I am the proud mama of two amazing children both born via c-section. Going into it the very first time I felt completely unprepared and scared.
There was so much I wish someone would have told me! If you are planning a c-section anytime soon, here are some things you may likely not have heard yet.
11 Things No One Tells You About C-Sections
The spinal tap isn’t as bad as it sounds.
Out of all the things I could be nervous for, in the weeks leading up to my c-section I was most nervous about this. I was surprised how little it hurt and even more surprised during my second c-section that it hurt even less. After it was done I kept telling everyone, “I didn’t even cry!”
Your husband can’t come in and hold your hand while they do it.
This part was no fun. I wanted my husband with me and he wasn’t allowed in the room. Luckily I at least had my doctor there with me for support.
Anesthesiologists are super human.
I mean, seriously. My first c-section was an emergency c-section I had no idea was going to happen that day and I had just ate two Quick Trip taquitos on the way!
If I said I’m nauseous, he picked up something, put it in my IV and I was better.
I started to have a little panic attack, he put something in my IV and I was chill. They are miracle workers… which was originally proven when the spinal didn’t hurt.
You don’t feel pain, no, but you do feel tons of pressure.
This was a concept my mind couldn’t wrap around. I wish someone had discussed with this with me prior because it was a source of anxiety during my procedure.
You will want your husband to talk so much he will drown out the voices.
I yelled at my husband the whole time to TALK TO ME! so I could stop hearing the surgeon say things like scalpel and suction. The room is quiet and I didn’t like it.
He won’t be able to cut the cord.
Maybe this isn’t the case 100% of the time, but my husband couldn’t cut the cord during either of my cesareans.
You absolutely need to get up as soon as you are allowed.
This is going to be hard, very hard, but getting up out of bed when you are cleared to do so makes an enormous difference in your recovery. This is the one tip I tell everyone.
I was up and in a wheelchair heading the the PCN to see my son 12 hours after my first c-section. With the second, I took things slower since she was with me and I paid for it.
The catheter won’t come out until you do.
You are going to want that catheter out as soon as possible and as long as you’re in bed, it stays in.
Getting to the shower for the first time will be difficult.
After a couple of days in bed you are ready to get clean but it’s not so easy. You’ll definitely need someone to help you wash and to get in and out.
You still bleed.
I assumed since I wasn’t having a vaginal delivery that the postpartum bleeding would be different and I wouldn’t be wearing diapers for a week. I was very wrong.
You will have weird numb spots on your scar.
There are a couple spots that are totally numb and occasionally even have a strange poking sensation. You’ll learn to live with it.
Don’t worry mama, you will make it through and it is so worth it at the end!
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Liz is a just a mom trying to keep it real about how little she sleeps, how often she gets puked on and how much she loves them. You can find her here every day writing about real-mom moments.
I had an emergency c-section for my 3rd baby after 2 previous vaginal births. Yes some of what you mentioned above I wasn’t prepared for, and some I think might be personal experience. For example my anesthesiologist didn’t have a great bedside manner and so things were not as pleasant. I also wasn’t allowed to get out of bed because I needed blood transfusions after the surgery. I also didn’t have a friendly/helpful nurse that first time I was able to get out of bed and shower. Wobbly legs and no help was not a great feeling.
One thing I wasn’t prepared for was the amount of swelling after the surgery. I didn’t have an edema issues with my pregnancy, so when my ankles became cankles on day 3 or 4 I was completely unprepared and called my midwife in a panic that something was wrong.
I was also completely unprepared for what the incision would look like and what was proper care. I found a great tip somewhere to put a maxi pad against the incision site.
I found the net undies extremely helpful. I used the maxi pad against the insicion and the net undies to hold it in place. The staples itches like crazy and it scares the crap out of me when the tape strips came off before the week (that I was told it needed to stay for) was up. The bleeding lasted forever and my ankles did swell after being on my feet too long.
Another thing after my pain shot to the back 10 years later my back hurts from time to time if I get hit in the back it hurts and right after I had the baby and was back to my room my face was on fire my eyes itched I had a reaction to the shot and I got no help for it so that made it a little scary but after all was said and done my son was health and so was I so only have god to thank for that.
Thank you and just like you I too had no idea of what was going to happen. The only thing that was a little different was the spinal tap, second ceserean hurt alot for reasons I still have no idea about. Maybe the tech doing it was not as experienced, but 1st try, pain shot down left leg, 2nd try pain shot down right leg, and 3rd time was a charm but that feeling like have the done it correctly stayed with me during the whole surgery! I blacked out, puked, and have little recollection of what actually happened. I do remember bits and pieces. Had a terrible pain around my collar bone right side during the procedure but didn’t say a word out of fear of screaming. And that’s when I threw up and everything after that was a blur! The one thing I remember clearly is the nuse bringing my baby girl to me and trying to unfasten my arms so I could hold her. My husband didn’t come in till a few seconds before she came out so yes I felt quiet alone. Nothing compared to the first time though. The feeling like my legs were in a very awkward frog leg position, stayed with me till I got the sensation back in them. When you’re in this huge room with these groups of doctors and nurses standing around and chatting while the nurses prepped you. Total exposure! Atleast to me, lol! Got out of bed 4 to 6 hrs after getting my room. First time was again not told how bad the pain could be.. second time around.. I was up and about with little support, knew what it was going to be like, so was prepared! But would change my experience for the love of anything because it brought both my lil ones into this world safe and healthy!
Sorry would not change my experience…
I also was swollen like a balloon especially around my around ankles and all my doctor said was nothings wrong if it doesn’t go down in 2 weeks come back and see me. Lol! This was the second ceserean!
I had an emergency c-section at 24wks. They put me under and my husband was able to be there the entire time, it all happened VERY fast.
CRNAs and Anesthesiologists are super human. Both can provide the anesthesia safely and effectively.
My husband was permitted to be with me during both of my c-sections; even the first one which was an emergency. My cousin was allowed to have her husband present. I live in Idaho and she lives in Utah. I think this is the first time I have heard of a husband not being allowed to be present during a c-section. Just a note, so it is not thought this is not permitted across the board. 🙂
I’m an L&D nurse. Let me clarify something from comments above. At my facility, one support person is present during surgery if the mom is awake. They are NOT present during the spinal. BTW, to the OP, it’s not a “spinal tap”, they are not removing any cerebrospinal fluid. If the mom needs general anesthesia, aka she is “asleep”, then she does not need a support person present. She needs a breathing tube and a nurse to assist anesthesia with its placement.
I think she is saying her husband was not allowed only during the spinal tap because she also mentionned that during the c-section she was yelling at him to talk to her..
I agree…never heard of a husband kept from c section delivery unless major emergency issue arises
The problem with saying people don’t tell you these things is this was your experience, not everyones. My husband was offered to cut the umbilical cords for all three of our children. Our babies only left our sides when tests were needed and none slowed anything down by rarely leaving my sight. Walking the around actually helped me get up more. My nurses didn’t give me a choice, they removed the catheter and helped me stand while talking me through it and assisting me. For me, while there was definitely pain and I was slow, it wasn’t all that hard to stand and move around. It actually felt great to move around for a short while.
That first shower felt so amazing, I became a new person! And no one helped me with that but I will say those amazing nurses helped me on the toilet for that first pee after the catheter removal and did it with such grace I didn’t feel as if I lost any dignity.
I did bleed, but not very heavily and used normal pads for a week or so.
I wouldn’t have been able to handle it if my husband talked the whole time, but my Dr. And the staff were wonderful, very funny, and included me in the conversations even though the meds made it hard for me to respond and keep up. I’m very sensitive to medications.
It all depends on your Dr, the staff, hospital protocol, and how you personally handle things. I’m lucky I had great experiences every time, I know not everyone is so lucky.
It’s always wonderful to hear about everyone’s own experience, though!
Thanks for writing your experience. Resonates.
I don’t understand why the doctors didn’t prepare you better! My doctor told me everything to expect and even some things that his previous patients had experienced. He also allowed my aunt to come in with my first c-section, and my husband was allowed in for my second. I wasn’t allowed to cut the cord on my first by my second being full term my husband was allowed to cut her cord. Maybe its different in every state? Who knows. Oh, do you still get the numbness on your scar? I have no feeling at all on my scar and very little around it.
You miss out on the natural high of oxytocin as well and nobody talks about that. Or tells you that most “emergency” c-sections could be avoided by not getting epidurals and not rushing labor. And as after working as a nurse for a decade, I would not call anesthesiologist super human. The body is naturally amazing and magical… and I would sah moms are the super human ones.
Hmmm. Sounds like a lot of judgement here. I realise you were a nurse but saying most emergencies could be avoided by not having an epidural or rushing labour makes mothers who have had had to have emergency c sections feel like you are blaming them. There is far too much judgement and blame surrounding pregnancy and labour. I was very much made to feel like c section was a bad thing and you were a failure if you had to have it. I had an emergency c section, nearly lost my son and my own life first time around and it was not because of an epidural. I felt like I hadn’t been a real woman because of this experience and that was all down to NCT and the pressure from others telling me what was right and wrong. I went on to have a second c section which was an amazing experience. I no longer pay any attention to those who like to think they know the right and wrong ways to do things. Everyone child is an individual as is every mother and every birth.
My first birth was vaginal. No rush there – she came at 41 weeks after 13h of labor, bleefing, terrible pain, etc.
And a manual internal cleaning for me with reaping all stiches withput anything for the pain 2 days later.
No rush of oxytocin and it took me ages to finally connect with and fall in love with that wonderful baby i so much waited for. 😬 so, no offense, but if you haven’t gone yourself through a traumatizing experience, I suggest you don’t preach about it.
It took me years to get over that experience enough to even consider the possibility of giving birth again, despite always having wanted more than 1children!
My other 2 babies are both C-section born and even though i am still recovering from 2nd surgery it was THE BEST CHOICE FOR OUR FAMILY!
And i did get the rush of happiness both times when i first saw them and held them and cried over how perfect they were!
I dud experience all the wonderful emotions that were robbed from me by a traumatizing vaginal birth first time around.
Four scection mamma here. I think the overall message should be that this was your experience and the same may or may not happen to your readers. I’ve never had any weird tingly spots ever. My sister has- it’s different for everyone. It’s not necessarily true that you will. Also, too much too soon is also just as bad. I actually felt it was better to take it slow. I didn’t agree with after the csection you should get up and going as soon as possible. But much of this I could relate to.
A lot of this is true but a lot of it is circumstantial. My Hospital allowed my husband to sit right next to me hold my hand and talk. He was able to watch the baby born, call the gender and cut the umbilical cord. Also my hospital when it let me take the catheter out until I was peeing a hydrated looking color pee.
Hi.
I agree. The anesthesiologists at my c-section was super human. he was my support person while my husband stood on the other side of the room and took photos. my OBGYN asked him if he would like to. I was up after 24H and had my baby with me almost the whole time. showering was the best part. I think the experience differs from person to person and also hospital to hospital.
On your last comment….using Frankincense on mine for two weeks made the sensation go completely away.
That first time out of bed is so hard, but I agree, up and move and you will be back on your feet sooner!
I had 3 c-sections in Jamaica and all three was done without a spinal tap and the experience was good. I was out of bed by the next day, and although it was difficult to move around by day 3 l was taking care of by baby without assistance. But I would add to the list that the scar something itch also I was not allowed to lift anything heavy so my mom came over to help.
I can completely relate to your write up. I share very similar experience. Anesthesiologists are sure super humans, both the times I had very professional ones.
One great thing you shared which has comforted me is the various feelings on the scar sometimes numb, sometimes itchy. I always wondered if it was normal.
My husband was there when I had the epidural and spinal tap and he got to cut the cord as they did delayed cord clamping because they took bub and placenta out at the same time. I also got skin on skin and breastfeeding on the table. I had an emergency ceasar for obsteric cholestasis as my body wasn’t coping but bub was fine hence why I got the bonuses 😀
I also got music in theatre of my choice as well.
You make recovery sound so much easier than it is.
I had a natural delivery for my first but had to have a c-section my second due to placenta previa. I did a TON of research before hand and requested that no ‘opiates’ be included in my spinal. The anesthesiologist looked at me like I was crazy and asked me if I thought I could get through it without opiates. I said I was going to give it a try and guess what…that was not any problem at all. I felt no pain, just pressure like to you referred to.
Hubby was able to cut the cord and I wanted to hear what was going on. This was my baby’s birth and I wanted to remember all of it.
The time in the recovery room waiting for my legs to wake up was terrible and the catheter was incredibly painful going in and just as bad when everything had feeling again.
When it was time to try to get up the nurse commented, “I wish all my patients popped out of bed like that!”
My baby had to be taken to another hospital because she was unable to breath on her own and needed to be in NICU for a week. The doctor had chosen to take her too early – something I was scared into because we both could die if I went into labor. I didn’t get to see her over Mother’s Day but I pumped for her and was able to get enough that the NICU never had to give her any formula.
That being said, the recovery process was terrible. The pain where my incision was was sore (not numb) for at least a full month. It did have numb spots and when the pain finally went away I stayed numb for almost a year.
Since then, I have had 2 VBAC succesfully (both with over 9 lb. babies) with no issues. This is SO much better for you and baby. Vaginal birth helps clear out baby’s airways and if at all possible should be the first choice.
Please do your research, ladies. Empower yourself.
I do dislike this form of judgement. You don’t know the others stories on here, the research they did etc. I am very pleased for you and your VBAC births. How very lucky of you. Please don’t assume that c section is everyone else’s choice. Over the 7 years since I have had my son, I have witnessed women fall apart because they can’t breastfeed, one friend tried for months until her baby was suffering so much she simply had to stop, that is no good for mother or baby, I have seen women blame themselves for lack of routines or too much routine, wearing a sling, not wearing a sling etc. All because of others very strong opinions on the “right” way. I never wanted a c section. I was frightened of all the horror stories, lack of bonding, not clearing the airways, not getting the benefits of the mucous etc as it is born, I could go on…..a c section saved my baby’s life. Before I had him, I was made to feel that they were evil and we were failures if we had one. That led to me feeling a complete failure afterwards. I soon came to realise that there was no problem with my bond wiTh my son, it was as strong as anyone else’s. I chose a c section for my second because of th trauma of the first. Statistics show that for things like placenta previa or baby in the wrong position etc VBACs are extremely successful. If the original c section was down to difficulties in labour, labour not progressing or issues with position of cervix then the statistics for successful vbacs don’t look quite as healthy. I wish so much that instead of judging each other, women could stand together to support one another be in vaginal birth, c section, emergency c Section, vbac, breastfed, bottle fed etc.
Ps by the way both my children were breastfed but I don’t have a “well done me I am so amazing” attitude, I have a “lucky me, I am so appreciative That it was easy for me” attitude. I struggled to get out of bed with my emergency c section (i suspect because it was an incredibly traumatic surgery), however, I too jumped out of bed for my planned c section but again I thought “lucky me” not “well done me, I must be more amazing than the others.”
I’ve had 4 C- sections. You said your husband wasn’t allowed to be there with you and than you said all you will want him to do is talk to you and that you were yelling at him? My husband was in there for all 4 and had he wanted to could have cut the cord. I agree with the get up. Manage your meds (it will save you from pain, dont expect the nurses to do it) and walk (very slowly) asap. I found ice on the incision was very helpful. Also aim for a gallon of water a day. It will flush out your system. You will have to pee alot and that is good b/c it will force you to get up and it helps with milk supply. Lastly a pillow on your incision when actually getting up helps with the pressure.
It is funny how everyone’s experiences are so different! You said the room where you had yours was very quiet (that would have been stressful and allowed way too much time for thinking)… my doctor was laughing and carrying on a conversation with someone about a new airplane he had just bought and using language I had never heard him use before… I was thoroughly entertained!
My doctor put a wound vacuum thing (I don’t remember the actual name) over my incision and it was awesome… my scar is faint. I took a shower the day after the c-section and my husband stood next to the shower holding the batter pack for the vacuum and making sure I didn’t fall. They took the vacuum off before they sent me home on the 4th day.
In Ontario, husband and midwife were allowed in the OR during emergency section. Also baby had delayed cord clamping, husband cut the cord, and he did skin-to-skin with baby. We also breastfed while I was being sewn up. There should be no reason husbands aren’t allowed to be there. It makes me sad that they aren’t everywhere.
I had my first 4 kids natural and was bummed that I had to have my Twins by c-section. It wasn’t that bad the only thing I didn’t like was that I had the chills and the table was small i thought i was going to fall off other than that I was good the doctor and staff were awesome they even took some pictures for me and my husband of the babies I thought that was awesom.
I am having a c-section on the 17th of May with my second child (baby girl this time). This is a must for us because of first child was born not breathing because he was stuck in the birth canal. Horrific experience. Anyway I am so glad you wrote this article. I feel more prepared for my c-section in May. Thank you for this!
My first was an emergency c-section. I didn’t even get to see my son for 14 hrs. My husband walked him as fast he could to nicu where he was put on oxygen. It seemed to take forever for me to get moving and the pain was unbearable. My second was planned and this time I was able to hold my daughter before she was taken to the nursery. I was ready to get back on feet as soon as I could feel everything again pain was minimal didn’t need painkillers until they removed the bandage then it hurt but I still got up and moved. First one I was in hospital a week to make sure I was moving and everything was good, second time was only three days.
I had a medically necessary c-section due to an abnormal pelvis shape. No one warned me about ANYTHING besides the fact that there would be pressure — “not pain” — and I could only have one support person in the room with me.
I WISH I had been told that during prep, I would be without my husband. After drinking a shot of something to neutralize acid in your stomach and being wheeled into the operating room….I had no idea that I would be laying on a table, surrounded by about 10 different medical staff, with my arms strapped down and nude from below my boobs! Talk about feeling vulnerable and exposed — everyone just going about their business while you’re basically naked under fluorescent lights! Oy. I ended up having a panic attack (due to my anesthesiologist not giving me enough medicine because I was “smaller than most of his patients” and me being able to lift my legs and feel my doctor touching my stomach) and was given general anesthesia and essentially slept through the birth of my son…although, I admit I kind of was glad because the thought of the pressure really scared me — I can’t handle any kind of “pressure” sensations! My husband was not allowed in the room since I was asleep, either.
No one told me that the anesthesia could cause breathing issues in your infant. Mine was under an oxygen tent for 8 hours after birth. No one told me that c-sections could affect breastfeeding, not to mention hinder mother-infant bonding due to sedation effects on both of them.
No one told me about the nurses coming in and “massaging your uterus” aka pushing and pulling your tummy and the newly sewn scar! That was one of the most painful things I have experienced…not to overlook the feeling of blood coming out of your vagina during that massage. No one warned me of the horrifying amounts of blood and freakishly huge blood clots that would evacuate your body for the next week…or the queen mattress-sized pads you’d be wearing (that went from your belly button to our lower back…and that secured inside those weird pressure underwear the hospital supplied you with).
No one told me that I would have to be up and walking hours after surgery, or how awful it made me feel. I understand that it’s considered necessary…but it was so difficult, especially when you’re dizzy and feel unstable. I was lucky to not have a catheter (I think maybe they had already removed it before I woke up IF I even had one at all — I don’t know), but no one told me how much it would hurt to pee for the first time! Awkward as well, considering there’s a nurse in front of you, watching you…and then handing you a bottle of warm water to wash yourself off instead of using toilet paper. No one told me that I couldn’t leave the hospital unless I “passed gas.” And no one told me how much it would hurt to poop, couch, sneeze or get up out of bed. They told me to take it easy…but I had no idea how to do that considering you now have a newborn to care for on top of every other responsibility. No one told me that I would have nerve pain in my toes, even 6 years later, that stemmed from a spinal block. No one told me I would leave the hospital looking 6 months pregnant and that you could have scar tissue adhesion or feel self-conscious about the way your stomach looks after having a scar (that highlights any time you’re bloated or gain weight)….or the fact that finding a bikini bottom to cover that scar would be impossible. I could go on…but you get the point.
My c-section was planned in advance, but I was not warned about MANY things. Why are we not told certain things ahead of time?! I would have loved to have been prepared (well, as prepared as one can be for this situation)!
I had a very similar experience except that mine was an emergency and so I was completely unprepared. One minute I was pushing, the next minute I was told that the baby’s head was coming down on the cord and they immediately wheeled me into the surgery room. I was told the my walking epidural should be enough to numb the pain but I felt it all. I was in so much pain (or ‘pressure’ as they called it’) they finally gave me some medication that would make me ‘forget’ what was happening. By this point my daughter was already out and the last thing I remember was my husband telling me “It’s a girl!”. I woke up 6-8 hours later and hadn’t been able to do skin-to-skin contact or nursing all that time, and since this was my first, I had no idea how important those things are. I just remember waking up alone and being immediately jealous that my hubby had spent hours with my daughter, though it was good bonding time for them.
I also remember that I was never warned about the air bubbles that can become trapped in your body after surgery. They were amazingly painful ad there wasn’t much the nurses could do to help me and I remember them lasting several days.
My next 2 VBACs were much much better experiences and I’m so grateful I was able to safety have them.
My husband was allowed in with me for both C-sections. He cut the cord. He held my hand. I was never alone. My catheter came out soon. I done great with both births. The more you move, the quicker the soreness goes away.
I had my son via C-section in 1992. It sounds like the procedure itself is essentially the same as it was 25 years ago.
Two things I wanted to share with y’all about my experience:
1. During your recovery, hold a small, firm pillow against your incision site whenever you use your abdominal muscles to reduce the pain. Coughing, sitting, standing, lying down, toileting, laughing, eating…well, just about EVERYTHING you do involves your abs. If you are having a planned C-section, work your core muscles so they are well-conditioned when the baby arrives.
2. I still have no feeling around my incision site over two decades later. In fact, there is a 3″ margin around my scar that has no feeling at all. No amount of exercise or nerve stimulation will fix that, but my doctor assured me that’s normal.
I proudly bear my scar, and my lifeless belly pouch, because I have a wonderful grown son as my “reward”. 🙂
Mine was an emergency c-section, and my husband WAS there for my epidural. That was the part I was most scared of since I have lots of spinal problems, and he held my hand the whole time. Then they brought me in and let me bring in my soundmaker to help me relax- it is a quiet room. The worst part was that I didn’t get to see my baby for almost 45 minutes, nothing was wrong with him except meconium. They just didn’t let me hold him until I was back in the room, and my husband only brought him over at the 45 min mark after I asked repeatedly. The only thing I can say is the faster you walk the faster you recover, and the faster you do it without meds, the better. I bled for 5 weeks after my c-section. One thing is that I am completely numb from my belly button down from it, (almost 3 yrs later) and I can’t feel my new baby’s kicks unless I put my hand on my belly 🙁
In the beginning you said your husband wasn’t allowed with you but a few paragraphs down you said you kept shouting at him to talk to you?
He was not allowed in the room during the spinal, not the surgery.
Two of these contradict each other. You say you can’t have your husband in the room with you, then you say have your husband talk loudly to you during the surgery. And I don’t think the surgeons would want your husband to talk loudly in the room. Weird that this error wasn’t caught.
No error, I said he wasn’t allowed in during the spinal, not the delivery.
My name is Selpher, all what she said is true.first of all,when the wound start to heal,there’s pain as the threads start healing, don’t where too tight of skirts or pants around the wound until it heals.when the wound is under pressure,it leads to bleeding or even pain n worst of all it can open n lead to another operation
I also had an emergency C-Section and my husband was allowed to hold my hand, which was fine but he was fascinated, he would occasionally glance around that green curtain to check if I was still “OK” in his words. The shove on my stomach was rather weird and the blood spurting onto the light above….but I was chill most of the time. Except my body went into shock the first time I stood up and I couldn’t see my son until the day after that.
Also had a double cut, since I was so swollen they had to do another cut a little lower…mine almost looked like a railway afterwards, but it healed great, considering
My husband was allowed in the delivery room.
Maybe it varies hospital to hospital, but I was allowed one person in the room during the procedure.
I had two csections, the last one 30 years ago. My husband was allowed in both times. I would add one thing to this advice…
Not only get up as soon as possible but, stand up straight. Don’t hunch over to protect your incision. Stand up straight, and walk. You will heal faster, be in less pain and heal better.
BTW – 30 years later, my scar is MUCH bigger than the one in the picture, and still numb!!
I will have to say after reading this and going through 2 C-Sections I found some true for me and some not. My first was not planned but she was standing up breech and too big for me to deliver. The spinal was horrific as I was 2 weeks overdue. I never heard my Dr. say anything I knew it was taking too long. In the end I was told (I knew when she turned breech it was horrible the flipping and flopping and me wanting to puke)the cord was around her neck and chest 5 times. The delay in getting her here was getting her out of the cord. My ex and her father refused to go in with us. My parents didn’t make it in time due to a snow storm. I was up and walking the next day. I forced myself I knew that was the only way. The nurse went to get me a chair for the shower and by the time she got back (which was awhile) I had my shower, dressed, and back in bed. I walked her up and down the hall until they told me I couldn’t. My son was transverse also a breech baby C section and I did the same thing get me up let me go and keep me moving. I had a little more problems with him as they gave me too much in my spinal. My mom was there and she held him first and cut his cord. Once again I was up and going ASAP. I then had a Hysto and same thing as soon as I could move and get going I was. A lady that had hers 4 hours behind me was still in the hospital for 3 days after I left. Mind over matter and do what is good for you and your kids-family.
My husband was allowed in after they did the Epidural and had already made the incision. Doctors waited for my husband to be by my side and then the tugging and pullingand the pressure began. I felt like my head was going to explode from so much pressure and I felt like I had an elephant on my chest. It was normal feeling.
I had an emergency c-section with my fifth baby (4th delivery)… I agree with getting up right away- I was out walking the halls as soon as they took the catheter out 24 hours after the surgery. Within 1 week I was up and down stairs and feeling great!! I actually think I healed faster than I did with my others (vaginal deliveries) because no tearing. One thing I wish I had known was about the bruising from where they stretched and pulled me open to get the baby out I had a massive purple bruise which took weeks to fully go away. Looked so gross.
I had 2 c-sections. The 1st was after 22 hours of labor and the 2nd was scheduled. There was a world of difference in how sore I was afterwards! With the 1st I could hardly move for days and could not stand up from a sitting position while holding my baby for about a week. I really wondered how I was going to manage getting to my 2 week check-up, but I had finally started moving better by then. With the scheduled c-section I was up and moving the same day and could hardly wait to get in the shower the next day. I’m a physical therapist and I know how important it is to move around, but I just couldn’t move without help at first.
I had 2 c-sections. The 1st was after 22 hours of labor and the 2nd was scheduled. There was a world of difference in how sore I was afterwards! With the 1st I could hardly move for days and could not stand up from a sitting position while holding my baby for about a week. I really wondered how I was going to manage getting to my 2 week check-up, but I had finally started moving better by then. With the scheduled c-section I was up and moving the same day and could hardly wait to get in the shower the next day. I’m a physical therapist and I know how important it is to move around, but I just couldn’t move without help at first.
I’ve had a c section done in 2007 I healed very good the Dr said but 4 years after the c section I have problem in the crack of my butt the sides gets really itchy n I never had that problem till i had the c section
The only time my husband couldn’t be with me was when they started the surgery but once it was started, he was brought in and cut the cord both times period I think part of this has to do with the hospital you are in. I didn’t have any problems that I can recall with the scars but these skin in between both hips hasn’t never been the same. Overhang like you wouldn’t believe. I lost all the baby weight, but the skin just lost its elasticity. That kinda stinks. Pants don’t fit right. My daughter was born in 2006. I’m happy with my weight, but it’d be nice to have a tummy tuck.
I was so informed! I did everything right, yoga, went to the chiropractor, exercised, ate right. Planned a homebirth, got preeclampsia, failed induction, c section. Tried for a VBAC, failed. Miserable. 3rd time, I scheduled. I happened upon the “gentle cesarean “. Look it up, introduce it to your doctor. This is what some have gotten with delayed clamping, skin to skin, immediate breastfeeding. There are videos. My doctor unfortunately did not feel comfortable with most of it, but what I did get was a mirror to watch! I got to see my little one be lifted out!
In the end, we do what we do the best we can. We must forgive all involved for whatever failures we experienced with our birth stories and move on with the living of our lives and the loving of our children. And be ever so thankful for cesareans saving lives, because they do.
I breastfed them all but oh my goodness, it was hell for at least a couple of weeks for each. Hurt so bad. My scar itches often and has numb spots. AND I have 3 beautiful kiddos. Be informed! Ask questions! If you have to have a cesarean have a “gentle cesarean “.
I love all of these! Showering was the absolute worst for me after my first c-section. I almost passed out trying to get into the shower once. It was terrible!
I had a planned C Section for my son, for me it was beautiful and pain free.
My partner was allowed in the surgery the whole time, he only left me when I went to recovery and he need to go to the Special Care Nursery as my son was two months early. My partner cut my sons cord.
My anesthesiologist was amazing she took photos and videos for us.
I had no pain, I got up after a few hours and showered and walked down to Nursery.
I also bleed for along time after which surprised me as my baby was a C Section, it was about four weeks and you can’t use tampons.
My next baby will also be a C Section. It truly was the most beautiful experience of my life.
That’s weird that they didn’t let your husband in the room. I had a c-section with my 3rd baby, and he was there with me the whole time on the other side of the sheet that they put up so you won’t see all your insides, holding my hand. I guess every hospital has different rules.
I do feel some of this depends on your Doctor. My first c-section was an emergency and both my husband and mom where in the room and we where living in Texas. My second was planned and my sister and husband where both in the room and we where living in Nebraska.
Forgot he also cut the cord both times. He did have to ask the second time.
I have had 2 C-sections and going in for my third next week!!! I get queasy with blood, procedures, etc and I COULD NOT handle the thought of hearing words like scalpel or suction. So, I opted for headphones with loud playing music. This completely drowns out medical banter and worked wonders for me.
One more tip to add! You will get constipated and passing stool is NOT fun after a C-section. They also give you iron tablets (for blood loss) and opioids (such as Percocet), which contribute to constipation. I was given NO warning for my first C-section and literally shed a lot of tears in the bathroom. For my second, I immediately started taking stool softeners like Colace. I think I actually took them for a couple weeks. Other options are Miralax, Metamucil, etc. It was LIFE CHANGING!!! Good luck mommas!
I have experienced c section with my first baby ….was in labor for 28hrs and couldn’t make it via vagina. Yes at the time when u r not mentally prepared for operation, for sure panic attack happens. Many of your points are upto the mark but like me I have seen other women experience the less bleeding after c section as compare to vaginal birth ladies.
This isn’t totally accurate. My boyfriend was allowed in the room for both c-sections with our boys.
She didn’t say he wasn’t allowed … just during the anesthesia part of it …
My husband did get to be in the room with me for both my twins c section and my sons. What lie they told me was the staples won’t hurt when getting them out. Yeah whatever it hurt more than anything else. I was glued with my twins. If you can choose choose the glue. I didn’t have much pain with either one and definitely getting up soon as possible is must. The nurses were amazed I wasn’t wanting pain med definitely take slow and keep the cut clean and dry is important
I had a c section on my 2nd child ( he weighed 7 lbs. 2 oz.), mine was an emergency procedure, but my husband was in there right by my side! My cut was much longer than the girl pictured! My only complaint is now I always have that muffin top look no matter how much weight I lose!
I read somewhere that laying on the floor with your knees bent and pushing your butt up helps with the muffin top.
Everything you said was 100% the same for me! Except I haven’t had a second one yet. I had the same feelings of nausea and panic and luckily also amazing anesthesiologist. The worst was being “put back together again” I describe it to people as feeling like they were packing a suitcase (me being the suitcase).
The recovery took me the full 6 weeks and it was LONG!
I’m 5 months pp now and recently had a massage, I asked her if she could massage my scar, she had experience with this and I felt like a new person when I left … I have no more tightness when I stretch! I totally recommend getting this done!
Ive had 3 c-sections. All three times I had someone in the room with me during surgery. They were also allowed to take photos and cut the cord. I guess its different for each hospital as some have rules more strict than others. I do plan to have one more in the future even though I know it will have to be a planned c-section I’m fine with that. It did take a little longer then 2 weeks to recover from the 3rd time but it’s to be expected as my first 2 were close together that it took a bit longer to cut me open from the scar tissue. Which is why I’m waiting a bit before having number 4.
Everything you said is completely true! Just had my 4th c-section, and it was the worst experience. 🙁 You would think it would be a breeze, but no. I was throwing up on the operating table. Never did that before. They had a hard time getting our baby girl out, so I could hear so many scary words. My husband kept telling me “don’t listen to them! Don’t listen to them!” I started having a panic attack also when they were putting me back together. They took forever! And finally the catheter! They took it out and I couldn’t pee for a day. They told me if I didn’t, they would have to put it back in. Well, I didn’t, and the nurse attempted to put it back in (without the benefit of my epidural anymore!) and messed up. It hurt so bad. 🙁 And scared me enough to try to pee again before she tried and thank the Lord, I was able to go. Ugh. In the end, our baby made it safe and sound, nothing else matters, and we’re happy! 😀
Great article but I live in the UK and after my emergency C section 18 months ago my husband was allowed in theatre with me and he also cut our daughters cord.
Theatre was really noisy and the whole team were talking me through the procedure because I was devastated at missing out on a vaginal birth.
The last point about the numb / poking feeling around scar area is definitely news to me, I thought I was the only one!!
What I do wish someone had told me about was this awful belly hang I’ve now got. Every diet going and I still can’t get rid of it.
I too had 2 c-sections, both planned do to my 1. My daughter was to big to fit, ( meaning she showed wide shoulders and my husband and I both agreed with the doctor to do the c-section) I didn’t want them to break her shoulder to get her out. My son was planned also however he had plans of his own coming a week early. I also had my tubes tied ( however I found out that they used fleshy clips and my body was rejecting them, now that was bad. So if you’re going to get your tubes tied during your c-section, ask your doctor how and what they will be doing/using.
Everything you mentioned is spot on but you missed one thing. The have to poop issues. The first time you do poop is a relief but also scary (at least for me it was) because the stool softener didn’t work that well so , for me I was scared to push harder because I didn’t want to do any damage on my insides.
But there is one thing I just found out 2 weeks ago when my doctor went back in to do a hysterectomy.
From all the scar tissue (it was like cement my doctor said) the scar tissue glued my uterus and bladder together. Thankfully she was able to remove all of it.
Other than that I’m glad to have had my c-section!