BTDT c-section mommies...

As the date gets closer and closer...I'm getting nervous. I'm scheduled for a c-section on the 23rd of October. I had a c-section the first time after 10 hours of labor and had a HORRIBLE painful experience.

Will a scheduled section be a better experience for me the second time around?

TIA!

Re: BTDT c-section mommies...

well I couldn't tell you because I was in labor and dialated to 7 CMS before my c section bc DS came early. but I heard that if you don't go into labor recovery is much easier

Re: BTDT c-section mommies...

My c/s was not planned, and I don't have #2 (yet) but I would think the second time around you at least know what to expect. So it shouldn't be that bad.

good luck

Re: BTDT c-section mommies...

In my experience, absolutely! Let me tell you...I HAAAATED my 1st c-section. I had a panic attack during it and then the recovery was much more difficult than I expected. I was a nervous wreck thinking about a repeat c/s, that's really why I was hoping for a VBAC, or at the very least to go into labor before the c/s--at least I'd be in an emergency situation, and not walking in like "Hey, cut me open!" KWIM?

But all that didn't happen and I was there for the repeat c. MUCH better experience! I did not have a panic attack; in fact, I didn't even need to take any anxiety meds during the operation after the baby was out--I sort of just talked myself through it. I also knew what to expect--I was even brave enough to look around a bit! The recovery, IMO, was pretty much the same as the 1st, but knowing what to expect really helped things.

Definitely bring in pictures of Jared to look at during the surgery. I had my DH do that and it REALLY helped to take my mind off of things!!

Good luck!!

Re: BTDT c-section mommies...

stefanie, i had the BEST experience with a planned c-section - i was up and moving around that night (8am section) and i was feeling totally normal after 3 weeks! i think the fact that i never went into labor really helped - mentally and physically

Re: BTDT c-section mommies...

Mine was not planned, but complications when I was admitted the night of labor prevented me from going natural, and there was no attempt to go natural. It was not bad, I would say just those first few days after I was very sore, but considering it's surgery, I expected worse. The most annoying part was the bleeding, it went on for what seemed like forever, but from what I hear, whether you go natural or c-section, you will bleed. Walking around seemed to help.

Good luck and congratulations.

Re: BTDT c-section mommies...

Mine was so much better the 2nd time Stef, with Julia it was an emergency c so I was so out of it and nervous that I couldn't think straight, with Todd Jr I did go into labor the morning of my c (contractions started at 3am) had to be at the hospital at 6am, but I felt so much better that my Dr's were there and I was able to talk to them and the anesthesiologist before I went into the OR, which helped me to be more calm when they started my c-section.

You will be fine Stef!!

Re: BTDT c-section mommies...

I have heard that scheduled c-sections are much better than those you get after hours and hours of labor! My sister's two c-sections were like night and day!
You will be fine
I can't believe the day is almost here!!!

Re: BTDT c-section mommies...

My C-section was scheduled and although I was in pain the next day from the surgery and drugged up the day of the surgery on morphine I do feel like once I got past those 2 days I started getting better and better each day. I had my section at 5:30am on a Friday morning so I did have some sleep the night before and obviously no labor and pushing so I think maybe that helped in terms of my recovery. I'm sure everything will be fine. Lots of luck!!

Re: BTDT c-section mommies...

My scheduled section with DS was a breeze. Make sure you tell your doctor, anesthesiologist, and other hospital staff what bothered you the 1st time.

I had many issues with my anesthesiologist during my first c/s. So I was honest with the second guy, and he was WONDERFUL! He stayed with me for a good amount of time in recovery to make sure that I had no pain, and gave me something in my epidural to help with nauseau (before I felt it) since I was vomiting after my first c/s.

Re: BTDT c-section mommies...

my c-section wasn't planned and was after 20 hours of labor, but no dialtion...recovery wasn't bad at all for me, although I was very sore, it was a breeze compared to the contractions I was feeling.

Re: BTDT c-section mommies...

With my dd my section was not painful. With my ds my section was very uncomfortable BUT my recovery was so much easier and I did NOT have a rough recovery with my dd so my recovery with #2 was great.

Having it planned for #2 is also nice so you can make arrangements for Jared.

I chose not to let Dee come up to the hospital on the first day I didn't want her to see me in pain or with all the tubes and think that little Squishy did that to Mommy. So the next day I got up showered and had make up on so I looked just like Mommy.

Re: BTDT c-section mommies...

With my my first I was in labor for almost 18 hours and ended up having a c-section and had a horrible experience. My second c-section was scheduled and the experience was way much better and I recovered faster. I couldn't believe the difference.

Message edited 10/5/2008 6:37:57 PM.

Re: BTDT c-section mommies...

Message edited 5/22/2010 9:43:20 AM.

Re: BTDT c-section mommies...

In my case absolutely. My first c-section was horrible. After 8 hours of labor and my recovery was tough. My 2nd was scheduled and I felt better the first night then I did two weeks after my first c-section. My doctor said b/c the labor puts soo much stress on your body, the recovery is tougher.

Re: BTDT c-section mommies...

I had a scheduled c with our DS and although I was nervous in the days leading up to it, there was something comforting about knowing what would happen the day-of. My recovery was pretty smooth so I have no complaints there. I never went into labor so I don't know what that is like so I'm not much help. I think it's totally normal to be nervous though.

Message edited 10/5/2008 7:42:38 PM.

Re: BTDT c-section mommies...

Don't worry!!! I had my 2nd c-section 3 weeks ago. It was Planned.

With DD, 4 years ago, I was a week late, induced and in labor for 2 days- then I had a c-section.

This time around, it was a total breeze!!! I am not lying. It was an absolute pleasure.

Yes, I did have some pain, but I knew what to expect, and asked for my pain meds every 4 hours. I was also up walking around that same night.

At 3 weeks, I would say that I feel at least 90%. With DD, I felt like I was hit by a bus, and didn't feel myself for at least a year!!!

Good Luck and don't worry. Also, take the 4 nights at the hospital, and really relax.

Re: BTDT c-section mommies...

mine was scheduled...the best 11 minutes of my life.

drama free, exciting, painless, fun...