C-Section Moms! [Archive] - Baywind Farm Horse Forum

lovesfortune

11-13-2008, 06:02 AM

I had 2. You will be fine! THe biggest thing that I found helped me recover faster was getting up and walking (even a little bit) as soon as they say you can.

Also, if you are in pain afterwards, don't be afraid to ask for your pain meds. It helps in the beginning to take them on time. But at my hospital they won't give them to you unless you ask.

As far as the actual c-section... you won't feel any pain... just some tugging and pulling. But it won't hurt! When my daughter was born, they almost had her delivered and I didn't even know they had started yet?!? :)

And above all, enjoy your new baby!! We want pictures ASAP! I hope everything goes smoothly for you and you'll be in my thoughts!

rums_mom

11-13-2008, 06:16 AM

Oh my! Is it that time already? Sure had gone by fast hasn't it? LOL................
Is it a planned C-section or one done for other reasons. I ask because my first child was an emergency c-section due to being breech.

Be sure to eat plenty of fiber as soon as you can afterwards:doh: Water, drink lots of water, and prune juice. :eek: I agree with Loves, get up an move around, it won't be pleasant but you just have to do it. Have someone stay with you for at least a few weeks to help you with the baby, my mom came for 2 weeks and then my mil came for 4 weeks. It was very helpful.

Once you can, do simple crunches, you should "hold" your solar plexus area with your hands. This area is connected to the muscles that get cut when they do the incision and will be weakened.

Good luck! Baby Boy, right?

RackinRudy

11-13-2008, 06:31 AM

Yes, it's a planned c-section.
And yes, a baby boy. :cowboy:

John will be home the entire time afterwards til Jan 2nd.
Well, with the exception of only 5 days. He doesn't even have to work it's all vacation time, so he'll be in charge of horse poop for sure!

Thanks for the advice! :)

rums_mom

11-13-2008, 07:05 AM

Do you have a woman, another mom to come help you? I don't mean to sound sexist but since this is the first baby and unless your hubby has had a lot of experience with newborns, you need someone who has BTDT to help you out at first.

I mean, newborn baby poop is pretty gross and that meconium poop will make even the most experienced among us go running as far away as possible. Any aunts, sisters, cousins that can come and stay with you? Nothing like a live in that you are comfortable with to be there to help and keep you company.

My husband was great, he would do anything to help but it took him a while to get comfortable around a newborn. He was used to older babies and kids and is great with them. But the first time he changed a diaper? Holy moly, it was a mess.

rums_mom

11-13-2008, 07:07 AM

Big baby boy tip when changing a diaper:

Be sure to keep a cloth diaper on the changing table to put over his "equipment" or you will get a golden shower.;)

RackinRudy

11-13-2008, 07:10 AM

This is my first ... he has a son now who is 8.
He took care of him alot when he was born even up til now (deadbeat mom) sorta.
So he knows the ropes a bit.

They have me scheduled to be in the hospital for 4 days, I figured by then I should be able to be changing diapers. His mom will be at our house for a few days a week after we come home. Our families all kinda live far away so it's not super easy to get help.

rums_mom

11-13-2008, 07:56 AM

I am glad they are keeping you in the hospital for 4 days. I didn't know if they still did that or not. I was in for a week after RJ but was out the next day for Laurel (VBAC).

Take advantage of the paid help while you are in the hospital. That is great that your hubby had baby experience. Mine didn't and it was frustrating and amusing at the same time.:rolleyes: But he was willing to learn so I didn't criticize any effort he made. Even when the diaper was taped to the baby's leg.:(

I wish you the best of luck, you will be fine..............can't wait to hear the whole story.
Did I mention that I love babies?:clap:

lovesfortune

11-13-2008, 10:21 AM

Sounds like you'll have everything covered! I didn't have any help other than my husbands for the first 2 weeks after our first was born. He had no prior baby experience, but he was still a great help. It gets stressful, but you learn together!

I agree with rums_mom: Take advantage of the help at the hospital. Ask any and all questions that you want to ask. Don't be afraid, they have seen/heard everything! :) I stayed for 4 days with my first and 3 days with my 2nd.

The biggest thing to remember is that it will be hard to get up and out of bed or a chair etc. for a few days/week afterwards. Just take it easy and don't be afraid to ask for help.

If you are planning on breastfeeding, take along or buy a book. Great one: "So That's What They're For?!" It was SO HELPFUL for me! I also had a lactation consultant at the hospital who was my lifesaver in the days and weeks that I started out.

lisakaye

11-13-2008, 10:32 AM

As soon as you can get up and walk. It's gonna hurt but walking helps move the gas around. NO lifting, bouncing hard work for at least 8 weeks to let your ab muscles heal properly. If you don't they may tear and then you will regret it years down the road. If someone offers to help let them. Make them do the housework while you hold the baby.. I have lots of advise but I don't want to seem overwhelming.

WashingtonBay

11-13-2008, 10:45 AM

No real advice (I've not been there or done that) but good luck to you! And get back online when you can and share your pictures and new baby with us! :)

rums_mom

11-13-2008, 12:47 PM

Oh yes, the getting out of bed and walking up steps. I never realized how important those muscles were until I had to walk up a flight of steps for the first time, we had a 2 story townhouse at the time............

ownedby7horses

11-13-2008, 01:28 PM

I had 2 sections. The first one was supposed to be planned for May 3, but I went into labour the night before, so I got an emergency section 15 minutes early on May 3! The drugs were great to help out with the discomfort!
The second one I got was planned & all went well. I had a spinal, and was awake for the whole thing. You wont "feel" anything, just some tugging and pulling. It doesn't hurt though! My advice is take drugs only if you need them. I healed so much faster on my second section because I wasn't to high to attempt to walk. That being said, don't be afraid to ask for them.

RackinRudy

11-13-2008, 01:39 PM

thanks for the comments ... anyone else???

the doc told me i'd be getting a spinal too.
i'm worried about going early also .... yesterday at my doc visit, she said my cervix length was 1-2cm and 50% effaced. and she could touch his head with her finger! :eek: sorry any men reading this ... the baby has dropped sooo much this week, she even said it looked like he dropped between my knees! ugh, this last week or two has been brutal!

rums_mom

11-13-2008, 01:50 PM

Wow, girl.....if you go early are you still having the c-section? I had a spinal and didn't have any drugs other than the demerol I had before they took me for the spinal. My midwife said I would be better off, but the spinal started wearing off and it was brutal for a few minutes. So kind of the doctor to invite hubby over to view my innards whilst they talked sports..........yeah, never forget that one. I was so proud of hubby, I would have thought he would have passed out, but he did great.

Oh yeah that feeling like the bowling ball you've been carrying around for 9 months is right between your thighs.........oy vey...........

RackinRudy

11-13-2008, 02:13 PM

Lets hope I don't go EARLY! :eek:

I don't know what will happen if i do? John will be home from Mexico tomorrow.
I'm not to anxious to push a watermelon out of a straw though, I'll tell ya that much!

rums_mom

11-13-2008, 02:22 PM

None of us are, hon, none of us are...............:p

The thing about having it vaginally is the recovery period is incredibly quicker. I've had it both ways and I would chose the vaginal way if I ever had to go through it again. And at my age, that ain't gonna happen. It is entirely up to you, of course.

Horseless

11-13-2008, 02:22 PM

I'm getting my c-section on Nov 18th ... only 4 days away!
Starting to get nervous about it ... any moms out there have one, any advice?
I'm hoping you can calm my nerves! :eek:

Be strong and tough Girl you wont feel a thang, My wife's last C-section I DIDNT FEEL A THANG.:innocent:

They have good drugs for this.
Good luck.

Are you going to video tape the birth??? :popcorn:

Horseless

11-13-2008, 02:23 PM

rums_mom

11-13-2008, 02:29 PM

Horseless.........we all appreciate a dad's perspective, we really do. But did you see the topic title? C-Section Moms? You are not a mom and you have not had a c-section. Or are you? :eek:And it is perfectly acceptable to say vaginal, would you prefer va-jay-jay?

Well if she can make it without drugs it is better because she is going to be breastfeeding. Some meds are allowed for sure but many do show up in breast milk. Also a lot of pain meds cause constipation and after a c-section that can be horrendous.

Do you want to know more, Horseless?:p

42many

11-13-2008, 07:33 PM

I had a c-sec for my 2nd due to breach (and the cord turned out to be around his neck).

The procedure itself is a breeze - easy as pie! My husband almost passed out, though, and we had to send him from the room ;)

It's funny how different things are at various hospitals/states/etc! The nurses kept trying to get me to take drugs and couldn't believe it when I repeatedly told them I was fine. I hardly had any drugs at all. Also, I hate hospitals and wanted OUT so I was gone within 1.5-2 days - I was cleared and all, but they kept wanting to make SURE that I was sure I wanted to go. It helped that this was my 2nd, so hubby and I knew the drill :)

The recovery from the c-sec was actually MUCH less traumatic than I had anticipated. I read all about the restrictions and issues and was pretty concerned, since I had a 2yo at home as well as 4 horses to take care of. I certainly didn't want to be totally out of commission for months! Turned out I needn't have worried. The restrictions were pretty easy to bypass (strollering my 2yo rather than carrying, lifting hay to horses 1 flake at a time rather than in large chunks, etc).

It was only 2.5 years ago, but it seems so long I can hardly remember!

lovesfortune

11-13-2008, 07:46 PM

My husband almost passed out, though, and we had to send him from the room ;)

My husband was the same for our 2nd! Lol. You THINK he would have been okay since he was there for the first and it was the same thing.. but NOPE. :p He had to go and sit on a gurney in the hallway for a little while. All the nurses made fun of him. I wrote it in the baby book.

Horseless

11-13-2008, 07:53 PM

I was a super trooper I was in for all three births, and my wife had them all Natural, no drugs, no c-section, actually I guess she was the Super Trooper!!:)

starkitten

11-13-2008, 08:19 PM

Wishing you all the luck in the world, how exciting :) Can't wait to see the pics.....

Syble413

11-14-2008, 04:32 AM

You have gotten some good advice. I had 2 planned c-sections & my doctor gave me the option of being awake or asleep for both. I chose to be put asleep. (Yea, yea.....I'm a wimp!:p ) Just want you to expect to be woken(is woken a word??) up all through the night the first night to turn & cough. They will want you to press a pillow on your stomach & cough. Not the most pleasant experience, but necessary.
You will be fine!!

RackinRudy

11-14-2008, 05:12 AM

rums_mom

11-14-2008, 05:24 AM

I understand completely why you have chosen to have a c-section. I know there is still a lot of controversy regarding natural vs. planned c-section. You have to weigh your options and do what is best for you, dad, and the baby. I am glad that at least these days woman have a choice.

I actually had to fight to have a VBAC with my second. It was a very controversial thing at the time, considered very risky. I researched the risks and since I had gone to full dilation and was in labor for quite some time before my son dropped and they discovered he was breech and the c-section was ordered, I was considered a good candidate for a VBAC. I had to insist that all the midwives and doctors in the practice understood that that is what I wanted and unless there was a medical reason for another c-section, I did not want one.

At the time, one of the older docs in the practice explained that unless you had an older doctor that had experience delivering a breech baby, a c-section is almost always performed. He explained basically it was due to most medical schools do not train OB's these days to do a vaginal birth for a c-section due to the risk and high cost of malpractice. Made perfect sense to me.

Oh and don't worry about the scar, mine healed fine and unless I want to wear a skimpy bikini, it is completely hidden. Not that I would wear a bikini anymore, but after my daughter was born, I was in one 4 months after her birth!

You are going to do fine...............

palomino

11-14-2008, 04:25 PM

I had 2, this one was planned. I think that it was the best for me, considering the issues with my first birth.
Remember: Percocet is your friend, he makes you happy and pain free. And not too doped up to snuggle and love on your little bundle!
I went into a little bit of a nervous panic going into surgery, but just remember to BREATHE! I was fine, just a little nervous. Remeber also, there is NO PAIN- your body is numb from your chest DOWN- no feeling (kinda weird) until the next day. They put squeezy things on your feet to keep blood flowing LOL they feel funky too.
You are going to be so busy loving that baby that you wont think of a thing!!!
It is not painful, and the BEST thing to do is to just focus on something and breathe. I got thru it by cracking dirty jokes at the anasthesiologist and the surgeon LOL. They thought I was nuts, but it helped me relax.
Walking the next day is a great idea!! My recovery was like NOTHING! Keep positive, and enjoy the snack cart LOL~

Syble413

11-14-2008, 04:40 PM

syble .. was there a medical reason for your csection or did you just elect to have one?

this is the route i chose for no other reason than my fiance' has been working in mexico for the past 5 months and will be for another 4 after the baby. i just wanted to make sure he was here!

Mine was medical. It seems my blood doesn't clot as well as most people's. Not hemophelia but close. It's genetic so the doctor's didn't want to take any chances. If their platelet count was as low as mine, the pressure on their heads going through the birth canal could have caused their brain to hemorrage. Luckily, neither child has a problem with clotting. (My son will be 20 next month & my daughter is 18)
On a brighter note, There is one big plus to having a planned c-section : NO LABOR PAINS!:cool:
I hope you've told the baby about your plans for his/her arrival. They sometimes have their own plans & arrive a tad early! Do you have a back-up plan to get daddy here just in case??:)

RackinRudy

11-15-2008, 02:57 AM

John flew in last night!

The thing with him working in Mexico was there is only one flight out of where he is at per day and he can't work up here for weeks twittling his thumbs waiting for the baby.

Now that it's planned he'll get vacation afterwards which will be great.

I know, I feel like I could go any minute, I've dropped and 50% effaced. :eek:

I think I'll try and lay down as much as possible now that he is home and he can do the mucking! :)

Syble413

11-17-2008, 06:14 PM

Tomorrow is the big day!!! :):) Are you ready to meet your precious baby?? Sending warm thoughts & big hugs!

rums_mom

11-18-2008, 05:45 AM

Sending you plenty of mellow wishes for a safe and happy delivery! Hope John knows he must POST here first with picts of your new baby.............well as soon as HE is recovered anyway. LOL.

Best of Luck to you, John and your new baby! :clap::cheers:

lovesfortune

11-18-2008, 05:49 AM

Thinking of you today! Hope all goes smoothly. Can't wait to see pictures and hear how you are doing. :)

palomino

11-18-2008, 11:05 AM

OMG!!!! Cant believe its here already!! Cant wait to see pics!

Horseless

11-18-2008, 03:24 PM

:worthless:

lisakaye

11-18-2008, 05:16 PM

Hope all is well and we will be seeing precious baby pics soon.. Don't forget the pain meds they are your best friend... :grouphug:

alittleoffkey

11-18-2008, 06:10 PM

Praying that all went well for you! Can't wait to see your new little darlin'! :)

carla

11-19-2008, 02:13 PM

I missed the actual day, but here's another waiting for a great story and pics! :D

cloedoll

11-19-2008, 02:34 PM

Thanks for bumping this up carla, I missed when she posted, heh.

I cannot believe your having your baby already, it seems like just a month ago you announced it to the forum that you were having a baby...time flies, eh? =P

And it is perfectly acceptable to say vaginal, would you prefer va-jay-jay?

:hysterical: Oprah always says vajayjay, it's soooo funny, ahaa.

ownedby7horses

11-19-2008, 02:58 PM

I hope you got through everything great & have a happy healthy baby that you can show us pics of really soon!

Kaitlyn

11-19-2008, 03:22 PM

It's been a day...Where are the pictures!?!? But more importantly, hope you are well and with a healthy baby.

Horseless

11-19-2008, 03:40 PM

Dont forget to Breast feed, a Mothers Milk is the best thing for a new born. :)

carla

11-19-2008, 04:52 PM

Dont forget to Breast feed, a Mothers Milk is the best thing for a new born. :)

Well look at you go, Horseless.. Ditto! :)

Syble413

11-19-2008, 06:41 PM

It's been a day...Where are the pictures!?!? But more importantly, hope you are well and with a healthy baby.

I think she will have to stay in the hospital another day or two. I think the average hospital stay for c-sections is 3 days. Let's see if we can keep this bumped up for a couple of days so she can see all the well-wishes, okay everyone?

cloedoll

11-19-2008, 08:19 PM

Dont forget to Breast feed, a Mothers Milk is the best thing for a new born. :)

How 'bout we get you a pair of breastfeeding breasts (aha) from Meet the Fockers and you can give it a shot for the day? =P

carla

11-20-2008, 03:48 AM

How 'bout we get you a pair of breastfeeding breasts (aha) from Meet the Fockers and you can give it a shot for the day? =P

:hysterical: Oh yeah! There ya go, Horseless!

:checks watch: Still can't wait for pics! Boy, we're a patient group, huh? :innocent:;)

rums_mom

11-20-2008, 06:16 AM

Wishing new mom and baby the best! Bet new Daddy is beaming.....something about having a baby really brings out the "I'm da' man" in new papas. LOL................

Kaitlyn

11-20-2008, 09:29 AM

LOL rums mom!

palomino

11-20-2008, 09:43 AM

rums_mom

11-20-2008, 09:49 AM

Oh Im so excited, I hope everything is wonderful!!!
I think horseless should rub his nips with a brillo pad, then he would have the true sensation of being a breastfeeding mother!!!! Whatcha think horseless? LOL
Cant wait for baby pics!

Oh great idea and then put some clothes pins on them for 10-15 minutes every 2-4 hours. I haven't figured out how to give him that "engourged to the gills, feel like my boobs are gonna explode" feeling though. :eek:Any ideas?

KZeiger....it's the truth. They do have a certain kind of swagger, and a "I did it!" Look on their faces, don't you wonder why THEY get to pass out cigars and have a cold one with the fellas?