Who has had a C-section? Need some advice.

Question

Hey moms!
I’ll be going into the hospital on Monday for my scheduled c-section because my baby is breeched. I’m nervous and need some advices. For those of you who had a c section what is your advice on everything?? From the moment you go in and to the time you come out?.. what did you pack for yourself and for the baby and husband? What did you not bring that you wish you did?? And how was your recovery after?? I’m a first time mom and having a c section was never in my plans but since baby boy doesn’t want to turn around I’ll be doing the surgery lol. Thank you for any advices given!

Answer

Get up and move as soon as you can. It helped my recovery tremendously. Also pack extremely baggy clothes or a dress because the incision is really sore for a while

Answer

Mine wasn't planned. I had coincidentally got all of the laundry and cleaning done at home the day before I went into labor which was nice to come home to. I stayed in my robe and always discreet underwear the whole time I was in the hosptial and wore shorts with an elastic band and a nursing tank home. My c section went smoothly and I didnt take any pain meds besides ibuprofen while i was in the hosptial and was pretty much pain free within the first week and stopped taking them. Try to get up and moving as much as you can (with permission) in the first 24 hours, that's what I did and I think it helped a lot for my pain instead of waiting. I wish I would have brought my boppy for nursing. Just try to stay calm and have your SO take pictures. You won't feel any pain during the procedure but you will feel the pressure which is a really strange feeling.

Answer

I have had two vaginal births and one c section. Honestly, after having one, I prefer the c section. It was so smooth and fast. By the next day I was up and moving (slowly,  but moving) and the day after that they let me go home early, because I was recovering so well. Just stay on top of pain meds. Don’t wait until you’re in pain to take them. Take them when scheduled to. It has honestly been a breeze! I’m a little over two weeks PP and have been feeling completely normal for over a week now. It’s amazing.

Answer

Just had my second son via csection on the 20th. My first delivery was vaginally so this was all new to me this time around. As far as what to pack, loose clothing/nightgowns were lifesavers so you don’t have to worry about anything irritating your incision. During the procedure and afterward make sure you are communicating with the doctors and nurses about how you are feeling. I eventually had to have different types of anesthesia throughout the process because i was in some pain during the procedure and letting them know what I was feeling was best. Same goes if you start feeling nauseated during the procedure, let the anesthesiologists know because they can give you medicine right away that helps. Take it easy during recovery. Once I was home I was just taking ibuprofen for pain and it almost made me feel “too good” to the point that I was probably overdoing it and i paid for that the next day. This is a major surgery so treat it like one! Stay hydrated to help with getting your system flowing again. Walk as soon and as much as you can. And if they give you a belly band to wear, wear it as much as possible! It really does help with supporting your core during recovery! Good luck mama!

Answer

My first section was unplanned I didn’t have time to mentally prepare myself. So I was very nervous the whole time. This time I knew what to expect but was still nervous and anxious the whole time. 
    About 12 hours after nurses will get you up, remove your catheter, My IV came out afte 24hrs, once cleared to walk on your own take walks in the hallway. I didn’t do that with my first but did it frequently this time. Also elevate your feet so much swelling after because they pump you with so much fluids. Drink lots of water and walk.  This time I was driving after a week  last time I didn’t drive for like a month

Answer

Lots of loose fitting clothes as your incision site will be very tender, get up and walk when you can, start asking for a stool softener regularly in the hospital, stay on top of your pain meds

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Get the epidural out as soon as possible, get up and walking around, limit pain meds if you can, stool softener (or something stronger if needed). Make sure you are having regular bowel movements before you leave the hospital! I had a major issue with that and ended up in the ER after going home (no fun).

Answer

Pack plenty on loose clothing and I was a number one fan of high waisted big ugly panties... plenty of pads... slip on shoes and slip on slippers (I couldn’t put on any of mine) 
Try not to think of what they are doing... 
the recovery is hard... it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done but it makes me so proud.. 
You will find the simple tasks difficult like even going to pick up your crying baby and it may make you breakdown but it’s okay... it’s a ridiculously emotional ride.. just take it one step at a time 
Ask for help if you need it or even if you don’t... ask a million questions on this app if needs be
Most of all... relax... I found a lot of things went smoother when I just relaxed

Answer

Mine were unplanned, but the thing I wish I had done was prepared the house eg all laundry and cleaning, and freezer meals. Paper plates and plastic forks.  I couldn't do much for about 2 weeks and my husband was busy helping me with the baby, so preparing the house would have helped.

Who has had a C-section? Need some advice.

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