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Re: What can I expect from a repeat c section at lij?
I wound up with a c my first time, after being induced and not making progress on my own
Second time I was on your boat. Hoping for a vbac Dr said Well second babies tend to be bigger, history tends to repeat itself.... They were right. My second was 8 lbs 15 ounces
I will say it was easier being able to plan for my 4 year old,
I was upset that I had to get a c
However in the end recovery was Much Much easier. I Literally walked around the maternity floor for two straight hours two days after my c. Baby got here safely, I was safe and all was well
Nerve wracking -yeah a little but of course, all worth it
Good luck and try not to worry
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EricaAlt
LIF Adult
Member since 7/08 22665 total posts
Name:
Erica
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Re: What can I expect from a repeat c section at lij?
I had a crash c at LIJ and then a scheduled c at another hospital since we've moved away.
Anyway, most scheduled c's are the same. Much, Much easier than having an emergency or crash c. Recovery is easier and it's much more calm. I was told to come 2 hours earlier than my scheduled c was and in that time it's changing, checking HB, monitoring, some prep, etc. Everyone is nice then you walk into the OR. Once on the table they give you a numbing shot first then the spinal. I am the BIGGEST baby and it really was nothing at all. A tiny sting for a second then it takes over and you don't feel much. The anesthesiologist will be your BFF and use them as much as possible if you feel sick. I only did bc I was nervous. Docs were great and it went fast. The whole thing probably was 45 mins from start to finish. Takes some time to take the baby out. You'll feel some pressure and then when the baby is out you don't even care what they're doing to you. WHen you are all sewn up they'll wheel you into recovery where you will have some bonding time. Again, this isn't at the same hospital, but from most stories they're all the same.
BTW - catheter was put in after the spinal. Didn't even feel that. Was walking the next day. By the time I was going home I was just on Ibuprfen for the pain. I liked knowing the date so we had someone to watch DS1 and both families were waiting in the waiting area while DS2 was born.
Good luck and relax!! 
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DaniJude
You're My Home <3
Member since 11/06 14815 total posts
Name:
Danielle
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Re: What can I expect from a repeat c section at lij?
When I had my son it was a scheduled c-section. It was at St. Catherine's but basically we went in, we were scheduled for 1pm, and we were told to arrive at 11am. So, we had our bags packed and everything we needed and it was very calm. I went to the registration and said I was there for a CS to have my son. It almost felt like checking into a hotel 
They brought me inside to a regular labor and delivery room. They asked me to put a gown on and then they started hooking me up to monitors. I was not allowed to eat - the night before at midnight was the cut-off. We waited for a little bit, they took blood, I signed a bunch of papers, etc.
Then, they hooked me up to an IV. Then, they had me go to the bathroom, just so I went before the surgery. After that, when we were ready to go, they took me down to the operating room. I was able to walk down to it, with the IV pole wheeling with me
Then, I went into the operating room and sat on the gurney. A female anesthesiologist came in and introduced herself and explained what she would be doing. Then, a nurse came in and asked me to sit up on the gurney and swing my legs over the side, let them hang, and just sit upright. They asked me to kind of "hug" the nurse standing in front of me and rest on her shoulder, so I kind of slouched over her. They said to stay very still and the anesthesiologist inserted the first needle. It pinched, but it wasn't that bad. Scale of 1-10? A 4 or a 5. Then, God knows what she was doing back there but I just waited a minute and she put in the epidural and did whatever she had to do. Pretty quickly everything started to go numb. They swung my legs up and onto the gurney and laid me down. Now, I was numb from the breasts down.
Then, they explained they were putting a catheter in. Fine, I couldn't feel anything And then I asked if I could have my hands free because they lay them out like Jesus on the cross and sometimes, I had heard, they restrain them or tie them down. I didn't like that so I asked nicely and told them I promise I won't move my arms or wave them around, I'll remain calm, and they said sure and let me keep them free. They just laid outward on each side -- again, like Jesus.
At some point, they put a sheet up so I couldn't see from my chest downward. Obviously, they don't want me to watch me getting cut open and all of that. Then, the docs came in and asked how I was doing and made small talk. They explained that they would be starting in a few minutes. It was around 2pm, I went in at 1pm, so it was around 2pm that they actually began the CS and the surgery. The docs said, in less than 20 minutes he'll be OUT!
Well, they were spot on - Julian entered the world at 2:14pm - just 14 minutes after they made the first incision. It was easy-peasy! It was wonderful. He came right out, SILENT, and then squeaked out a cry. Then, they put him on the table to clean him up (under the heat lamps) and he stopped crying haha.
Then, they plopped him on my chest and we did skin-to-skin. I made SURE to wear a sports bra. Otherwise, your boobs are all over the place as you lay down for the surgery AND when they take your gown down for skin-to-skin it's boobs everywhere. I mean, some people may be fine with that but with docs around and nurses and staff and hot male doctors and my DAD afterwards coming into the recovery area to see Julian, etc. I was like nahhh I need a little modesty. So, I just wore a nude sports bra. That was the only thing I had on under my gown.
After they sew you back up and take care of all of that they wheel back to recovery -- Julian was on my chest the entire time. It was great. We went into recovery and then they allowed family members to come back one-by-one and meet him. But, again, that's why I wanted the sports bra. I didn't have to worry about having a nip-slip in front of my father-in-law
After that, I'm sure it was the same as when you had your first one. It was great. I had the best birth experience. No stress on the baby, no stress on me, and I recovered great. I was up and walking that evening and the next day I took a shower and walked the hallways and got into my regular clothes. It was a dream. Next time around, I have no problem doing it again! In a heartbeat!
Good luck!!
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newmommy616
LIF Zygote
Member since 12/14 1 total post
Name:
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Re: What can I expect from a repeat c section at lij?
I just now created an account just so I could say thank you for your comprehensive post, which I found via a Google search. I wanted to do a natural birth, but I just found out (in my 38th week of pregnancy, no less) that I have a flat pelvis and that a C-section would probably be an easier time for both myself and the baby, since I only have a 50/50 shot of getting him out without needing a C-section in the end anyway after what could have been hours of pushing. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to get proper skin-to-skin this way at St. Catherine's, and to be honest I've been a little scared of the surgery, even if it is considered routine, but your post made me feel a lot better about the whole thing, so thank you. I truly appreciate that you took the time to share all of those details. I feel a lot better going into the process knowing exactly what to expect. You're a life-saver! :)
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