Having a C-section...tell me what to expect

So I went into my last growth scan yesterday and after a discussion with my consultant it was decided I would go in for an elective section as the baby is breech and I have had terrible back problems. Anyway, this is going to happen in about 2 weeks. I am happy with this decision and I want to know as much as I can do...

Anyone been for one? What should I expect? Any good advice?

My daughter was breech and was a planned c-section that ended up being moved up a week because I was developing pre-eclampsia.

It was quite a relaxed thing really. The part that worried me was the spinal block since I am afraid of needles but it went smoothly. The whole procedure was done in 45 minutes and my husband held our daughter after she was cleaned up and it went very smoothly.

The weirdest thing was when the feeling started to come back major pins & needles feeling for about 2 hours. Catheter not fun, but I was up and walking about 12 hours later (with the help of a nurse) and they took it out the next morning. I elected to stay an extra day in hospital because my husband had booked time off work starting the following week and had a bit of problems trying to rearrange at short notice. But I went in on a Monday and was OK'd to be released on the Wednesday but stayed until Thursday after my husband got off work.

He was home with me for 2 weeks which was enough time for me to start being able to move about easily on my own and 6 weeks after she was born I was moving about as normally as I had in the past.

I had a c-section with the twins (one was breech too).    There might be some TMI in here so read at your own risk .

First they gave me a shot sized drink of something that tasted like dill pickle flavored grape juice (oddly enough, it's an anti-nausea drug).  Then, they took me into the operating room, which was VERY cold (especially since you're pretty much wearing a paper dress). The nurse had me sit upright on the table and lean forward hunched over.  One of the doctors rubbed a bunch of iodine and local anesthetic on my spine and then the nurse kind of held me while they did the big injection.   After that, I had to lie down very quickly (something about how the drugs work).  It took a while to work on me and it was looking like they'd have to put me under general, but my surgeon said to give it a few more minutes and it worked .  They let my husband in and put up the drapes.   I felt pressure, but that's about it.  I did feel the first baby "pop" out, and was completely fine at that point.  Baby #2 was a bit more reluctant and the Dr. had to fish around to get her.  After she came out, I lost my cookies and we have the whole glorious moment captured on video.  I think from incision to sutures it took about 30 minutes or so.  The block wore off after about 2 hours for me. (Pretty similar to dental anesthetic in my case).

Recovery wasn't too bad.  It wasn't a walk in the park, but it was do-able.   The first night was great, since I was on some kind of painkiller drip and didn't feel anything.  The next morning some battleaxe came in and took my drip away, handed me some super-Tylenol and said "lets get you up."  She took out my catheter (felt like a tampon coming out) and helped hose off my nether regions.  Sadly, even though it was a c-section, the cramping, bleeding and general ickyness were still there in full force.  However, the bonus is that since I was a surgery patient, I got more attention and a better round of pain killers.  The first getting out of bed was by far the WORST of it.  I tried to walk the halls at least 2-3 times a day, which helped with the gas bloat (from the surgery).  It was kind of difficult to work on breastfeeding, since it was hard to find a comfortable position to sit in.  All in all, I think I stayed in the hospital from Friday - Thursday.  After that first week I was mostly okay to walk around the house and get out of bed.  I was definitely sore, but with the babies there I didn't have much time to really focus on that.

Total recovery time was about 6 weeks, and I felt mostly fine by the end of 4.  I have a small scar, which actually looks pretty cool

Good luck with your surgery and congratulations!

I had an emergency c-section in March (an HBAC that was not meant to be) and it was actually a lot less scary than my emergency c-section with my son (which was in the US). After it was decided I needed a section, they had me put on a gown and then took me and my husband back to get the spinal done in a room adjacent to the surgical theater.

They put an IV in my hand (which hurt like crap and took forever because I have difficult veins), then did the local anesthetic shot in my back, then the spinal. Both were painful and unpleasant sensations, but nothing to get scared about really. Then they had me lay down on this table and watched my blood pressure as they tilted the table all over the place to balance out the spinal. They also kept pushing some other medication to help raise my blood pressure because the spinal was making it drop pretty freaky low. After they got my BP under control and made sure I was sufficiently numb (I could wiggle one of my toes, but that's it, and the same was true for when I had my spinal with my son's birth), which was about up to my boobs.

Then we wheeled into the surgical theater and they put on some music   From there on out, it was basically the anesthetist making small talk and jokes to my husband and I until they said she was out. After that, they took her over to the baby warmer and started stimulating her because she had a really weak cry that scared the crap out of me. After a few minutes (that felt like a lifetime), she finally started really using her lungs and they brought her to my husband to hold beside my face so I could see and touch her. They let them stay with me while they closed, then loosened my gown so we could do skin-to-skin contact on the way to the recovery ward. There was never a need for her to actually leave my sight, which was a great change to how they do it in the US.

The maternity ward was pretty miserable-- about 10 women to the room, just curtains separating. They had me start walking around while pushing the baby in her little bassinet on wheels the next morning and took the catheter out that evening. You're very stiff and sore at first, but walking is the best way to speed up recovery. Just take it slow. I found that when I was walking on my own just around, holding a pillow against my stomach made it a little easier and less like my guts would come out, haha. Anyway, it was quite noisy and uncomfortable, so I was anxious to get out and left AMA a day early.

My best advice would be to bring:
-socks and comfortable slippers
-several easy to put on nightgowns that easily allow boob access for breastfeeding
-big ugly underwear you don't mind ruining
-maternity pads, diapers, wipes
-nursing pads (washable cloth ones are my favorite)
-a couple different sizes of clothes for baby since you won't know what'll fit for sure
-your camera, phone, and chargers for both

Good luck! My advice is to just expect the unexpected. My second was supposed to be planned but I went into labor a week before the planned date (which was 2 weeks before my actual due date). I had both my babies under a general which in some ways I regret (the first was no choice, though) and in some ways I am happy about.

Thanks so much everyone!!! I had a spinal last year when I had a D&C so I know what thats all about.  I really appreciate your stories! The gas bloat sounds awful!!!

I am curious to know how Breastfeeding was the first few days? Thanks again everyone!!

Okay, a few more questions!!!
How long until you could drive again? I am so dependant on my car!
Can I push the pushchair to take my son on the school run 3 weeks later?
Will I bleed a log like I did with a V-birth???

With my first, breastfeeding was definitely tricky to figure out at first. I'd definitely ask for help/advice when you start. With a c-section, they usually try to get you to use the "football hold" so you don't put pressure on your incision, but that position never worked well for me, so don't be afraid to ask about different holds if what they show you is uncomfortable. You might want to look into a nursing pillow (they're called Boppy pillows in the US, not sure about what they cal them here) for the early weeks, as they're quite helpful. You might also want to buy some lanolin cream (Lasinoh is a good brand, but again, not sure if it's what they have here) to protect/heal your nipples if they get sore.

And don't worry if you feel like you're not producing anything at first. For the first few days, all the baby needs is your colostrum in very tiny amounts (their tummy on day 1 is only 5-7mL and on day 3 only the size of a ping pong ball!). Your milk will probably come in between day 3-5, and in a big way. If they're sore, you can stand in a warm shower and do a little stimulation to relieve it, or you can hand express/pump to relieve the engorgement (although this can lead to an oversupply, so I wouldn't get too zealous with it).

http://www.breastfeedingonline.com/newman.shtml has some really great handouts for all the early breastfeeding stuff, including proper latching, things to mention at the hospital (such as no artificial nipples, water, etc. that might cause nipple confusion), etc.

http://kellymom.com is an excellent overall breastfeeding resource

And of course http://www.laleche.org.uk/pages/about/breastfeedinginfo.htm is a great source as well, and if you find you have any problems, you can get in contact with an LLL leader that can give you one-on-one help

I was told to wait 6 weeks before driving. This has to do with your reaction time, which can be affected by the nerves cut through during surgery.

For me, after 3 weeks from my first c-section, I was still in a great deal of pain and wouldn't have been able to do any walking. After my second, I might have, but only if it was a short distance. But this will vary greatly from person-to-person. I would give it a short trial run first to see how you manage before you attempt to go the whole way.

I bled moderately for about a week and a half, and then off and on for another 4 weeks or so. You'll also get after pains, especially in the first days of breastfeeding, as it causes the uterus to contract back down to normal size, but this is a beneficial thing.

Thanks so much everyone!!! I had a spinal last year when I had a D&C so I know what thats all about.  I really appreciate your stories! The gas bloat sounds awful!!!

The gas bloat was pretty obnoxious.  Walking will really help with that.

I am curious to know how Breastfeeding was the first few days? Thanks again everyone!!

I bombed at breastfeeding in general.  It hurt really bad to sit upright, the football hold was uncomfortable for all of u,s and all three of us kept falling asleep on the job LOL.  Eventually I caved and did 1/3 pump 2/3 formula.  Brokensemaphore has some excellent links/advice in her post on breast feeding.

Okay, a few more questions!!!
How long until you could drive again? I am so dependant on my car!
Can I push the pushchair to take my son on the school run 3 weeks later?
Will I bleed a log like I did with a V-birth???

Truthfully, I felt better about walking than driving at about 3 weeks.  However, I was doing my walking on completely flat surfaces without bearing any weights.  Talk to your doctor, but pushing a stroller at 3 weeks might be considered lifting weight.  Driving was one of the last things that fell back into place.  I think I waited until about 6 weeks or so.  Something about the sitting position behind the wheel is not comfortable.  Definitely take it slow.  Even though it's a common surgery, a c-section is major surgery.

As for bleeding, I don't really have a v-birth to compare it to, but it was gross and I think I bought out the entire aisle of industrial strength maxi-pads at the pharmacy.

I had a planned c-section due to my son being breech and it was a wonderful experience. A couple things I suggest:

1. I had the option of having them drop the curtain so that we could see them pulling my son out. I highly recommend this. Since you are laying down, you can't see your stomach cut open or anything, you just see the baby coming out. It was an amazing experience. Your not allowed to record a c-section, but my dh sneakily videoed it on our digital camera whilst pretending to snap pictures. He only thought to do it as he was coming out and I tell him that it is the best gift he has ever given me.

2. Request that you have immediate skin to skin (if that is something you are interested in). The midwide took him away for just a minute to do his Apgar etc and then layed him on my chest as they were closing me. She took him away again after a few minutes to clean him up and stuff, but at least I got that initial contact.

3. I was quite shocked, but they had me up and moving around about 5 hours after the birth when they transferred me to the post natal ward. Please take it easy after the c-section. I know it will be hard as you have another little one, but you really do need to rest. They took my stitch out on day 4 and on day 5 I was running around too much doing stuff and my scar opened up. Then it got infected. I had so many problems with it, take it from me and just take it easy.

4. As for breastfeeding, I think it just depends on how much support you have. Whilst the team that did my surgery and my midwife were fantastic, the aftercare was awful. I had no support with breastfeeding and it was quite upsetting. They just kept telling me to give him a bottle. My son had problems feeding due to a tongue tie, but my milk came in and I didn't find it painful on my scar to breastfeed. I took a breastfeeding pillow to the hospital and was really careful, so I don't feel like the c section caused us any problems with breastfeeding.

We ended up hiring a lactation consultant once we arrived home and she was able to sort us out. My son actually self weaned a few weeks ago at 18 months!

That is all I can think of. I didn't really find it that painful to be honest and I am a wimp with pain. I was shocked because my SIL had a c -section in America just before me and she said don't worry they give you lots of vicadin, etc, but all I got at the hospital and at home was paracetamol! I was fine though.

Good luck hun!

I had a planned c-section due to my son being breech and it was a wonderful experience. A couple things I suggest:

1. I had the option of having them drop the curtain so that we could see them pulling my son out. I highly recommend this. Since you are laying down, you can't see your stomach cut open or anything, you just see the baby coming out. It was an amazing experience. Your not allowed to record a c-section, but my dh sneakily videoed it on our digital camera whilst pretending to snap pictures. He only thought to do it as he was coming out and I tell him that it is the best gift he has ever given me.

2. Request that you have immediate skin to skin (if that is something you are interested in). The midwide took him away for just a minute to do his Apgar etc and then layed him on my chest as they were closing me. She took him away again after a few minutes to clean him up and stuff, but at least I got that initial contact.

3. I was quite shocked, but they had me up and moving around about 5 hours after the birth when they transferred me to the post natal ward. Please take it easy after the c-section. I know it will be hard as you have another little one, but you really do need to rest. They took my stitch out on day 4 and on day 5 I was running around too much doing stuff and my scar opened up. Then it got infected. I had so many problems with it, take it from me and just take it easy.

4. As for breastfeeding, I think it just depends on how much support you have. Whilst the team that did my surgery and my midwife were fantastic, the aftercare was awful. I had no support with breastfeeding and it was quite upsetting. They just kept telling me to give him a bottle. My son had problems feeding due to a tongue tie, but my milk came in and I didn't find it painful on my scar to breastfeed. I took a breastfeeding pillow to the hospital and was really careful, so I don't feel like the c section caused us any problems with breastfeeding.

We ended up hiring a lactation consultant once we arrived home and she was able to sort us out. My son actually self weaned a few weeks ago at 18 months!

That is all I can think of. I didn't really find it that painful to be honest and I am a wimp with pain. I was shocked because my SIL had a c -section in America just before me and she said don't worry they give you lots of vicadin, etc, but all I got at the hospital and at home was paracetamol! I was fine though.

Good luck hun!

Thanks for this! My little boy was tongue tied, and didn't breastfeed and I pumped for 8 months (OMG the worst) Thanks for the advice on skin to skin, I was worried about that! EVeryones posts are really helpful!

You might be able to ask for the glue instead of stitches or staples. I had the glue with both of my c-sections and I imagine it was a lot better than the others as I never had to go back in to get anything removed. I also overdid it (I have a 2.5-year-old) and my incision opened up on one side and internal stitches started making their way out, which was scary.

And re: tongue tie-- there's a very simple procedure you can have done to correct the tongue tie if it happens with your new baby so that you don't have to worry about it hindering your breastfeeding relationship. It's called a division of the lingual frenulum, and you can read more about the NHS guidelines on it here: http://www.nice.org.uk/IPG149
My son was tongue-tied but we were lucky that it had no impact on breastfeeding, but it's good to know options and treatment in case it does

Hey, I was digging around and found some more stuff for you to read (if you want! When I'm pregnant, I pretty much read everything I can get my hands on in an effort to be so saturated with preparedness practically nothing surprises me, haha):

http://www.ican-online.org/pregnancy/family-centered-cesarean Family-Centered Cesarean

http://www.ican-online.org/recovery/breastfeeding-after-cesarean Breastfeeding After Cesarean

http://www.ican-online.org/recovery/cesarean-section-what-happens-during-surgery Walkthrough (text, looks like any pictures no longer work) of what happens during cesarean

http://www.ican-online.org/recovery/recovering-a-cesarean-birth Recovering tips

I hope these help! You might also like reading planned c-section birth stories (http://www.birthstories.com/stories/scheduled-c-section-7/) as well to get more insiders' perspectives

And re: tongue tie-- there's a very simple procedure you can have done to correct the tongue tie if it happens with your new baby so that you don't have to worry about it hindering your breastfeeding relationship. It's called a division of the lingual frenulum, and you can read more about the NHS guidelines on it here: http://www.nice.org.uk/IPG149
My son was tongue-tied but we were lucky that it had no impact on breastfeeding, but it's good to know options and treatment in case it does

We had this done when my son was 12 days old. I expressed and bottle fed until then and it did take awhile after the surgery for him to properly feed from me, but he finally did.

I had a breech baby as well. Had a c-section after they atempted to turn her and she wasn't having it.

My nurse was great at explaining everything I would feel and I'll always appreciate that. I did have an IV and they numbed the area before doing that.
 
As per usual you arch your back like a cat while they get the line in and then they tape you up and you lay down. Once I layed down, I felt like my heart was going to jump out of my chest and I felt like I couldn't breathe, they put an oxygen mask on me during this time, I didn't panick as this is what my nurse went over with me earlier. It took a few min. but that feeling finally went away. I was so happy she told me because I would have panicked.

My husband came in and they were already started. We did ask about dropping the drape for some photos and they did this for us and allowed my husband to take a few photos. (I'll cherish those pics forever because there is one where they lifted her for us to see and she has her arm and fist up in there air like, YEAH, I did it!!! priceless).

They brought her over for me to see and my husband held her and we just ooohed and awwed over her and then they came and got her for cleaning up and my husband never left her side. They finished me up and took me to recovery and about 5 mins later my husband brought her to me and I was able to feed her. She fed like a champ and never left my boob the first year, she a little piggy.

I did have to stay in recovery for 6 hours to monitor for blood clots, I had a higher risk for them but the norm for my area is 2-4 hours.  Before leaving recovery, 2 aids came in and helped me change and clean my up a bit. After recovery, we were put in a room with 3 other moms and babies. I am really pleased with my after care. We were in for 3 days. I wasn't able to get up until the next morning and man that hurt, but once you get up and moving, it gets easier. Just remember to stand straight up slowly.

In my hospital, I was told I could go home on the third day if I could get my bandage off. She recommended the shower. I did this and nearly fainted, ended up pulling the emergency bell. Again, very well take care of. I got almost all the bandage off, yay! They just want them off so it can get some air and heal better. Plus she said the longer they stay on, the harder it is to get them off. The only thing I wish was different is that they helped you in the shower, you shouldn't be alone the first time.

The first day, my meals were brought to me but after that, it's your responsibilty. Breakfast is down the hall in the community room and then lunch and dinner is in the central hall. They should tell you their system when you get to after care.

Of my 3 children, my 2 oldest born in the states, this was the best care and birth experience for me.

I can't believe how close you are getting, wishing you all the best hun