C Section and Recovery

[first_time_mum]

Hiya, what to expect with C section and recovery time?

[sugar123]

With a c section it is more painful and it takes longer to recover. I had a normal birth with my son and I find that I was able to get up straight away and I was also was able to breast feed him until he was 4 months. With my daughter I had emergency section and I find so much harder. I only breast feed her for 1 month even though the midwifes and doctors told me that I would find harder. The reason why I only breast feed her for month was because I find it really painful to sit. I also suffered from baby blue. It was harder to get up and feed in tge night. I also had to look after my son and her in the daytime. Overall it took me about month for my scar to heal and my body wasnt in pain. I wouldnt recomend a c section. Are you ginna try for elective section?

[first_time_mum in reply to sugar123]

I have breech baby at 37 week. If he doesnt turn himself I will have C section I think.

[MadamAdams in reply to first_time_mum]

Before you start to panic, check this site out - spinningbabies.com/

I've had several friends who have done these techniques with a lot of success. It's not 100% effective as it depends on the size and position of the baby (my little one was stubborn and refused to budge!)

If you do have to have a section and plan to breastfeed, make sure the nurses understand how important skin to skin is for you and that you have your baby with you AT ALL TIMES. This helps with getting bfing going and actually helps improve recovery time. I was up and about a week after my section (I wouldn't recommend long shopping trips if you can avoid them though!)

Take arnica homeopathic remedy as well, it helps reduce swelling and bruising without impacting on breastfeeding. Allow the scar "breathing space" - big granny pants made from pure cotton are best here even though they aren't that pretty (think comfort not style until your scar's healed) Avoid taking a bath for the first few weeks after the section, the chance of infection is minimised by showering or a flannel wash.

If you do start to feel unwell after your section, speak to your health visitor or GP, c-section infections are more common than doctors would lead you to believe but they are easily treated with antibiotics.

For breastfeeding with comfort during the first few weeks, you need to experiment with different holds. I found sitting back slightly and having my baby laid horizontally across my chest was the best as it took the pressure off my scar, placing a pillow over the scar can also help.

Lastly, make sure everyone who comes to see you and your new baby understands you've not only had a baby, you've also just gone through major abdominal surgery - if they want a cuppa they can make it themselves and make you one too! Don't be afraid to ask people to do things, if they really want to help, they wont mind.

[sugar123]

Ask your cm about exercises you can do to try to turn your baby in the right postion

[sugar123]

My daughter was breech. I didnt know that until my waters broke in the hospital and the student midwife checked me and the midwife double checked

[sugar123]

I wish I knew before so that I had a chance to turn my baby in the right postion

[sugar123]

Anyways good luck to you

[Hidden]

Every one is different.... my friend had one section and was fine and her second not so great. I had one and it was fine and I had a15 month old to look after.. obviously if this is ur first baby it will be easier as u only have to concentrate on ur baby and u getting better. ..u have to take it easy. . The younger u are the better. . And the more support u have the better... but I would say stay in hosp for a few days til u feel string enough I think they kick u out far too early these days. ..try not to worry too much thousands of women have them and I've not heard a really bad story yet x

[Neska]

Hi hun.i've had an elective c section.i must say i was expecting to be much more in pain.i had 2laparoscopies done and i was more in pain then.you need to remember to take things easy,rest as much as you can,sleep when your baby sleeps,dont be affraid to ask for help.i think when the operation is planned is better as doctors take it easy and dont rush things.i had a natural birth before and it wasnt nice experience for me so tbh i was happy to have a c section.obviously first few days are the worse but when you think you've got your precious baby to get up for it motivates you and give you strength.i stopped bleeding after 4days but then 2weeks after cc i overdone things and started again.so i had to take it easy again.all the spotting stoped after 4weeks.i stopted using pain killers after 4weeks.6weeks after cc i got my first period which lasted 7days(it was little bit heavy first few days).my scar healed quickly and all i've done was kept it clean(just washed it with warm water) and dry and i made sure i had no clothes touching it when i was at home.my skin around the scar is still numb but thats b'cos they cut the nerves and its gonna take time to go back to normal.but it doesnt hurt.i know everyone is different and healing process can take longer.its been 8weeks now and i can say i feel myself again

[first_time_mum in reply to Neska]

Thank you hun. I wonder if the baby turns before the c section will they cancel it? It will be nightmare

[Neska]

Hope it goes well for you xx

[first_time_mum]

Will they arrange the date 39+0 to 39+6?

[Neska]

Yes they always do from 39 weeks.mine was at 39+1 and i found that 10before xx

[Neska]

I meant i found out 10days before when i'm gonna have mine xx

[first_time_mum in reply to Neska]

I am now 37+1 there is also chance to be right position I think. I dont want ECV.

[Neska]

Not sure if they'd cancel then.its best to ask your consultant.i was scared that i'd go into labour before my cc date. But then they'd still do it. But not sure when its the other way x

[Slewis89]

I recovered really well after my cesarean!! Was up and out of bed the next day, and then let home after one night! Was a bit achy but apart from that felt fine.

[first_time_mum]

I have concerns about if the baby turns and if they cancel the c section. Because I will get ready this idea and will go to hospital. But if they send me it will be really dissappointing..

[katie84 in reply to first_time_mum]

Hi Hun have they said wen they will decide a date ? Or not x

[mommyme]

A lot of care should be taken post csec delivery. Had baby blues as well. So more love n affection helped me recover faster.

It took complete 4 weeks for the scar pain disappear but I think it takes atleast 3 months for internal healing.

My suggestions are.... eat healthy, stay active, give n take more love. Do take help from family and friends whenever possible n rest well.

All the very best.

[Hidden]

Iv had emergency and elective , electictive / planned much better experience and recovery . With emergency I would say it was mts b4 I felt anywhere near normal physically and emotionally (it was a traumatic experience , and the whole thing nothing like I imagined ) I was in hospital 5 days and felt utterly s#*t ! After planned , she was delivered fri afternoon , I was up and in the shower late that night and home the following t time , yes I was in some discomfort and pain but nothing compared 2 1st time, nearly 4 yrs earlier !

I'd say give urself 2-3 weeks of staying at home , take advantage of paternity leave and get others 2 help with baby and around the house ( no hoovering 4 u ) then when u feel up to make short trips out , remember u may b feeling fine resting at home but once ur out and about it really takes it out of u again . U should feel fine 6-8 weeks after ( maybe sooner or later) my baby is 8 weeks and iv been up and about 4 weeks now and feeling good .

Take painkillers at regular intervals ( b4 u feel pain ) iv learnt the hard way it's best 2 keep on top of it rather that wait .

Remember it's all 4 a good reason , ur little baby happy and healthy : ) u will b fine , try not 2 worry .

any questions just ask .

Good luck .

[TawnyH in reply to Hidden]

I might need a planned c-section due to breech baby too. This was really helpful. Thank you.

[jowalk6]

I had my 3rd c.section four weeks ago. I was out of hospital after 2 days. Hospital give you pain medication to take home, was really sore for just over a week. By the start of the second week i was feeling alot better. Now I feel like I havn't even had an op. As for breech baby my midwife told me to get down on my hands and knees and rock my hips, do this for 10 mins in morning and again in evening. After a week it worked. Good luck hun x

[immysarch]

I have had 3 sections, first emergency, last 2 planned. My youngest is now 6 months old. I was up within 12 hrs walking about, would of been sooner buh I had double spinal block so was about 6 hrs before I could feel my legs.My first 2 I got Ifinfections and my wound opened but my last one was great. The day after I wasnt taking pain relief, I do have a high pain threshold. As long as you are careful with bending, lifting etc. I was back doing the school run after 10 days, and felt great. I would personally of lovedto of given birth naturally but I wasnt lucky eenough but has long as my babies were born healthy thats all that mattered tto me. Good luck