Repeat Csection, advice needed!

[eppgirl]

With my first I had a *sort of* emergency c section.
Really it was just supposed to be the fact that I wasn't progressing kind of laid back like a planned, but they were so rushed and it made for a HORRIBLE experience. Recovery wasn't awful but my scar repeatedly 're-opened all the way up to 8 weeks pp. I didn't get to see my little boy for 3/4 hours afterwards and didn't get to breastfeed til 10 hours afterward.

I was told recently I'm going to have a csection again with these two, and I'm looking for advice/help on what to expect with a planned section. I'm really nervous, not really about the actual surgery, I have no clue about what to expect before and after, and I've never had a spinal block as last time I had the epi in.

 

[weebubba]

My second section was planned and was a much smoother affair than the first one! I went into the hospital at 6.30 in the morning, sorted all the paperwork and got changed (they like to shave you if you haven't already) then waited for it to be my turn in the operating room. They took me along at about 9 and administered the spinal - this went super smoothly and I never felt a thing, the key is to TRY and relax and hold nice and still. They then checked I was suitably numb and my little one was born at 9.30.

Afterwards I was put on a morphine drip that I could self administer when required. Truthfully I hardly touched it and by late afternoon I requested they remove the drip and I was given pain relief in tablet form if I needed it. I was able to be on my feet about 4 in the afternoon and showered myself. I was still a little wobbly on my feet but a lot better than the previous time. 48 hours after the birth I was checked over and allowed to go home. I was delighted as I felt I was doing so much better this time around.

With my first I had emergency section as baby got stuck! I ended up being in hospital for a week and felt so deflated that I couldn't do it myself, only because I was stupid enough to assume that all would go fabulously well and I never considered alternative outcomes.

I was advised to have the second section by my consultant and I'm glad I did. I felt so much more relaxed as I knew what was in front of me this time and I think that helped me prepare myself mentally as well as making for a far speedier recovery.

Good luck when the time comes and I know it's a hell of a lot easier said than done but being as relaxed as you can will help.

 

[wookie130]

I had 2 c-sections, 17 months apart, both planned. I would say that both experiences were wonderful, relaxed, and while I was nervous, the spinal was quite quick and easy. My advice to you on that, would be to arch your back up by tucking your chin under, and sticking your spine out as much as possible...it will make the anesthesiologist's job that much easier. The other piece of advice I would give you, would be to get up and moving as soon as you regain feeling in your legs, with the help of nursing staff, of course. The sooner you get up and moving, the easier and shorter your recovery will be.

 

[Kalabear]

I have had two planned sections 15 months apart. Both were great experiences but the second was even better!! Recovery was much better and I think it was because I was up moving much more and because the incision area was already numb from before. The spinals have been pretty easy as well. This last one took a little longer but I still didn't really feel anything. Try to relax as much as possible and I think that helps.

Congratulations on your twins ☺️

 

[lisa1980]

I've had two sections.

The second was planned and was so calm and relaxed. The spinal was fine and easier to get in than an epi. I had skin to skin immediately after he was born and was BF in recovery within half and hour. I stayed in one night and went home the next day. I took paracetamol for a couple of days at home (mainly because I had an allergic reaction to the dressing in the scar and it stung my skin!) but was up and about doing things as normal (except lifting heavy stuff). I don't really have anything negative to say about the experience

 

[rescuemom82]

Thank you to the ladies who posted positive experiences I had an emergency surgery with my first (32 hrs labor, high fever, distress) and it was altogether frightening although the recovery wasn't as bad as I had been led to believe....I did have emotional issues from giving myself grief about not doing it the "right way" etc.

This time I am having a scheduled as I'm a very poor and unsafe candidate for VBAC.

I am worried that I won't be able to see my baby right away or hold him/feed him. I saw my daughter in recovery last time and it was OK, but I'd prefer to have more of the normal experience this time.

 

[coz]

Its nice to see some positive posts, im worrying about my planned one, ive only had an emergency section after babies heart rate dropped and as i was allready in labour for hours it was all a rush and they put me asleep but wasnt too bad , i was sore after but recovered well, just getting nervous thinking about it now im 35 weeks x

 

[NewbieLisette]

Thx ladies, I had a C section after 36hours of trying with my DD and although i had no idea what to expect it went pretty well. This time i am scheduled for a C section at 39weeks and pretty happy I know the date and mostly what to expect i just worry caring for my 3yr old at home will be hard....no lifting ect ect....Any tips from second time moms?

 

[bitethebullet]

I had similar- an emergency section but didn't really feel like an emeregency. for me, the experience was fine and much better than I would ever have expected. I got to hold my baby as soon as they had checked her and I recovered well. I think planned sections are usually even better because nothing is rushed and you've had time to prepare your home so it's suitable for your recovery! I may have an elective this time and will make sure I freeze lots of meals, have changing stations at waist height etc.

 

[eppgirl]

Thanks for all the advice ladies, I had my cesarean May 23rd and the experience wasn't exactly perfect, but surgery wise it went great.
After the babies were born my blood pressure dropped and I lost a little blood so they rushed out my hubby and the babies and worked on getting me stabilized and okay. Recovery has went amazing. Sooo much easier than my first. My scar looks tons better and it's been easier for me to heal this time. I'm stuck either way with a section whenever we decide to have our 4th and final child, but I'm way more at ease with the idea now.

 

[lisa1980]

Congratulations! Glad you are recovering well

 

[wookie130]

Ahhh, twinnies.

I cannot even wrap my head around caring for two newborns at once. Congratulations, and I'm glad you're healing well. Snuggle up those little baby boys!

 

[Kalabear]

Congratulations on you twins! Sounds like surgery was a bit scary but so glad to hear you are healing well!! Enjoy your newborn cuddles x2!!!