From the article: Cesarean Section: Giving Birth by C-section
Having a cesarean birth can be frightening. Given the fact that about 1 in 3 women will have a c-section, planning ahead for the possibility of surgery in labor and delivery is a good idea. However, there are many things that can be done to make it more birth and less surgery, when possible. What have you seen done or what have you done to make a cesarean section better for you and your family? Did you alter the birth room? Have people with you? Watch the birth? Just know that there are things that you can do to help you have a positive experience. Share Your Advice
C section
- My first was an unplanned c section after pushing for 4 hours and seeing the tip of his head he was stuck at 9lbs 14 ounces. Some of these guests advice say a big baby is no reason to have a c section boy are they wrong. I will say I had everything go wrong after my c section I became very ill days of being home I was readmitted into the hospital with an infection and opened back up and had to have wound care at home. In my instance it was completely the drs fault because of where and how he cut me. I'm currently pregnant with my 2nd and terrified I'm going to have to go through all of that again and have a 16 month at home. But I feel I have an ace in the hole.. a very experienced dr and set of nurses who's first interest is me and only me. Not some hotshot young dr who is a jackass.
- —Guest Sarah Jean
Try a VBAC
- I had a C-section the first time around and wanted to encourage others that a VBAC (Vaginal birth after cecerian) is WONDERFUL! Doctors discourage VBACS because they think there is a HUGE risk... there is actually more risk than c-sections. Try to avoid them at all costs! My second son was born via VBAC and we found a wonderful midwife who fulfilled my dream of having a natural birth. #3 is on the way and we are happy to do another VBAC. Take the time to find doctors and midwives/doulas who will back what you want. I found that using a midwife gave me more control but I still felt very safe and the baby was born with less interventions!
- —Guest Jana
C Section Recovery
- I got the C Section Recovery Kit and the binders are soft cotton have an extra strap for my incision, and totally helped me move afterward. they have a cute dvd for massage and I do it whenever I have time to care for myself. I can thank my husband for giving me the baby and present.....the c section recvoery kit.
- —CTmoms
1st Child by C Section
- My son was born Oct 30th. I had to have an emergency c section cause the cord was around his neck and his heartbeat went down. I was scared cause I wanted to have a vaginal birth. However I'm happy he is healthy and I would take pain vs my son being in pain. It wasn't as bad as I thought, I got up moving after 24 hours. Just walking around, to keep the stiffness down. It really helped! It had been 5 days since the c section and I'm still a little sore but less pain and less pain meds. I follow the rules, don't bend down, don't lift heavy stuff and drink plenty of water. The incision can't be seen and its healing quite nicely. Hopefully by next week I can drive again. No, the bond with my baby was not broken cause of a c section. Its a little harder trying to breastfeed but it works.
- —Guest Brit
C Sections need support!
- Do some research and make your Dr do the best surgery possible. Make sure you take a soft binder, like the Abdomend c section recovery kit to the hospital, it will make it so much easier to move and walk, so you can enjoy the baby! It worked for me and just want to let people know that I only had to buy one, not like those other brands.
- —Susansantafe
yes
- Guest. Sarah is right you have to think about your healthy babie and yourself. Being a mama. Its a gift from God. And you gonna be fine. I did it too when I had my c section.
- —Guest tapo
big baby Not a good reason.
- ACOG's policy is that suspected macrosomia (big baby) is NOT a reason for an induction or a cesarean surgery. Ultrasounds are inaccurate; many suspected big babies (50%) actually are NOT big. That is not a reason for an intervention. Hire a doula and take a childbirth class!!!! Demand information!
- —Guest staci
so nervous!
- I am 39 weeks pregnant, scheduled to have my second c section in just a few days, my first was an emergency, but it went so smooth, I was scared, because I'm overweight, that my scar would rip open, but i recovered very quickly with minimum pain, but for.some reason I am totally freaking about this one...
- —Guest kaysie 1987
c section #2
- I was awake for my second, and it was really scary. the cut was bigger than my last, I had 26 staples this time. After I got home my cut was runny and nasty. I didn't think that it was healing right. My stomach swelled really bad and turned purple. its been 11 days and it is still open and slightly runny, but like four or five staples got stuck and the doctor had a hard time getting them out that where I kinda ripped. Keeping my fingers crossed that the swelling goes away and the open parts close up fast. I don't think I can take much more of this.
- —Guest kittie25
Stitches
- I totally recommend stitches instead of staples or glue. After two weeks after given birth (C-section) I fell down on the concrete during a doctor visit. I believe my cut didn't open since I had stitches. Of course everyone has a different senario.
- —Guest serenity
2 c section
- My first was a c section so this one I want to have so I can just be ready and I won't have any suprises like last time! I had minimum complications very little pain with the medications. I heald very fast and effectively all in all it was a good experience and I don't have very many complaints just move around a lot and keep it movin don't slow down and do what you have to do work through the pain.
- —Guest jazzy
What's a maternity girdle?
- What's a maternity girdle and where can I get one? I'm having a c section with my 4th baby after 3 pretty easy vaginal deliveries and I'm sad and scared:(
- —Guest Connie
2 c-sections
- My first c-section was planned as my baby boy was rather large! I was very nervous about the spinal/surgery and the pain that I would feel afterwards. But when I held him in my arms for the first time I was captivated :) and speechless he weighed 12lbs 14oz! my doctor didn't think the ultrasounds were correct boy was he ever wrong!! With my second I wasn't as nervous as I knew what to expect! My daughter was 10lbs 12oz...guess I just have big babies ;) getting up and walking around when they allow you helps speed up the healing process! We are trying for our 3rd baby which will be our last and I already know it will be c-section.
- —Guest Leslie
1st time (emergency) with my twins
- I had an emergency csection at 36 weeks with my twin boys (no fetal heart tones found on baby b during sono) he wasted NO time in rushing me personally to the O.R. And they put me out. Since I had no spinal as soon as I woke up it was intense sharp burning aching cramping PAIN! Meds weren't doing squat because it had to catch up to the amount of pain that came on strong & sudden. I'm healing ok (day #4) defiantly taking pain meds around the clock. Up & moving. Oh I have staples. Is that common?If I try to get up from bed it hurts SO bad I swear I am ripping my internal incision. The pain is indescribable! When will it get better!?
- —Guest Jen with twins
2 sections
- I had 2 c sections my first was breech and had staples (which I wouldn't recommend) and recovered in no time with no painkillers at all. My second section, although more painful, was much better (as the cauterized the incision). It healed way better. The more you excercise before a c-section the better off you will be but be careful after section as it's so easy to tear open the scar. I was awake for both and really enjoyed the 2nd section even though it was emergency cesarean.
- —Guest tj
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