Csection

Had two c sections. Recovery was different for both.
Hard the first time, easy the second time....but that was because
it was scheduled the 2nd time......so it was much better.

Hi, I scanned these answers and it made me think...I had a c-section and an early baby. I had a tough time with the Boppy, but a much better time with the "my breast friend" pillow. The Boppy would push on my incision, but the Breast Friend did not as I could get it to sit above my incision, even with the baby's full weight on it (he was 6 lb 8 oz and never lost weight).

My Csection was easy. I didn't have her at 34 weeks. She was breach.
A while after the surgery, they will make you get up and walk around to help the incision heal. It sucks at first, but it's needed. They'll give you pain meds and it is pretty sore for a few days, but gets better as you go. Make sure that you bring a boppy pillow for nursing. It'll help believe me! Good luck and congrats on the new one!!

Well I had a csection with my twinz almost 4 yrs ago but they were full term so I can't answer about the early birth and complications but 1 of my twins had water in his lungs so he was placed in the NICU while myself and the otha twin was placed on the same floor but in the regular part, They tell you not to get up and walk but when noone would come fast enough to tell me how my baby was doing I got up the day after my csection and walked all the way to the other side it was painful but I think if I would have waited longer it would have been more painful because I would have been stuck stayin in one position because there's not much that can be done after a csection so it all depends on how your feeling

My first section was more difficult than my second (which I hear is true for everyone) but it really wasn't as bad as I anticipated. The best advice I can give you is to stay ahead of the pain! Take the pain meds because if you let the pain get bad it is much harder to control.

I had my son in the afternoon and the next morning they took out the catheter and got me up and helped me shower. It was tough walking at first. Best to take it easy and not try to say walk the halls right off the bat. And try to stand up as straight as possible. With my second section I was able to go up stairs two days later when i was released. I had no choice-we lived on the second floor lol! But I just took it slow.

My son was born at 32 weeks. From my experience it's not a matter of age when they will release them but they need to be able to maintain their body temp, maintain their heartrate, be able to breathe/suck/swallow effectively and do that while keeping their heartrate up, show that they are gaining weight and not have any other significant health issues.

I'm curious though why 34 weeks? Why not wait till 36/37 weeks weeks which is well before most babies make their appearance and most babies are ready for the outside world?

I had 2 c-sections. The first was failure to progress and the recovery was not too bad. The first 3-4 days are painful but take the painkillers prescribed and it isn't too bad. I live up 2 flights of stairs. I made it up slowly when I came home from the hospital and it was not a big deal by week 2. Definitely get help at home and don't drive the first 10 days to 2 weeks.
If your baby is in the NICU for 2 weeks make short to medium legnth visits (under 2 hours) and rest/sleep as much as you can. Even if you are worrying about the baby the time is a gift for you to be able to rest and care for yourself so you can be ready for your baby when he/she comes home. I have had both my babies in the NICU (first one was serious complications and the second much less). The staff generally knows what they are doing. Just make sure they are communicating with you so you know what is going on.

My second c-section was a real emergency and was rushed and more painful. It also got infected and that hurt like crazy and prolonged the recovery a lot. It was much harder to rest with a baby and a toddler and it took me a long time (6-8 weeks) to start really getting my energy back.

Well I have nothing to say about early, as my son was C-section but full term and after 18 hrs of labor. For me moving was hard, but I did something everyday. Try to strengthen your stomach muscles some before you have it if you have time. I was knocked out as the epidural did not work when it came time to do the surgery. My girlfriend had a C-sec and they were able to use the epidural. She was moving much better than I was a lot faster. My doc did not put me on any driving restriction or stair restriction, he said do what feels okay to you. Some people mover quick, some have other kids at home and have to move more than somone having their first. Recovery is really up to your body, but listen to it.

Good luck.

My c-section recovery was much easier than I expected. I had planned a natural birth and was terrified of the c-section, but had preeclempsia and so had two weeks of bed rest in the hospital and delivered by c-section at 35 weeks. I was able to stop the pain meds the next day and only had some pain on my side, but it was bearable. I wasn't told not to climb stairs, so I was climbing stairs when I went home (my laundry was in the basement). I also kept pretty busy by going to see my girl in NICU and that helped the time she was away pass easier.

Our daughter was 4 lbs 9 oz and at first went to the nursery because she was doing well. Then she had some breathing issues (though my husband and I both have asthma so we aren't sure if it was that or prematurity). She was otherwise healthy and pulled out her own breathing tube the very next day (the nurses couldn't believe she unlocked it) and they were able to keep it out-they had told us they would put it back because she would need it for at least 3 more days, but we convinced them to monitor her and see before just reinserting it. She did have some reflux issues so we had a hard time with feeding so they kept her for 10 days until she was eating really well and gaining weight. That was the worst of it. She is now 2 1/2 and healthy and normal weight, height, intelligence, etc.

Congrats and best wishes!

I have heard a lot of different stories about c-sections. Mine was fairly easy. I was using stairs right away. It was slower of course. It hurt really bad for about a week to laugh and I had to bend over to ease the pain. My son was born at 38 weeks and the only problem he had that the others didn't was jaundice. The lungs are also a big issue. I had an amnio done and his lungs did not develop until 38 weeks. I had a friend and her baby's lungs were developed at 34 weeks. The doctor will deal with that possibility I am sure.

My daughter was taken by c-section at 35 weeks, she weighed 6 ilb 5 oz and was as healthy as ever, and always has been, she did not have to go to nicu
as far as the c-section, everyone recovers differently, due to your own body and how fast you heal

I had twin boys at 30 weeks via c-section (emergency). They are our first children so I didn't care how they came out, I figured either way would HURT ;) I was on severe bed rest for 5 weeks prior to their delivery and wanted my "legs back"! I just wanted to walk and move around!! I was required to stay in bed 24/7 except for bathroom breaks, no stairs etc., so once they were out, I was ready to move. The hospital I was at was AMAZING, and the key is getting up and moving when they tell you, and as often as you can! My recovery was easy, I had know idea that a c-section is the most major abdominal surgery a person can have! Just walk and move, and make sure you take your meds. I let them wear off one night, thinking I didn't need to push that little button...OWW! My boys were in the hospital for 6 weeks, but I was recovered and ready to go within the first week or week and a half. Feel your body, and try and listen to it...just don't mistake pain for a healing muscle which needs to be stretched by movement.
Congrats in advance!
Good Luck!!

I have had 3 c-sections. Two were preemies (28 & 36 weeks) & the 3rd was a full term.
The 1st was the worst. I think that was because I didn't truely understand what to expect or about keeping up with the meds. Then next two were easier. I didn't really have stairs (except 3 to get to the door) to go up or down with any of my kids so I don't remember how long it would take. I do remember that you are not allowed to drive (or maybe that was until you get off the pain meds.) or have 'relations' for 6 weeks. KEEP UP WITH THE PAIN MEDS! Don't let the pain get to you before taking the meds. You will also need to hold a pillow over your incision when you cough or sneeze at first because it will pull & hurt. Take it easy & don't over do it for a few weeks, then slowly start doing more. Ask your dr. how much you should to at a time.
I have been thought the NICU with my 28 weeker, so I find it strange that the hospital won't release a baby until 36 weeks. The hospital my son was at would have released him earlier with an apnea monitor as long as: he was holding his body temp., was feeding well & gaining weight & was not having problems with apneas & bradycardias. My 28 weeker was released at about 38 weeks on oxygen, an apnea monitor & pulse oximeter (but he was 12 weeks early).

God bless!

I have had two c-section, one after 30 hours of labor and the second was more scheduled (I went into labor and checked right in for the c-section). Recovery was harder for my first just because I had not slept for 48 hours and was in labor pushing for hours. But I still was up and walking fairly quickly. For my second, I had my son at 9pm and was walking the next day. By the time, I got home I was pretty mobile. You are sore but it is amazing what your body can do. Listen to your doctor and do not lift anything. Lifting is the big thing that can hurt you. I had to walk up stairs to get into my apartment and it was fine (slow but fine). Good luck :-)

Hi M.,
A scheduled C-sections is a walk in the park, be so very grateful. The whole procedure is about 45 minutes long, you don't feel a thing, the baby comes out looking like a movie star, all your parts remain intact and you're walking the next day, and have awesome drugs. I had mine 9 years ago and it was the best delivery ever!!! Don't you worry!!

I had an emergency c-section when my son's heartbeat fell. I literally went from "things are progressing well" to being on the table in 5 minutes. I had not prepared for the c-section at all.
My advise is to get up and move the day after your section. I had an older nurse and she told me that would be the fastest way to heal and so the morning after my section I got up, had help to take a shower and walked around the maternity ward -SLOWLY. It didn't feel great...but i really think it helped me recover. I felt like I could take my son out in the car w/ carseat etc. after about 6 weeks. I didn't feel 100% for 6 months...but I felt 80-90% after 8 weeks. Just get up and move...my 2 cents...

Hi there. First, Congratulations! Second, sorry for your trouble with the pregnancy. I had a c-section but at full term, and the recovery was very quick. You get out of bed the next day and the hospital will probably make you walk around. I was going up and down the stairs three days later when I got home. Was it painful, yes, but not too bad, the worst part was actually getting in and out of bed, and turning from one side to the other. I had a foot stool in front of my bed (which is rather tall) to help me get up on it and get down. The worst thing you can do for yourself is stay put in bed after a c-section. You need to move around as much as possible, even if you feel pain, it will help you recover quickly. I was fully recover within a few weeks. Best of luck, hope all works out with the baby!

I had 2 c-sections the 2nd was scheduled. It was nice to know what day and time the baby would come. The first day of recovery is kind of scary, because you can't do anything and you wonder if you will ever be able to, you just can't move. When they make you get up to go the bathroom for the first time it is a challenge. The second day it is amazing how much better you feel. Get up and walk the hospital hall as soon and as much as you feel you can. It will help you when you get home. I stayed in hospital 3 days and was able to go up and down stairs when I came home. Just take the drugs on a regular bases, because when they wear off you will feel it. By the time your baby comes home you will be feeling good.

I will be having my 4th c-section next month. The recovery is different for everyone. I healed very well and was going up and down steps in 5 weeks. You need to be careful though and see how your body fares. Generally you are allowed one trip up steps and one trip down steps a day for the first 6 to 8 weeks. If you begin to have pain, you are overdoing it and need to rest.

You are not allowed to drive for 2 weeks from your date of discharge! Just because some people do it, don't push it. Even if you feel great, I have been told by doctors in two different states that if heaven forbid, you are in an accident, you can get in trouble because you will not be considered fit to be driving so soon after abdominal surgery. You will most likely be found to be at fault.

Stay on top of the pain meds. They usually give me strong ibuprophen and something VERY strong like hydrocodone. I alternate them.

When you begin sitting up and getting out of bed, do it slowly. Almost roll yourself up slowly until you can put your feet over the side of the bed and then SIT THERE before trying to get up to make sure you are okay. The first time you get up, be prepared for pain. I could not believe how bad the first time hurt to the point where I didn't want to get up again but you can't do that. It only hurts that bad the first time. Each time you get up, it hurts less and less. Again, follow your body. Move slowly. As you can tell, I have chosen my c-sections since the first one.

Good luck.

Hello M.! I had a scheduled c section for my twin daughters at 38 1/2 weeks. I know my situation is a little different than yours, but I'm sure as far as the surgery goes for a c section, it's pretty much the same. I didn't have stitches or staples to close my incision. I had Derma Bond, which is kind of like a crazy glue. No reason to have stitches or staples removed, thank God! That was my first major surgery EVER! I was in so much pain, it wasn't even funny. I can't even describe it. I hated the nurses because they made me get up and out of bed, and walk around the next day. I also was forced to take a shower the day after, which I hated but it felt good to feel the hot water. The couple pieces of advice that I can give you is just to make sure you get up and out of bed the next day, no matter how much it hurts. It will do you a lot of good to do that. And you will feel 100% better the next day when you at least wash your face and brush your teeth. TRUST ME!! And once you hold your little baby in your arms, you won't even think about the pain! It's a wonderful thing!! Good luck, and keep us posted. I'm sure everything will be just fine with you, and with your little bundle of joy :)

Hi M.,
I had a baby born premature at 34 weeks. I had preeclampsia and had an emergency C section. I have to say that the recovery was not to bad. I had her on a Sunday evening and I was on morphine for the rest of the night. I was driving 2 days later. How I got through it was I knew that I had another child to tend to. I knew that the pain was temporary and would go away. I was back and forth every 3 hours from the hospital from 9am – 9pm. Also, you will be so preoccupied with your new baby and everything that is going on with her/him you will forget about your pain. The hardest part I had was when I drove away from the hospital the first time without my baby. On the third day that she was there I looked around and seen babies that were on machines that may not get to go home. Mine seemed to not have it so bad. She needed to grow. She was 3 lbs. She has several health issues now. Good luck and enjoy your new little one.

M., the babies will be fine. i had twins at 33 weeks because my son's cord failed. he was 2lbs 13 oz and his sister was 4lbs 2oz. they stayed in teh NICU for 3 weeks and had no major issues. i also had a c-section and had a difficult recovery. i also pushed it too hard afterwards. the twins were in a NICU about 1 hr away from where i lived so i drove myself to the hospital every day and did a lot of walking. i'll spare you the details, but i ended up needing a visiting nurse to come to my house for about a month afterwards. have a plan set up for getting to the NICU after you get released from the hospital and remember to take it easy. also use the time that the babies are not home to rest up! good luck!

I had a c section - my son is 3 years old. Within 24 hours the nurse came in and had me up and walking and showering. She said the more I move the better, just take it slow. NO lifting, except the baby. I would do some research on HEALING foods and just try to keep walking and being as physical as you can before - that helps with recovery. I credit my doctors, she did a really great job with incision, you can barely even see a scar... I had pain meds in the hospital but when I was released I was told to just take advil (breast feeding so they didn't want to give me the meds, not sure if they would have if I wasn't breast feeding) I couldn't drive for the first week home. I remember it being hard to turn over in bed and stand up from the couch b/c my incision felt like it was pulling, but honestly beyond a week or so I don't remember feeling that the recovery was so bad. I do remember my mom yelling at me a lot though b/c she said I was doing to much - LOL...so I must have felt fine. The staples were taken out rather quickly too. Those were the most annoying b/c they would get itchy and they would catch on my "underwear" which I think I remember being the hospital ones for a while bc they were the most comfortable over my incision, my regular underwear was to low and hit right at the staples. Haaha - its kind of all coming back to me now, my son is 3 yrs old so I haven't thought about it much. Anyway - I didn't think it was so bad to recover...not great, but doable. I SWEAR the worst part of the WHOLE delivery (b/c I was in labor for a long time before the c-section decision was made) was the IV NEEDLE they stuck in my hand. I swear it was the biggest needle EVER and the nurses even said so. hahahah! I couldn't wait for that thing to be taken out! I was actually LATE with my son so know info on that part...Good Luck! You'll be fine!

i had my daughter by c-section and the recovery wasn't that bad at all....i heard that i was gonna be in bad pain etc. but i was sore for that first week....the best thing to do is walk around in the hospital while you're recovering....you can go up the stairs but verrry slowly. i've been fine ever since...no myterious lingering pains...for pain i took high doses of tylenol which my dr. prescribed. definately ask your dr. for pain killers if you need them, you don't need to be in bad pain. after about a month i would say i was 80% back to being myself again (physically). mentally, a newborn and the sleeplessness is a little exhausting mentally.
so don't worry and all the best to you...=) ::::::BIG HUG::::::

Definitley move around but take it very easy. If this is your first, you shouldn't have any issues. And remember to sleep when the baby is sleeping. Forget the housework, etc. for the first two weeks. And plan/schedule help now since you know the date. Limit stairs as much as possible.

One thing I found is that you have to keep the wound as dry as possible. If you are at all overweight at all, the wound can get covered by excess skin. A great way to keep it dry is a maxi pad. Just sort of put it over the scar (sticky side out of course) and let it absorb mositure. That's what my midwife suggested.

I had a c-section at 37 weeks and had a healthy beautiful baby girl. She came home in 48 hours with no issues such as underdeveloped lungs, Etc. I had a second c-section at 38 weeks and had a healthy boy, again with no issues. My recoveries were phenomenal. I was up and about in a day, and up and down my stairs the day I arrived home. The incision is sore for a week or so, but not unbearable. Take it easy and let people help you! Congratulations! You will do great!

I had my first one vaginally and second c-section. Recovery time after 24hrs. in ICU for preeclampsia with second. I wasn't able to nurse my first one for 36hrs. I was asleep that long. I nursed my second 2hrs. after having him (nurse got in trouble for doing it :()
SIL c-section went very well also.
DO NOT VACUUM, or do anything that your dr. says not to do. I deal with very minor pain daily from a hernia repair (cut nerves during repair), because I vacuumed a very small carpet 2 or 3 weeks after the c-section or when I lifted a nephew up at Thanksgiving.

Hi M.!
I have had 2 csections now. My first was an emergency after 41 hrs of labor! The second was planned at 38 weeks. (Sorry I can't say much about the early date part!) I had very little problems recovering from either csec. My 1st was my 1st major surgery ever. I am a complete baby about pain, so I was very nervous! The nurses did make me get out of bed the next morning, and while it was very uncomfortable, it was not unbearable at all. I was more scared that my guts would come spilling out! Obviously, that did not happen! I found the more I moved around the easier it was. I wouldn't say there was no pain, but what there was was completely manageable. Walking was painful at first, but it got easier every time. I did not need the major pain killers once I left the hospital. One thing I will tell you (not sure if anyone else has mentioned it, only scanned the last few posts) is gas! That was not so much fun! My second time around, I brought my own gas meds, and took them! it was a huge help! Going to the bathroom was not so comfortable after, esp bowl movement! For me, that may have been the worst part! Was much easier w/my 2nd! Also, I went up and down the stairs as soon as I got home. (Our only bathroom is up!) It was not bad. I went slow. My Dr said a rolled towel held against your stomach was the way to go. I didn't really use it much. I also loved my girdle like thing. With my 1st, I couldn't stand the jiggly feeling of my suddenly empty belly! I used a support girdle like thing. (Sorry, I don't know what you call it!) Before my 2nd I bought one so I would have it. They actually gave me one in the hospital that time. I wore it all day and took it off to sleep. I think it really helped. You may want to ask your Dr about that, and get one if it won't be provided. Also, as mentioned before, walking helps, but don't over do it. small short bouts are the way to go in the beginning. You will get stronger quickly (Amazing how the body works!) and then be able to do more. Your only in for more pain if you do too much! Last bit of advice, SLEEP! As much as you can! I know that goes against everything you hear about being a new mom! In the hospital, let the baby stay in the nursery at night. You need the rest to recover. I had no problems nursing this way. Nursing during the day, suppliment at night. It's only for a few days, and they are days you need the rest to recover in! Once your home try your best to sleep when you can. Let things go a bit for the first few weeks, take care of yourself! Well, now that I have written a book! LOL! I hope some of it helps! Good luck. I'm sure all will go well for you! Enjoy that new baby!

I had a scheduled C-sec at 38 weeks for my twin boys who were both full term and healthy. The c-sec for me to recover from was just awful. The nurses forced me to get up just to sit in the chair next to my bed the next morning and I KNEW my body wasn't ready..I passed out in the chair and begged for them to put me back to bed. I simply couldn't bear the pain of moving. I passed out multiple times before they allowed me back to bed. It was horrible. I left the hospital 4 days later and could barely move. It took many many months before I felt halfway like myself again. Perhaps it was because I was also breastfeeding both my boys and didn't sleep for more than an hour at a time. Perhaps it was because my belly was HUGE carrying two full term babies. Good luck!!! I think you will have much easier time than I did.

My c section recovery was MUCH faster than my vaginal delivery.
I was up and walking to the nursery every two hrs that night. Mine was in NICU for a week for breathing problems , mine was 38 weeks.