2Nd C-section - Barrington,NH

Hi B.,
I also had an emergency c-section with my first. (The cord was around the neck twice -- and with the first push his heart rate went down dangerous low. They told me to stop and rushed me to the OR and he was out within a few minutes.) I had another c-section with my second child. The second time around, I was scheduled for the c-section a week before my due date but my water broke 2 weeks before I was scheduled (and 3 weeks before my due date). I still had a c-section and it was very different. The second one seemed to take much longer (probably because they weren't racing to get the baby out like my first time) and was really very easy since there were no issues (I was still quite nervous until he was out and I could see that all was fine). My first c-section was a very scary experience and from what my doc says, very rare. So, I definitely thought the second time was a much better experience overall. Although, it was hard not to pick up my oldest child for a few weeks after the second c-section, but that was it. Overall, in terms of recovery/healing, I didn't feel that it was difficult either time. Hope this helps!

I had 3 c-sections, the last 2 were scheduled, the 1st I knew about 8 hrs before I had to have it. My recovery got better with each one. I threw up on the table for all 3 of em and that sucked, my blood pressure dropped alot with my last one and they had to give me meds to stabalize. That wasnt fun cause everytime it dropped I felt hot and dizzy and like I was going to pass out. I also get shoulder pain during my c sections, the dr said its referred pain from my stomache. Since I cant feel the pain in my tummy I feel it in my shoulder, thats how he explained it to me at least. The pain went away with in an hr. You feel a lot of pressure and tugging and that can be uncomfy. Its obviously not the best experience in the world but I cant imagine a vaginal birth is either! I just remember Im gonna see my baby soon and this will be done soon! I was standing the night I had my son and my youngest daughter, and the next day for my oldest(I had her late at night though). Take baby steps and go a little more everytime, if it hurts rest and try again in a litte while. One of the hardest things for me is not over doing it! I hate asking for help and not being able to do things! On that note ask for help! Good luck!

I have had four and all of them were pretty easy. I got a slight infection on one stitch after the third C-section. It wasn't fun but it was easily taken care of. I heal easy though. Stay on top of the pain and ask questions if anything feels odd.

Initial recovery, for me, was much quicker with my 2nd (panned) C-Section vs. my 1st (unplanned) one. Full recovery took longer because I have two older kids, but I was up and about MUCH quicker.

I was pretty scared as the 1st one didn't go well for me, but it was fine.

both my c-sections were planned (thanks to baby 1 turning full breach at 35 weeks!). The first one was horrible. I got really sick and scared and I threw up a ton (nothing like being strapped down on your back and needing to vomit)...sorry TMI.
The second time was totally different. I was prepared for what was to come. They gave me special medicine to not get naucious. I was shaking all over from it, but I didnt get sick. I was lively and talking and could remember everything. I remember nothing of the first one except getting sick and seeing her little foot for the first time.
The 2nd recovery was WAY better also. at 3-weeks post partum with the first, I still couldn't get out of bed without help. The second time, with in a couple days I was getting up by my self. The biggest difference is that the first time the nurses failed to get me up and moving when they were supposed to. The second time around, I demanded it. :)

My first C-section was an emergency one after nearly 24 hours of labor and, like you, I don't remember much of it except the pain relief. The second C-section (about 3 months ago) went very smoothly. They wheeled me down to the OR and I met with the anesthesiologist, he asked a few questions. They got me into the room, gave me the spinal, brought in the husband, made sure I couldn't feel anything and then extracted the baby. It took a bit longer than the first one because of scar tissue. The doctor's discussed finding a good piano teacher for their children. The most disconcerting things were that they had the suction tube running by my head so I could hear and see the blood being sucked away which was a little strange and the fact that they wisked the baby and husband off and then took me to the recovery area to be monitored but by that point the anesthesiologist had given me the "happy stuff" as he put it and I was relaxed and just waiting to see my girl.

So much better the second time because I was not fatigued as I was from hours of labor the first time.

My first cesarean was an emergency too, 26 hours of labor and baby wouldn't come out. The recovery lasted weeks. Second was planned because my doctor thought the baby was going to be too big. Getting ready for the surgery went smoothly except for the anesthesiologist had troubles getting the needle in my back. I ended up with a huge bruise that took weeks to go away. The recovery from my second was a whole lot easier than the first. I was up and walking around without help in two days but was still sore for a couple of weeks. Another thing after my second surgery the nurses failed to tell me to not drink my water or to at least drink it very slowly when I came out of recovery. I was so thirsty I drank at least a cup and ended up throwing it up immediately.

my daughter was a section after 17 hrs of labor... my son was a planned section. my first i had staples in and the pulled alot... my second i asked for stiches/glue and it was much better for recovery (different hospitals and doctors for each delivery).

for my second i was alot more consious of the preparation - the anti neasue meds that they give you before hand etc.... it was a bit eerie, i walked into the operating room with my second, then they gave me the spinal, and i laid down... and it started.

with my first since i started with the eppi, they couldn't switch to a spinal... and my eppi started wearing off... and i felt more tugging/pulling... with my second, having the spinal straight off, i was more comfortable through the procedure.

recover was different b/c i had a 2 year old to chase around with a newborn... not as much resting cuddle time with the second as with the first... with the first you could nap together.... this time, the baby goes down and you still have the older to deal with. try as hard as you can, to get them to nap at the same time in the afternoon and you sleep too. we did this for about 6 mos.

Updated

my daughter was a section after 17 hrs of labor... my son was a planned section. my first i had staples in and the pulled alot... my second i asked for stiches/glue and it was much better for recovery (different hospitals and doctors for each delivery).

for my second i was alot more consious of the preparation - the anti neasue meds that they give you before hand etc.... it was a bit eerie, i walked into the operating room with my second, then they gave me the spinal, and i laid down... and it started.

with my first since i started with the eppi, they couldn't switch to a spinal... and my eppi started wearing off... and i felt more tugging/pulling... with my second, having the spinal straight off, i was more comfortable through the procedure.

recover was different b/c i had a 2 year old to chase around with a newborn... not as much resting cuddle time with the second as with the first... with the first you could nap together.... this time, the baby goes down and you still have the older to deal with. try as hard as you can, to get them to nap at the same time in the afternoon and you sleep too. we did this for about 6 mos.

WOW - sounds like my life! Emergency the first time then planned the second. I was suprisingly nervous the second time - it seemed more clinical and seemed to take longer (given that like you I was a bit exhausted by the time they delivered my first by e-c-section). The nerves only lasted until the baby was out. I was more aware of the "pulling" and could feel it - although it didn't hurt at all. I was much more alert the second time around and therefore aware I didn't see my baby for a bit - while I was in recovery. Honestly, I recovered better from the first one... but that's just luck. Both went rather smoothly, I think with the second you are still needed to take care of your older child, and push yourself more than the first time around. Nothing shocking happened, and all went well!!! Congratulations@!

Hi B.,

My first was like yours so I planned my second C-section delivery. I'm not a surgery fan by any means but it was much, much easier on my body, emotionally and on my 3 year old coming home. Healing was so much faster without all the fatigue from the labor. I also didn't need as much family with me when I got home so the stress level in the house was better.

God bless,

M.

I am recovering from my 1st csection (planned) 5 weeks ago. I was scared but its not as bad as everyone makes it out to be. The epidural wasnt fun but once they started it it was fine. my blood pressure dropped a couple times and they had to stabilize me with drugs once that happened but i wasn't suffering very long. They wheeled me into the OR and was expecting to start opening me up but the dosage they gave me to numb me down there wasn't working very well, it took another 15 mins to slowly increase the amount of anesthesia so I didn't feel a thing. I was pretty out of it but I remember there being ALOT of pressure when they pull the baby out. The longest wait is them suturing you back up afterwards when all you want to do is hold your little one.

recovery wasn't as bad. the 2nd day in the hospital, i tried standing up and walking and i almost passed out from the pain. don't let that deter you, the more you get up, the easier it will be each time and you'll be just fine! I'd do it all over again!

I just had my 2nd section 4 weeks ago & everything went great. I was little slower to get around but I'm not sure if I just forgot what it was like. Then again I did not have a 3 year old at home.
I will tell you it's more likely you had an epidural as I did the first time and the spinal felt different. I felt almost nothing this time. I had no pain either time, but had more sensation w/the epidural. Also no one told me a spinal travels a little different so my chest got tight and heavy at first. I was paniked thinking something was going wrong. The nurse said it was normal and it lasted less then 10 min. I just wish someone told me to expect that. Things took a little longer as each repeat ususally does.
I am glad I had people around the first 2 weeks to help out this time. The first week it was all day. Then the second I'd call and then people would leave when my son went down for a nap. My son was great though he adjusted easily.Last week I ventured out by myself for the first time. I was told I could start lifting at week 4 so I've done some as I am taking it slow. Currently the area is sore when bumped, or turning certain ways but it looks great (better scar this time).

I forgot to mention while in the hospital the second time I had surgury gas that was so painful. That was worse then any other part of recovery. I never knew gas could make your whole body hurt. It carried on three days til I was able to go to the BR. I guess alot more air got in this time. I'll take it again in the big picture it goes away. See I even forgot :)

Good Luck next week.

I have had 2 c-sections that were not an emergency. My 2nd c-section was really easy. I was walking around the next day and feeling pretty good. The scar will hurt a bit, but I went out to lunch 4 days after my c-section and felt great. The 2nd one is suppose to be much easier on the body. I recovered faster than some of my friends who had natural birth.

I had two C-sections and the second time , my recovery time was pretty good. the pain was less than the first time and not nearly as nerve racking as the first. they also do the section the same place as the first one.
mine was pain free for the first 48 hrs, and then i was given medication when i needed it.