My first baby was born via emergency C-section and all I can say it get up and walk as soon as they let you. Pushing myself to walk throughout the days afterward definitely helped me heal without all the pain meds. Also try to pack very loose clothing that won’t irritate your incision area. And as for your husband, mine had to help me get up out of the hospital bed and he did bring me the baby and helped a lot more in the hospital so I could walk and try to heal. Good luck mama! It’s not as bad as you think!
I've had 4 C sections and I will be having my 5th at the end of October. I would highly suggest that you have people helping you at home with meals, other kids, and whatever else you need. In my experience getting up and walking is very beneficial, but never overdo. The first few days seemed the easiest probably because I was still at the hospital but once I got home it hit me like a ton of bricks. Wear a belly band to hold your insides together, and don't lift anything up thats more then your baby! Praying for you!
Yes - the abdominal binder will definitely help. Remember to balance activity with rest & allow friends and family to help with household tasks, meals and the other children. Getting up in stages is helpful; first get to sitting on the side of the bed, then standing at the bedside, then walking.
Both of my babies were c-sections. With my first one, getting up and down was hard. The nurses taught me ways to get up, sneeze, etc. that was helpful. The first day or two is the worst, but after that pain was able to be managed with Tylenol (allergic to NSAIDs). Watch your incision. Even doing all the things, they can easily get infected. My husband helped me with getting up and down. He also helped by bringing the baby to me because twisting and turning can be a little rough for a few days. You’re going to do great.
I’ve had 3 c-sections and I don’t think the recovery was awful. Once they let you up to walk, walk a lot because it’s the best thing for your recovery.
This is Linda. I was a L&D nurse for 23 years. I also had one vaginal birth and one C/S. The C/S was way easier than my posterior labor for sure. Things that are helpful are a pillow to put under your abdomen and between your legs when you are lying on your side, an abdominal binder helped me tremendously, get up and walk, and drink many fluids. You husband can change diapers and bring the baby to you for feeding. Just take care of yourself and the baby for the first two weeks!!! Have prepared meals ahead of time or ask for help with meals, cleaning, laundry and other children. Good luck, and enjoy your baby!
My emergency c-section was in 1995. Plan loose, soft clothes and have a pillow to hold against your abdomen when you laugh or cough! Stool softners are a must, insides will be very sore. My stepmom had told me that 10 days after birth everything goes back where it should be, that day i realized i had a badder infection. Take care of yourself, and get up and walk. Best wishes and we'll be waiting for updates.
Everyone has different experiences but I just wanted to give you mine with c-section vs vaginal birth with shoulder dystocia. My vaginal birth was super traumatic and took me a long time to recover physically and mentally. My c-section I was super super nervous because of everyone’s input. But mine was a walk in the park. I healed amazing loved it. No pain. Just some discomfort.
@annapouch that’s amazing that’s she still in and growing and doing well!! Not so great about the c-section for you, I know it’s emotional and scary but I have faith that the Dr’s have your healthy and baby girl’s health as top priority❤️. I know you will do great and you have Luke and a great support system and very soon you will be snuggling that precious baby in your arms💕. As always sending you lots of love, encouragement, support and prayers. Your RN friend in Ontario 🇨🇦
Also I’m a surgical nurse mostly, and depending on the incision type it’s usually pretty standard wound care, I would say have some basic wound care supplies at home, extra 4X4’s, non stick pads, normal saline rinse, vitamin E ointment (healing and non irritating) , abd pads. Pack lots of comfy clothes for hospital and to come home in (loose fit, soft material). I hope this helps a bit, sending lots of love and prayers!!
My DIL had one vaginal birth and two C-sections and she says she will take a C-section any day. She was up walking pretty much the same day. Good luck!
I had a c section with twins. It was my first pregnancy, so all I know is the c section experience. My experience was wonderful, I delivered at 6pm and was up and walking at 5 am the next morning. I’m overnight pads, leggings and compression socks will be your friend. The swelling is real, and I feel like no one talks about that. Also, tmi the worst part is pooping after. So when they give you stool softeners take them.
I glad you came on today. I know its hard to video with family and all you have to do. Did you show Story nursery or don't you have one. I wish you all the best on delivery. God is watching over you just remember that. Story will come when she is ready. Good luck.
I had two emergency c-sections my kids were both 6 weeks early. I had a good experience with my c-sections. My son is 24 and my daughter is 18. You will be fine and you are in good hands. I can not wait to see your little one. 🙏🏻
I had 2 c-sections in exactly 12 months. I only took ibuprofen and did lots of walking to help with the healing process. Yes, it’s painful but by no means is it unbearable. By 3 weeks out, I was feeling very much back to myself. You’ll do amazing!
I have had two sections and sure I was sore after but I never took any pain meds but Ibuprofen. I was up walking as soon as my epi wore off and baby roomed in and I was the primary care giver from day one. It was almost 17 years since my last but I know I had it quite easy and not all do. I have a very high pain threshold. The only advice I will stress it not to lift anything heavier than baby for a good few weeks/month and to listen to your body. My best wishes are coming for you both! Best outcomes all around!!!
My biggest piece of advice after having two c-sections that no one told me is to request miralax rather than a stool softener after delivery!!! With my first I didn’t know better… I ended up being backed up for 5 days, and when I finally went it was terrifying to push it out. 😩 I’ve talked to many other c-section moms who say the stool softeners also did nothing for them. I just had my second recently and requested miralax. No issues at all this time! Also I really liked the frida mom postpartum boy short underwear this time. They’re super comfortable and don’t hurt your incision. They have them at Walmart and target!
Seriously what have I missed? I've been very sick since Feb. So it's obviously I've missed a lot. So I won't ask questions I'll binge-watch your videos. I missed a boyfriend breakup, marriage, and baby news. Congratulations 🎉
3X c section mom here 👋 Walk as soon as you can Ask about a medicine ball Bring high waisted or pregnancy pants and high waisted undies Ask for a belly binder Keep up on your pain meds Don’t be scared to tell the anesthesiologist if you feel any type of way. I asked not to have my arms strapped The main way Luke can help is bringing you stuff so you don’t have to move or twist and helping you up and down. And getting comfortable Take lots of stool softener The air you’ll have from the surgery is rough. Hold a pillow on your belly when you cough. Wishing you the best of luck walk walk walk ❤❤❤❤❤❤
Hey hun just wanted to stop in to say congratulations first off! Also a c section was my biggest fear also I had two all natural because of the fear of a needle going in to my back I absolutely did not want! On my 3rd I got all the way to ready to push at 10 cm my midwife checked me and said do not push ran out of the room and came back in with an us machine and about 6 other nurses to prep me out of nowhere and said we have to do a emergency c section now! I was so scared I didn’t even know what was going on but it happened and it was all good I worked myself up for nothing. I will say recovery is different by far all I can say is first bowl movement and having a pillow and binder for belly pressure is a must! It’s best to move as much as possible! I hope all goes well and congrats I’m sure she will be absolutely perfect!
I had an emergency c section. Lots of movement as soon as they clear you, get up and walk, drink lots of water, practice scar stretching to help the nerves recover. That I did not know about at the time but if I ever have another c section, I'll be making sure I stretch my scar.
Mama of 2 boys via c-sections. Before birth, prepare your kids: tell them that you’re having surgery and will need extra help when you get home, make sure they can access everything they need by themselves as you can’t lift them (bath, toys, car seats, etc) Move anything you’ll need to the same floor you’ll be on as you will be advised to avoid stairs for a bit. While in the hospital: Like everyone has said: WALK. It almost sounds counter intuitive, but it helps so much. Also, if you don’t move enough afterward, gas builds up and will present as AWFUL shoulder/trap pain. If you’re someone who has to see what’s happening to their bodies, like me, look into the OR light above you and you should be able to see a reflection of the procedure. Home: Keep moving, drinking fluids, and accepting help. I used pads attached to the waistline of my underwear to decrease friction on my incision. And I LOVE that someone else recommended PT. Before staying home I was a Physical Therapist’s Assistant, so I def recommend PT for your core and pelvic floor. It’s insane that you have MAJOR surgery and no one tells you how to correctly heal. Also, once your incision is fully closed, scar massage will help keep that tissue loose and can reduce pain. I could go on forever 😅
I had 2 c-sections and loved them! So calm and peaceful. The only thing I really needed help with was getting out of bed. A tummy binder was key! Also, see if they will do your tubal ligation while they already have you open for your c-section.
I had to have c sections with my babies. Best thing to wear after is maternity pants like comfy leggings that do not dig into the incision. I needed help getting up and out of bed the first few days. I also needed help with my older kids for a few days while I recovered. The recovery is much better than I expected (I was very fearful). I'm very hopeful you and baby will both do great 😊
hi anna i had a c-section and my best advice is to get up and walk as soon as you can , loose clothing to wear in the hospital and at home , its no wear as near as bad as people say i loved my c-section xxxxx
I've had four C-sections (6 NICU babies) and an abdominal binder and a heating pad will be your best friend for post partum. I also loved having a pumping bra for pumping while being able to do skin to skin. Walking as soon as you're able will help keep the gas moving which will also help with the discomfort. Motrin and Tylenol around the clock helped decrease the amount of stronger pain meds needed for me.
I'm glad everything is going well for you and baby. I just found out we are expecting our 3rd baby after both my other babies were IVF. I was able to breast feed both of my babies for 2.5 weeks and then never got my full flow. I did b augmentation 15 years ago. I'm hoping you get your full flow.
Wear the belly band (my hospital gave me one). Hold something against the incision when you cough/sneeze etc. My csection was at 10pm & they had me up the next morning. Take the pain when they are due at least the first couple days ( I thought I could handle it but I definitely paid for that choice) I liked yoga/stretch pants. There isn’t much for the partner except just help out since you can’t lift much etc. Hope this helps and you have a safe delivery!💖
C-SECTION ❤ I’ve had home birth, hospital w/meds and last a c-sec and MOST IMPORTANT, don’t stress! It went so much better than I thought. All the other comments are great. Just mental attitude of thankful for a best case!!!
My son was born via c section. There were some hiccups during the surgery but for the most part it was smooth. I would recommend getting up and walking as soon as they allow you to. Take it slow, but that helped so so much. Also I wore the full underwear but they had a very secure and tight band around the stomach ( amazon ). They helped a ton!! Wore them for the first probably week and a half. I will say look into information about a spinal headache. I ended up with one and went home without the proper treatment and ended up in the ER because it was so bad.
Both my babies were born via c-section and the best advice I could give would be to walk! Try to stand up when they take your catheter out. The sooner you can start walking, the better you will feel and you will recover so much faster. Also, take your meds every time. Even if you feel like you don’t need to. The pain can creep up on you so you need to stay on top of it.
I had a C-section a few months ago and I was very scared as well, but it was so easy and the recovery was nothing like what I expected. I think my only non standard tip is to keep something handy the stops you from coughing.. I kept a Panera baguette out and if I started coughing I’d take a bite. Coughing hurt the incision and for some reason I kept having an itchy throat.
Walk as soon as you can, yes it will hurt and painful but by sitting is the worse. Adult diapers and soft pants so nothing will rub your incision, I just wore tops so it’s easier for me to pump. You got this mama 🎉❤
I have had 3 C-sections. My best advice is get up and move as soon as they let you. For the first couple of days you will most likely need Luke to help you get up out of the bed or off the couch. Use him to kind of pull up on. My first c section wasn’t planed so to me the recovery wasn’t as easy. My second was a lot easier. I did get up and move more. Honestly my 3rd was a breeze. I was doing laundry the same day I got home. My husband about had a heart attack lol but I walked those hospital halls ALOT! Stay on top of your pain meds for the first couple of days also! You’ll do great!
C-sections are not as bad as you think. I had 2 c-sections so that’s all I know. I didn’t labor with either pregnancy so no pain there. The hospital was great about giving pain meds after surgery so I didn’t have much pain in the hospital. They made me get up to walk around the next day. A little painful just don’t overdo it. Walking is key to quick recovery. I gave my older daughter a bath the day I got home while my husband ran to the pharmacy to pick up pain meds. The abdominal binder will be your best friend. Also maybe have compression socks because I couldn’t wear regular shoes for at least 2 weeks.
Both of my babies were c section. It was easy recovery. Just no lifting. I don't even recall taking pain meds after. We had a date set for my last birth and the hospital kept calling and moving the date over and over again.
I have had a c section with my only child tommy my pregnancy was a little bit different I had tommy two months early and that's because my blood pressure was very very high I stayed in the hospital for nine days he was in the NICU he weighed 2 pounds 15 ounces he was in the NICU in the hospital for a month and half. On the c section it was not the greatest but after a day I walked around the hospital back and forth to the NICU and outside some don't worry you will be totally ok I know you said this is your first time go this way with c section. Can't wait to see your baby girl . Have a great day 😊💞
So granny panties are a must for your comfort level for just a few weeks. Everything else sits right on that incision and will be In comfortable. They will want you up within a day and you’ll want to be up too. It seems counter intuitive, but the more you move, the quicker your pain and soreness reduce. The first few times I always walked after my pain shot. It helped. A good gauge of what you can lift, anything heavier than a 10 lb bag of potatoes you shouldn’t lift. I am a very visual and literal person so that helped me know if I was overdoing it. I’m sure you’ll get lots more helps. Continuing to pray for all of you.
Nurse here 🖐️ I had an emergency c-section about 11 months ago. I only took Tylenol and extra strength ibuprofen for pain. I was up and moving as soon as possible. I would get up every couple hours and do a lap around the unit. I also used ice packs on my incision. I would get a belly band to help hold everything in. I had an annoying cough for a few days and the belly band helped with the pain when I would cough or sit up. I brought a water bottle to the hospital. It kept my water cold and I wasn’t having to constantly get water. I was told they like to keep the catheter in for about 24 hrs but I had them take the catheter out after 12 hrs. It’s more comfortable and easier to move around. Make sure to take a laxative day 1. I took it twice a day for a good week. Drinks lots of water. I didn’t do much before delivery besides get the bathroom essentials, belly band, and a few gel ice packs. I also got a heating pad too in case my back or anything was hurting. I would ask if the nurses can wait to get the baby’s weight and length. If she’s doing fine after delivery and they complete the apagar scores, I would ask to do skin to skin while the doctor stitches you up. For your partner, when we were in the hospital I would have my husband hand me the baby to feed while I got adjusted. I didn’t hesitate to ask for help. If I was getting up or trying to grab for something, my husband would ask if he could help. It was also nice that he would ask how I was feeling and doing. Best of luck!
I am having my 3rd c section in sept. I like to wear yoga type pants after, I don't like how the dresses/gown feel. Mostly just feels super sore I'm short( 5 ft) so it is hard for me to use the crib right after so I used the pack n play or bassinet. Use a pillow against your incision site if you think you are going to sneeze, laugh cough and on the way home. I also slept on the couch at first because it was hard to get into and out of bed which was low to the floor but now we have a different bed and am adjustable frame so I think that will be easier.
I had 3 C-sections in the 80s (I'm old) I hear they are much better these days! You'll be great!! Just don't lift or over do it at the beginning! Take stool softeners, have meals made ahead of time, maybe a belly band ❤
So excited for you. Don't be afraid of a c-section. I had both and frankly, I thought the c-section was easier even after 4 days of labor and a 10lb boy! First, be kind and patient with yourself. It took 9 months to grow that baby so don't think you can bounce back in just a few weeks. Don't carry anything heavier than the baby. My (ex) husband decided to go camping after we got home from the hospital because he was tired after going thru the birth(?????). I also had an eleven yr old and had to cook, do laundry and clean and ended up back in the hospital because I dud too much and I started hemorrhaging! Not fun! Get comfy clothes like sweats and pants with an elastic waist. They have those belly bands now which might also be helpful but check with your doctor if that is ok. Let other people wait on you. You just went through major surgery and gave birth - 2 separate huge things so let your body gently heal. You are so beautiful so anything you wear will be just fine. Just take special care of yourself and that precious baby. Let others worry about the other things. It sounds like you have an awesome husband and he sounds like he will be fantastic! Best Wishes and Congratulations!🙏👍💕🙏 Can't wait to see your gorgeous Story!💖💖💖🙏
So sorry you also had a partner who wasn't the most helpful after birth! I had an emergency c section with twins at 34 weeks. I was extremely blessed that they both came out healthy needing no support at all but with not having much support once I got home I also ended up tearing and bleeding so badly I was admitted to icu needing emergency surgery.
They will have you out of bed the next day. You need a small pillow to hold to your abdomen when you cough or sneeze. Other people have mentioned abdominal binder. It is not unusual for a spot on your incision to feel numb for months after delivery. Make sure you take stool softener or milk of mag right after delivery to help not get consti pated. You really will need the 6 weeks after delivery for full recovery from the c-section or at least I did.
My advice is physical therapy after c section after my section I got a new ob she recommend it and was the only thing that worked. I was in pt for 6 months after my section. My comment is not to scare anyone but not everyone has positive c sections its important to know the signs of a problem. In my case it was a deep internal infection that doctors and nurses refused to believe me that something was wrong. But it was very wrong an internal ecoli infection that nearly cost me my life and other section compilations sent a healthy 9lbs baby to the nicu and that is what the nicu doctor told me. So I was told my paramedic training saved my own life and I ended up seeking help from another hospital in another town.
Hey Anna, so do you know your c-section day yet? My daughter is having a baby girl, she’s going in on the 9th of August and should have her on the 10th. Just didn’t know how close their birthdays would be. 💗I pray everything goes smoothly for you and my daughter with Jensyn Kate. Much love❤
Sleep propped up if you can it makes it easier to get up. I also kept a shelf with all the things I needed right next to my bed so I wouldn’t have to get up as much. You can get a craft cart Micheal’s or hobby lobby to put all of baby’s stuff on so it is always in reach and you can roll it from one room to the next. Also when they tell you to stand up after surgery just stand strait up it is so much better and hurts less if you do that. I have had four c-sections and the nerves were there every time! They wheel you back and do a spinal block, that numbs you just like an epidural, in the OR then they do a test to make sure you are numb after that they put in a catheter. They will also put the leg air bags around you legs to help keep you from getting blood clots sorry I don’t remember what they are called😂. Once you are numb your husband will be brought back to sit with you until your little girl is born but with the gastroschisis I am not sure what they will do. That would be a good question to ask at your next appointment though. I hope this helps.
I had 2 sections, i wore nightgowns in the hospital and diapers for bleeding. For recovery for the first few days a took tylenol morning and night and during the day at some point when eating a good dose of ibuprofen and I never needed narcotics. I got nerve blocks so I was up moving within like 3 hours or so after delivery...with my second it wore off sooner so I was in recovery moving my legs and sliding up the bed myself
Get some depend diapers for the bleeding..I was also able to put a ice pack on the incision and it helped numb the area which made it easier to get up and down for that first week. Make sure you stay on top of the pain meds..it is worse when the pain gets away from you..also walk. I also took miralax to the hospital and started right after and that kept things moving better then the stool softener they gave me. Also ask for a belly band.. that support really felt better to start moving around
I had an emergency c section I walked the next day,as my ceasor was 12am in the morning. I wore pants with elastics u will need plenty pads! I also had stretch marks
You look amazing momma totally got the pregnancy glow! Pregnancy so suits you and you got the cutest bump! You ate a beautiful pregnant goddess and legit could be a pregnant model! How much weight have you gained? Do you have any stretch marks and are you using anything for them? Did you do maternity photos or a belly cast? Do you have the pregnancy waddle? Do you have any embarrassing symptoms like lots of gas farting burping etc or just embarrassing symptoms in general? Have you ever gotten any rude or offensive comments due to the size of your bump? Do you have trouble finding clothes that fit and cover the bump? Have you ever ever had anyone ask to rub or touch the bump to feel baby move or kick? How do you feel about belly touches? How many kids do you want? How has hubby been bonding with baby any tips? Have you had any trouble bending over to pick things up or shave your legs or other areas below the bump any tips? Have your boobs or butt grown during pregnancy? I know this might be something you want to keep private but how has your sex drive and intimacy been during pregnancy? You should do the baby momma dance video and pre pregnancy clothes try on challenge video before you pop!
I had a c section at 41 weeks…my son was born at 2am and the hospital had me up and walking by 9am Get a belly band …they gave it to me at the hospital Luke: don’t make her laugh Helping hand to get out of bed
Thanks for the update. I don't have any experience with c-sections but am wondering this...if it's a planned c-section, why are you induced? Just curious. You are blessed to have what I would call normal sized babies. I only had two. The first was 9lb 9oz and the last was 10lb 6oz. I gained 35lbs with the first and only 22lbs with the last. My oldest will be 40 this year. 😮 🙏for all to go smoothly!
Had 3 c sections….. up within hours walking…the only bad part was trapped gas in my shoulder…tender for a week but could do everything…. Scar is low so clothes are not a big deal….no driving for awhile was bad part…
Had both my sons C section. Had bigger babies than I could deliver naturally. I didn't have any issues. Use lots of lotion on the scar(s). Walk, walk, walk, walk. Drink water and rest before she's here. Bye
I’ve had 3 c sections and large men’s boxers after are 👌🏼👌🏼 they won’t rub on your incision like regular underwear. Also a pumping bra for the nicu if you plan to do that for when she’s ready to eat! Hang in there! From one gastro mama to another 💚
Leave rings at home. Hands swell. Have meal prepped food in freezer for hubby to make for kids. Wear comfy pants, like sweats or Jammie’s. Incision is low so those will be fine.
Well I don’t have that luxury 😊 She’s too big for me to have a vaginal next week. The risks with another potential shoulder dystocia are more than enough. I would’ve loved an induction and to deliver vaginally.
I had two csections, they were q dream! I was up and walking the next day ❤️ whatever you do… try not to talk a lot after the csection… with my first, I got a lot of gas from talking to much and my intestines being lazy… that hurt! 😅
Wear a loose fitting dress or gown home. Ask for extra disposable panties to take home. Stay on top of your medication. You can walk the same day. He’ll have to drive you around for 2 weeks or until dr releases you. If I think of anything else, I’ll let you know.
Get a belly band if you get anything!! Belly band. Belly band. Belly band!! You'll be fine! Rest. Don't over do. Listen to your body. That's all 🤷🏼♀️❤❤
