C-Section Mom's - I promise this will be the last questions I ask!

I am getting close to my c-section date and had a ton of questions running through my mind last night that I didn't know the answers to and was hoping that you could help me. So here they are:

How long were you in the hospital for (including the day of your c-section)?

How long was the procedure from the time they gave you the pain medicine to rolling you out of the OR?

How long were you in the recovery room for? Were you babies brought to you to see them while you were in there?

How long before you were told (or did on your own) get out of bed and walk around after the surgery?

Do you really need to pass gas, pee and poop before you can eat after the surgery?

Did the needle in the back hurt alot and was DH allowed in when you got that?

Did you have any complications after the surgery? If so what did you have to get done to fix the problem?

And finally...what restrictions were you put on when you left the hosptial and for how long (not being able to drive, pick up the babies, etc).

Please be honest. I want to be prepared for everything. Thanks so much ladies. I really appreciate any insight.

Re: C-Section Mom's - I promise this will be the last questions I ask!

How long were you in the hospital for (including the day of your c-section)?
4 days

How long was the procedure from the time they gave you the pain medicine to rolling you out of the OR?
I believe it was about one hour.


How long were you in the recovery room for? Were you babies brought to you to see them while you were in there?
I was in the recovering room for about 1hr- 1 1/2 and since I had a fever they didn't bring the baby to me right away but I was able to see him the next day.

How long before you were told (or did on your own) get out of bed and walk around after the surgery?
I started walking the next day. It was very painful but they encouraged me to walk around.

Do you really need to pass gas, pee and poop before you can eat after the surgery?

Did the needle in the back hurt alot and was DH allowed in when you got that?
It was a little painful for me and DH was not allowed in the room.

Did you have any complications after the surgery? If so what did you have to get done to fix the problem?
I had a fever.

And finally...what restrictions were you put on when you left the hosptial and for how long (not being able to drive, pick up the babies, etc).
My doctor told me not to lift anything heavier than my baby's weight. As far as driving, I believe I started driving 3-4 weeks later.

Message edited 8/27/2006 11:40:32 AM.

Re: C-Section Mom's - I promise this will be the last questions I ask!

How long were you in the hospital for (including the day of your c-section)?

5 days

How long was the procedure from the time they gave you the pain medicine to rolling you out of the OR?

about 1 hr

How long were you in the recovery room for? Were you babies brought to you to see them while you were in there?

I couldn't see Andrew until I went up to my room. He was in NICU so they rolled my bed into NICU. And they kept me in recovery longer then usual because it took me about 5 hrs to get feeling back in my legs. I was told they like to wait until you get some feeling back before they bring you to your room.

How long before you were told (or did on your own) get out of bed and walk around after the surgery?

I got out of bed the next morning. They encourage that you do it as soon as possible so you don't get pneumonia. Lying down too much can cause an infection in your lungs. They also give you breathing exercises to do to get your lungs going again.

Do you really need to pass gas, pee and poop before you can eat after the surgery?

Nope. I never pooped until 2 weeks after the c-section (so painful) and I didn't pee for awhile too because they messed up with my catheter thing and they had to take it out and do it again after the c-section. I passed gas as soon as they gave me the gas pills. Ask for them it helps a lot. I was on liquids for 2 days and then I could eat real food.

Did the needle in the back hurt a lot and was DH allowed in when you got that?

DH was not allowed in the room with me and it did not hurt at all. I was so scared I was crying so much. The nurse held my hand and I couldn't move for a few seconds. It felt like a quick sharp pinch and I felt tingles going down into my legs almost instantly.

Did you have any complications after the surgery? If so what did you have to get done to fix the problem?

I didn't have any complications after the surgery. The only thing that stunk were those hospital beds. Oh and the constipation thing. I could have come home a day early but I wanted to stay in their as long as Andrew was still in NICU.

And finally...what restrictions were you put on when you left the hospital and for how long (not being able to drive, pick up the babies, etc).


I couldn't drive for 3 weeks. And he told me no stairs for 2 weeks but I didn't listen to him. As soon as I got home I went upstairs. I was almost as good as new as soon as I got home. The only thing that bothered me were the staples. I couldn't really get comfortable until after they were taken out a week later.


Good Luck and don't worry. It wasn't bad at all. I had a great experience

Re: C-Section Mom's - I promise this will be the last questions I ask!

Here are my answers

C/S moms get 3 nites, but lately it seems that theyre offering 4 nites.

Hmm, got rolled into the OR about 9:45-10am? prepping,epidural put in,
C/s itself a good 30minutes?
He was born 10:51am
we left the OR by 11:30? I was in recovery til 1pm or so. wheeled back into my room to see my family already waiting for me

This is an honest "beware" - The pain meds work so well that you think youre doing great and you chat and walk around, etc. but when you lay down, for me at least, the gas pockets set in all over my body and I could barely sleep. If I layed down I got the gas pockets in my chest (Even up to 1wk pp) and I couldnt breathe comfortably without "Chest pain" so that really bothered me. and you will be sleeping on your back for a good 2 weeks.
and my brother suggested that talking a lot right away (first day) might make it worse because your prob making the gas worse, letting air in, etc.

Also the nurses told me, even though I have high pain tolerance to NOT let the meds wear off before getting more. If I felt a bit of pain, they wanted me to get more meds. and a few times it wore off, whether I fell asleep, etc. and I was in tears till they got there. The gas pockets were my worse enemy

yes, I saw the baby in the OR right away, and also in recovery. Hubby was with me in recovery the whole time, then the nurse and I were yapping so I told him to go get our moms

They want you to walk around by the next day. A nurse MUST be there the first time. They have to remove your catheter, and also they are very scared of you getting faint (I guess from blood loss), and not to scare you, but the first time you get up is very painful
Its amazing how much we use our tummy muscles. Just going potty, bending to sit or stand takes FOREVER.
But dont worry, it gets better

4 years ago, I had to poop b4 I left the hospital, now they dont do that anymore, but they are concerned about the gas, and TRUST ME, a C/S mom is too. I had such bad gas pains all over my body. ITs not "gas pains" as we know it, it feels like shooting pains,and you feel it everywhere, your chest, shoulders, belly area, etc. The key to getting rid of it is WALK WALK WALK WALK, and of course the first few days its so hard to walk, so its a double edge sword. and there's no pain meds for the gas pain. some moms are barely affected by this, so its not everyone.
I took something for it, forgot the name. (malox?) They made me ginger ale-tea, theyre own concoction of the two (but flat ginger ale), it helped a little. and they said carbonated beverages are bad, not good (as I had thought) for the gas. I figured Id burp away. lol. uhm what else...

and as far as eating, hospitals do things differently, but with all 3, I had a liquid diet for the first 24 or 48 hours. and the way I felt I didnt want ANYTHING in my stomach, it was so tender to the touch, sore, and just sensitive.

No, the needle doesnt hurt at all. a little pinch. NOPE, no one in the room at that time (exc med staff). my sis and hubby waited outside. and then were allowed in. but I chat with the nurses and they are so sweet and help it go smoothly, let you lean on them (you have to lean as far fwd as possible) and squeeze their arms if you feel pain, etc. you bond with the nurses, you'll see

MY only complication was my feet swelling ALOTT and I Was tired but just thought that was natural from surgery, but they took a blood test and Im very anemic, so Im taking iron pills and increasing my protein intake. I have a followup this week.

Other common complications are the scar opening up or getting infecting, esp if you "overdo it" as far as lifting, straining, etc. Take it VERY easy. this happend to me with my 1st, and the scar opened a drop, and they cleaned it up and closed it again.

REsctrictions are different with all Drs. I was told not to lift for 4-6wks? nothing heavier than baby. The first week, even lifting a gallon of milk is painful but you'll be able to judge what you can lift, etc. But Im at 3wks pp now and Im just now lifting heavier things (a very light stroller, etc) but nothing consistently, I havent picked up my boys yet, hubby gets the big laundry baskets for me.etc. Im taking it super easy on lifting because of my first time with the scar opening up. But with more kids I find I have to get certain things done and IM cleaning, putting stuff away etc. prob sooner than first time around. Driving I think they said 3wks? Ive driven a few times the past week.

Hope that helpd! Sorry I babbled!
ITs not so bad, you'll have great help at the hospital, and it will get better right away. Just know youre not alone in whatever pains you feel, and if you gotta cry, let it out, and that sweet baby makes the pain go away so much faster! I hope my info didnt scare you, I tried to be as honest as possible.

Re: C-Section Mom's - I promise this will be the last questions I ask!

Re: C-Section Mom's - I promise this will be the last questions I ask!

How long were you in the hospital for (including the day of your c-section)?
I was in for three days. I chose to leave a day early and my doctor okayed it. Standard is four days.

How long was the procedure from the time they gave you the pain medicine to rolling you out of the OR?
Umm...about an hour total. The baby was out right away (in under 10 minutes). The rest was mostly stitching up.

How long were you in the recovery room for? Were you babies brought to you to see them while you were in there?
I was in there for a while actually. By the time the spinal wore off and I could feel my legs again, the nurses were about to go on a shift change, so I had to wait for all that to happen before I could get a room. I waited nearly 5 hours. I know that's not typical. I did get to see my baby though and a lot of visitors, so time went by quickly.

How long before you were told (or did on your own) get out of bed and walk around after the surgery?
The following morning, the catheter was taken out and I was expected to call the nurse to help me on my next bathroom trip. After the nurse helps you on that first trip, you're expected to make the rest of the trips on your own. It's really up to you and what you can handle. I was walking the hallway that very next day.

Do you really need to pass gas, pee and poop before you can eat after the surgery?
Personally, I was allowed to have a meal as soon as I was in my own room. The nurse NEVER asked me if I had passed gas. She just told me to get something to eat. DH got me Burger King.

Did the needle in the back hurt alot and was DH allowed in when you got that?
No, DH wasn't in the room when I got the needle and honestly, I barely felt it. It was a slight pinch.


Did you have any complications after the surgery? If so what did you have to get done to fix the problem?
I didn't have any complications.

And finally...what restrictions were you put on when you left the hosptial and for how long (not being able to drive, pick up the babies, etc).
I was not allowed to drive for 6 weeks and I was told to avoid climbing the stairs as much as possible. I was also told that the heaviest thing I was allowed to lift was my baby for the first 6 weeks.

Message edited 8/27/2006 12:11:38 PM.

Re: C-Section Mom's - I promise this will be the last questions I ask!

How long were you in the hospital for (including the day of your c-section)?

4 days



How long was the procedure from the time they gave you the pain medicine to rolling you out of the OR?

I had an epidural and ending up having an emergency c-section so they just added to the epidural while I was on the table.

How long were you in the recovery room for? Were you babies brought to you to see them while you were in there?

The nurse actually brought him over to me in the OR and I kissed him and my DH held him. He was then brought right to the nursery to test his blood sugar since I had GD. I was in recovery for 2 1/2 hours (but they were setting up a private room for me)

How long before you were told (or did on your own) get out of bed and walk around after the surgery?
I got up the next day. This is the best advice get moving right away, it will be a quicker recovery.

Do you really need to pass gas, pee and poop before you can eat after the surgery?

You will have a catheter in for the surgery and the next day most likely, along with leg cuffs to help with your circulation (very annoying) Honestly I didn't have any gas pains at all. The worst part was the itching after from the anesthesia. I was however constipated from all the pain killers (which my DH had no problem with telling every damn nurse/DR who walked in my room, I wanted to kill him! he was so concerned that I wasn't pooping!!)

Did the needle in the back hurt a lot and was DH allowed in when you got that?

Mine was an epidural and he wasn't. I think this varies from hospital to hospital because I have friends that did have their DH with them.

Did you have any complications after the surgery? If so what did you have to get done to fix the problem?

Nope. I was a little sore that's it.

And finally...what restrictions were you put on when you left the hospital and for how long (not being able to drive, pick up the babies, etc).


No driving for 2 weeks. No sex for 8 weeks. I held him all the time.

Re: C-Section Mom's - I promise this will be the last questions I ask!

How long were you in the hospital for (including the day of your c-section)?
3 nights, discharged on the 4th day but they offered me 4 nights, 5 days if I needed it. (I was kickin' myself when I got home for not taking that 4th night!)

How long was the procedure from the time they gave you the pain medicine to rolling you out of the OR?
Under an hour

How long were you in the recovery room for? Were you babies brought to you to see them while you were in there?
2+ hours in recovery. I had an issue with "shaking", but I also had a lot of anesthesia (multiple epidurals and then general anesthesia to put me completely under.)
No I did not get to see my baby while in recovery. It wasn't until I was wheeled to my room that I saw her (which was fine by me b/c I was unable to hold her at that point.)

How long before you were told (or did on your own) get out of bed and walk around after the surgery?
They had me up and walking about 12 hours later. They encouraged you to do so, as well as sit in a chair, not lay in bed (as someone mentioned...to prevent pneumonia.)

Do you really need to pass gas, pee and poop before you can eat after the surgery?
They allowed me to have soft foods before I passed gas. And they made sure I urinated after the catheter was removed.
I didn't have a bowel movement while in the hospital and I was told it wasn't necessary for discharge, so long as I had passed gas.

Did the needle in the back hurt alot and was DH allowed in when you got that?
Needle was nothing.
DH was removed from the room when I had my epidural and he was removed from the OR when they were putting me under general anesthesia.

Did you have any complications after the surgery? If so what did you have to get done to fix the problem?
I had really bad shaking (not uncommon with anesthesia, especially after the amount I had.)
I also ended up with an "abscess" at my incision (I put abscess in quotes b/c there wasn't any sign of infection, just blood pooled and had to be drained). As a result, I had to go for bi-weekly incision checks (change the packing, etc.)

And finally...what restrictions were you put on when you left the hosptial and for how long (not being able to drive, pick up the babies, etc).
No driving for 2 weeks, no heavy lifting, limited stairs, no vacuuming, etc.
Of course I never read the discharge instructions and was driving the day I was discharged from the hospital. I vacuumed, cleaned, etc. and I believe that contributed to inscision not healing properly. I definitely overdid it.

Re: C-Section Mom's - I promise this will be the last questions I ask!

How long were you in the hospital for (including the day of your c-section)? My section was on a Tuesday morning and I went home Saturday afternoon

How long was the procedure from the time they gave you the pain medicine to rolling you out of the OR? Honestly, I dont know since I was really out of it the entire time and don't remember much at all.

How long were you in the recovery room for? Were you babies brought to you to see them while you were in there? I think I was in recovery for about 2 hours and no, I didnt see DS while I was in there. DH kept going back and forth to me and the baby while I was in recovery.

How long before you were told (or did on your own) get out of bed and walk around after the surgery? The nurse asked the first night if I wanted to try and walk and I did. Honestly, the faster you start to try and walk, the easier it is in the long run. It will hurt when you do try, but it is the best thing.

Do you really need to pass gas, pee and poop before you can eat after the surgery? No, they never checked to see if I pooped, but I still had my catheter in so they knew I was peeing. You will have ALOT of gas and it can be painful, so passing it really helps to feel better.

Did the needle in the back hurt alot and was DH allowed in when you got that? My needle hurt bad and I started crying. (I dont mean to scare you but I am being honest). The Dr told me that he had to keep going deeper as it wasnt working and I started to freak out and cry. Once it was done, I felt it working immediately with pins and needles starting in my feet and working its way up. DH was not allowed in there and came in once they started the section. Just so you know, they will give you the option to have the pain meds either already in the spinal so you dont have to take anything afterwards, or you can just get the pain meds after. I chose to have it in the spinal and honestly felt like it didnt do anything, so next time I will opt to have it not in the spinal. Also, a side effect of having the meds in the spinal is a very itchy face. Weird..

Did you have any complications after the surgery? If so what did you have to get done to fix the problem? No complications.. went very well.

And finally...what restrictions were you put on when you left the hosptial and for how long (not being able to drive, pick up the babies, etc). My Dr told me just to take it easy and go at my own pace. I was driving locally within a week and walking upstairs with in a few days. Recovery is different for everyone. Good luck to you!!

Re: C-Section Mom's - I promise this will be the last questions I ask!

How long were you in the hospital for (including the day of your c-section)?
4 days

How long was the procedure from the time they gave you the pain medicine to rolling you out of the OR?
For the girls it was about an hour 15 min.

How long were you in the recovery room for? Were you babies brought to you to see them while you were in there?
I was in the recovery room for about 2-3 hours. The girls were with my husband waiting for me in the recovery room. (they did take them from me for about an hour afterwards)

How long before you were told (or did on your own) get out of bed and walk around after the surgery?
I didn't get up till the next day. you need a nurse to assist you. Believe me a woman in my room attempted to get up right after she was brought out & ended up hurting herself.

Do you really need to pass gas, pee and poop before you can eat after the surgery?
I was able to eat dinner the next day.

Did the needle in the back hurt alot and was DH allowed in when you got that?
It doesn't tickle. But the numbness kicks in almost immediately. Dh was not alot in for that.

Did you have any complications after the surgery? If so what did you have to get done to fix the problem?
The drug made me naseous so I vomited alot. It stops when the meds are fully out of your system.
I also got the itches on my face. I could not stop scratching.

And finally...what restrictions were you put on when you left the hosptial and for how long (not being able to drive, pick up the babies, etc).
You can't drive for 2 weeks. You can pick up your babies. I couldn't pick up my 4 year old.


As the rest of the girls said the gas just su<ks!! But, if you walk alot it helps a ton.

Re: C-Section Mom's - I promise this will be the last questions I ask!

I had a c-section after I was already in labor so I don't know if some of my answers might be different. But here you go.

How long were you in the hospital for (including the day of your c-section)?

I had her on a Friday and was sent home on Tuesday

How long was the procedure from the time they gave you the pain medicine to rolling you out of the OR?

I went into the OR around 1:15 she was born at 1:35. I was in recovery I think around 2:30, but that was after seeing my family and holding her for a little while.

How long were you in the recovery room for? Were you babies brought to you to see them while you were in there?

I was in recovery for about an hour I think. She was not brought into me. I got to hold her while I was in the OR and I held her as I got wheeled into recovery. Then they took her to the nursery and they brought her to me when I was in my room-around 5-5:30

How long before you were told (or did on your own) get out of bed and walk around after the surgery?

I was walking around that night-around 8:00 or so.

Do you really need to pass gas, pee and poop before you can eat after the surgery?

Yes for solid foods. I was allowed a liquid dinner Friday night-jello, chicken broth, tea. But it wasn't until saturday afternoon that I was allowed solid food.

Did the needle in the back hurt alot and was DH allowed in when you got that?

I was in labor for the needle in the back and yes DH was there. The needle itself didn't hurt but I was also in the middle of having contractions so I can't really give you a good answer on that one.

Did you have any complications after the surgery? If so what did you have to get done to fix the problem?

No major complications for me.

And finally...what restrictions were you put on when you left the hosptial and for how long (not being able to drive, pick up the babies, etc).

I was not allowed to drive for I think 3 weeks, no sex for 6 weeks, no stairs for 3 weeks. And I couldn't pick up anything but her for 3 weeks.

Message edited 8/27/2006 1:26:05 PM.

Re: C-Section Mom's - I promise this will be the last questions I ask!

How long were you in the hospital for (including the day of your c-section)? the full four days your allowed

How long was the procedure from the time they gave you the pain medicine to rolling you out of the OR? less than a hour

How long were you in the recovery room for? Were you babies brought to you to see them while you were in there? one hour - no, did see DS until I was in a regular room, DH was with DS

How long before you were told (or did on your own) get out of bed and walk around after the surgery? I was not allowed to get up for 24 hours

Do you really need to pass gas, pee and poop before you can eat after the surgery? Not that I knew about - I could eat, just soup and easy stuff like that

Did the needle in the back hurt alot and was DH allowed in when you got that? no and no

Did you have any complications after the surgery? If so what did you have to get done to fix the problem?
none

And finally...what restrictions were you put on when you left the hosptial and for how long (not being able to drive, pick up the babies, etc) no driving for 2 weeks, take it easy, no vaccuming

Re: C-Section Mom's - I promise this will be the last questions I ask!

I went in for my C on a Monday, came home Thursday. Had the option to stay until Friday.

I walked into the OR at 1:30 was out of the OR by 2:25.


I was in the recovery room for a little over an hour. I had Ava with me for most of that time and because it was pretty empty in L&D, they allowed my parents, grandparents and inlaws to come see me in recovery.

They made me get out of bed the next morning. They had me go to the bathroom and sit on the chair next to me. I was moving around all on my own after the first time they helped me.

Nobody even asked me if I passed gas, pooped, etc. I was worried about that, too

I was terrified about getting the epidural, however, it pinched for a second and that was it. I was pleasantly surprised about that.

As for complications, I lost a lot of blood during my C section and therefore had a high fever, so I was put on antibiotics in the hospital. I was fine by the time I left the hospital. I did have a problem with my incision opening once I was home, but only because I did not follow instructions and did way too much. They had to seal it with a silver nitrate stick and that hurt way more than the whole C section recovery

No driving for 2 weeks. No heavy lifting for 6.

Re: C-Section Mom's - I promise this will be the last questions I ask!

How long were you in the hospital for (including the day of your c-section)?
4 nights, went home on the 5th day.

How long was the procedure from the time they gave you the pain medicine to rolling you out of the OR?
It was probably about an hour, maybe a bit longer

How long were you in the recovery room for? Were you babies brought to you to see them while you were in there?
I was in the recovery room for about 2 hours. My baby was brought to me in there. I told the nurses that I wanted to breastfeed her as soon as possible, so they brought her to me about 30 minutes after I got in there.

How long before you were told (or did on your own) get out of bed and walk around after the surgery?
I got up the next day, with the help of a nurse. She helped me into the bathroom and helped me get washed up and dressed, and then helped me get into a chair to sit for a while. After that, I was basically on my own for everything (my DH and other visitors helped me if they were there though). You do have to wait until the catheter is removed because it is attached to the bed. That usually comes out the day after the surgery.

Do you really need to pass gas, pee and poop before you can eat after the surgery?
I was never asked about any of these things. I was only given clear liquids the first day. The day after the surgery, I was allowed to eat regular foods. I was taking it easy though. After having that surgery, I just felt a little under the weather so naturally just ate less, blander foods. Also, I was breastfeeding so I was watching what I was eating. The nurses kept asking if I needed anything for gas or constipation. I think I took gas pills once or twice. I did not have severe gas pains that some of the other women have described. I did not have a problem with constipation either.

Did the needle in the back hurt alot and was DH allowed in when you got that?
I can say that it was not the most pleasant experience in the world, but it certainly wasn't the worst either. I have to say it didn't hurt any more than I expected it to. And thinking back, I would have to say that the back labor I had was probably worse. DH was not allowed in the room while they were inserting it. 2 or 3 nurses were there, and they were very helpful and sympathetic. They will really be all you need there for that.

Did you have any complications after the surgery? If so what did you have to get done to fix the problem?
I did not have any complications other than pain. They wanted to take out the epidural the next day, but I asked them to leave it for an additional day and they did. I have to tell you that pain is definately easier to control if you don't let it get out of control. I pushed the button for pain medicine every 15 minutes while the epidural was in. That helps to maintain a continuous amount of medicine in your body at all times. That definately helped. Once the epidural came out, the pain was worse and harder to control because I had to remember to ask for the pain meds and then wait for them to bring them. But it is not anything you won't be able to deal with.

And finally...what restrictions were you put on when you left the hosptial and for how long (not being able to drive, pick up the babies, etc).
When I left the hospital, I was told not to lift anything heavier than my baby. When I went to have the staples removed the following week, I was told that I could start lifting things heavier than her, and that the only restrictions were that I should only do what I felt up to doing, and what was comfortable for me. When I went a week later, I was told that there were no more restrictions -- that I should slowly be getting back to doing everything I was doing before and that by the next visit (at 6 weeks), I should be back to normal -- and I was.

Re: C-Section Mom's - I promise this will be the last questions I ask!

How long were you in the hospital for (including the day of your c-section)?
5 days

How long was the procedure from the time they gave you the pain medicine to rolling you out of the OR?
I would say 45 mins

How long were you in the recovery room for? Were you babies brought to you to see them while you were in there?
I was there for about an hour, just waiting for a room. My son wasnt brought to me until I got into my room

How long before you were told (or did on your own) get out of bed and walk around after the surgery?
I was out of the bed the next day and the day after that I had to walk

Do you really need to pass gas, pee and poop before you can eat after the surgery?
No, I didnt but the first day and a half all I had was clear broth, jello and lemon ice

Did the needle in the back hurt alot and was DH allowed in when you got that?
The contractions hurt so much more so I didnt care about the needle, DH was not going to stay in the room for that

Did you have any complications after the surgery? If so what did you have to get done to fix the problem?
Nope not one


And finally...what restrictions were you put on when you left the hosptial and for how long (not being able to drive, pick up the babies, etc).
THey said no driving for a week no heavy lifting that was it

Re: C-Section Mom's - I promise this will be the last questions I ask!

How long were you in the hospital for (including the day of your c-section)?
I had him on a Sunday morning and went home Thursday morning. Doc said I was good enough to go home a day early and I chose to stay because insurance covered it.

How long was the procedure from the time they gave you the pain medicine to rolling you out of the OR?
He was born within 30 minutes of starting and I was wheeled to recovery about an hour later.

How long were you in the recovery room for? Were you babies brought to you to see them while you were in there?
I was in the recovery room for nearly 4 hours, there were no rooms available!! I delivered at Winthrop exactly 40 weeks after the Blackout of 2003 and it was crowded that weekend!! I was not able to see him while in recovery. I only got to see him once I got to my room and they brought him in.

How long before you were told (or did on your own) get out of bed and walk around after the surgery?
I was up and out of the bed the next morning and walking around. I was sitting in the chair all day too, which helped.

Do you really need to pass gas, pee and poop before you can eat after the surgery?
MY doctor was very strict and had me on a pure liquid diet until I could pass gas. It took me 3 days to do so!! But after hearing all the painful gas stories, I am so happy I waited to eat. I peed pretty normally as soon as the foley bag was out and I was pooping like a maniac because the IV's give me diarrhea. That was fun - NOT!

Did the needle in the back hurt alot and was DH allowed in when you got that?
It didn't hurt at all. DH was not allowed in the room until they were ready to begin.

Did you have any complications after the surgery? If so what did you have to get done to fix the problem?
No complications. I was cold and had the shakes, so they got me a warming blanket and I felt better.

And finally...what restrictions were you put on when you left the hosptial and for how long (not being able to drive, pick up the babies, etc).
Doc told me no driving for 6 weeks, but I only waited for 2. Other than that, I just took it real slow with everything else and healed nicely.

Wanted to add too that I never took anything more than motrin during my recovery. They do offer stronger narcotics like percoset, but I felt I didn't need them.

Message edited 8/27/2006 3:47:17 PM.

Re: C-Section Mom's - I promise this will be the last questions I ask!

How long were you in the hospital for (including the day of your c-section)?
---I was in the hospital for 4 days

How long was the procedure from the time they gave you the pain medicine to rolling you out of the OR?
---I went in at 5pm and they had Julia out by 5:34pm.

How long were you in the recovery room for? Were you babies brought to you to see them while you were in there?
---I was in the recovery room for 1 day, no I didnt get to see Julia till the next day.

How long before you were told (or did on your own) get out of bed and walk around after the surgery?
---I got out of bed the 2nd day to walk and see Julia in NICU.

Do you really need to pass gas, pee and poop before you can eat after the surgery?
---No, they gave me food but not till the 2nd day there, I was on all liquids at first. They asked me if I had a lot of gas, and I had to pee in this bucket to measure how much I was peeing. I pooped the last day there.

Did the needle in the back hurt alot and was DH allowed in when you got that?
---No it didnt hurt me at all, and DH had to wait outside the room.

Did you have any complications after the surgery? If so what did you have to get done to fix the problem?
---No problems at all.

And finally...what restrictions were you put on when you left the hosptial and for how long (not being able to drive, pick up the babies, etc).
----No sex, and no walking up and down the stairs to much, no driving for 6 weeks.

Re: C-Section Mom's - I promise this will be the last questions I ask!

Re: C-Section Mom's - I promise this will be the last questions I ask!

Hope this helps

How long were you in the hospital for (including the day of your c-section)? 5 days

How long was the procedure from the time they gave you the pain medicine to rolling you out of the OR? Mine was an emergency c-section, so it happened really quick. They wheeled me into the OR about 2:30, baby was born at 2:40 and I remember waking up in recovery around 3:30ish.

How long were you in the recovery room for? Were you babies brought to you to see them while you were in there? Not sure, maybe 2-3 hours. My baby wasn't brought to me there. I actually didn't see him until about 10am that morning.

How long before you were told (or did on your own) get out of bed and walk around after the surgery? They want you up and out of bed asap, helps the gas pass through your body. You can't eat solids until you pass gas....and it took me 4 days!!

Do you really need to pass gas, pee and poop before you can eat after the surgery? For me, it was just pee and pass gas.

Did the needle in the back hurt alot and was DH allowed in when you got that? I didn't get an epidural, and DH wasn't even allowed in the OR.

Did you have any complications after the surgery? If so what did you have to get done to fix the problem? None

And finally...what restrictions were you put on when you left the hosptial and for how long (not being able to drive, pick up the babies, etc). Don't lift anything heavier than the baby, no driving for 2 weeks (although I did after 1, I felt fine).

Re: C-Section Mom's - I promise this will be the last questions I ask!

How long were you in the hospital for (including the day of your c-section)?
4

How long was the procedure from the time they gave you the pain medicine to rolling you out of the OR?
1.5 hrs

How long were you in the recovery room for? Were you babies brought to you to see them while you were in there?
For about 2 hrs and no my baby was not brough to me. He was under the warm light.

How long before you were told (or did on your own) get out of bed and walk around after the surgery?
The next day, my surgery was around 12:30pm

Do you really need to pass gas, pee and poop before you can eat after the surgery?
Only liquid diet until I passed gas.

Did the needle in the back hurt alot and was DH allowed in when you got that?
It felt like a pinch and DH was not allowed in at that time.

Did you have any complications after the surgery? If so what did you have to get done to fix the problem?
No

And finally...what restrictions were you put on when you left the hosptial and for how long (not being able to drive, pick up the babies, etc).
No driving for 4 wks was the only restriction.

Message edited 8/27/2006 9:00:27 PM.

Re: C-Section Mom's - I promise this will be the last questions I ask!

How long were you in the hospital for (including the day of your c-section)? 4
but I was admitted 3 days earlier for high blood pressure and then went into labor.

How long was the procedure from the time they gave you the pain medicine to rolling you out of the OR? guessing, but I was in the delivery room at 7:30 and the babies were born at 8:07 and 8:09. I also had my tubes tied, so I was in a little longer.

How long were you in the recovery room for? at least an hour.Were your babies brought to you to see them while you were in there? NO

How long before you were told (or did on your own) get out of bed and walk around after the surgery? I had a spinal, so I was in bed for 24 hours.

Do you really need to pass gas, pee and poop before you can eat after the surgery? NO

Did the needle in the back hurt alot and was DH allowed in when you got that? NO and NO

Did you have any complications after the surgery? NO. If so what did you have to get done to fix the problem?

And finally...what restrictions were you put on when you left the hosptial and for how long (not being able to drive, pick up the babies, etc). No restrictions except for driving - and that wasn't even said to me. I knew not to though.

Message edited 8/27/2006 10:11:44 PM.

Re: C-Section Mom's - I promise this will be the last questions I ask!

How long were you in the hospital for (including the day of your c-section)?

5 days, 4 nights (that includes the labor and birth)

How long was the procedure from the time they gave you the pain medicine to rolling you out of the OR?

I don't remember b/c of the contractions I never paid attention to exact times, but I do remember that my son was born exactly 10 minutes after DH came in

How long were you in the recovery room for? Were you babies brought to you to see them while you were in there?

I think I was rolled to my room right after I was set in the OR. I was able to see DS on the warming table while going by, but then I fell asleep

How long before you were told (or did on your own) get out of bed and walk around after the surgery?

I had to get up less than 12 hours later. I put up a big fight, but the nurses won.

Do you really need to pass gas, pee and poop before you can eat after the surgery?

No

Did the needle in the back hurt alot and was DH allowed in when you got that?

Didn't feel a thing. DH was not there, but lean on your nurse - they are usually great!

Did you have any complications after the surgery? If so what did you have to get done to fix the problem?

None

And finally...what restrictions were you put on when you left the hosptial and for how long (not being able to drive, pick up the babies, etc).

no driving for 2 weeks (I made a quick run somewhere and did feel dizzy). Stairs only once a day - to come down and to go up. no sex or exercise - but that's the same for V-births

Re: C-Section Mom's - I promise this will be the last questions I ask!

What time is your c-section??? Mine is at 10:30am. I can't believe how close it is!

1. I was in the hospital for 4 nights/5 days. I had the option of leaving the night before, but thought it would be better to stay another night.

2. It only took 20-30 minutes for the c-section. Caiden was big so they had a hard time getting him out!

3. I'm not sure about the recovery room time. Probably 30-60 minutes??? The whole time I was in there I thought I was in the hallway! (Drugs... ) Caiden was not brought to me until I was in the PP room. I waited a couple of hours to get him because I was shaking soooo bad from the spinal.

4. They made me walk around the next day. For me it hurt REALLY bad. After that it got a little easier.

5. I don't remember if I had to do all of that before I was able to eat. I remember they wanted me to pass gas though for some reason? I don't think I pooped there.

6. The needle hurt but only for a second and then you lay down VERY quickly and you go numb. Not too bad! And no, DH was not aloud in until they were about to cut me.

7. I personally didn't have any complications but I do know of some people who did. I can't go into detail about that for your own good.

8. I know I shouldn't of, but I drove the the 2nd week??? I felt fine to. I believe I picked him up right away as well. I had to in the hospital. I also wasn't aloud exercise or sex for at LEAST 6 weeks.

Even though I've had a c-section already, it's still nerve wracking! I don't know what's worse, not knowing what to expect or knowing???

Good luck and I promise it's not soooo bad.

Re: C-Section Mom's - I promise this will be the last questions I ask!

How long were you in the hospital for (including the day of your c-section)? Had the boys on Friday night and was released from the Hospital Tuesday Morning. I wanted to stay longer though, LOL.

How long was the procedure from the time they gave you the pain medicine to rolling you out of the OR? Went in at 6:00, they were born at 7:00 ish and I was in recovery by 8:00 I believe.

How long were you in the recovery room for? Were you babies brought to you to see them while you were in there? My boys went straight to the NICU I never got to hold them, but DH did. I was in ercovery for a while becuase they were saying my oxygen level was not right, but it wound up that the sensor was not right. I also then was wiating for the room to be assigned and there was a mix up with that. I got into my room before midnight i believe.

How long before you were told (or did on your own) get out of bed and walk around after the surgery? I was up the next morning.

Do you really need to pass gas, pee and poop before you can eat after the surgery? No, but I was on clear fluids for the first 2 meals and they kept asking me if I passed gas, peed and pooped.

Did the needle in the back hurt alot and was DH allowed in when you got that? Dh was not there with me, and it did not hurt at all, I felt them pressing to find the spot and didn't even realize it was in.

Did you have any complications after the surgery? If so what did you have to get done to fix the problem? My incision didn't close, I ahd fluid coming out my incision, so they ahd to pack it and keep removing and putting new packing in.

And finally...what restrictions were you put on when you left the hosptial and for how long (not being able to drive, pick up the babies, etc). No driving for a couple of weeks, I could pick up the kids, was able to use the stairs and no baths for a little while.

Also, I was very surprised when this happened. I was in the OR and started feeling quesy and started throwing up. I was very worried that something was wrong, but they said it is very normal. I also was throwing up when they wheeled me to recovery and then into my room. When I woke up at 2:30 and was able to get out of bed to see the boys, when they wheeled me to the NICU, I threw up also. It was like a motion sickness, and they had to give me meds, but they said it happens alot to people. After they gave me the meds, I was fine.

They said I could not get out of bed fro 6 hours, then they were able to wheel me down to the NICU.

Good Luck!

Re: C-Section Mom's - I promise this will be the last questions I ask!

Thank you sooooooo much ladies. You all are so wonderful with your information.