Planned C section worries

Both my babies were Cs. With my first, I was blindsided by going in for a c section. I had started by going in for an induction due to pre eclampsia and labored for 27 hours before they decided the risk to continue was too high, I’d also had a terrible reaction to the pitocin and my blood pressure had skyrocketed right before surgery. I didn’t get to hold my baby until well over an hour after he was born, and it wasn’t until we’d been in post op and they were already cleaning me up that they even suggested giving him to me for skin to skin. My milk never did come in either. It was an all around traumatic experience. Recovery was rough, and I was trying to push myself to get better quickly and to over do what I was capable of. That being said, my second baby was born at just over 36 weeks. I had shown up for my 36 week appointment and was too high risk again due to pre eclampsia. He did however give me the weekend to get ready as long as I was on light bed rest since our appointment

Was on a Friday. It also gave our son’s lungs a little more time. This time we knew an induction was not going to be the best route and were prepped and ready for a planned c section. We also knew to be MUCH more firm with our birth plan and I was incredibly assertive when discussing the golden hour and insisted on getting my baby and immediately being able to work on nursing. They ended up having my husband hold him next to me while closing me and dealing with some hemorrhaging, and then I held him skin to skin on the way to recovery. We were able to successfully nurse and I firmly believe it was that initial time with baby right after birth that aided the process. I still was adamant about being able to get up and have my catheter removed as soon as the epidural wore off. I personally hate being stuck in bed and unable to move. BUT, I did go at a much slower pace and recovery the second time took me a lot longer but I seemed to heal better. I did lots of short walks and light

Stretches. We would even just do a minuscule walk to the nurses station with me using the bassinet for a little support. Ice and keeping up on pain meds is a god send! I would also keep my Boppy on my lap and used it to brace my abdomen and help keep good support. I also advise anyone to speak up with anything they may need help with. I couldn’t move a ton or well for a while, and was exclusively nursing and pumping to try to build a supply for going back to work so my husband basically took care of everything else. He was amazing at helping with diaper changes, being with our toddler, and all the household chores. Don’t be afraid to set your boundaries with visitors and family too!

I had two csections, the first an emergency following a failed induction and the second planned. I should mention both times I was a hard no on having one, but I had some health complications with #2 as well and I need up needing it. I was a bundle of nerves for both of them as well! But wow was this planned one such a fantastic experience. A nurse checked us in and got me comfy and I was really scared and shaking, they brought me heated blankets and let me listen to my music (I was allowed to have a speaker and playlist in the surgery room). They started an IV line and we did some health check in stuff. The surgeon (my ob) came and chatted with me first and told me everything that was going to happen. I got to meet the anesthesiologist and he asked me questions and answered every single question I had. When it was time to go back they brought me back (without hubby at first) and I went to the operating room for the spinal (this was so much easier than an epidural in my opinion)

A nurse talked to me the whole time, it was quick (did sting a little but only the first one that numbs). I told every single dr I was very nervous and asked for meds to calm me down and the anesthesiologist was able to give me some in my spinal which was fantastic - things were still a little scary but way more manageable. Then I got laid down and they brought my husband in. They brought all the other nurses and staff in, did introductions, started playing my music, and I asked them to talk through everything they were doing out loud (not in detail but to say “okay we’re starting now, going to make an incision” etc. took about 10 mins and before I know it they were saying “okay we’re at baby, get ready to meet her!” I was a little nauseous and shakey - totally normal and just told the anesthesiologist everything I felt like because he had adjustments he could make. Then baby was pulled out and they cut the umbilical cord long so that my husband could do a trim. Nurse brought baby

To the warmer and my husband went to meet her, they did what they needed to and then they put her on my chest (with help) and I got to rub her back and kiss her 🥰 they let me keep her there as they sewed me up and then husband brought her to the same room we had to begin with and they finished me up and brought me to them. We stayed there for a few hours then went to our recovery room where we stayed the next few days. The first day everything feels weird, but not too painful. They do lots of pain meds in spinal and they have numbing cream for the incision. Day 2 you feel more as you move more, day 3-5 is typically the hardest because the original meds are wearing off. But it is all manageable - definitely vocalize how you’re feeling to nurses! They have lots of tips and tricks. Recovery after is different for everyone and can be overwhelming while becoming a mama but you got this girl ❤️❤️ there’s truly nothing better in the world than meeting your little one!!

My biggest tip for once you’re home - DONT DO STAIRS. Sit your booty butt down and let people do things for you. Ask for things to be done and don’t feel bad about it. Do core breathing (look up some csection recovery vids on YouTube). Don’t overdo it those first few days. Give yourself some grace. And mostly - give that babe some many snuggles and kisses and be so insanely proud of yourself!

You got this mama 🫶

I had a planned c-section in August and honestly it was the most peaceful, calm and beautiful experience. I’m sure you’ll be absolutely fine ❤️ plenty of rest, water and good food afterwards! Good luck x

I opted for a c section, and had one in June. I was told to arrive on a certain date at 6:30 am. When I got there I was advised I was third on the list, but could be longer because of emergencies. The time went really fast. I was in surgery for about 40 minutes. I had a spinal, and didn't feel anything. Found it so calming and relaxing I fell asleep during the procedure 🤣. Was advised that c section babies often don't cry when born, so not to be alarmed. But mine was screaming as she was pulled out. Watch the video on the NHS website on how to get out of bed after a c section, it will help you out. I was up after 24 hours. But unfortunately had to stay in hospital for days as my baby was jaundice. Good luck. I would recommend them to anyone, actually really enjoyed it. Having a planned c section is a much different experience to trying to vaginally labour, then have one and be bruised everywhere.