolvable stitches and a waterproof dressing which was removed after 5 days. Have had no problems with my wound at all. Just keep it clean and dry. I stuck a normal sanitary pad to the inside of my knickers horizontally up against the wound to keep my pants from rubbing on it which seemed to help.

My legs were numb for a few hours which was frustrating, but I was just told to keep flexing my ankles and trying to lift my feet slightly every half hour to get the movement back.

Definitely take the granny undies!! And some pants that don't cut in or tie up too tightly around your waist.

In terms of dressing yourself and bub I was out of bed after 24 hours and up until then just kept the hospital gown on. My DH did all the nappies and changing for the first day. If your partner isn't able to stay the night then the midwives will do the night changes and bring your baby to you for feeds I guess.

In terms of feeding I had no problems BF straight away, she was feeding within 10 minutes of getting back to my room and my milk came in no worries. But I know some people do have troubles so I second joining the ABA. Also if you are having problems attaching or whatever call the middies in each time you feed to get them to check.

Sorry for the monster post LOL. I hope all goes well and congrats for next week :D

[Mrs Potts]

Good luck! I've had one emergency and one elective c/s and neither had any issues. Both very straight-forward, relaxed events.

I agree with all PPs regarding undies and meds. With walking, I agree definitely don't hunch. Even though it will feel better, you'll stuff your back - way worse in the long run.

I take some kind of 2in1 shampoo. It's incredibly painful to try to wash your hair afterwards, and the less time you need your arms up there the better. You don't want to have to wash, rinse, condition, rinse, :ecomcity::ecomcity:

Don't try to do too much too soon. Even getting your baby out of the crib for a feed for the first couple of days - buzz for a nurse if you don't have anyone with you. I found getting in and out of the bed the hardest thing to do so that was a biggie for me. Once I was up and about not such an issue.

Also, for my second I had to wear pressure stockings to prevent blood clots. They mightn't be the most glamourous things, but I kept them on the whole time I was in hospy and had no swelling at all. It was the norm when I had my first and my legs swelled so much I couldn't put shoes on to go home. If the hospy doesn't use them, I would even be inclined to get some from the chemist before hand.

Good luck!

[tootiredtosleep]

As everyone else has said, don't forget the big granny undies. Normal bikini undies sit on the wound and can irritate it.

I found it essential to keep up to date with painkillers, if the nurses forget, ask them.

I also found that nighties were better than pjs, I had enough trouble pulling up my undies.

I had a spinal for pain relief during the op, I didn't feel pain, but you might be able to feel a rummaging sensation in your tummy. It's not unpleasant though.

I'm looking forward to my next planned caesar.

[butterflybaby]

My bubs were always big for there dates. An U/S at 36weeks said he was already over 4KG. I was freaking out he was going to get stuck on the way out. I was thinking about geting a c-sction but decided to give it a go anyway. I was induced 1 week early had gels put on 5hours labour and bub was out within 7min of pushing. Only pethidine and moving around during labour,I couldn't sit still.
Good luck with your babys birth

[Spolly88]

Thank you everyone for all your help!

I'm feeling slightly more prepared now...even though the hospital rang and re-scheduled my c section to Tuesday (05-02-08) instead!

First thing I went out and bought this morning was a pack of 5 granny undies...I'm sure the checkout boy thought they went very nicely with the Cleo magazine I bought at the same time :laughing:

Thanks again :)

[BeautifulBoys]

While I really wanted things to go as naturally as possible...nothing seems to ever go to plan with me! Our bub is large-for-dates and we decided that an elective c-section is the safest option.

It was decided and booked yesterday, and it's happening on Thursday (07-02-08)! I'm trying not to freak out, and I have an antenatal appointment to check everything's good to go on Wednesday. Not really knowing what's going to happen, I'm trying to write a list of questions or things to ask at the Wed appt.

I'd really appreciate any advice from c-section experienced mums! On anaesthetic, closure of the wound, dressing me and baby afterwards...anything!
I spent 8 months writing a natural birth plan only to throw it out this morning and start again.

Also, as I'm 39 weeks pregnant as of tomorrow, what do you think would happen if I went into labour before my op? Would I have the c-section straight away or would they give me the chance to try and deliver naturally?

...I have no idea. Help!


Hi

Check out this site.. www.birthrites.com (http://www.birthrites.com) it is a WA(Perth) based site, it has lots of info on Vbacs & having a positive C-section.
I had an emerg c-section with DS, so nothing went right but I didn't know what to expect.
I think its much better if you let your baby decide on its due date & yes you could try naturally then...Its really up to you if you go into labour you may request that c-section however if that day doesn't arrive & it comes to next thurs... here are a few ideas that I have put into my birthplan this time as im having a VBAC in June!

IN CASE OF A CAESAREAN:

ASK FOR A SPINAL EPIDURAH SO YOU CAN REMAIN CONSCIOUS DURING THE OPERATION.

IF YOU NEED TO HAVE A GA MAKE SURE DH STAYS WITH YOUR BABY AT ALL TIMES.

HAVE ALL BLOOD WORK & TESTS DONE ON A OUT PATIENT BASIS & ONLY HOSPITAL ADMISSION ON THE DAY.

ASK FOR THE OPTION OF VIEWING THE BIRTH,EITHER BY LOWERING THE SCREEN OR MIRROR.

IF YOUR'D LIKE FOR A VERBAL DESCRIPTION OF THE BIRTH AS IT OCCURS ASK.

ASK TO HAVE YOUR BABY PLACED STRAIGHT ONTO YOUR CHEST(BABY UNCLOTHED) WITH A WARM BLANKET OVER BOTH OF YOU.

BREASTFEED STRAIGHT AWAY IF YOU FEEL UP TO IT.

However if you read this site there is alot more ideas.. Goodluck Hope that helps...
:hugs:

[ShadyCharacter]

While I really wanted things to go as naturally as possible...nothing seems to ever go to plan with me! Our bub is large-for-dates and we decided that an elective c-section is the safest option.
If you "really" wanted a vaginal birth, you should perhaps reconsider your c/s choice. Pretty much the only accurate way to tell if a baby will fit through a pelvis (and it nearly always does) is to actually try. I had a 'large for dates' first baby too, so much so that they tried to 'move' my due date forward by 2 whole weeks. He was 9lb 4oz at one week past my EDD, and he fit just fine.

I also have a girlfriend who was pressured into having a c/s because of her 'massive' baby (at least 11 pounds or more :rolleyes:), and he was 7lb, 8oz large - definitely a whopper there. She very much regrets the c/s now.

If you want the elective c/s, then go right ahead and good luck with it. But if you *really* want a vaginal birth, there is very probably no reason why you can't have it.

[Mrs Potts]

I wondered how long it would take for someone to come along mention VBACs, even though the OP had asked for advice on c/sections.

[metalhead713]

same..

[Craftymum]

Why dont you try for a VABC and see how you go? I went through 14 hrs labour only to find out DD was stuck and posterior..... I ended up having an emergency c-section which I was devastated about at the time. Looking back on it atleast I knew I tried and in the end she came out healthy. You could just see how it goes and then go for an emergency c if needed. Then nothing is lost except for the fact that you actually got to experience real labour to the pushing stage??

[Mrs Potts]

Why dont you try for a VABC and see how you go? I went through 14 hrs labour only to find out DD was stuck and posterior..... I ended up having an emergency c-section which I was devastated about at the time. Looking back on it atleast I knew I tried and in the end she came out healthy. You could just see how it goes and then go for an emergency c if needed. Then nothing is lost except for the fact that you actually got to experience real labour to the pushing stage??
Even though this is off-topic I had to reply to this.

Having BTDT (12 hour labour, contractions stopped at 9cms, emegency c/s) I have to say those uneventful hours were the worst hours of my life. I would not wish that scenario on my worst enemy. This is far more traumatic on both mother and child, if a c/s were to become necessary, than an elective c/s.

The OP has her c/s booked and sounds as though she has come to terms with it - why can't people just respect that?

[KatiesMum]

As everyone else has said ....take granny undies, and I too found nighties easier than anything. Remember your pre-bub clothes may not fit straight away so take some loose fitting maternity clothes to wear home.

Also - if your maternity hospy offers a kind of boob tube to go over your scar ...these are GREAT!!!!

and I agree - get some surgical stockings....

Other than that ....dont stress. For me - the surgery went absolutely fine, recovery was easy and I was home and walking about fairly normally after about a week or so. It is important to take the pain meds when offerred as pain will hinder your recovery ....and not to try and do too much, even if you feel great.

Good luck, and best wishes for your new family :hugs: :hugs: :hugs:

[DonnaL]

I had my C/S after a failed induction and 17 hour labour (full blast of syntocin and only 3cm dilated!) and am planning to have another C/S with my next. It wasn't fun, but I felt reasonably normal after about 2 1/2 weeks and pretty much fully recovered after 4-5 weeks. Just make sure you organise lots of help for when you get home, don't try to do ANYTHING except look after your baby and rest! Housework is banned!

I also put a sanitary pad inside my undies over the incision line to protect it.

Maybe TMI, but try to get on top of any bowel issues early. I ended up taking coloxyl and senna to get things going. That side of things actually took a few weeks to get back to normal.

I might be a bit weird here, but I actually like my caesar scar, it's like a little reminder of when my bub was born!

[Spolly88]

If you "really" wanted a vaginal birth, you should perhaps reconsider your c/s choice. Pretty much the only accurate way to tell if a baby will fit through a pelvis (and it nearly always does) is to actually try. I had a 'large for dates' first baby too, so much so that they tried to 'move' my due date forward by 2 whole weeks. He was 9lb 4oz at one week past my EDD, and he fit just fine.

I also have a girlfriend who was pressured into having a c/s because of her 'massive' baby (at least 11 pounds or more :rolleyes:), and he was 7lb, 8oz large - definitely a whopper there. She very much regrets the c/s now.

If you want the elective c/s, then go right ahead and good luck with it. But if you *really* want a vaginal birth, there is very probably no reason why you can't have it.


You have a good point, however I think if your girlfriend or yourself had different experiences such as if the baby was actually bigger (it does happen), your opinion might be different as well. While this is my first baby so I can't go much on experience, a girlfriend of mine also had a large baby measuring the same as the doctors have told me.

She went on to birth her baby naturally, however both she and baby had complications and injuries afterwards leading to bub spending time in SCN and my friend recovering for the same time it would've taken if she'd had a c-section.

When I think about it, I do not want to try and birth my son naturally unless I have no reason whatsoever to believe it may not happen. The idea of labouring for hours on end just be cut open anyway doesn't appeal to me (as has happened to another friend of mine and also my mother), and like I said, after considering all possibilities, my partner and I decided that this would be the best option for us.

I really did want a vaginal birth when I fell pregnant, but in my opinion, I refuse to let what I want compromise my safety or that of my baby's. The way you type "really" actually annoys me to be honest, and while I know you are only stating your opinion, I can't help but feel that your story of your friend regretting her c/s doesn't exactly belong in the forum titled "...positive c-section experiences".

Thanks to everyone who gave the advice I asked for!

[Mrs Potts]

The way you type "really" actually annoys me to be honest, and while I know you are only stating your opinion, I can't help but feel that your story of your friend regretting her c/s doesn't exactly belong in the forum titled "...positive c-section experiences".

Well said.

Spolly, I'm sorry you felt you had to justify your decision to people who seem to have no support for you.

[Sarahg]

Definitely ask to keep your baby with you in recovery and demand to hold him/her ASAP. If Dr Luke McLindon is at your birth (if you're going rto the Ipswich hospy) he's lovely.

Some of my girlfriends are sonographers (do ultrasounds) and even they say that the size estimates they give you can be way off.

I have to have a c/section this time round due to difficulties last time, it's not worht the pain of going through a horrible birth (no matter what type!)

Wishing you all the very best for Tuesday. Let us know how you go.
x
:hugs:

[shed]

My cousin had a caesarean and she was unsuccessful at breastfeeding because they took her baby away and she didn't see him for the next 6 hours and then they didn't bring him to her and she couldn't hop up to go to the nursery, so my advice would be to INSIST on holding your baby as soon as you want to, you are your baby's mother and you are the BOSS of what happens. My cousin said she felt like she had to ask to borrow her own baby off the nurses :mad:

The other thing she said is that she got post natal depression and she thinks its because of that separation also, so I cannot stress enough that you need to tell the hospital staff what you want to happen, don't let them take your baby away and if they say they need to (sometimes babies delivered via c-section have problems breathing so need to be taken away to deal with that) then insist that they bring him or her back immediately afterwards.

I think they are the two main things that I can advise. I havent been through it, but I thought it might help.

And I agree with what the others said about the size from the ultrasound being wrong alot.

[EsSjAy]

After 4 C/sections hun..... this is my best advice....

* Epidural - Great!!!! but can make you feel very panicky... and restless... you may feel nausea... TELL the Anesthetist EVERYTHING you feel... and they will make everything better..... PROMICE.....
* When they put the oxygen mask on your face KEEP IT ON... This stops the onset of possible panic attacks and gives your bubba extra oxygen...
* As for an 'account' of what's happening.... Don't be left in limbo....
* When bub's is born they will quickly check to make sure all is well.... This is normal as a C/S does not prepare the baby for birth like the 'normal' way and they will make sure all fluid is sucked out and their heart is ok and lungs are clear... Bub's should be handed over to you ASAP.... Don't let them take bub's until your ready.... There is no reason for it... Stand your ground here.... Eventually they will have to take bubs and pop them under a heater bed to ensure their temp is good....
* You will be in recovery a minimum of an hour..... If your REALLY good maybe less....
* When your back in your room do everything post a normal birth hun..... Obviously except walk around...... Most hospitals now are excellent with their pain management.... TAKE EVERYTHING!!!! It's all safe whilst breastfeeding...
* As soon as you feel you want to get up.... GET UP!!.... The sooner you do, the better you are.... I was up and walking (but not overdoing it) after 9 hours... It's likened to a pulled muscle type of pain... Don't twist, bend or stretch.... This is major OUCH!!!... Do everything 'slowly' and 'steadily'.... The next day you will feel like a whole new woman....
Take it slow for the next couple of weeks BUT don't stop being you...

Maybe i'm lucky... I had no pain that i remember and i healed quickly and was keeping up with the rest of them only a couple of days later....
I HOPE you are the same.....

Regardless of 'HOW' your baby is being born..... your baby is being 'BORN'.....
Great memories come from C/Sections as well.... Well done for doing your research and don't give your c/section another thought...

All the best hun..... Will be thinking of you x x

[Spolly88]

It's a bit late...but thanks to everyone who replied! I felt a lot more prepared when I went in and wasn't nearly as scared as I was when the concept first came up.
Everything went smoothly, my anaesthetist was the loveliest as was my midwife.
My son was born 9 pound 10 with a pretty big head circumference, I was told by everyone in theatre that I was lucky I made the decision for the c-section otherwise I would've been in for a long, painful labour.
I breastfed straight away and now everyone's telling me to cut back on my boy's feeds!!!
He's a definitely healthy 9 week old who's approaching 8kg already.
Thanks again to everyone!

[shed]

My son was born 9 pound 10 with a pretty big head circumference, I was told by everyone in theatre that I was lucky I made the decision for the c-section otherwise I would've been in for a long, painful labour.

Many labours are long and painful but its impossible to predict this on the basis of size and head circumference. People push out ten pounders with barely a scratch and others have big problems with tiny babies. You just never know.

I am glad it all went well for you. Congratulations on the birth of your little boy.