Anyone else having an elective c-section?

Question

Today at my midwife appointment, we confirmed that the hospital is on board for me to have an elective c-section based on psychological reasons (extreme lifelong childbirth phobia). I feel like the biggest weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I am feeling unbelievably relieved! 💞 have any October mamas had an elective c-section before, or have one planned for this baby? I’d love to hear about your positive experiences!

Answer

I wanted an elective c section with my first. Ended up having a medical reason to need one anyways. 
I loved mine and I’m excited for my second one on the 9th. 
My recovery was a BREEZE. 
Make sure you stay on top of your meds, take them BEFORE you NEED them. Walk around as soon as possible, as much as possible. For me this was just little walks across my room the first 3 days when I needed to use the bathroom. 
I take magnesium during my pregnancies for restless legs, but the last week I up my dose from 250 mg daily to 500mg daily. Magnesium is a natural stool softener so you don’t have to strain any muscles. Anesthesia can cause major constipation issues, so I’m thankful I did up it. Didn’t hurt at all. I didn’t have to tell my nurses if I pooped or passed gas, but they listen to your intestines to make sure everything is moving right. 
I didn’t last time and didn’t have an issue, but this time I’ll have a belly binder, people say it really helped them feel better. 
Every woman I know of has suggested high waisted underwear for a c section and I was miserable because of it. They just rolled down and laid right on my incision. I’ll be taking extremely low cut ones with me this time. They fall about an inch below my scar. My scar is roughly half an inch to an inch below the start of my pubic hair line. 
I walked 2 miles right after my 2 week check up. I was off pain meds day 5/6 (off the Percocet and only using my Motrin day 4). I drove myself to my 2 week appointment. (My rules for driving were to be completely off my pain killers and to be able to stomp my foot REALLY hard)
Percocet didn’t take any pain away for me because my incision wasn’t hurting. What hurt me was the cramping. You’re going to have bad cramps regardless, but if you breastfeed they’ll be worse. 
During surgery be completely honest with your anesthesiologist. I started feeling a pulse in my face while being stitched up and I was like “Hey, this is probably just me laying on my back, but i feel my face pulsing.” She tweaked her little area and it stopped within seconds. Definitely mention to them if you have any anxiety. They have meds to calm you down. 
You have to drink this shot of antacid, like 5 nurses and doctors were like “oh honey I’m sorry. That stuff is the worst!” Freaked me out. Tasted like a sour candy in liquid form. 🤷🏻‍♀️ definitely better than the alcoholic shots I’ve taken. 
Either have a ton of pillows so you can sleep sitting up in your bed, or make a comfy spot on your couch or chair. Makes getting up the first week so much easier. 
Keep baby at waist height or higher. I couldn’t pick him up easily if he was below my waist because you need to use your ab muscles to bend and lift and you just cannot. 
You’ll have two incisions. An internal and an external. The internal is a little longer and mine kind of felt pinchy for the first day or two. 
If you have a curb to get into your drive way, have whoever park on the street or at least let you out before they drive over the hump. Hold a pillow to your incision any time you have to drive over a bump, stand up, cough, sneeze, or laugh. This is why people suggest a belly binder, so you don’t have to have a pillow. 
If I think of any other tidbits I’ll add them in the comments of this. 
I loved my c section. It’s all about head space. If you have positive thoughts you’ll feel much better than if you only focus on the negative.

Answer

My first was not a choice but also not an emergency. #2 is scheduled for 10/22. It is mostly elective. My doc recommends it because of the complications I had trying to labor and deliver my first. I’m definitely nervous for the surgery and recovery, it’s tough...but I think the most important thing above anything and everything else, is to take care of your mental health. If having a c section helps you with your phobia, then to me it’s a necessity! Just my opinion :) best of luck to you!

Anyone else having an elective c-section?

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