Re: Can you please help calm my fears?

I wanted a natural birth - I was in a panic at one point during labor because it wasn't progressing well. By the time the doctor said "Emergency C-Section" - I was too tired to protest.

I woke up from the anesthesia feeling sorry for myself and sad that I couldn't do it the 'normal way' - and then they handed me my baby.

And you know? It didn't matter HOW he got out of me. He was there and he was healthy and he was beautiful and life was fine. I was sore - but they pumped me full of drugs and the world was lovely again.

And there ARE benefits to a C-section. You get treated like a princess in the hospital - VB's had to walk as soon as possible - they come in and encourage you to rest a little more. They are quick on the pain meds too! Plus you get an extra 2 weeks disability.

My favorite benefit of the C? My VB friends told me how long they had to wait for sex.. I waited HALF that time! There was no tearing, stretching or soreness down there!

If I could have had a VB - I would have. It's what I wanted and what I planned - but I have 2 gorgeous little C-Section boys and I wouldn't change it now!

Re: Can you please help calm my fears?

Thanks to all for the advice and support! I'm very nervous but know it will be okay and the anticipation is probably worse than the surgery! Look forward to joining you all in a few days!!

Re: Can you please help calm my fears?

I had a C-section after a failed induction and honestly I prefered it...I had a horrendous labor and by the end of it starting to have a panic attack.
The c-section was so calm and easy, for me. Recovery wasn't bad for me either, which I guess I was lucky.
My advice is when they get you out of bed the next morning, def do your share of relaxing, but force yourself to get up and walk around, it made recovery much easier

Re: Can you please help calm my fears?

I can tell you that in my opinion (and some other people I know) that a scheduled c-section is easier than an unplanned one. I was induced and was "in labor" for about 15 hours and wouldn't dilate. Then they did a c-section. It is painful, I won't lie. But is it DEFINITELY bearable and you just really have to take it easy for like 2 weeks after. I honestly think I had more fears to delivery naturally than c-section. I took the pain meds for the 1st 3 days and then switched to motrin for another 2 or 3 days. That was it. It really helped. Just make sure you don't wait too long to take the pain meds because then you are making the medicine work too hard and it takes longer. It took me about 24 hours before I could get up and walk around but I was also shot from the long induction. You will be ok!!! You will be so overjoyed with your new baby that nothing else will matter. Good luck

Re: Can you please help calm my fears?

All I can say is that my biggest fear for the whoel PG was having a c/s. I literally believed I COULD NOT do it...and was scared to even fathom the thought of it.

Then of course, I needed an Emergency c/s.

I will tell you the good , the bad and the ugly.

The good? Its not that bad. It reallyw as not as bad as I thought, not nearly as bad as my mind made me think it would be. It was over fast and I was just so happy to be having my son, I dealt with it well...and I always feel, if I could do it, anyone can. The nurses felt they were going to have to put me under general anesthesia cause I was freaking out and then it was just so much easier then imagined, I was fine..

The bad and ugly ( for me) ...was the first day after, the pain is BAD, Very very bad when you try to walk for the first time. But that pain doesnt last and the more you move, the easier it gets . I also always wanted a natural birth and I felt a bit cheated and had some depression, still do, over the way my birth turned out.

All in all, I could do it again and tell everyone if I could, you can.

The procedure itself is a blur b/c partially the excitement takes over.

I think you will be 100% FINE!

Re: Can you please help calm my fears?

I am the biggest wuss when it comes to anything doctor related. I had to have a c-section and it was not as bad as I thought! My biggest fear was the spinal but it was over so fast it didn't even bother me. After that you can't move or feel pain, but can still feel pressure. I could feel them tugging and pushing to get the baby out but it didn't hurt at all. Things I didn't expect... the shakes! They said it is normal from the hormones. I shook like it was 10 below zero. Also, there was a light above me that was metallic... don't look at it or you can see the reflection of your lower half :) It didn't take very long to deliver the baby, more time was spent closing me up. After the c-section I was in recovery for about 2-3 hours. I was only allowed ice chips. No food or water until you pass gas. I recommend getting up and moving as early as possible...I did and I felt pretty good. Didn't take anything other than motrin. If you have any questions, concerns or fears feel free to FM me... and happy anniversary (it's ours on Tuesday too!). You'll be fine!!

Re: Can you please help calm my fears?

bumping for jennz