ok, ladies - I do but I don't want the truth on episiotimies and c-section incisions....

Horrible topic, I know, but I realized its not so much the labor that worries me - its the afterwards - the thought of episiotimy incisions FREAK me out - I hear you can not even wipe after going potty - that you need to use a spray bottle???

also, I have heard recovering from c-section incisions are difficult....

so how can you heal from the pain (and inconvenience) of these incisions and still be there 100% for the baby?

Re: ok, ladies - I do but I don't want the truth on episiotimies and c-section incisions....

i had 2 c-sections--this one will be scheduled.
while, it was not planned and I am a chicken --it its like this for me.
When it gets to where u need one u really do not worry.
it is a result of not progressing or necessary for the baby's health and u kind of give yourself over to it. You know theres no other way.
You also already had the epidural and u do not feel anything.
its sooo quick.
i myself and freaked out because I would rather have a unplanned one then a planned one.
i dk if I can willingly go in and say ok do it.
maybe planned ones are diff though.
i also had a easy labor and a difficult one and really...i found its easier not to listen to anyones stories...
whens it over u will be like its over and it wasen't so bad.
My daughter--I waited for bad pain and it never came---I walked in 10 centimeters dilated--so u never know.

oh! sorry--got off-topic-
i found c section recovery no biggie--1st day really sore but its really ok.

Message edited 10/26/2006 7:37:50 AM.

Re: ok, ladies - I do but I don't want the truth on episiotimies and c-section incisions....

Honestly, the c-section wasn't so bad. I was TERRIFIED of having an incision because I've never had one before. I thought it would hurt when I showered and stuff like that, but it didn't at all. I did, however, have my incision open up a bit because I was too active, too soon, but it was only the outside layer of my skin that opened up (gross, sorry!), and it really wasn't a big deal. Honestly, the whole thing was so much easier than I thought it would be.

Re: ok, ladies - I do but I don't want the truth on episiotimies and c-section incisions....

Have you talked to your doctor about the likelihood of an episiotomy? They are very uncommon now. I had a tear and yes I used a spray bottle. Its really not that big of a deal -- takes a few seconds to fill it up at the sink with warm water.

You can't be there 100% for the baby, which is why partners, grandparents, friends and nurses are happy to come and hold the baby for hours on end. You will feel exhausted and miserable, but you'll rise to the occassion!!

Re: ok, ladies - I do but I don't want the truth on episiotimies and c-section incisions....

I've thought about these things since early pregnancy, although I try not to think it about it all too much. I'm still not sure if it's better to know the gory details and be prepared or have no idea what might happen and then have a huge shock. My feeling (right now) is that it's better to be somewhat prepared at this stage in my pregnancy (almost 39 weeks.) I am pretty sure the episiotomy depends on the size of the baby and your own body. My doctor told me that he does not do an episiotomy unless it's absolutely necessary. I could still tear on my own and still need stitches. I've read a little bit about episiotomies and there are pros and cons. Sometimes I have thought a c-section sounds "easier," which sounds crazy - it's major surgery, but part of me is afraid of changing "down there" and it affecting "activities" later on. (if you know what I mean - future baby dancing) I have had a few friends who ended up with c-sections and they all said it was not so bad at all, although the recovery is supposed to be longer.

Sorry so long... My advice to you, from someone at the end of my pregnancy, is try not to worry about it, especially this early on in your pregnancy. I did that at first and then decided to worry about it later. I wanted to enjoy my pregnancy without stressing about what was to come. So now, with a week to go (hopefully), I am still trying not to worry too much.

Message edited 10/26/2006 8:02:12 AM.

Re: ok, ladies - I do but I don't want the truth on episiotimies and c-section incisions....

I had a 2nd degree tear, no episiotomy. The stitches were itchy but I dealt. The hospital gives you a peri bottle to fill with warm water and spray as you pee(this is the best thing ever) and they give you a lidocaine spray to help numb the area that helps as well.

Re: ok, ladies - I do but I don't want the truth on episiotimies and c-section incisions....

I had a c-section and my recovery wasn't as bad as I imagined. Yes I was sore for about 3 weeks and couldn't lift anything but I would take my pain meds and it helped me move around. If I have another, I wouldn't even try for a vaginal birth, I would go for the c-section again.

Re: ok, ladies - I do but I don't want the truth on episiotimies and c-section incisions....

I had an episotiy and I was so nervous to go to the bathroom whether it be peeing or pooping. I didnt feel anything while going. The only thing you do feel is pressure and I continued to feel that for about 10 days and then if I put my legs a certain way up until 6 weeks. I also used the peri pads and did the whole procedure where you use the peri pad, tuck pads and the dibucane cream for the full 10 days and I think that really help heal me. I also asked the doctor about pooping and will the stiches open up and she explained the the main incesion is from the inside not really that much on the outside.

Re: ok, ladies - I do but I don't want the truth on episiotimies and c-section incisions....

Re: ok, ladies - I do but I don't want the truth on episiotimies and c-section incisions....

I can't speak for c-section because I didn't have one but you could find a doctor that does not do episiotomies. This was one of the many reasons I chose midwives. You can still tear even without an episiotomie but if you do certain things before and during labor your risk of tear goes way down. I barely had a tear, so small she wasn't even going to stitch but I still used a spray bottle post labor for a few days. To me it really wasn't painful at all though and I had no real recovery. I was up and out of bed shortly after my daughter was born giving her the first bath.

Re: ok, ladies - I do but I don't want the truth on episiotimies and c-section incisions....

Not everyone has an episomy (sp). I didn't and my recovery was GREAT. There are some things that you can do that can help avoid one too. There are stretches that you can do to make that area better suited for birth.

Re: ok, ladies - I do but I don't want the truth on episiotimies and c-section incisions....

I also had a 2nd degree tear, when it happened I didn't feel a thing, they gave me some kind of shot down there for the numbing, when I came home it was uncomforatble, but no pain. It lasted about 3 weeeks before I felt completely better.

Re: ok, ladies - I do but I don't want the truth on episiotimies and c-section incisions....

Recovery from a c/s is not that bad. Day two or three when you are trying to get up and walk around is usually the worst but you are still in the hospital at that point. As long as you take your pain meds on schedule, you are pretty much fine. I slept through a dose and then had to get up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night and almost cried from the pain. But that was the worst of it. By the time I went home I think I took my pain meds once or twice and then I didn't even need them anymore.

Re: ok, ladies - I do but I don't want the truth on episiotimies and c-section incisions....

My c-section recovery was a breeze. I can give you a more detailed one after this time. I forgot a lot of it.

But there is a massage you can do to help avoid an episiotomy.


Using Massage to Avoid Episiotomy.
About Perineal Massage.
This technique helps an expectant mother to prepare her birth canal for birth and allows her to get an idea of what giving birth feels like.

Prenatal perineal massage reduces the need for episiotomy and the chance of serious tearing at birth.
Perineal massage should not be done if you have a vaginal infection, a herpes sore, or other vaginal condition that may be spread or worsened by the massage.
If you wish to use it, the massage should be started sometime in the last trimester, at least 3-4 weeks before the due date, 2-4 times per week or more if you are comfortable.
Not everyone is comfortable with this method, so don't do it if you don't feel comfortable with it.
Some women find that they like to incorporate the massage into lovemaking but don't like to do it themselves, while others find that they like to do it themselves so that they are in control. The important thing is to do what works for you.
Instructions.
Wash your hands and make sure your fingernails are short. Get in a comfortable position with your legs relaxed and slightly bent at the hips and knees. If you wish to use a particular position for birth, try that one.
Lubricate your fingers with a vegetable oil, such as wheat germ or olive oil; or use water-soluble lubricant, like K-Y. Vegetable oils are easily absorbed by the tissues, enhancing the suppleness achieved by the massage. Keep the oil in a small squeeze bottle so you don't have to dip your fingers into it and contaminate it.
Spread enough oil over your perineum to allow your fingers to glide easily. Your perineum is the area behind and outside your vagina, towards your rectum. You don't need to go near or touch your rectum. In fact, you should never touch your rectum and then touch your vagina because the bacteria that normally live in your digestive tract can cause an infection in your vagina.
Using your index fingers or thumbs, insert them into the vagina up to the second knuckle, or as close to that as is comfortable. Press them against the back wall of the vagina and slowly sweep them away from each other up the vaginal wall as you pull outward gently. The movement is a sort of "U" shape. This movement should be repeated for several minutes. This is what you will feel as the baby's head presses down before it starts to emerge from the birth canal.
Next, rub the perineum between your thumb and forefinger, one finger inside the vagina and one finger outside. You can use one hand or two. Then place two fingers just inside the vagina, only to the first knuckle, and gently stretch the perineum outward. Massage more with your thumb and forefinger if the tissue feels tight. Remember to consciously relax the muscles. Use slow breathing if the sensation feels a little too intense.
As the tissue gradually relaxes and stretches after several sessions, you can progress by putting enough outward pressure on the perineum to cause a burning or stinging sensation. This is the sensation you feel as the baby's head stretches the perineum during crowning. The burning during birth is a signal that your perineum is stretching. This is the time to use pant breathing until the burning eases. Some women suffer a tear at this point in a birth because they don't anticipate the burning sensation and they jump, reflexively tightening their perineal area. Relax into the sensation and know that when you feel it in labor it means your baby will soon be here.

Re: ok, ladies - I do but I don't want the truth on episiotimies and c-section incisions....

ive had two csections, no episiotomy, but i can help with the csections. i am a first class big baby when it comes to anything regarding pain, and honestly in my situation, my csections were a breeze. with my first csection the pain was a little more then the second. with the first csection i only took advil for the pain. and that was it. i was up and walking no problem with the first after maybe two days, and with the second i was up and walking as soon as the nurses told me it was ok. dont be scared. be excitied

Re: ok, ladies - I do but I don't want the truth on episiotimies and c-section incisions....

I had a C-Section because DS was still to high and he was estimated to be over 10 lbs when I went into labor and my Dr was afraid that he might get stuck. My recovery was very good. I was not in as much pain as I thought I would be in. In the hospital I took pain medication when I needed it and when I got home I think I took them for one more day and then I did not need them anymore.

Re: ok, ladies - I do but I don't want the truth on episiotimies and c-section incisions....

I had an episiotemy and it wasn't that bad. The peri bottle, numbing spray (can't remember name), tucks pads and a donut was my friend. Nate was a 10 punder and when he got stuck the doc had to cut.I was uncomfortable for 10 days or so.

Re: ok, ladies - I do but I don't want the truth on episiotimies and c-section incisions....

I wanted to add the reason why I had the espiotmy is because the dr. saw I was at risk of tearing. The first day it was difficult to get in and out of bed because it was so soft but I quickly realized it was worse by just sitting their and the more I did as far as walking around the better I felt. When I came home I had no problems and I have a half a flight of stairs that I have to go up and down with.

Re: ok, ladies - I do but I don't want the truth on episiotimies and c-section incisions....

Hey if I get a C-section could they maybe do a little Lipo while there in there????

(j/k but wouldn't that be a wonderful extra bonus??)

Re: ok, ladies - I do but I don't want the truth on episiotimies and c-section incisions....

I have to say that if you go into labor naturally, the spinal (for the c/s) is a total relief from the contractions. I was actually pretty relaxed once I got my spinal

Re: ok, ladies - I do but I don't want the truth on episiotimies and c-section incisions....

I had a c/s with my first. It's been 2 years and you can hardly see my scar (I mean if your looking, noit just because there's a roll of fat over it ). The incision never hurt and I healed nicely. The thing is to really take it easy and let it heal.

For my second child, I had a VBAC and a 2nd degree tear (no episiotomy). I used the peri bottle for about a week, but that was also to help clean too because you do bleed alot after giving birth. I felt a sort of pressure there, but it did not hurt at all.

Re: ok, ladies - I do but I don't want the truth on episiotimies and c-section incisions....

Re: ok, ladies - I do but I don't want the truth on episiotimies and c-section incisions....

Re: ok, ladies - I do but I don't want the truth on episiotimies and c-section incisions....

Thank goodness for this site, the things I learn!

Sorry, I have no answer for you.

Re: ok, ladies - I do but I don't want the truth on episiotimies and c-section incisions....

My c/s was emergency (definitely prefer this over a planned one, which is probably crazy). I never prepared myself for this eventuality--thought it would never happen to me and too squeamish to want to know the details--and strangely, when they said I needed one I was sooooo calm; no worries.

During the operation, I panicked quite a bit because of the feeling of paralysis, but I did not feel a thing painwise. Recovery was quite a bit worse than I expected, I guess because I did not know what to expect. Plus, I probably didn't take full advantage of the drugs. I spent 4 nights in the hospital and the day I went home I was feeling pretty good.

I was totally able to care for DD at home. In the hospital, I could not get up for like a day after the birth? so DH learned to change diapers, which was a good thing!

So, I'm doing it again, so it couldn't have been that bad!! I will try for the VBAC though.

Oh, but I do like my scar though