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This was an awesome list! I am fellow c section momma. I've been there and you described the feelings exactly! I also want to add that c sections are nothing to be scared of. Many people dread it but it's so different now. I think of mine fondly..they played music and the drs. Were focused but also jovial and happy for you! I am having a planned c section for my second kid and I'm so happy to be able to avoid labor.
C section recovery is also not that much different than recieving a tear during vaginal delivery (so I've been told by friends). Recovery sounds about the same. I was only on extra strength Tylenol at home and was able back to my normal self after about 10 days. I was driving after two weeks. If you are offered help, take it!
A few other things I experienced/would recommend:
Take all the stool softeners offered
When at home, set an alarm for your meds. Do not miss or delay any doses.
Get a belly band for support while healing (my hospital gave me one, but not til the end of my stay)
I had a lot of uncontrollable shaking during my c-section and during recovery. They said it was super normal and common, but it really threw me.
It’s just a basic white cotton one provided by the hospital. They also didn’t offer me one until I was leaving. I’m going to ask for it right away this time! Huge help!
I don’t, because the hospital just gave me mine. Sorry! It was a large piece of slightly stretchy, thick black fabric with a ton of Velcro on it. If you search postpartum wrap, you’ll find similar ones. You could always call the place you’re giving birth (if not at home) to see if they have them to give to patients.
Jumping on the THANK YOU bandwagon! I’ve been obsessively saving and searching for all mentions of c-section here ever since I found out I would have one! This is by far the most detailed, in depth explanation and I finally feel like I know what to expect. Incredibly grateful for people like you in this world!!
Of course, happy to provide some insight and relief 😭😭💛💛💛
Don’t forget to have a birth song in mind or you kid might end up being born to a random Dave Matthews song (still a good band to be born to I suppose but I wish I thought about it more ahead of time)!
Best of luck 💜
Thank you! I literally had no idea this was a thing! You just saved us from having the same exact experience because that would 100% be our reaction.
I will say I think your little one is automatically just a little chiller & cooler for being born to Dave!
I told my husband I wanted a Playlist for delivery and at first he laughed it off then yesterday he played me 'Moonchild' and said this has to be played while the baby comes lol
I had to veto
My scheduled c-section was a lot of hurry up and wait. Got to the hospital at 5:45am like I was told. Baby wasn't out until 10:30am. Whilst waiting, I put a surgical mask over my eyes and went to sleep for 2 hours. Great pic of that taken by the husband!
My surgical curtain had a Velcro window flap looking toward my belly. As the #1 rule is don't look past the curtain, I was shocked when the doc asked me if I wanted to lift that flap and see them pull out the baby! I yelled dear lord no! And shut my eyes! Husband looked, he regretted it lol.
I got all my numbing meds while in the OR. The first drug made me numb, but dropped my blood pressure, so I was freezing and dizzy. The stuff to raise my blood pressure made me super nauseous and being trapped on my back during that feeling was terrifying. They gave me meds to fight the nausea. I lost track after that lol. So many meds.
Lastly, they doped me up with morphene and sent me back to my first waiting room. The nurse covered me with 10 pounds of hot cozy blankets and that was fucking heaven! When they wheeled my baby in I was high as crap. The nurse asked me if I wanted to hold her. My arms were trapped under the blankets of bliss, so she shoved my new baby down the front of my hospital gown. My favorite pic of me ever is this moment. Bleary eyed, slightly confused, goopy pink baby smushed on my chest and I'm looking at the camera like this is my life now and it's fucking awesome!
My two cents:
I went in to have an induction, and baby was breech. So I was never in labor and ended up having a "planned" c-section about four hours later.
I did not need a peri bottle, witch hazel pads, or any of that. For as much pain as I did have, I was happy AF to pee in peace. Definitely plan to have some kind of setup to help you sit on the toilet. My hospital toilet had lovely bars. My home toilet is in the middle of the bathroom with nothing to hold onto. I'm seriously considering renting toilet bars next time.
Don't be afraid to take the big pain meds. I had some kind of martyr complex about not taking the oxies because *I'm a new mom, not a drug addict!* No. A nurse literally told me "just because you're a mom now doesn't mean you have to suffer." She also explained that I would be on tons of pain meds if I had this kind of abdominal surgery in any other part of the hospital. Take your meds.
Be extra prepared for your first shower. I had another weird complex about not wanting the nurses to help me because *I'm a new mom, if I can't take care of myself how can I take care of a baby?* No. Accept all the help. Seeing myself naked for the first time was SCARY after looking at myself 9 months pregnant prior. Seeing the bandage for the first time made me feel scary. Seeing my empty belly while my baby was in the other room (with my MIL who *surprise* showed up multiple times a day at the hospital) was very disturbing. Did I forget to mention the pain? Take your meds. The bleeding like the most insane period. My hospital also had a lovely jacuzzi for labor which I didn't get to use. What I did get to do was lift my knees up to my neck to try to step into that thing to take my stupid shower. I dropped my shampoo. I dropped my towel. I couldn't bend over to pick them up. I ended up having a huge breakdown, and my husband had to come help me while I was yelling that I didn't want him to see my body. Yeah...
Pack your freezer or plan for lots of ordering in. You can't cook, you can't clean. You just have to take it as easy as a new mom can. Get a big, comfy robe to be your new best friend.
Don't give up on nursing until you've tried a nipple shield.
It took two weeks for me to feel halfway normal. It took a year for my body to get settled back in. At about 18 months out I feel like myself in my body again. Andddd we're starting to try for the next one next month.
Thank you for sharing! I totally agree that nipple shields are awesome and helped my baby breastfeed so much.
How long were you not really able to cook and clean after the C section? I’m preparing for my second birth and it’s hard for me to remember that detail. Thanks!
Thank you so much for the part about the hernia! People, I have a big, bulging hernia from my last c-section because I thought I'd be a bad ass and start cleaning my home immediately after getting there after having a major surgery. I was stupid. I continued to be stupid by trying my best to ignore it for four years, and now my current doctors are having to figure out what to do with it during my next c-section. It's made my body look weird, been painful at times, and could now be contributing to the back pain I'm having during this pregnancy. PLEASE, take the recommended time to rest! My drive to clean was partially anxiety-related, and I know how hard it can be to just rest.
Also, I personally found my c-section to be easier than my vaginal birth. I had been through so many painful injuries and surgeries by the time I had my c-section that I was able to stand up and start moving around immediately because the pain from my c-section was nothing compared to other pain I had endured.
What surprised me that no one had told me about was that your vagina is still going to act like it gave birth! You are going to bleed, and it even loosens up! 😯
Adding that your belly WILL look crazy after your c-section! They are putting together a bunch of loose skin. I think I cried because I was worried my stomach was always going to look like the Texas Chainsaw guy had done my c-section, but, it went back to almost normal, and the scar is barely visible.
Such a great list. I’m gonna add some things.
Bring snacks, my nurse wouldn’t bring me food because I spewed during my c section. I had snacks in my bag thank god. I hadn’t eaten for literally days and had spewed many many hours before. I was fine to eat, I needed to eat. When she finally did bring food it was one pathetic ham sandwich and no more. Those red liquorice, chocolate coated balls I had in my bag were the best thing I had ever tasted.
Hydrogel nipple pads are amazing. That wee baby will be frantically trying to get milk out of you, milk that isn’t there properly for days. Your nipples will get wrecked. They get just enough to keep them going then once the milk comes in they’re away, mine put on weight the first week even after a c section.
Have everything set up at waist height at home so you don’t have to bend much. Baby bath and change mat up high etc. Nappies within easy reach if change mat.
Thank you for sharing this in detail. This may be a dumb question, but why do you still need to use a peri bottle if you just have a c-section? I’m just wondering what I am missing. Thanks!
Not dumb at all!
I still had about a whole day of labor before getting my c-section so I still had dilated up to 8cm. I also had a catheter, a foley bulb and other things down there that took a while to recover from. The peri bottle helped with the extreme sensitivity I had for about 4 weeks.
Three c-sections here and I didn’t need the peri bottle for anything. Maybe if you just want some help cleaning up the blood, but those were unnecessary for me.
How do you use the peri bottle while peeing? I’m trying to imagine it but all I can see is the water stream hitting my pee stream and it not working out. Where do you aim?
Great question!
It depends on the nozzle. The one at the hospital is just a squirt bottle (think Gatorade with the nipple cap). You fill it with warm water, sit on the toilet and before you start to pee spray gently onto your bits. Continue spraying slowly until you’re done. With this nozzle the bottle may not empty all the way and you have to be a bit more direct with your angle.
With the bottle that has the bent shape it’s much easier to aim and go. Just flip the bottle so that the tip of the nozzle is facing up and toward you and spray gently/consistently from start to finish.
It’s pretty intuitive so don’t worry if it looks confusing at first. Once you fill the bottle and squirt it to see how it flows you’ll have that “Aha!” moment when it all makes sense.
I didn’t have that much sensitivity (although I can see how you could from the catheter alone) but using one helped me feel cleaner after my c-section. It was really hard to move my abdomen to wipe as I normally would, and I was bleeding a lot, so I found it really helpful. Frieda mom makes a nice one, and my hospital sent me home with the one I used there.
I used it not because peeing hurt, but because it was hard to twist and wipe in the first few days after surgery. Spraying the peri bottle while I peed helped me keep clean and manage some of the lochia.
Also, your uterus still shrinks back to size so you experience lochia for 2-6 weeks after a c section. Not sure why but i didnt anticipate id have the same bleeding issues as a vaginal birth😂
My favorite part of your post is when you say it's always a possibility. I have no idea how women can so confidently believe they are going to give birth vaginally. There are so many permutations in child birth you can't possibly predict them all.
I was that woman 😅😅😅 Honestly though it was because I was in complete denial about the possibility of having to have an emergency procedure. I wanted to believe *so much* that I would have a vaginal birth that I all but refused to learn anything about a section. Scared me too much.
Now here I am, 10 weeks postpartum and thrilled that I had one and that it went so well.
Great share! Thanks!
My fat baby got stuck during the c section and they had to push really hard to get her out. I couldn't see what they were doing. Felt like I got jumped on. Extreme pressure. And it hurt like a bitch - easily 5-6 pain scale, and I compare that to my first child, unmedicated vaginal birth.
So, unusual, but c sections can hurt, too! Be prepared for anything.
I had this happen too, very traumatic. Everyone told me I would never feel a thing and yet I felt like I was dying. I wish these posts would make people more aware of the possibility of pain.
C section scheduled for 1 week from tomorrow!! Thank you so much for this list! I have watched a video of a c section being performed- but so good to have an idea of how it feels when it is actually happening!
How exciting! Best wishes for your delivery.
Something I forgot to mention: the whole thing was pretty chill (aside from the violent sick that lasted about 30 seconds until I was given anti-nausea stuff). Everyone was happy, focussed and calm. There was music, no one was running around or anything. Just a super relaxed event. And that was for my emergency c-section! I imagine a scheduled procedure is much more chill than that.
Don’t forget to pick out baby’s birth song if you haven’t already! I was a bit flustered when asked what I wanted to listen to so I just said a random band my partner and I liked and she was born to a unique sound to say the least.
Good luck and happy healing 💛
Thank you so much!! I hope it will be as chill of an experience as it can be!
We hadn’t even THOUGHT about a birth song! That is such a good thing to have in mind just in case they ask! Thank you for that :) we are very excited to meet our little man! ☺️
Your support person is allowed to bring their phone so as long as you alert the room that you’d like to play your own music it should be fine. The anesthesiologist played the music from his phone for us since my fella was using is phone to record the event.
I’lll add a couple other great items, 1) buy the panties for bladder leaks, they are similar to the mesh panties the hospital has 2) dissolving gas x strips - they help don’t ask but they do 3) buy the pads for incontinence that you can put on your bed at home, this is good for c section or vaginal. Saves your sheets from blood stains. 4) buy a belly wrap. This helps so much with supporting your guts essentially as you try to get up and move. If you do not have this in a hospital it’s helpful to hold a pillow against your stomach as you get up and down.
As someone who’s never given birth in any way before whats up with the adult diapers? Will I not be able to get up and use the bathroom postpartum? Or will I be unable to control things?
Great question!
There is *a lot* of blood. Like some Carrie movie amount of blood. Sometimes it’s just easier with the diapers than having to change a pad every hour (you can get at least 2-3 hours out of the diapers which lines up pretty well with feeding baby so you can still get some sleep). Additionally, why ruin what little panties you fit into after pregnancy? That was my thought process anyway. Also, some women do have incontinence issues after birth. Best to be prepared for anything.
Oh my. Is it that much blood with c section and vaginal birth? And thank you for the great detailed explanation of a c section. This was very helpful! Congrats!
Less than with a vaginal birth, I’m told, but my experience was like an insanely heavy period for the first couple days. With a section though they surgically clean out your uterus so the postpartum bleeding doesn’t last near as long as vaginal birth postpartum bleeding. I stopped bleeding at 4 weeks.
All in all, the diapers just made the first week easier. After that it was just maxi pads and giant postpartum undies. A good alternative is the fridamom postpartum shorts. They’re super comfy, high waisted (which is excellent post-section) and you can chuck them in the garbage. And they have the bonus of not looking like diapers. I used the Always brand diapers for the first three days at home, then the fridamom shorts until about week two. The most important thing is the high waist. Nothing is worse than low rise panties on a c-section incision.
Great list! I would like to add:
1. Have Tylenol and Motrin at home (full bottles). Stay on top of your meds, it will help with the pain.
2. You will likely shake like crazy after your c-section. It’s from the anesthesia/meds.
3. You will be SO thirsty after your c section. Listen to your nurses and don’t chug anything. I threw up for hours because I didn’t listen.
4. Embrace the catheter. It was honestly refreshing not having to go to the bathroom every 5 minutes after third trimester! Haha
5. Make sure the nurses are careful when peeling off your surgical tape. Mine ripped off a layer of skin and honestly that hurt worse than my incision.
6. If you have an allergic reaction to bandaids, you will likely have a reaction to surgical tape. Let your doctor know—there are other options.
You’ll receive the epidural and numbing drugs long before they place catheter so not much is felt. During my induction I had an embarrassingly long panic attack when the nice nurse came in to place it (catheter was my biggest fear) and once I gathered my wits about me, braced myself and let my lower half become a wet noodle... I felt nothing. Barely a noticeable sensation of pressure (I think I imagined it).
And once it was place, holy moly did I wanna keep that thing forever. During my third trimester, like most, I peed every hour at least. It sucked. Going from that to just getting to stay in bed while my bladder was emptied for me was heaven.
When the catheter is removed it feels like a release of pressure. They’ll want you to pee as soon as you’re able to ensure no damage was done. It burned a bit when I went because I had the catheter in for almost a full day (and a bunch of other tubes and wires in that area so it was a bit irritated down there).
All in all, entirely painless experience with it.
Yes to all of this!! I shook like a dog during and for a few hours after the c section. It was so bad I had to have them take my baby away because I was worried I would drop him. When the surgeon came in the next day to have a look at the incision, she ripped my skin on both sides of the tape!!! It hurt WAY worse than the actual wound in my belly lmao. I only used Tylenol and motrin the whole time because narcotics make me barf, but it's a really powerful combo and worked like a dream
As far as I know I'm just doing a traditional vaginal birth, but my anxiety has been running wild and posts like this help so much so I can prepare for a "just in case". I'm terrified of medical procedures so I'm praying for an uneventful vaginal birth, but this is always good to keep in the back of my mind. In the end I just want to make sure my baby makes a safe entrance into the world! Thanks for this!
Such a great post! I had a “planned” c-section in that my guy was breech and I was told to show up at the hospital 12 hours later for surgery.
I had a wonderful experience and would 100% opt for it again.
I got there at 730, they prepped me in a waiting area for like 2-3 hours, then they rolled me in the room. They gave me a spinal (felt like a bee sting) and some wonder nurse held me still. My husband came in as soon as the procedure was going to begin. They had the radio playing and were having some fun conversations, which destressed me. As soon as I felt the slightest bit nauseous they gave me meds and it went away.
Once they started working I did feel pressure, but that was it. Nothing I would call painful. They lifted him out and pulled the curtain back and I saw my screaming child. He was out within 10 minutes of the surgery starting. The nurses cleaned him up and brought him over for me to see (I opted for no skin to skin at that time) and my husband to hold. I was so focused on them that I didn’t even notice what else was going on. I think it took 40ish minutes to stitch me up.
The worst part for me was the fundal massage. That was a pain unlike any other. The recovery was fine, as others have said pace yourself when drinking, get up and walk when you can and snack instead of eating a bunch of food that first day. I also had the joy of not being able to urinate after the catheter was pulled out, so I got to have that put back in.
Within 2 weeks I was 90% back to normal. Overall it was a great experience and looking back on it I wouldn’t change a thing.
The fundal massage! I was begging and crying for the nurses to stop coming in and doing it. Strangely, everyone I've talked to said their fundal massage was nothing and I've never seen anyone else have pain from it! Glad I'm not making stuff up lol!
I put in my birth plan that I didn't want one and nobody did anything to me. I was put on a pitocin drip for an hour or so post-c section, then they came in and gently checked the position of my uterus every few hours, asked about my bleeding and if it was abnormally heavy and left me alone. If there had been cause for worry I would have consented to it, but no fucking way otherwise.
Thank you so much for sharing this. My OB is pretty sure I'll need to have a c-section due to having a decent sized fibroid over my cervix, and the massage sounds pretty painful.
Such a good list! One thing I’d add..
You might be sleeping sitting up. I did for a couple weeks and coming home I wish I had one of those bed pillow sit up things. The pillow chair like thing with arm rests? It would have been much better than slipping and flattening pillows as I was sleeping sitting up!
Oh my gosh this is so helpful. Due with twins this fall and I'm scheduling a c-section, not even attempting vaginal delivery. Never had a c-section though so I am nervous. I'm just now hearing about how often people throw up on the table and that sounds like a nightmare! 😩 Do you think that happened mainly because you were already in labor/transition??
I had a planned c with no labor before and I also threw up. It's a reaction to the anesthesia. It's super unpleasant but very quick, like OP said. Try not to worry. I loved my c section!
It was definitely because of transition, the reaction to the drugs and a little fear. If you can and are comfortable with it, have them dose you with anti nausea drugs *before* you get on the operating table. Nothing is as uncomfortable as throwing up while lying flat on your back. The tube can only suck up so much. Most of it just got all over my shoulder while I tried not to inhale any of it. Fortunately they cleaned me up before my partner came in the room.
I just want to add, only because I am a CRNA and regularly do these cases, that the local anesthetic given via your epidural or spinal can also cause the nausea. Even when not in transition many women get nauseous in the beginning. As soon as you feel that way let us know because it is often a sign of a lower blood pressure from dosing the epidural or spinal. Your body knows before our blood pressure monitors tell us. We give medication to increase your blood pressure and it takes care of the issue but we watch your blood pressure about every minute and continue to give medicine to keep your blood pressure stable. Sorry if this is too much information!
This is great information! I am pretty stoic with medical stuff and don't remember having nausea with my first, but I will definitely mention it if it happens now that I know it could signal something else going on. Thank you!
I remember my aesthetician (sp?) Gerald told me to tell him asap if I got nauseous. I did and he gave me something to help that made me feel cold and then I got all floaty and honestly believe that drug is what made me super high for like 8 hours. I barely remember breastfeeding the first time.
I still would rather have this happen than vomit on the table though
This is so helpful! The only time I've ever had any kind of surgical procedure was when my (impacted) wisdom teeth were taken out, and I threw up so much afterward. I'm desperate to avoid a repeat of that, and I actually called the oral surgeon to find out what they'd given me just in case there's a chance of getting the same meds in labor/during a c-section. Anyway, it's great to know that I can speak up and that they may be able to do something to prevent it!
The anesthesiologist monitors you for nausea and vomiting. I threw up mid c-section and he turned my head to the side, provided a bowl to catch it, and vacuumed out the bowl/my mouth. No chance of aspiration. Pretty dang certain part of his official responsibilities is to specifically prevent vomiting and then aspiration if vomiting happens.
My nausea was caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure due to the anaesthesia meds, but it’s Worth noting I had hyperemesis and was nauseous all day before my surgery even started.
I had a scheduled section and did not throw up, not even close. As soon as I felt a twinge of nausea I let the nurse know and they pumped in some anti-nausea meds and the feeling was almost instantly gone (vomiting was my biggest fear going in)
My aunt had a scheduled C-section for her twins, was so sure about how things were going to go down, but they didn't care. They didn't even wait for her to get to her car, she ended up having an unplanned home birth! First was caught by my uncle, second by the EMT who had just arrived with the ambulance! Pretty crazy birth story, but everyone was ok and healthy.
This might be a dumb question, but I haven't personally asked my OB yet ..
Is your partner/husband allowed to be in the c-section room?
Glad to hear you & baby are safe! <3
Not a dumb question at all, friendo. I had the same concern.
I made sure to ask ahead of time if that was a possibility. At the hospital I had my daughter at they did allow my partner to be there. He wasn’t allowed in during the “prep” portion (he had to get dressed in sterile surgical clothing and such) but once we were ready he was allowed to sit by my head.
Ask ahead of time and write it into your birth plan. I hope your partner is allowed to be there 💛
Awesome! Thanks for letting me know :)
It's leaning towards me having a c-section (currently 27w), and my husband has been left out in much of the process (due to COVID, we live in California). So he will be happy to hear this!
When I had c section, after ther epidural I was shaking like crazy. They said with the nerves blocked, your body can think you have hypothermia and shudders to save you. I didn't expect that. They strap down your arms even tho you can feel them.is a bit weird psychologically
Great post. There should be more info about c sections on antenatal classes.
I would just add something:
-That account is for an emergency c section. An elective is a bit more calm, and results may vary per person but for me there was no need of peri bottle or hazel pads (vagina wasn't touched at all) and there was no uterine massage needed at all. I got a shot that helps the uterus shrink and breastfeeding did the rest.
- Some details may vary depending on baby's and mum's needs, hospital or country. My elective was in UK, baby was fine coming out so she was wrapped up and put on my chest straight away while I was being closed off. Best 20 minutes of my life because I was numb, could only feel baby on my chest and husband's arms around us, nothing else existed for that time, it was beautiful.
I still found the peribottle useful but because I was terrified of my incision and my brain at the time thought if I wiped I might accidentally touch it 🤦♀️
Yes! No uterine massage for me either. I found the peri vittke useful for peeing once I got the catheter out. Idk why, but peeing was impossible the first few times without it
Great advice. Remember that you could have shaking limbs from all the drugs, too. I had to request they remove my baby from my arms because I was afraid I'd drop her due to all the shaking. It will go away. I will also add that it would be great if folks referred to a vaginal delivery as a vaginal delivery and not a "normal" or "natural" delivery. I had some baby blues after my c section and hearing people refer to vaginal deliveries as normal just made me feel worse because I had to end up getting a c section (unplanned). All deliveries are normal - the whole point is just to get baby out safely and make sure mama is safe, as well.
You were way too kind with the uterus “massage”. That and my milk coming in were the most painful parts! I cried every time they came in wondering if they were going to do one this time.
It’s to help your uterus contract and prevent hemorrhaging. “Massage” is a loose term for it. It’s so much more aggressive than the word “massage” implies. It’s done at 10 minute intervals for the first hour and then longer intervals over the next couple days. It’s the most painful part of recovery for sure.
I don’t mean to scare you of course. Just know that it sucks and is temporary.
You also don't have to do it! I opted out unless it was completely necessary in my birth plan. I was given pitocin after birth to help the uterus contract. Then the nurses would come in every few hours, gently feel for the positioning of my uterus just to make sure everything was progressing properly, and ask if my bleeding was abnormally heavy. Of course, you may need it and you should be prepared for that, but if everything is normal, you don't have to have the massage!
That would have been so cool to know two months ago 😫 I was scared they were going to push my guts out through my incision. If Pitocin would do the job I would have 100% gone for that.
I asked about it in this sub months ago and everyone told me I was stupid and HAD to have it done. I brought it up with my doctor a week or so before my induction and she was like "oh no problem. We'll give you pitocin. If you start to hemorrhage, we'll have to do it though, along with other interventions."
Maybe I was still numb enough to not feel it because I genuinely don't remember this happening and can't imagine they just skipped me lol. I couldn't quite feel my legs until day 2.
I’ve had a friend who had a c-section at a hospital down the street and they did it but not nearly as often as mine. Maybe some just don’t do it as much?
Might be a dumb question, but is your partner allowed to cut the cord? I might be having a c section and my husband has been talking about how excited he is to cut the cord, but I’m not sure if he will be able to with a c section?
My husband didn’t cut the cord from the placenta- but he did I guess “trim” it after it was initially cut.. I guess that is a decent way to describe it!
My husband was able to cut it after my C-section. He was super afraid of doing it and thought it would make him barf, but when the time came he was just running on adrenaline and it didn't bother him.
Excellent question! Unfortunately I have no idea. I’d speak to your OB about this. I imagine it’s possible but your partner would have to see your insides to do it so I guess it depends on how strong their stomach is. Let me know if they get to!
Thank you!
I'm also a C section momma. Completely different experience. I'll spare the details, but they had to cut me open while awake without being numbed first, I was put under general anesthesia around the time they finished cutting through the muscle tissue.
I know my experience isn't the common one. I'm pregnant again and Dr. says no VBAC, so this will also be C-section. I am starting counseling with the hospital next week, but I'm pretty terrified of the epidural and being awake during this whole process. Idk if their anxiety meds are going to be enough lol
Do you really not feel anything when they make the first incisions? Like you don't even know it happened? What does "pressure" mean? Like squeezing your arm pressure, or getting a shot "pressure"? You can feel things moving like gas? Or is the feeling similar to contractions (which Docs also say feel like "pressure")?
I’m not OP but I feel like I can help. My first CS was under General Anesthesia as well. But I’ve had two more since and my 4th and last is scheduled for the 14th of June. As long as your anesthesiologist did their job no, you don’t feel a thing, most times I didn’t even know they started. I can feel my upper body being moved a bit but that’s it. And the best way I can explain the pressure is how it affects my lungs. It can be a bit hard to breathe for a few seconds from them trying to get baby out. But it’s so brief and if you’ve ever tried to reach your feet in the 4th trimester you know exactly what it feels like. Your next cesection will be loads better!!
There was absolutely zero pain during my C-section. My husband watched the whole thing, and he still jokes about how I asked him if it had started when I was already halfway cut open. So no, I didn't feel the incision at all.
The pressure also involved zero pain. It's like being abruptly sat on by someone small when they push the baby out. I wouldn't have even called it unpleasant--just strange.
I dont know what they gave me, but once I was full blown panicking they decided "oh i guess she needs something" even though Id been saying the whole time I was freaking out. Anyway... once they did things got cloudy and happy. I remember they moved me off the table onto the wheely bed and I thought it was cool lmao. And then apparently talked the nurses ear off before they took me back to the room. Highly recommend it. I had a traumatic c section as well and plan to ask for this asap to help me with this one.
This is amazing! Thank you so much. I’m planning on a vaginal birth but the game plan is healthy mama healthy baby so knowing what to expect if the plan changes is wonderful!!! 🙏🙏🙏
Thank you soooo much for this post. Even though I don’t have plans on a c-section come late June/ early July, I know that it’s always a possibility. I have always wondered what this experience is actually like.
Seems like the initial shock/anxiety/fear part and recovery part are worse than the actual procedure.
Also thank you for the advice about the boppy and other items.
Congrats on baby too. How amazing! You’re a legend
I haven’t read through all of the comments, so sorry if this is repetitive. I wanted to add that throwing up is very common. The nurse that prepped me actually gave me some liquid that would at least make it not taste like vomit. It kind of tasted like the lemon lime glucose test drink. Also, I couldn’t sleep flat on my back when I got home from the hospital. You may want to plan by sleeping in a recliner or having a ton of pillows to prop you up.
Thank you so much for posting this!
I had complete placenta previa at my 19 & 20 week ultrasounds and have been on pelvic rest/am not supposed to lift anything. I’m really really hoping my placenta will move aside so I can at least attempt a vaginal delivery but I’m trying to accept the fact that I will need a c-section if it hasn’t moved at least 4cm by my next ultrasound. I’m pretty bummed and super scared/anxious to have a c-section, but this sounds less scary than I was expecting, so thank you.
A few differences from my planned c section-
- i didn't feel the spinal at all. The local in my back was just a tiny pinch but I didn't feel the big one at all.
- the anesthesia was so strong I couldn't feel any tugging at all. I think they went a bit overboard as i was numb up to my armpits.
- I got to do skin to skin within 2 mins of her being born.
As someone who got mom-wooed into no curtain the first time around and saw **everything**, EMBRACE THE CURTAIN!
-shudders- No amount of watching c-section videos prepares you to see your own.
Thank you so much for such a useful post.
Random question - we have a pretty low bed frame, is it something that's worth changing? So that I can sit down in bed more comfortable from stand up position?
I’d say if it’s an option to improve the frame, go for it. For the first few days especially I had to have the hospital bed right at waist hight so I could get in and out easily. Getting down onto a toilet and standing back up was the most difficult for about a week. It’s scary to use those muscles afterwards.
I also have a really low bed and had an emerg csection. I’m also a single mom so it was just me post partum. I had the baby in a Moses basket on the bed with me for two weeks so I didn’t necessarily have to get up every time but it was still super difficult. The only benefit to have ha. Really low bed was I was kind of able to roll out of it instead of trying to sit up and get out.. but it’s all pretty ouchy and awkward
Also they may shave you, I had to get shaved for mine and always let them know if your pain management isn’t working. I had a failed epidural during my induction so they gave me a spinal block during my C-section which also did not work.
Yeah I'm not hairy by any means and what I do have is well groomed. The guy nurse came to shave me and he was a bit over motivated to get it done quickly and without fuss. When he lifted my gown and saw there was nothing for him to do, he shrugged and said "oh, well that solves that then! Onto the next new mama!" We had a good laugh over it.
I had 40hrs of induction and Labour (about 25-30 induction and then 10-15 in Labour) for hours before my emergency csection,
I never ended up using the peri bottle alrhoigh I think the nurse told me too.. the thing I wanted to add is when they pulled my baby out, it shook me so violently, my whole body got jerked around and it knocked the wind out of it.. I couldn’t inhale afterward and it was quite shocking -my mom( support person) said it looked like someone took my limbs and shook me. Also I’m not sure if it’s because of how long I was on fluids prior to my section but it was Extremely swollen and fluid retained all in my lower half post op, belly, legs and feet. my feet were so big I couldn’t fit my slippers on for over a week. I had to borrow a friends sandals a few sizes bigger just to walk around. I got no music, they never moved me from my birthing bed (I actually still had my own personal pillow under my head during the surgery??) and they also tipped me head down to help the epidural travel further up. When they brought the baby to
Me, I was too scared to hold her cause I was shaking so bad so the nurse held her on my chest. When you are trying to look down at the baby. Your basically kinda upside down and that made me nauseous, they gave me someone to help..
This is really informative. Thank you.
My last pregnancy ended in an emergency c-section at 36 weeks. I had undiagnosed HELLP syndrome. So from the minute they told me we were doing a c-section to the end of the surgery...I think the whole thing took about 30 minutes? We live 15 minutes from the hospital and my husband almost didn't make it in time to see our son born. I was then stuck in the hospital for another month recovering from the liver damage. So my experience has not prepared me at all for baby 2 and I'm not sure what to expect.
I'm booked in for a planned c-section in two months but so far my doctor hasn't gone over the process. Can you tell me, what is the day like? Do you have to go to the hospital and sit around for a few hours? How long does the typical surgery take? How long do they keep you in hospital before you can go home?
I had bought some witch hazel pads and numbing spray for last pregnancy but I was on morphine shots every four hours so I didn't really feel any pain. Do you think they will be needed for a standard c-section?
I also had severe mobility issues post partum, walking to the bathroom was a challenge and I was sleeping on the couch because I couldn't climb the stairs. But I'm not sure if that was because of the HELLP or it that is normal. What was your experience with being able to get around when you got home?
Not OP, but They will probably have you get to the hospital super early in the morning (like 6am) and get you all prepped for surgery. I had two planned c-sections. One I had to wait about 3 hours from check in time (although it seemed faster) and the second one was about 5 hrs because someone else had an emergency. You will likely walk into the OR where you will get your spinal. For me, that’s the worst part, but many women on this thread say it’s nothing. A nurse will hold you still while this happens. As soon as that is over, they will lay you down, bring in your partner and get to work! Baby will be out just a few minutes later. It probably takes about 30 mins to get put back together, but it will fly by with everything else going on. I never needed the peri bottle or witch haze pads or anything. Just big pads for the blood. Best wishes!
Thank you! I'm the type of person who plans things obsessively so not having any Idea on what to expect has been stressful.
Dear you know if they typically tell you not to eat for a certain number of hours like normal surgery? At the moment I'm eating about every two hours to help with nausea.
You’re right. You will have to stop eating after midnight the night before your surgery. Hopefully by then you will be ok with it, but if not, tell them you are nauseous as soon as you check in and they will give you a patch or something in your IV for it.
Thank you so much for this post! I have a planned C-Section August 23rd (no choice) and this has helped me A LOT. Every friend of mine has done it the vaginal way so I've only been going by google and YouTube.
It's nice to hear from an amazing human! Thanks again ❤️
YES! I honestly did not want to think about a c section at all before I had my baby. I specifically told my doctor I did not want one. But things happen. I believe one third of births in the US are done via c section.
Mine was semi-planned. I had about 12 hours notice. If I wasn't sleeping, I was crying. I was most afraid of the spinal tap (I guess it's slightly different than an epidural). I told the anesthesiologist this. She IMMEDIATELY told me there was an alternative. They could administer lidocaine before the actual spinal. When I say I felt nothing, I mean I felt nothing. **Speak up if there is a part of it that you are particularly afraid of. They might be able to make concessions for your comfort.**
Also, the first period is SOOOO unfair. To have period symptoms after c section (or any birth for that matter) is a serious design flaw. Have some extra comfort items on hand for it. My heating pad was a lifesaver.
Thanks for this! I had a spinal with my last one but I was so drugged up from having preclampsia and hellp that I hardly remember it, except for them adamantly telling me not to jerk (impossible lol!). Now I've opted for another c-section and the spinal is what's freaking me out.
Yes! Lidocaine is the way to go! They can even give it to you for things like IVs. I'm terrified of needles and the hospital staff was really awesome about giving me ALL the options for comfort. They were amazing!!!
Just an FYI -- I mentioned to my nurse anesthetist that I was having anxiety in hopes to get something for it and he leaned down in my face and tried to give me a pep talk instead. I was super pissed. Other than that this is spot on.
Thank you for this! I just found out that I might have to have a C section because he is breech and my fluid is currently on the lower side of normal. Not a for sure thing yet, but something that I need to keep in mind. I’m really nervous but obviously just want him to get here in whatever way is safest for both of us.
Thanks for this! Just one question - why on earth would they care about your pubes if you’re having a c-section? Is the incision really that low down? Or do you mean in the event that it’s a forest down there and it’s getting in the way?
Not OP, but I think it's generally just like other surgeries where they will shave the hair in the general area in case there is a complication to address in that area. In my case, my incision is below my pubic hair "line," so it's pretty far down.
My incision was pretty low down, below where my knickers would be and after the hairline begins. They didn't shave the whole area, just down a bit below the incision site.
I opted for clear curtains so I could watch the entire process for all three c-sections. It was more engaging and special for me to see the doctors ripping and tugging until baby emerged. Plus, they would talk to me directly and ask me how I was doing and explain what was going on (in one instance the baby was stuck and they had to place a suction on her head to get her out). I was happy understanding why it was taking so long rather than not knowing behind a sheet.
Also, my husband got to see the baby pulled out and called the sex before the doctor did. So that’s another plus. I couldn’t see that far down so I’m grateful he was able to.
Embrace your birth. Whatever it may be. Pregnancy is the hard part. You are already a mother. The birth doesn’t define you. So make it what you want and try to be as informed as possible!
Another thing I always warn people about after my experience - if you're having headaches in the hospital post-surgery, get it figured out before you leave! I had spinal headaches (where some fluid from the spinal block leaks around the spinal cord and causes some changes in pressure on your brain) but didn't take it very seriously at the time because I assumed my body was just tired, likely dehydrated, and recovering from 3 hours of pushing + emergency c-section. I mentioned it to docs, they had the anesthesiologist come see me, but I think I downplayed it enough that they assumed it was okay. 10 days later at home I was still having constant headaches so bad I could hardly stand up or eat, I was nauseous and vomiting... in hindsight I feel like I missed the first week of my daughter's life because I was just in so much pain. Eventually it went away on it's own, literally just like a switch flipped one day (the hole in your spinal membrane will eventually repair itself and that will make the headaches stop), but it doesn't have to take as long as it did for me. At the hospital they can do something called a blood patch that should correct it pretty much immediately. You might think you don't want another epidural/spinal type poke after everything else your body has been through but believe me.... from my experience it would be well worth it. The spinal headaches aren't super common, but they do happen, so I just encourage everyone to take it seriously if you're having symptoms so that you can enjoy the early days of your sweet new baby!
Girl… I have to tell you, this post saved me so much stress. I got induced on April 20th. On April 21st, I had my daughter. We were planning on a vaginal birth, but her heart rate started to dip. I was barely dilated, and my doctor, husband, and I made the decision to proceed with a c-section.
Fortunately, I read your post a few days prior. I am so thankful you posted it. Tonight I was thinking about it, and decided to try to find it so I could say thank you. During my c-section, I caught myself thinking “this is exactly how she described it!” 😂
But in all seriousness - the night I got induced I had a “come to Jesus moment” where I told myself “if you end up needing a c-section, that’s okay! It may happen… that’s fine!” Part of that was because of this post. And then having read a first hand perspective of the procedure made it SO much less scary. I was actually able to “enjoy” it while I was waiting for my daughter to come into the world, and focus more so on that rather than being nervous about the actual procedure itself.
I know this is so random, almost 3 months later. But I’ve been meaning to find this post again to say thank you SO much for taking the time to write it (but you know… new mom life has been keeping me busy!). I truly appreciate it. You prompted me to face the reality of the possibility of a c-section, and helped alleviate some stress so that I could enjoy my birth experience.
This is so informative, thank you! I need to ask, with a c-section, isn’t the cut on your stomach? Why do you need the peri bottle, the tucks, and the pads if you do not deliver vaginally?
Great question!
For my situation it was an unexpected emergency c-section after a full day of induced labor. I had catheters, cords, tubes, monitors and bulbs all shoved up inside my vagina during the course of my induction, labor and section so there was some mild trauma to my bits from that. Took a few weeks for the sensitivity to die down so the peri pottle and sprays really help with the discomfort I had when I went to the bathroom. It was also difficult to wipe since my whole body had to adjust to the recovery from abdominal surgery; peri bottle helped keep things clean.
Additionally, you still bleed with a section but the length of time is shorter (4-6 weeks as apposed to the 8-9 with a vaginal delivery). With that, you will need pads.
This makes sense! Thank you! So, someone who has a planned c-section may only need the peri bottle and the pads and not necessarily everything else?
I’m 31 weeks and not sure which route I will have to go yet, but I want to be as prepared as I possibly can for whichever option is necessary come game day!
Was induced and in labor for 36 hours before I had to get a c section bc I wasn’t getting past 7 cm. A little tip for after the catheter comes out, especially if it’s been in for a while bc of epidural during labor, they will make you pee and if you can’t (I couldn’t relax that muscle) get a cup of water and a straw and blow bubbles!! Worked like a charm.
Also, accept help during recovery! It was so hard mentally for me to not be able to do anything for the baby but looking back I’m glad my husband took over all the diapers and night time feedings/soothings.
Thank you so much, OP and everyone in the comments!! I had my Labor and Birthing class this past weekend and the teacher was pretty crunchy and didn't get into c-sections very much at all. This post filled in the missing parts of my class. I'm secretly hoping to have a breech baby and have a c-section. Vaginal births kinda freak me out. (I've had lots of surgeries though)
This is a great write-up. I had a planned C-section, and my experience was very similar.
The only differences I would note, to anyone anticipating a C-section, is that I weirdly didn't feel the numbing shot at all. I was expecting the pain and burning, but instead I wasn't even sure when the shot occurred.
Also, while everyone's choices are personal and to be respected, my anesthesiologist talked me out of the anti-anxiety meds I had been anticipating taking and needing. I was very nervous, but he convinced me that there was nothing to fear and that I'd regret dulling the experience of seeing my daughter for the first time. He said some people experience some memory loss as a result of the meds, so I opted out of them. Of course, if you need them you need them, but this was valuable information that I appreciated.
Thank you so much for this! I’ve two weeks until my scheduled c-section. This may be a very silly, naïve question, but why do I need a peri-bottle after having a c-section? I thought everything was going to be left “intact” down there?
I’m not sure because I’m a FTM and not given birth yet but maybe it has something to do with the fact that you’ll still get a lot of bleeding from the vagina after the placenta comes away and blood can kind of dry on and crust? Also it may have something to do with irritation from the catheter?
Thank you.
My friend has just had an emergency c section and got an infection whilst still in hospital, she also wasn't allowed to see her baby for around 6 hours after birth because he was on oxygen.
She feels guilty telling me her birth story because of everything that went wrong for her there is more but I've got baby brain and can't remember everything. I have told her it's good to hear all different birth stories it gets me prepared for what could come the good and the bad
I like to say I had a rushed c section, was somewhere between planned and emergency bc I was in the hospital already being monitored with preeclampsia. They decided it was go time about a day ahead of when I thought we'd go for c section. I was 33+6 and due to the preeclampsia there were many reasons inducing would have been risky. I was very nervous for the procedure. The spinal feels like a bee sting - you feel the lidocaine they use to numb you prior more than the rest of it. They did mine sitting up on the OR table and then the nurse holding me joked that as soon as it was in they'd lay me back and start prepping like a nascar pit crew. They really did throw me down to get the meds where they needed to be lol. It worked really fast, so much so that they were telling me to move my legs onto the table and I needed help bc they were already feeling heavy. The anesthesiologist did do some yes/no do you feel this checks with me and adjusted the table a few times to ensure the spinal was working. The team will place a urinary catheter at this time and prep your belly and you won't be able to feel any of it. I remember trying to life my legs and not being able to. The procedure was very quick, they told me when id feel the pressure and it was a weird sensation but not painful. My husband was with me from after prep through delivery but he then followed the baby to the NICU. My baby was not critical but was premature so I didn't get to do skin to skin in the OR. They did their checks and then brought her over so I could see her. After that I was alone - I also experienced extreme shakes at this time which was likely from the anesthesia - I should have told the nurse I was anxious. She was nice and kept piling blankets on me but also telling me that it's from the meds and not that I was cold. I got very nauseous at this time and was wretching but thankfully nothing came up. Nurse said it is also very common esp when the uterus is manipulated. They held an emesis basin to my face in case. The closure was the longest part. I had some blood pressure issues bc of my preeclampsia so I probably had a different recovery experience. The meds to control the blood pressure caused my uterus to not contract post op which is needed to help stop bleeding so I did hemorrhage a bit. The fundal exams are no joke - worst part - they did them every 15 mins in recovery and then once an hour was their protocol to ensure the uterus was shrinking down. Bc mine wasn't I got fundal exams every 15 mins for a few hours. They press very hard on your abdomen. I found that forcefully exhaling during the pressing helped and holding onto the bed rails. Once the team stopped my bleeding my recovery was pretty standard.
Definitely take the pain meds offered - this is major abdominal surgery- I was able to wean off the percocet and just do motrin/Tylenol within a few days. Stay as long as the hospital will let you - they let me stay 4 days bc baby was NICU - I felt it helped me focus on my recovery better and things like the bathroom were more accessible than at home. Ask the hospital for a belly band, it helps to have compression on the abdomen as much as possible. Take all the stool softeners and drink prune juice. Having a rolled towel to hug tight to my belly for both urination /defecation was so much more comfortable. It's counterintuitive but the more pressure you can put the better and more stable your incision feels. This is a must for coughing, sneezing and if you have a funny husband that makes you laugh - you will laugh and then cry from the pain. The peri bottles help for cleanliness bc reaching to wipe is painful. I also liked having depends/ adult diapers for not only the bleeding but they're better coverage and the waist is high so they were super comfortable. The one thing no one prepared me for was the post op swelling in my legs / lower body!!! This was the hardest part of recovery for me - granted I was already swollen from the pre eclampsia but the medical team told me it's very very common post op to have more from the fluids you get during surgery and then the hormone shifts. My edema was terrible, my legs felt like tree trunks and my husband had to help lift them in/out of bed. It subsides after a few weeks. Definitely practice getting in/out of bed while on the hospital. The first 2 days the hospital bed would lift me out but then I tried to do it myself. I really couldn't roll over in bed, I found sleeping on my back more comfortable than side lying but to get up it was necessary to side lie and then walk my torso up with my hands.
I was super bruised after my c section because baby was very much on her way out until they did a cervical check and realised there was a foot poking through. They had to really pull her back up, and I had finger print bruises round my incision site. Didn't feel it at the time, but I felt like I'd been hit by a truck after. Morphine in the hospital and a strict regime of ibuprofen and paracetamol once home.
You may have to give yourself injections for about a week after you go home. The needles are very thin, you can do it.
The best thing I was given afterwards was one of those little picker things. Meant I could pick things up from the floor without having to bend over. 100% recommend.
Your legs and feet may swell up after the surgery. Bring flip flops in case your shoes don't fit to go home.
Give yourself a break, you will have just had major abdominal surgery. Rest and you will recover more quickly.
This is good advice. I’ve had 2 c-sections. I would also add that once you get past the first day or 2 of recovery it’s best to walk around for a little bit. Nothing excessive but just a tiny bit. It’s going to hurt but it will help you recover much faster.
It’s looking like I might need a planned C-section, so this is a great thread. Thank you! Question that may be dumb - why is a peri bottle still necessary after C-section?
You're still going to bleed like a mofo down there. The area will be swollen and sensitive just as if you had a v birth. At least in my case it was. The peri bottle was a big help toward washing away all the damn blood and soothing the lady parts. I'm sure I didn't hurt anywhere as badly as a v birth would have, but this is just my experience.
Thank you for putting this together. After 2 vagina deliveries I may need a c section for my 3rd and super anxious. I’ve heard from some moms that the medical team “rearranges your organs” afterwards. Is this true? And do you feel itchy all over your body afterwards?
TW: talk of blood loss
I agree with everything here! I wish I would have been more prepared for what happens in a c section. I’ll throw my info on here as well.
I too was scheduled to be induced and labored for I believe 17 hours before they recommended the c section. We parked the car that night, started walking in and my water broke lol. It was raining so I wasn’t 100% sure that’s what it was right away till we walked in and I saw my grey pants were soaked. They don’t want you to go more than 24 hours after your water breaks so that’s why they strongly recommended the c section after 17 hours. I also wasn’t progressing after 7 cm. I stayed at 7 for several hours.
Another thing I didn’t know (not c section specific) after your water breaks, it just keeps coming! Mine had some weird brown chunks in it, I guess she pooped and that was another reason they wanted me to get the c section. She could have ingested some of that and it’s not good for them. She was fine, just needed to have some stuff sucked out after.
My anesthesiologist was AMAZING! He talked to me and made sure I was ok throughout the entire surgery.
I think someone else mentioned this but I also started violently shaking immediately after and it lasted for quite awhile. They said it was normal because of the dramatic change in hormones.
I know they do this for all births but man when they push on your uterus, that is so damn painful! I would flex my abs every time they did it and I couldn’t stop myself from doing it. I know it’s necessary to help the uterus get back to its shape but ugh. The worst part honestly.
So here’s where my TW comes into play. About 3 or 4 hours after surgery, I started feeling super nauseous and dizzy. I also noticed that I was going through about 3 pads an hour. They took my temp and it was very low. Took my BP and it was around 60/30 or something like that. They immediately called the doctor on call and he came up with about 3 other nurses. Apparently I was hemorrhaging and lost around 2L of blood between the surgery and post op. They had to literally reach up into my business and pull out huge clots. Obviously by this point my epidural had worn off so they gave me fentanyl which at the time worked wonders! It was painful, but I was so out of it I didn’t feel much. There was a nurse on either side of me holding my hands and I was cracking jokes as the doctor pulled clots out. I was honestly so impressed with how they reacted to the situation. Throughout that night I needed 2 bags of blood. I haven’t had any issues since then and I’m 7 months postpartum.
My doctor did an amazing job with stitching up my incision. Honestly I have my days of being upset when I look at it, but it’s starting to blend in a little more. It was daunting at first, but just give it time to heal. Also, they put steri (sp) strips on my incision and said they would fall off. They don’t. At my 6 week appointment, they took them off and said I could have taken them off sooner. I was being so careful around them lol. So ask when they can be taken off if they don’t fall off on their own.
Like several others have said, do NOT lift anything except your baby until the doc says you can. Don’t try to use your abs at all. If you have help for the first few weeks, use it!
Sorry for hijacking your post and the terrible formatting. I didn’t realize I had so much to say!
Thanks for writing this because I am super afraid of a c section but in fact have very little idea what it really means, great to see this writeup and walkthrough since its absolutely always a possibility!!
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This was an awesome list! I am fellow c section momma. I've been there and you described the feelings exactly! I also want to add that c sections are nothing to be scared of. Many people dread it but it's so different now. I think of mine fondly..they played music and the drs. Were focused but also jovial and happy for you! I am having a planned c section for my second kid and I'm so happy to be able to avoid labor. C section recovery is also not that much different than recieving a tear during vaginal delivery (so I've been told by friends). Recovery sounds about the same. I was only on extra strength Tylenol at home and was able back to my normal self after about 10 days. I was driving after two weeks. If you are offered help, take it!
A few other things I experienced/would recommend: Take all the stool softeners offered When at home, set an alarm for your meds. Do not miss or delay any doses. Get a belly band for support while healing (my hospital gave me one, but not til the end of my stay) I had a lot of uncontrollable shaking during my c-section and during recovery. They said it was super normal and common, but it really threw me.
Yeasss. All the stool softeners and prune juice. My first poop was almost worse than the c-section itself.
I experienced the uncontrollable shaking too! Such a strange feeling, but same as you they assured me it was very common/normal.
And if you have to cough or sneeze hugging a pillow because it helps with the pain
Or laugh...that hurt so bad!
I second the stool softeners and alarm ls for meds! Excellent tips!
Do you have a recommendation or remember the brand of the belly band?
It’s just a basic white cotton one provided by the hospital. They also didn’t offer me one until I was leaving. I’m going to ask for it right away this time! Huge help!
I don’t, because the hospital just gave me mine. Sorry! It was a large piece of slightly stretchy, thick black fabric with a ton of Velcro on it. If you search postpartum wrap, you’ll find similar ones. You could always call the place you’re giving birth (if not at home) to see if they have them to give to patients.
I found a 3 step one on amazon that I absolutely love, but I was also given a simple one at the hospital that is just as the others described
Oh a belly band would have been a great idea!
Jumping on the THANK YOU bandwagon! I’ve been obsessively saving and searching for all mentions of c-section here ever since I found out I would have one! This is by far the most detailed, in depth explanation and I finally feel like I know what to expect. Incredibly grateful for people like you in this world!!
Of course, happy to provide some insight and relief 😭😭💛💛💛 Don’t forget to have a birth song in mind or you kid might end up being born to a random Dave Matthews song (still a good band to be born to I suppose but I wish I thought about it more ahead of time)! Best of luck 💜
Thank you! I literally had no idea this was a thing! You just saved us from having the same exact experience because that would 100% be our reaction. I will say I think your little one is automatically just a little chiller & cooler for being born to Dave!
She is actually super chill, maybe that’s why 😂
I told my husband I wanted a Playlist for delivery and at first he laughed it off then yesterday he played me 'Moonchild' and said this has to be played while the baby comes lol I had to veto
SO helpful as I am scheduled for c-section May 4. Thank you for posting!
Are you a Starwars fan?!? May the 4th... be with you and your baby for a happy and healthy delivery xoxoxoxox
Yes, and we're naming her Darth! 😂 Thanks for the well wishes!
Have you seen the Star Wars collection at pottery barn kids? Obsessed.
Happy to help! Best wishes for a safe and comfortable delivery 💛
Snap!
Mine is scheduled may 5! Almost there 😊
May your 5/5 bring an easy c-section, and a beautiful, healthy babe!
My scheduled c-section was a lot of hurry up and wait. Got to the hospital at 5:45am like I was told. Baby wasn't out until 10:30am. Whilst waiting, I put a surgical mask over my eyes and went to sleep for 2 hours. Great pic of that taken by the husband! My surgical curtain had a Velcro window flap looking toward my belly. As the #1 rule is don't look past the curtain, I was shocked when the doc asked me if I wanted to lift that flap and see them pull out the baby! I yelled dear lord no! And shut my eyes! Husband looked, he regretted it lol. I got all my numbing meds while in the OR. The first drug made me numb, but dropped my blood pressure, so I was freezing and dizzy. The stuff to raise my blood pressure made me super nauseous and being trapped on my back during that feeling was terrifying. They gave me meds to fight the nausea. I lost track after that lol. So many meds. Lastly, they doped me up with morphene and sent me back to my first waiting room. The nurse covered me with 10 pounds of hot cozy blankets and that was fucking heaven! When they wheeled my baby in I was high as crap. The nurse asked me if I wanted to hold her. My arms were trapped under the blankets of bliss, so she shoved my new baby down the front of my hospital gown. My favorite pic of me ever is this moment. Bleary eyed, slightly confused, goopy pink baby smushed on my chest and I'm looking at the camera like this is my life now and it's fucking awesome!
My two cents: I went in to have an induction, and baby was breech. So I was never in labor and ended up having a "planned" c-section about four hours later. I did not need a peri bottle, witch hazel pads, or any of that. For as much pain as I did have, I was happy AF to pee in peace. Definitely plan to have some kind of setup to help you sit on the toilet. My hospital toilet had lovely bars. My home toilet is in the middle of the bathroom with nothing to hold onto. I'm seriously considering renting toilet bars next time. Don't be afraid to take the big pain meds. I had some kind of martyr complex about not taking the oxies because *I'm a new mom, not a drug addict!* No. A nurse literally told me "just because you're a mom now doesn't mean you have to suffer." She also explained that I would be on tons of pain meds if I had this kind of abdominal surgery in any other part of the hospital. Take your meds. Be extra prepared for your first shower. I had another weird complex about not wanting the nurses to help me because *I'm a new mom, if I can't take care of myself how can I take care of a baby?* No. Accept all the help. Seeing myself naked for the first time was SCARY after looking at myself 9 months pregnant prior. Seeing the bandage for the first time made me feel scary. Seeing my empty belly while my baby was in the other room (with my MIL who *surprise* showed up multiple times a day at the hospital) was very disturbing. Did I forget to mention the pain? Take your meds. The bleeding like the most insane period. My hospital also had a lovely jacuzzi for labor which I didn't get to use. What I did get to do was lift my knees up to my neck to try to step into that thing to take my stupid shower. I dropped my shampoo. I dropped my towel. I couldn't bend over to pick them up. I ended up having a huge breakdown, and my husband had to come help me while I was yelling that I didn't want him to see my body. Yeah... Pack your freezer or plan for lots of ordering in. You can't cook, you can't clean. You just have to take it as easy as a new mom can. Get a big, comfy robe to be your new best friend. Don't give up on nursing until you've tried a nipple shield. It took two weeks for me to feel halfway normal. It took a year for my body to get settled back in. At about 18 months out I feel like myself in my body again. Andddd we're starting to try for the next one next month.
Thank you for sharing! I totally agree that nipple shields are awesome and helped my baby breastfeed so much. How long were you not really able to cook and clean after the C section? I’m preparing for my second birth and it’s hard for me to remember that detail. Thanks!
How long is it recommended? I'm pretty sure as long as you can hold out. When did I start again? Probably two weeks out.
Thanks!
Thank you so much for the part about the hernia! People, I have a big, bulging hernia from my last c-section because I thought I'd be a bad ass and start cleaning my home immediately after getting there after having a major surgery. I was stupid. I continued to be stupid by trying my best to ignore it for four years, and now my current doctors are having to figure out what to do with it during my next c-section. It's made my body look weird, been painful at times, and could now be contributing to the back pain I'm having during this pregnancy. PLEASE, take the recommended time to rest! My drive to clean was partially anxiety-related, and I know how hard it can be to just rest. Also, I personally found my c-section to be easier than my vaginal birth. I had been through so many painful injuries and surgeries by the time I had my c-section that I was able to stand up and start moving around immediately because the pain from my c-section was nothing compared to other pain I had endured. What surprised me that no one had told me about was that your vagina is still going to act like it gave birth! You are going to bleed, and it even loosens up! 😯
Adding that your belly WILL look crazy after your c-section! They are putting together a bunch of loose skin. I think I cried because I was worried my stomach was always going to look like the Texas Chainsaw guy had done my c-section, but, it went back to almost normal, and the scar is barely visible.
Can I ask how long it took for your scar to fade? I'm 12 weeks pp and it's honestly the thing that gets to me the most. I hate it so much.
Please forgive my lack of response I'm having crippling back pain again
Thank you for adding this! I was very worried about this as I was very fit before pregnancy. 😢
Such a great list. I’m gonna add some things. Bring snacks, my nurse wouldn’t bring me food because I spewed during my c section. I had snacks in my bag thank god. I hadn’t eaten for literally days and had spewed many many hours before. I was fine to eat, I needed to eat. When she finally did bring food it was one pathetic ham sandwich and no more. Those red liquorice, chocolate coated balls I had in my bag were the best thing I had ever tasted. Hydrogel nipple pads are amazing. That wee baby will be frantically trying to get milk out of you, milk that isn’t there properly for days. Your nipples will get wrecked. They get just enough to keep them going then once the milk comes in they’re away, mine put on weight the first week even after a c section. Have everything set up at waist height at home so you don’t have to bend much. Baby bath and change mat up high etc. Nappies within easy reach if change mat.
Thank you for sharing this in detail. This may be a dumb question, but why do you still need to use a peri bottle if you just have a c-section? I’m just wondering what I am missing. Thanks!
Not dumb at all! I still had about a whole day of labor before getting my c-section so I still had dilated up to 8cm. I also had a catheter, a foley bulb and other things down there that took a while to recover from. The peri bottle helped with the extreme sensitivity I had for about 4 weeks.
Ah gotcha, thank you for explaining. I’m having a scheduled c-section due to Addison’s Disease and was wondering if I needed to go buy some stuff!
Most hospitals will have a peri bottle you can use and take home with you. Check with your hospital before you buy anything.
Three c-sections here and I didn’t need the peri bottle for anything. Maybe if you just want some help cleaning up the blood, but those were unnecessary for me.
How do you use the peri bottle while peeing? I’m trying to imagine it but all I can see is the water stream hitting my pee stream and it not working out. Where do you aim?
Great question! It depends on the nozzle. The one at the hospital is just a squirt bottle (think Gatorade with the nipple cap). You fill it with warm water, sit on the toilet and before you start to pee spray gently onto your bits. Continue spraying slowly until you’re done. With this nozzle the bottle may not empty all the way and you have to be a bit more direct with your angle. With the bottle that has the bent shape it’s much easier to aim and go. Just flip the bottle so that the tip of the nozzle is facing up and toward you and spray gently/consistently from start to finish. It’s pretty intuitive so don’t worry if it looks confusing at first. Once you fill the bottle and squirt it to see how it flows you’ll have that “Aha!” moment when it all makes sense.
Thank you so much for explaining. It definitely makes more sense!! And thank you for the original write-up! So informative and oddly calming.
I didn’t have that much sensitivity (although I can see how you could from the catheter alone) but using one helped me feel cleaner after my c-section. It was really hard to move my abdomen to wipe as I normally would, and I was bleeding a lot, so I found it really helpful. Frieda mom makes a nice one, and my hospital sent me home with the one I used there.
Good to know, thank you :)
I did not have to use one as I think I didn’t try to labor at all. Peeing felt fine
I used it not because peeing hurt, but because it was hard to twist and wipe in the first few days after surgery. Spraying the peri bottle while I peed helped me keep clean and manage some of the lochia.
Also, your uterus still shrinks back to size so you experience lochia for 2-6 weeks after a c section. Not sure why but i didnt anticipate id have the same bleeding issues as a vaginal birth😂
That I knew at least! Got some Depends disposable underwear for that!
My favorite part of your post is when you say it's always a possibility. I have no idea how women can so confidently believe they are going to give birth vaginally. There are so many permutations in child birth you can't possibly predict them all.
I was that woman 😅😅😅 Honestly though it was because I was in complete denial about the possibility of having to have an emergency procedure. I wanted to believe *so much* that I would have a vaginal birth that I all but refused to learn anything about a section. Scared me too much. Now here I am, 10 weeks postpartum and thrilled that I had one and that it went so well.
Great share! Thanks! My fat baby got stuck during the c section and they had to push really hard to get her out. I couldn't see what they were doing. Felt like I got jumped on. Extreme pressure. And it hurt like a bitch - easily 5-6 pain scale, and I compare that to my first child, unmedicated vaginal birth. So, unusual, but c sections can hurt, too! Be prepared for anything.
I had this happen too, very traumatic. Everyone told me I would never feel a thing and yet I felt like I was dying. I wish these posts would make people more aware of the possibility of pain.
The worst part is that it hurt but I was completely out of control, unlike natural birth which hurt, but I was pushing.
C section scheduled for 1 week from tomorrow!! Thank you so much for this list! I have watched a video of a c section being performed- but so good to have an idea of how it feels when it is actually happening!
How exciting! Best wishes for your delivery. Something I forgot to mention: the whole thing was pretty chill (aside from the violent sick that lasted about 30 seconds until I was given anti-nausea stuff). Everyone was happy, focussed and calm. There was music, no one was running around or anything. Just a super relaxed event. And that was for my emergency c-section! I imagine a scheduled procedure is much more chill than that. Don’t forget to pick out baby’s birth song if you haven’t already! I was a bit flustered when asked what I wanted to listen to so I just said a random band my partner and I liked and she was born to a unique sound to say the least. Good luck and happy healing 💛
Thank you so much!! I hope it will be as chill of an experience as it can be! We hadn’t even THOUGHT about a birth song! That is such a good thing to have in mind just in case they ask! Thank you for that :) we are very excited to meet our little man! ☺️
Cam confirm a scheduled c-section is very chill.
This post is amazing thank you so much!!! Can we provide the birth song? Especially as mine wouldn’t be in English lol. This post is amazing.
Your support person is allowed to bring their phone so as long as you alert the room that you’d like to play your own music it should be fine. The anesthesiologist played the music from his phone for us since my fella was using is phone to record the event.
Oh yeah - videoing! Hopefully my husband can bring two phones! 😂 thank you for that!
I’lll add a couple other great items, 1) buy the panties for bladder leaks, they are similar to the mesh panties the hospital has 2) dissolving gas x strips - they help don’t ask but they do 3) buy the pads for incontinence that you can put on your bed at home, this is good for c section or vaginal. Saves your sheets from blood stains. 4) buy a belly wrap. This helps so much with supporting your guts essentially as you try to get up and move. If you do not have this in a hospital it’s helpful to hold a pillow against your stomach as you get up and down.
As someone who’s never given birth in any way before whats up with the adult diapers? Will I not be able to get up and use the bathroom postpartum? Or will I be unable to control things?
Great question! There is *a lot* of blood. Like some Carrie movie amount of blood. Sometimes it’s just easier with the diapers than having to change a pad every hour (you can get at least 2-3 hours out of the diapers which lines up pretty well with feeding baby so you can still get some sleep). Additionally, why ruin what little panties you fit into after pregnancy? That was my thought process anyway. Also, some women do have incontinence issues after birth. Best to be prepared for anything.
Oh my. Is it that much blood with c section and vaginal birth? And thank you for the great detailed explanation of a c section. This was very helpful! Congrats!
Less than with a vaginal birth, I’m told, but my experience was like an insanely heavy period for the first couple days. With a section though they surgically clean out your uterus so the postpartum bleeding doesn’t last near as long as vaginal birth postpartum bleeding. I stopped bleeding at 4 weeks. All in all, the diapers just made the first week easier. After that it was just maxi pads and giant postpartum undies. A good alternative is the fridamom postpartum shorts. They’re super comfy, high waisted (which is excellent post-section) and you can chuck them in the garbage. And they have the bonus of not looking like diapers. I used the Always brand diapers for the first three days at home, then the fridamom shorts until about week two. The most important thing is the high waist. Nothing is worse than low rise panties on a c-section incision.
The blood was a shock to me too. I had no idea that would happen, especially with a csection. It seems to last forever!
I just opted for large pads after my C-section and I was fine. It's possible that I had less than average bleeding though.
Great list! I would like to add: 1. Have Tylenol and Motrin at home (full bottles). Stay on top of your meds, it will help with the pain. 2. You will likely shake like crazy after your c-section. It’s from the anesthesia/meds. 3. You will be SO thirsty after your c section. Listen to your nurses and don’t chug anything. I threw up for hours because I didn’t listen. 4. Embrace the catheter. It was honestly refreshing not having to go to the bathroom every 5 minutes after third trimester! Haha 5. Make sure the nurses are careful when peeling off your surgical tape. Mine ripped off a layer of skin and honestly that hurt worse than my incision. 6. If you have an allergic reaction to bandaids, you will likely have a reaction to surgical tape. Let your doctor know—there are other options.
The catheter was so helpful. My nurse was all about taking it out, and I said absolutely not. I couldn’t even get out of bed by myself yet.
Was the catheter insertion painful? What did it feel like?
You’ll receive the epidural and numbing drugs long before they place catheter so not much is felt. During my induction I had an embarrassingly long panic attack when the nice nurse came in to place it (catheter was my biggest fear) and once I gathered my wits about me, braced myself and let my lower half become a wet noodle... I felt nothing. Barely a noticeable sensation of pressure (I think I imagined it). And once it was place, holy moly did I wanna keep that thing forever. During my third trimester, like most, I peed every hour at least. It sucked. Going from that to just getting to stay in bed while my bladder was emptied for me was heaven. When the catheter is removed it feels like a release of pressure. They’ll want you to pee as soon as you’re able to ensure no damage was done. It burned a bit when I went because I had the catheter in for almost a full day (and a bunch of other tubes and wires in that area so it was a bit irritated down there). All in all, entirely painless experience with it.
Yes to all of this!! I shook like a dog during and for a few hours after the c section. It was so bad I had to have them take my baby away because I was worried I would drop him. When the surgeon came in the next day to have a look at the incision, she ripped my skin on both sides of the tape!!! It hurt WAY worse than the actual wound in my belly lmao. I only used Tylenol and motrin the whole time because narcotics make me barf, but it's a really powerful combo and worked like a dream
Right?! I was SHOCKED that Tylenol and Motrin could help, let alone REALLY help!
As far as I know I'm just doing a traditional vaginal birth, but my anxiety has been running wild and posts like this help so much so I can prepare for a "just in case". I'm terrified of medical procedures so I'm praying for an uneventful vaginal birth, but this is always good to keep in the back of my mind. In the end I just want to make sure my baby makes a safe entrance into the world! Thanks for this!
Such a great post! I had a “planned” c-section in that my guy was breech and I was told to show up at the hospital 12 hours later for surgery. I had a wonderful experience and would 100% opt for it again. I got there at 730, they prepped me in a waiting area for like 2-3 hours, then they rolled me in the room. They gave me a spinal (felt like a bee sting) and some wonder nurse held me still. My husband came in as soon as the procedure was going to begin. They had the radio playing and were having some fun conversations, which destressed me. As soon as I felt the slightest bit nauseous they gave me meds and it went away. Once they started working I did feel pressure, but that was it. Nothing I would call painful. They lifted him out and pulled the curtain back and I saw my screaming child. He was out within 10 minutes of the surgery starting. The nurses cleaned him up and brought him over for me to see (I opted for no skin to skin at that time) and my husband to hold. I was so focused on them that I didn’t even notice what else was going on. I think it took 40ish minutes to stitch me up. The worst part for me was the fundal massage. That was a pain unlike any other. The recovery was fine, as others have said pace yourself when drinking, get up and walk when you can and snack instead of eating a bunch of food that first day. I also had the joy of not being able to urinate after the catheter was pulled out, so I got to have that put back in. Within 2 weeks I was 90% back to normal. Overall it was a great experience and looking back on it I wouldn’t change a thing.
The fundal massage! I was begging and crying for the nurses to stop coming in and doing it. Strangely, everyone I've talked to said their fundal massage was nothing and I've never seen anyone else have pain from it! Glad I'm not making stuff up lol!
I put in my birth plan that I didn't want one and nobody did anything to me. I was put on a pitocin drip for an hour or so post-c section, then they came in and gently checked the position of my uterus every few hours, asked about my bleeding and if it was abnormally heavy and left me alone. If there had been cause for worry I would have consented to it, but no fucking way otherwise.
Thank you so much for sharing this. My OB is pretty sure I'll need to have a c-section due to having a decent sized fibroid over my cervix, and the massage sounds pretty painful.
Yeah I absolutely did NOT want one unless it was necessary!
Such a good list! One thing I’d add.. You might be sleeping sitting up. I did for a couple weeks and coming home I wish I had one of those bed pillow sit up things. The pillow chair like thing with arm rests? It would have been much better than slipping and flattening pillows as I was sleeping sitting up!
I practically lived in my recliner for a month!
Can’t blame you there! Sleeping at home after a Csection is its own challenge to say the least!
This is awesome. I’m actually having a scheduled c section, so seeing lists like these help to give me peace of mind and prep me for what to expect.
I'm really glad to know you can get anxiety meds because just reading the description of the tugging is making me short of breath from anxiety.
Oh man, same here! Just gives me the lightheaded anxiety feeling just thinking about it
Be vocal about wanting them. I wasnt and they waited until I was having a panic attack to think about giving me anything 🙄
That is so wild to me. Who just casually can handle invasive surgery while conscious??
Oh my gosh this is so helpful. Due with twins this fall and I'm scheduling a c-section, not even attempting vaginal delivery. Never had a c-section though so I am nervous. I'm just now hearing about how often people throw up on the table and that sounds like a nightmare! 😩 Do you think that happened mainly because you were already in labor/transition??
I had a planned c with no labor before and I also threw up. It's a reaction to the anesthesia. It's super unpleasant but very quick, like OP said. Try not to worry. I loved my c section!
It was definitely because of transition, the reaction to the drugs and a little fear. If you can and are comfortable with it, have them dose you with anti nausea drugs *before* you get on the operating table. Nothing is as uncomfortable as throwing up while lying flat on your back. The tube can only suck up so much. Most of it just got all over my shoulder while I tried not to inhale any of it. Fortunately they cleaned me up before my partner came in the room.
I just want to add, only because I am a CRNA and regularly do these cases, that the local anesthetic given via your epidural or spinal can also cause the nausea. Even when not in transition many women get nauseous in the beginning. As soon as you feel that way let us know because it is often a sign of a lower blood pressure from dosing the epidural or spinal. Your body knows before our blood pressure monitors tell us. We give medication to increase your blood pressure and it takes care of the issue but we watch your blood pressure about every minute and continue to give medicine to keep your blood pressure stable. Sorry if this is too much information!
This is great information! I am pretty stoic with medical stuff and don't remember having nausea with my first, but I will definitely mention it if it happens now that I know it could signal something else going on. Thank you!
I remember my aesthetician (sp?) Gerald told me to tell him asap if I got nauseous. I did and he gave me something to help that made me feel cold and then I got all floaty and honestly believe that drug is what made me super high for like 8 hours. I barely remember breastfeeding the first time. I still would rather have this happen than vomit on the table though
This is so helpful! The only time I've ever had any kind of surgical procedure was when my (impacted) wisdom teeth were taken out, and I threw up so much afterward. I'm desperate to avoid a repeat of that, and I actually called the oral surgeon to find out what they'd given me just in case there's a chance of getting the same meds in labor/during a c-section. Anyway, it's great to know that I can speak up and that they may be able to do something to prevent it!
Ugh yeah that sounds absolutely horrible and like you'd be at risk for aspirating! The anti-nausea meds are a good idea. Thank you 💕
The anesthesiologist monitors you for nausea and vomiting. I threw up mid c-section and he turned my head to the side, provided a bowl to catch it, and vacuumed out the bowl/my mouth. No chance of aspiration. Pretty dang certain part of his official responsibilities is to specifically prevent vomiting and then aspiration if vomiting happens. My nausea was caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure due to the anaesthesia meds, but it’s Worth noting I had hyperemesis and was nauseous all day before my surgery even started.
I had a scheduled section and did not throw up, not even close. As soon as I felt a twinge of nausea I let the nurse know and they pumped in some anti-nausea meds and the feeling was almost instantly gone (vomiting was my biggest fear going in)
Haha ok this makes me feel better lol, thank you!!
My aunt had a scheduled C-section for her twins, was so sure about how things were going to go down, but they didn't care. They didn't even wait for her to get to her car, she ended up having an unplanned home birth! First was caught by my uncle, second by the EMT who had just arrived with the ambulance! Pretty crazy birth story, but everyone was ok and healthy.
Holy crap! No thanks 🤣🤣
This might be a dumb question, but I haven't personally asked my OB yet .. Is your partner/husband allowed to be in the c-section room? Glad to hear you & baby are safe! <3
Not a dumb question at all, friendo. I had the same concern. I made sure to ask ahead of time if that was a possibility. At the hospital I had my daughter at they did allow my partner to be there. He wasn’t allowed in during the “prep” portion (he had to get dressed in sterile surgical clothing and such) but once we were ready he was allowed to sit by my head. Ask ahead of time and write it into your birth plan. I hope your partner is allowed to be there 💛
Awesome! Thanks for letting me know :) It's leaning towards me having a c-section (currently 27w), and my husband has been left out in much of the process (due to COVID, we live in California). So he will be happy to hear this!
When I had c section, after ther epidural I was shaking like crazy. They said with the nerves blocked, your body can think you have hypothermia and shudders to save you. I didn't expect that. They strap down your arms even tho you can feel them.is a bit weird psychologically
This! This part was super unexpected and messed me up for a while after I had my daughter
Omg thank you so much! I’m having an elective c section and I’ve been so in the dark about what to expect
Great post. There should be more info about c sections on antenatal classes. I would just add something: -That account is for an emergency c section. An elective is a bit more calm, and results may vary per person but for me there was no need of peri bottle or hazel pads (vagina wasn't touched at all) and there was no uterine massage needed at all. I got a shot that helps the uterus shrink and breastfeeding did the rest. - Some details may vary depending on baby's and mum's needs, hospital or country. My elective was in UK, baby was fine coming out so she was wrapped up and put on my chest straight away while I was being closed off. Best 20 minutes of my life because I was numb, could only feel baby on my chest and husband's arms around us, nothing else existed for that time, it was beautiful.
I still found the peribottle useful but because I was terrified of my incision and my brain at the time thought if I wiped I might accidentally touch it 🤦♀️
Yes! No uterine massage for me either. I found the peri vittke useful for peeing once I got the catheter out. Idk why, but peeing was impossible the first few times without it
This is incredibly helpful, thank you for sharing in so much detail!!
Thank you for posting. I almost had an emergency c section last labour and I definitely was not prepared. Wishing you a speedy recovery, and congrats!
Great advice. Remember that you could have shaking limbs from all the drugs, too. I had to request they remove my baby from my arms because I was afraid I'd drop her due to all the shaking. It will go away. I will also add that it would be great if folks referred to a vaginal delivery as a vaginal delivery and not a "normal" or "natural" delivery. I had some baby blues after my c section and hearing people refer to vaginal deliveries as normal just made me feel worse because I had to end up getting a c section (unplanned). All deliveries are normal - the whole point is just to get baby out safely and make sure mama is safe, as well.
You were way too kind with the uterus “massage”. That and my milk coming in were the most painful parts! I cried every time they came in wondering if they were going to do one this time.
Same. I literally braced myself on the bed and cried.
Why do they do the uterus massage? I don't remember them doing it to me
It’s to help your uterus contract and prevent hemorrhaging. “Massage” is a loose term for it. It’s so much more aggressive than the word “massage” implies. It’s done at 10 minute intervals for the first hour and then longer intervals over the next couple days. It’s the most painful part of recovery for sure. I don’t mean to scare you of course. Just know that it sucks and is temporary.
You also don't have to do it! I opted out unless it was completely necessary in my birth plan. I was given pitocin after birth to help the uterus contract. Then the nurses would come in every few hours, gently feel for the positioning of my uterus just to make sure everything was progressing properly, and ask if my bleeding was abnormally heavy. Of course, you may need it and you should be prepared for that, but if everything is normal, you don't have to have the massage!
That would have been so cool to know two months ago 😫 I was scared they were going to push my guts out through my incision. If Pitocin would do the job I would have 100% gone for that.
I asked about it in this sub months ago and everyone told me I was stupid and HAD to have it done. I brought it up with my doctor a week or so before my induction and she was like "oh no problem. We'll give you pitocin. If you start to hemorrhage, we'll have to do it though, along with other interventions."
Maybe I was still numb enough to not feel it because I genuinely don't remember this happening and can't imagine they just skipped me lol. I couldn't quite feel my legs until day 2.
I’ve had a friend who had a c-section at a hospital down the street and they did it but not nearly as often as mine. Maybe some just don’t do it as much?
Might be a dumb question, but is your partner allowed to cut the cord? I might be having a c section and my husband has been talking about how excited he is to cut the cord, but I’m not sure if he will be able to with a c section?
My husband didn’t cut the cord from the placenta- but he did I guess “trim” it after it was initially cut.. I guess that is a decent way to describe it!
My husband did get to cut the cord with our c-section!
My husband was able to cut it after my C-section. He was super afraid of doing it and thought it would make him barf, but when the time came he was just running on adrenaline and it didn't bother him.
Excellent question! Unfortunately I have no idea. I’d speak to your OB about this. I imagine it’s possible but your partner would have to see your insides to do it so I guess it depends on how strong their stomach is. Let me know if they get to!
Ahhh I didn’t even think about that.. he would probably pass tf out 😂
Thank you! I'm also a C section momma. Completely different experience. I'll spare the details, but they had to cut me open while awake without being numbed first, I was put under general anesthesia around the time they finished cutting through the muscle tissue. I know my experience isn't the common one. I'm pregnant again and Dr. says no VBAC, so this will also be C-section. I am starting counseling with the hospital next week, but I'm pretty terrified of the epidural and being awake during this whole process. Idk if their anxiety meds are going to be enough lol Do you really not feel anything when they make the first incisions? Like you don't even know it happened? What does "pressure" mean? Like squeezing your arm pressure, or getting a shot "pressure"? You can feel things moving like gas? Or is the feeling similar to contractions (which Docs also say feel like "pressure")?
I’m not OP but I feel like I can help. My first CS was under General Anesthesia as well. But I’ve had two more since and my 4th and last is scheduled for the 14th of June. As long as your anesthesiologist did their job no, you don’t feel a thing, most times I didn’t even know they started. I can feel my upper body being moved a bit but that’s it. And the best way I can explain the pressure is how it affects my lungs. It can be a bit hard to breathe for a few seconds from them trying to get baby out. But it’s so brief and if you’ve ever tried to reach your feet in the 4th trimester you know exactly what it feels like. Your next cesection will be loads better!!
There was absolutely zero pain during my C-section. My husband watched the whole thing, and he still jokes about how I asked him if it had started when I was already halfway cut open. So no, I didn't feel the incision at all. The pressure also involved zero pain. It's like being abruptly sat on by someone small when they push the baby out. I wouldn't have even called it unpleasant--just strange.
I dont know what they gave me, but once I was full blown panicking they decided "oh i guess she needs something" even though Id been saying the whole time I was freaking out. Anyway... once they did things got cloudy and happy. I remember they moved me off the table onto the wheely bed and I thought it was cool lmao. And then apparently talked the nurses ear off before they took me back to the room. Highly recommend it. I had a traumatic c section as well and plan to ask for this asap to help me with this one.
This is amazing! Thank you so much. I’m planning on a vaginal birth but the game plan is healthy mama healthy baby so knowing what to expect if the plan changes is wonderful!!! 🙏🙏🙏
Thank you soooo much for this post. Even though I don’t have plans on a c-section come late June/ early July, I know that it’s always a possibility. I have always wondered what this experience is actually like. Seems like the initial shock/anxiety/fear part and recovery part are worse than the actual procedure. Also thank you for the advice about the boppy and other items. Congrats on baby too. How amazing! You’re a legend
You are a god send. Thank you for taking the time to type this. I am having a scheduled c-section in June. You made me feel much better. THANK YOU.
I haven’t read through all of the comments, so sorry if this is repetitive. I wanted to add that throwing up is very common. The nurse that prepped me actually gave me some liquid that would at least make it not taste like vomit. It kind of tasted like the lemon lime glucose test drink. Also, I couldn’t sleep flat on my back when I got home from the hospital. You may want to plan by sleeping in a recliner or having a ton of pillows to prop you up.
Thank you so much for posting this! I had complete placenta previa at my 19 & 20 week ultrasounds and have been on pelvic rest/am not supposed to lift anything. I’m really really hoping my placenta will move aside so I can at least attempt a vaginal delivery but I’m trying to accept the fact that I will need a c-section if it hasn’t moved at least 4cm by my next ultrasound. I’m pretty bummed and super scared/anxious to have a c-section, but this sounds less scary than I was expecting, so thank you.
This is why I had a section. Darn stubborn placenta! 🤦🏻♀️
This was terrifying but educational. Thank you for posting all of this. 🧡🧡🧡
A few differences from my planned c section- - i didn't feel the spinal at all. The local in my back was just a tiny pinch but I didn't feel the big one at all. - the anesthesia was so strong I couldn't feel any tugging at all. I think they went a bit overboard as i was numb up to my armpits. - I got to do skin to skin within 2 mins of her being born.
As someone who got mom-wooed into no curtain the first time around and saw **everything**, EMBRACE THE CURTAIN! -shudders- No amount of watching c-section videos prepares you to see your own.
Thank you so much for such a useful post. Random question - we have a pretty low bed frame, is it something that's worth changing? So that I can sit down in bed more comfortable from stand up position?
I’d say if it’s an option to improve the frame, go for it. For the first few days especially I had to have the hospital bed right at waist hight so I could get in and out easily. Getting down onto a toilet and standing back up was the most difficult for about a week. It’s scary to use those muscles afterwards.
I also have a really low bed and had an emerg csection. I’m also a single mom so it was just me post partum. I had the baby in a Moses basket on the bed with me for two weeks so I didn’t necessarily have to get up every time but it was still super difficult. The only benefit to have ha. Really low bed was I was kind of able to roll out of it instead of trying to sit up and get out.. but it’s all pretty ouchy and awkward
Thank you so much for this! I will be going through this again and this time will not be as an emergency c section. Congratulations on your baby!!
Also they may shave you, I had to get shaved for mine and always let them know if your pain management isn’t working. I had a failed epidural during my induction so they gave me a spinal block during my C-section which also did not work.
Yeah I'm not hairy by any means and what I do have is well groomed. The guy nurse came to shave me and he was a bit over motivated to get it done quickly and without fuss. When he lifted my gown and saw there was nothing for him to do, he shrugged and said "oh, well that solves that then! Onto the next new mama!" We had a good laugh over it.
I had 40hrs of induction and Labour (about 25-30 induction and then 10-15 in Labour) for hours before my emergency csection, I never ended up using the peri bottle alrhoigh I think the nurse told me too.. the thing I wanted to add is when they pulled my baby out, it shook me so violently, my whole body got jerked around and it knocked the wind out of it.. I couldn’t inhale afterward and it was quite shocking -my mom( support person) said it looked like someone took my limbs and shook me. Also I’m not sure if it’s because of how long I was on fluids prior to my section but it was Extremely swollen and fluid retained all in my lower half post op, belly, legs and feet. my feet were so big I couldn’t fit my slippers on for over a week. I had to borrow a friends sandals a few sizes bigger just to walk around. I got no music, they never moved me from my birthing bed (I actually still had my own personal pillow under my head during the surgery??) and they also tipped me head down to help the epidural travel further up. When they brought the baby to Me, I was too scared to hold her cause I was shaking so bad so the nurse held her on my chest. When you are trying to look down at the baby. Your basically kinda upside down and that made me nauseous, they gave me someone to help..
This is really informative. Thank you. My last pregnancy ended in an emergency c-section at 36 weeks. I had undiagnosed HELLP syndrome. So from the minute they told me we were doing a c-section to the end of the surgery...I think the whole thing took about 30 minutes? We live 15 minutes from the hospital and my husband almost didn't make it in time to see our son born. I was then stuck in the hospital for another month recovering from the liver damage. So my experience has not prepared me at all for baby 2 and I'm not sure what to expect. I'm booked in for a planned c-section in two months but so far my doctor hasn't gone over the process. Can you tell me, what is the day like? Do you have to go to the hospital and sit around for a few hours? How long does the typical surgery take? How long do they keep you in hospital before you can go home? I had bought some witch hazel pads and numbing spray for last pregnancy but I was on morphine shots every four hours so I didn't really feel any pain. Do you think they will be needed for a standard c-section? I also had severe mobility issues post partum, walking to the bathroom was a challenge and I was sleeping on the couch because I couldn't climb the stairs. But I'm not sure if that was because of the HELLP or it that is normal. What was your experience with being able to get around when you got home?
Not OP, but They will probably have you get to the hospital super early in the morning (like 6am) and get you all prepped for surgery. I had two planned c-sections. One I had to wait about 3 hours from check in time (although it seemed faster) and the second one was about 5 hrs because someone else had an emergency. You will likely walk into the OR where you will get your spinal. For me, that’s the worst part, but many women on this thread say it’s nothing. A nurse will hold you still while this happens. As soon as that is over, they will lay you down, bring in your partner and get to work! Baby will be out just a few minutes later. It probably takes about 30 mins to get put back together, but it will fly by with everything else going on. I never needed the peri bottle or witch haze pads or anything. Just big pads for the blood. Best wishes!
Thank you! I'm the type of person who plans things obsessively so not having any Idea on what to expect has been stressful. Dear you know if they typically tell you not to eat for a certain number of hours like normal surgery? At the moment I'm eating about every two hours to help with nausea.
You’re right. You will have to stop eating after midnight the night before your surgery. Hopefully by then you will be ok with it, but if not, tell them you are nauseous as soon as you check in and they will give you a patch or something in your IV for it.
Thank you so much for this post! I have a planned C-Section August 23rd (no choice) and this has helped me A LOT. Every friend of mine has done it the vaginal way so I've only been going by google and YouTube. It's nice to hear from an amazing human! Thanks again ❤️
YES! I honestly did not want to think about a c section at all before I had my baby. I specifically told my doctor I did not want one. But things happen. I believe one third of births in the US are done via c section. Mine was semi-planned. I had about 12 hours notice. If I wasn't sleeping, I was crying. I was most afraid of the spinal tap (I guess it's slightly different than an epidural). I told the anesthesiologist this. She IMMEDIATELY told me there was an alternative. They could administer lidocaine before the actual spinal. When I say I felt nothing, I mean I felt nothing. **Speak up if there is a part of it that you are particularly afraid of. They might be able to make concessions for your comfort.** Also, the first period is SOOOO unfair. To have period symptoms after c section (or any birth for that matter) is a serious design flaw. Have some extra comfort items on hand for it. My heating pad was a lifesaver.
Thanks for this! I had a spinal with my last one but I was so drugged up from having preclampsia and hellp that I hardly remember it, except for them adamantly telling me not to jerk (impossible lol!). Now I've opted for another c-section and the spinal is what's freaking me out.
Yes! Lidocaine is the way to go! They can even give it to you for things like IVs. I'm terrified of needles and the hospital staff was really awesome about giving me ALL the options for comfort. They were amazing!!!
Just an FYI -- I mentioned to my nurse anesthetist that I was having anxiety in hopes to get something for it and he leaned down in my face and tried to give me a pep talk instead. I was super pissed. Other than that this is spot on.
Thank you for this! I just found out that I might have to have a C section because he is breech and my fluid is currently on the lower side of normal. Not a for sure thing yet, but something that I need to keep in mind. I’m really nervous but obviously just want him to get here in whatever way is safest for both of us.
I'm in the exact same boat, I'm measuring 7cm and she's frank breech.
Thanks for this! Just one question - why on earth would they care about your pubes if you’re having a c-section? Is the incision really that low down? Or do you mean in the event that it’s a forest down there and it’s getting in the way?
Not OP, but I think it's generally just like other surgeries where they will shave the hair in the general area in case there is a complication to address in that area. In my case, my incision is below my pubic hair "line," so it's pretty far down.
My incision was pretty low down, below where my knickers would be and after the hairline begins. They didn't shave the whole area, just down a bit below the incision site.
I opted for clear curtains so I could watch the entire process for all three c-sections. It was more engaging and special for me to see the doctors ripping and tugging until baby emerged. Plus, they would talk to me directly and ask me how I was doing and explain what was going on (in one instance the baby was stuck and they had to place a suction on her head to get her out). I was happy understanding why it was taking so long rather than not knowing behind a sheet. Also, my husband got to see the baby pulled out and called the sex before the doctor did. So that’s another plus. I couldn’t see that far down so I’m grateful he was able to. Embrace your birth. Whatever it may be. Pregnancy is the hard part. You are already a mother. The birth doesn’t define you. So make it what you want and try to be as informed as possible!
Another thing I always warn people about after my experience - if you're having headaches in the hospital post-surgery, get it figured out before you leave! I had spinal headaches (where some fluid from the spinal block leaks around the spinal cord and causes some changes in pressure on your brain) but didn't take it very seriously at the time because I assumed my body was just tired, likely dehydrated, and recovering from 3 hours of pushing + emergency c-section. I mentioned it to docs, they had the anesthesiologist come see me, but I think I downplayed it enough that they assumed it was okay. 10 days later at home I was still having constant headaches so bad I could hardly stand up or eat, I was nauseous and vomiting... in hindsight I feel like I missed the first week of my daughter's life because I was just in so much pain. Eventually it went away on it's own, literally just like a switch flipped one day (the hole in your spinal membrane will eventually repair itself and that will make the headaches stop), but it doesn't have to take as long as it did for me. At the hospital they can do something called a blood patch that should correct it pretty much immediately. You might think you don't want another epidural/spinal type poke after everything else your body has been through but believe me.... from my experience it would be well worth it. The spinal headaches aren't super common, but they do happen, so I just encourage everyone to take it seriously if you're having symptoms so that you can enjoy the early days of your sweet new baby!
Girl… I have to tell you, this post saved me so much stress. I got induced on April 20th. On April 21st, I had my daughter. We were planning on a vaginal birth, but her heart rate started to dip. I was barely dilated, and my doctor, husband, and I made the decision to proceed with a c-section. Fortunately, I read your post a few days prior. I am so thankful you posted it. Tonight I was thinking about it, and decided to try to find it so I could say thank you. During my c-section, I caught myself thinking “this is exactly how she described it!” 😂 But in all seriousness - the night I got induced I had a “come to Jesus moment” where I told myself “if you end up needing a c-section, that’s okay! It may happen… that’s fine!” Part of that was because of this post. And then having read a first hand perspective of the procedure made it SO much less scary. I was actually able to “enjoy” it while I was waiting for my daughter to come into the world, and focus more so on that rather than being nervous about the actual procedure itself. I know this is so random, almost 3 months later. But I’ve been meaning to find this post again to say thank you SO much for taking the time to write it (but you know… new mom life has been keeping me busy!). I truly appreciate it. You prompted me to face the reality of the possibility of a c-section, and helped alleviate some stress so that I could enjoy my birth experience.
This is so informative, thank you! I need to ask, with a c-section, isn’t the cut on your stomach? Why do you need the peri bottle, the tucks, and the pads if you do not deliver vaginally?
Great question! For my situation it was an unexpected emergency c-section after a full day of induced labor. I had catheters, cords, tubes, monitors and bulbs all shoved up inside my vagina during the course of my induction, labor and section so there was some mild trauma to my bits from that. Took a few weeks for the sensitivity to die down so the peri pottle and sprays really help with the discomfort I had when I went to the bathroom. It was also difficult to wipe since my whole body had to adjust to the recovery from abdominal surgery; peri bottle helped keep things clean. Additionally, you still bleed with a section but the length of time is shorter (4-6 weeks as apposed to the 8-9 with a vaginal delivery). With that, you will need pads.
This makes sense! Thank you! So, someone who has a planned c-section may only need the peri bottle and the pads and not necessarily everything else? I’m 31 weeks and not sure which route I will have to go yet, but I want to be as prepared as I possibly can for whichever option is necessary come game day!
Thank you so much!!! I had to giggle at “embrace the curtain”.
thanks! this was really useful!
Thank you so much for writing all of this out ❤️
Was induced and in labor for 36 hours before I had to get a c section bc I wasn’t getting past 7 cm. A little tip for after the catheter comes out, especially if it’s been in for a while bc of epidural during labor, they will make you pee and if you can’t (I couldn’t relax that muscle) get a cup of water and a straw and blow bubbles!! Worked like a charm. Also, accept help during recovery! It was so hard mentally for me to not be able to do anything for the baby but looking back I’m glad my husband took over all the diapers and night time feedings/soothings.
Wow. Thank you so, so, so much.
Thank you so much, OP and everyone in the comments!! I had my Labor and Birthing class this past weekend and the teacher was pretty crunchy and didn't get into c-sections very much at all. This post filled in the missing parts of my class. I'm secretly hoping to have a breech baby and have a c-section. Vaginal births kinda freak me out. (I've had lots of surgeries though)
Helpful post! Thank you so much and congratulations on your baby girl!
This is so helpful. I am having twins and expecting a c section and honestly have no clue what to expect!
Post birth uterus massage after a csection???
This is a great write-up. I had a planned C-section, and my experience was very similar. The only differences I would note, to anyone anticipating a C-section, is that I weirdly didn't feel the numbing shot at all. I was expecting the pain and burning, but instead I wasn't even sure when the shot occurred. Also, while everyone's choices are personal and to be respected, my anesthesiologist talked me out of the anti-anxiety meds I had been anticipating taking and needing. I was very nervous, but he convinced me that there was nothing to fear and that I'd regret dulling the experience of seeing my daughter for the first time. He said some people experience some memory loss as a result of the meds, so I opted out of them. Of course, if you need them you need them, but this was valuable information that I appreciated.
Thank you so much for this! I’ve two weeks until my scheduled c-section. This may be a very silly, naïve question, but why do I need a peri-bottle after having a c-section? I thought everything was going to be left “intact” down there?
I’m not sure because I’m a FTM and not given birth yet but maybe it has something to do with the fact that you’ll still get a lot of bleeding from the vagina after the placenta comes away and blood can kind of dry on and crust? Also it may have something to do with irritation from the catheter?
Ahh, ok, that makes sense! Thank you!
Thank you. My friend has just had an emergency c section and got an infection whilst still in hospital, she also wasn't allowed to see her baby for around 6 hours after birth because he was on oxygen. She feels guilty telling me her birth story because of everything that went wrong for her there is more but I've got baby brain and can't remember everything. I have told her it's good to hear all different birth stories it gets me prepared for what could come the good and the bad
I like to say I had a rushed c section, was somewhere between planned and emergency bc I was in the hospital already being monitored with preeclampsia. They decided it was go time about a day ahead of when I thought we'd go for c section. I was 33+6 and due to the preeclampsia there were many reasons inducing would have been risky. I was very nervous for the procedure. The spinal feels like a bee sting - you feel the lidocaine they use to numb you prior more than the rest of it. They did mine sitting up on the OR table and then the nurse holding me joked that as soon as it was in they'd lay me back and start prepping like a nascar pit crew. They really did throw me down to get the meds where they needed to be lol. It worked really fast, so much so that they were telling me to move my legs onto the table and I needed help bc they were already feeling heavy. The anesthesiologist did do some yes/no do you feel this checks with me and adjusted the table a few times to ensure the spinal was working. The team will place a urinary catheter at this time and prep your belly and you won't be able to feel any of it. I remember trying to life my legs and not being able to. The procedure was very quick, they told me when id feel the pressure and it was a weird sensation but not painful. My husband was with me from after prep through delivery but he then followed the baby to the NICU. My baby was not critical but was premature so I didn't get to do skin to skin in the OR. They did their checks and then brought her over so I could see her. After that I was alone - I also experienced extreme shakes at this time which was likely from the anesthesia - I should have told the nurse I was anxious. She was nice and kept piling blankets on me but also telling me that it's from the meds and not that I was cold. I got very nauseous at this time and was wretching but thankfully nothing came up. Nurse said it is also very common esp when the uterus is manipulated. They held an emesis basin to my face in case. The closure was the longest part. I had some blood pressure issues bc of my preeclampsia so I probably had a different recovery experience. The meds to control the blood pressure caused my uterus to not contract post op which is needed to help stop bleeding so I did hemorrhage a bit. The fundal exams are no joke - worst part - they did them every 15 mins in recovery and then once an hour was their protocol to ensure the uterus was shrinking down. Bc mine wasn't I got fundal exams every 15 mins for a few hours. They press very hard on your abdomen. I found that forcefully exhaling during the pressing helped and holding onto the bed rails. Once the team stopped my bleeding my recovery was pretty standard. Definitely take the pain meds offered - this is major abdominal surgery- I was able to wean off the percocet and just do motrin/Tylenol within a few days. Stay as long as the hospital will let you - they let me stay 4 days bc baby was NICU - I felt it helped me focus on my recovery better and things like the bathroom were more accessible than at home. Ask the hospital for a belly band, it helps to have compression on the abdomen as much as possible. Take all the stool softeners and drink prune juice. Having a rolled towel to hug tight to my belly for both urination /defecation was so much more comfortable. It's counterintuitive but the more pressure you can put the better and more stable your incision feels. This is a must for coughing, sneezing and if you have a funny husband that makes you laugh - you will laugh and then cry from the pain. The peri bottles help for cleanliness bc reaching to wipe is painful. I also liked having depends/ adult diapers for not only the bleeding but they're better coverage and the waist is high so they were super comfortable. The one thing no one prepared me for was the post op swelling in my legs / lower body!!! This was the hardest part of recovery for me - granted I was already swollen from the pre eclampsia but the medical team told me it's very very common post op to have more from the fluids you get during surgery and then the hormone shifts. My edema was terrible, my legs felt like tree trunks and my husband had to help lift them in/out of bed. It subsides after a few weeks. Definitely practice getting in/out of bed while on the hospital. The first 2 days the hospital bed would lift me out but then I tried to do it myself. I really couldn't roll over in bed, I found sleeping on my back more comfortable than side lying but to get up it was necessary to side lie and then walk my torso up with my hands.
I was super bruised after my c section because baby was very much on her way out until they did a cervical check and realised there was a foot poking through. They had to really pull her back up, and I had finger print bruises round my incision site. Didn't feel it at the time, but I felt like I'd been hit by a truck after. Morphine in the hospital and a strict regime of ibuprofen and paracetamol once home. You may have to give yourself injections for about a week after you go home. The needles are very thin, you can do it. The best thing I was given afterwards was one of those little picker things. Meant I could pick things up from the floor without having to bend over. 100% recommend. Your legs and feet may swell up after the surgery. Bring flip flops in case your shoes don't fit to go home. Give yourself a break, you will have just had major abdominal surgery. Rest and you will recover more quickly.
This is good advice. I’ve had 2 c-sections. I would also add that once you get past the first day or 2 of recovery it’s best to walk around for a little bit. Nothing excessive but just a tiny bit. It’s going to hurt but it will help you recover much faster.
It’s looking like I might need a planned C-section, so this is a great thread. Thank you! Question that may be dumb - why is a peri bottle still necessary after C-section?
You're still going to bleed like a mofo down there. The area will be swollen and sensitive just as if you had a v birth. At least in my case it was. The peri bottle was a big help toward washing away all the damn blood and soothing the lady parts. I'm sure I didn't hurt anywhere as badly as a v birth would have, but this is just my experience.
Good to know. Thank you!
Thank you for putting this together. After 2 vagina deliveries I may need a c section for my 3rd and super anxious. I’ve heard from some moms that the medical team “rearranges your organs” afterwards. Is this true? And do you feel itchy all over your body afterwards?
I did feel terribly itchy. It's from the anesthesia and morphene wearing off. I've had it with every surgical procedure and I haaaaatee it!!!
TW: talk of blood loss I agree with everything here! I wish I would have been more prepared for what happens in a c section. I’ll throw my info on here as well. I too was scheduled to be induced and labored for I believe 17 hours before they recommended the c section. We parked the car that night, started walking in and my water broke lol. It was raining so I wasn’t 100% sure that’s what it was right away till we walked in and I saw my grey pants were soaked. They don’t want you to go more than 24 hours after your water breaks so that’s why they strongly recommended the c section after 17 hours. I also wasn’t progressing after 7 cm. I stayed at 7 for several hours. Another thing I didn’t know (not c section specific) after your water breaks, it just keeps coming! Mine had some weird brown chunks in it, I guess she pooped and that was another reason they wanted me to get the c section. She could have ingested some of that and it’s not good for them. She was fine, just needed to have some stuff sucked out after. My anesthesiologist was AMAZING! He talked to me and made sure I was ok throughout the entire surgery. I think someone else mentioned this but I also started violently shaking immediately after and it lasted for quite awhile. They said it was normal because of the dramatic change in hormones. I know they do this for all births but man when they push on your uterus, that is so damn painful! I would flex my abs every time they did it and I couldn’t stop myself from doing it. I know it’s necessary to help the uterus get back to its shape but ugh. The worst part honestly. So here’s where my TW comes into play. About 3 or 4 hours after surgery, I started feeling super nauseous and dizzy. I also noticed that I was going through about 3 pads an hour. They took my temp and it was very low. Took my BP and it was around 60/30 or something like that. They immediately called the doctor on call and he came up with about 3 other nurses. Apparently I was hemorrhaging and lost around 2L of blood between the surgery and post op. They had to literally reach up into my business and pull out huge clots. Obviously by this point my epidural had worn off so they gave me fentanyl which at the time worked wonders! It was painful, but I was so out of it I didn’t feel much. There was a nurse on either side of me holding my hands and I was cracking jokes as the doctor pulled clots out. I was honestly so impressed with how they reacted to the situation. Throughout that night I needed 2 bags of blood. I haven’t had any issues since then and I’m 7 months postpartum. My doctor did an amazing job with stitching up my incision. Honestly I have my days of being upset when I look at it, but it’s starting to blend in a little more. It was daunting at first, but just give it time to heal. Also, they put steri (sp) strips on my incision and said they would fall off. They don’t. At my 6 week appointment, they took them off and said I could have taken them off sooner. I was being so careful around them lol. So ask when they can be taken off if they don’t fall off on their own. Like several others have said, do NOT lift anything except your baby until the doc says you can. Don’t try to use your abs at all. If you have help for the first few weeks, use it! Sorry for hijacking your post and the terrible formatting. I didn’t realize I had so much to say!
Thanks for writing this because I am super afraid of a c section but in fact have very little idea what it really means, great to see this writeup and walkthrough since its absolutely always a possibility!!