So let's go over this, shall we? No natural delivery for me, unless by some crazy miracle Baby A finds the space and inclination to move head down. This means a scheduled C-section in just 6 days.
Ladies...who wants to share what that is like with me? What should I expect? How does it feel? How do you best cope, take care of yourself, your baby, and ensure you heal well? Any good resources for me? I like information and preparing for things, as you can tell. Plus, I've never gone into the hospital for anything before, let alone being cut into, so...it's a bit crazy to contemplate for me!
Thanks in advance...
Hi Pam,
ReplyDeleteI ended up having an emergency C-section and was very disappointed. In retrospect, I wish I had prepared myself for the possibility. Like you, I was optomistic about having a natural birth. Consider yourself lucky that you have been given time to prepare.
I won't lie to you. It's major surgery and it takes a lot out of you. The first few days are the toughest, because your mobility is pretty limited. Your husband will have to be on diaper duty because you aren't going to be getting up and down a lot. After that, things improve quickly. Within a week I was almost back to my old self but, if I pushed it too much, I hit the wall in a big way.
Was it painful? Not really. I didn't even end up taking pain killers after the first day or two.
I was awake during the surgery. They put a shield up so I didn't have to actually watch the incision or anything (thank goodness!). The surgery is very quick and, believe it or not, the scar is small and pretty much invisible! The hardest part for me was when the took my son out of the room while they stitched me up. It felt like forever. I've never felt so lonely in my life. But he was in good hands. My husband was with him the whole time and they had some amazing smuggling and bonding time.
With a c-section your milk may be delayed in coming in. This happened to me (hopefully you won't have the same issue). I suggest you take full advantage of the services of the lactation consultant at the hospital. They are there to help. Call on them day or night if you have to.
When I got home from the hospital I continued to have issues with my milk production. I ended up renting an electric breast pump. Best thing I ever did! If I could go back in time I would have rented that pump before the birth.
My sister-in-law had problems with constipation after her c-sections, but this wasn't an issue for me. My only other advice is to eat lots of fibre....just in case!
You'll do great, Pam! The c-section is nothing to worry about -- it's completely manageable and you'll be on your feet quickly. The important thing is that your babies arrive safety.
Janet
Hi Pam - I'm late to chime in here. I ended up having to have a c-section for my second birth. In retrospect, it was actually easier and faster to heal from the c-section than the vaginal birth. The first couple of weeks are tough, but you really need to take it easy and let your family provide you with support. If you push yourself too hard, you risk a longer recovery I think. Within a relatively short amount of time, you'll be very mobile. Congrats on the birth of the twins!! So exciting and I'll be thinking of all of you as you recover.
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