C-Section Tips?

Question

Hi,
I am a FTM having a c-section on Friday due to complete placenta previa on.  My final doctor’s appointment is Wednesday followed by pre-op bloodwork on Thursday.  
The doctor said I will receive a spinal block,  not an epidural.  I do plan to breastfeed.
Any tips for before, during or after the hospital visit?  Or what I should expect?  How should guests be handled?
All info is welcome.  TBH - the spinal block is making me the most nervous.

Answer

The spinal block is a breeze, the worst part for me with my first was the catheter 😆 from there it was smooth sailing!
Focus on wiggling your toes and feet as soon as you can, to avoid getting cramps. When it is time to get up and walk, get up nice and straight. 
A Belly Binder really helps, with feeling more comfy, where we live the hospital provides one.
Putting a pillow on your lap while breastfeeding also makes it more comfy as your incision is protected.

Answer

There as been quite a few threads on this lately if you scroll down and take a look, but I’ve had two c-sections and will some up my advice here again: 
- the spinal is a breeze, don’t worry about it at all. 
- the birth experience with a planned c-section is great, is relaxed and calm and easy.
- the recovery is challenging. The first 8hrs or so isn’t too bad because you still have lots of the surgery pain meds in your system and you are basically just lying in bed. But once you start trying to get up be prepared for extreme pain. Extreme. Now some people get lucky and it’s not that bad, but for many of us that’s not the case. Make yourself get up at least once on the first day if they will let you, even if you need morphine to do it. If you stay in bed without getting up it will make it so much worse the next day. 
- make SURE and take your pain meds exactly as directed. It’s super important to stay on top of the pain. 
- arrange for full time help for at least the first 3 or 4 days. If you wind up not needing it, awesome, but you probably will. It’s a major surgery and recovery is slow. (but steady) 
It’s definitely not a walk in the park but it’s totally worth it!

Answer

I am recovering from my c-section now and I was not prepared for how bad the recovery would be. Once you go home, you can hardly do anything without being in pain. I was able to get up and down, but couldn’t bend over or twist. My husband had to do EVERYTHING for me and the baby the first few days. I also had to sleep in a recliner the first 5 nights home because it was too painful getting into bed. It was very emotional for me, too. Seeing my new baby cry and not being able to bend down to pick him up. I will say it does get better every day though! I had mine a week and two days ago and I feel much better and am able to move pretty good. You’ll want to make sure everything at home is easily accessible and make sure you have some help the first few days home!

Answer

I had a spinal block with my section csection. I didn’t have any side effects from it. Only from the anesthesia. As far as guests go you should see how you feel before you invite more than the essential personnel as I call them. Csection is still a major abdominal surgery and although some take it well and are up and moving around others take a few days. Good luck to you and can’t wait to see your little one!

Answer

Something that made my recovery better is take a pad and puta good amount of witch hazel on it and put it across your incision. It helps cool it down and relieves the pain. I did that everyday for about a week or two and it was great. I felt like I could walk a little easier so it made taking care of the baby so much better.

Answer

Don't be nervous just tell then to put the anesthesia in the operation room, because is no point on having it earlier, you will need to walk following day after a c section, you won't bleed a lot just for like 2 weeks, and then is mostly spotting, breastmilk will come within 3rd day in the beginning they suck but the milk goes around the 3 day try to pump to increase the supply I just did it for the first 5 days, so establish a supply, I  never gave my baby formula because there was no need, but if need it I would gave him formula.

Answer

Take chapstick as your lips will be extremely dry. The surgery should be quick and you’ll be fine right after but as others have said, be prepared for some pain as the meds start wearing off. It will hurt to laugh, cough, sneeze, get up, and push to try to poop. I remember when it was time to go home, any little bump on the road hurt so bad so be prepared and get as comfy as you can for your ride home. I was so scared to shower for the first time because I was afraid the soap would burn my incision but surprisingly it didn’t. Try to walk very often so your body wont stiffen up otherwise the pain will be worse. Best of luck mama

C-Section Tips?

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