BTDT Moms. Is the 2nd c-section easier?

I was a week late when I was induced with Ava. I was in labor for 2 days and had to have a c-section.

I didn't think it was terrible, but I am wondering if the 2nd one will be easier, since I won't be in labor before hand??

How was it to have it scheduled? Less stress because you could plan, or more stress, because you actually walked into the O.R.?

How was the recovery?

Any tips?

Thanks

Re: BTDT Moms. Is the 2nd c-section easier?

It was definitely easier the second time around. Went in at 6:00am and had my baby 2 1/2 hrs later. The recovery and healing process was also much better.

Re: BTDT Moms. Is the 2nd c-section easier?

I didnt like the anticipation of knowing when the boys would come but I did like the recovery. Each one got progressivly easier!

Re: BTDT Moms. Is the 2nd c-section easier?

Planning wise easy. I had it all laid out where my daughter would be.

For me-- the surgery was worse, I don't know if it was fear of the spinal and IV again or what but I was actually put out at one point because I was in so much pain.

Recovery I think was easier because it had to be, I had another child to think of. But I will say with my first I took pain meds 1 time once I was home. This time I had to take it several times but I think that is from dealing with 3 temper tantrum and really over doing it.

Re: BTDT Moms. Is the 2nd c-section easier?

I found the surgery itself about a million times easier. I totally freaked at the first one (it was unplanned) and I expected to be just totally a basket case having to walk into the OR on my own volition! I was HOPING to go into labor first so I didn't have to deal with that experience...didn't happen. I even warned the anaesthesiologist (whew, what a word!) that I would need to be heavily sedated at the appropriate point! Guess what...didn't need it at all!

Something in me was just more relaxed. I tried to focus on the birth as opposed to the surgery, KWIM? We also joked around as much as possible...even discussing how attractive Virginia Apgar was (she of the Apgar scores)...she wasn't if you're wondering! Also--and this really helped--I made a mini photo album of my older DD. I had DH flip through it so I could look at it. I just focused on her and that REALLY helped settle me.

The recovery? Eh, I did not find it easier...it was pretty much the same, which is to say, it $ucked! BUT, I knew what to expect which made it better overall.

I think, no matter what, you're not going to be in labor at all--let alone for 2 days--and that's going to be a huge difference!

Good luck!!!

Re: BTDT Moms. Is the 2nd c-section easier?

YES,YES,YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: BTDT Moms. Is the 2nd c-section easier?

I feel my first c-section was easier then my 2nd. I was up walking around the next day and I wasn't in to much pain, had hardly any bleeding. The 2nd one the recovery hurt a lot, even standing up hurt and I couldn't walk that far, also if I sneezed or coughed it hurt so bad I cried! I had more bleeding this time around too. I was shocked at all this because everyone told me the 2nd c-section was easier for them.

I loved having it planned, it was nice to know the day my baby was going to be here, and I was able to get ready that morning (shower and blow out my hair), although I started having contractions the morning of my c-section which was funny!

Tips.....

Take lots of meds!!!

Re: BTDT Moms. Is the 2nd c-section easier?

I was one of those people who got the severe gas pains right after having the c/s with #1 and I thought with #2 I knew what not to do so I could avoid it but I ended up with it again. Thank God most people who have c/s don't get that though and mine might have been related to going into labor on my own vs. making it to my scheduled date. Other than that, I think #2 was a lot easier bc I knew what to expect as far as recovery. But just remember after your first c/s, you didn't have another child running around. Mine were my second child and third child so I was in the same position more or less. Take whatever help you can get to help entertain your DD since she is still kind of small as well, although at least not a toddler.