Second C-section

I have twin boys that were 20 months old when i had my daughter. I was picking them up the day i came home. But if i couldn't do it, my mom stayed with me since my husband went back to work. By the time i was home a week, i was fine, i just had to kind of take my time doing it. No quick movements type of deal. Another thing is i asked for stitches instead of staples and that helped too i think.

Personally having a second c-section was nice, and if i could have more children i would go with another c-section....

Hi Debbie,

I can certainly relate. I had a c-section with my first child and she was 21months old when my son was born. I had a very painful and long recovery when I had my daughter so I was very nervous about having a c-section with my son for the same reasons you have listed. What I had experienced with recovery after my son was NOTHING like recovery after my daughter! What the doctors did was cut in the same place as they had with my daughter. Those nerves and muscles are already dead so my recovery was only a few days before I could physically do what needed to be done as a Mom. I hope this helps. I wish you the best of luck!

Debbie,

First off, I hope you will have someone to stay with you after the baby is born for at least 1-2 weeks after leaving the hospital. I have had 3 c-sect. I was going to try for the vbac, but it didn't end up working out for me. I had failure to progress and when my second came time....it was the same (the 3rd I just had a c-sect.). A very wise friend who had children both natural and c-sect told me.... it hurts either way, you just hurt in different places. I'm actually happy that mine were all c-sect. I now that they say some women fell like they miss the experience, but oh well, the end result is the same isn't it? It doesn't make you any less of a woman. Secondly, you will definately have to be careful with the toddler... you will not be able to pick him up for a while, but you can have him climb up on the couch to sit w/you etc... Life is going to change for him and no matter which way you deliver, he will adjust and adjust just fine... remember that :o) If you are strong about trying for a vbac, go for it. If you fail to progress again, you will end up with the c-sect. (Not much you can do!)

Hope you have a happy and safe delivery!

hi. I've had 3 c-sections. The first was unexpected the second and third were scheduled because I didn't meet the criteria for even trying VBAC. My first was exactly two when I got home with #2. (The birth days are one week apart) The first week was easy because my husband took vacation time to take care of the three of us. My friends helped out a lot by bringing dinners over, helping my hubby with laundry, and I did a lot of cooking then freezing meals a head of time. The recovery time was much shorter the second time around. The surgery was easier as well. Not being in labor at the beginning really does make a big difference. I was up and about quicker and I knew what to expect. To get my toddler out of the crib I would lower the rail have her stand up and put her arms around my body and slide down Mommy slowly so that I didn't really "lift" her. You just have to get creative! It is possiable to take care of toddlers after a c-section. You want to hear nightmare? 10 days before my third c-section my 5yr old broke out in chicken pox...and the day I came home with the new baby the 3yr old had spots! Somehow we managed to muddle through it all and everyone survived!! I will admit to some hysterical tears when I saw the first spots, but 11 years later we can laugh about it!

Nobody wants to admit they need help...but sometimes it is better to ask for or accept help that is offered that to hurt yourself...you do need to be careful after a c-section and pride is no excuse. And if your first child is clingy it is time to work on that now. Also just a word of advise, have Dad carry the baby into the house when you come home from the hospital...have empty arms for that toddler. Also plan some things to do alone with him after you get home with the baby, even if it is a walk around the block or a quick shopping trip...Dad should do that as well every day. It is a big adjustment sharing Mom and Dad. The 5 minutes you take from the begining will really help to keep the green-eyed monsters of jelously away. Good luck & congrats!

I had my first two children by C-section. They are almost three years apart.I had an emergency c section the first time and a scheduled c-section the for my second daughter.I didnt have a hard time caring for my almost three year old when her sister was an infant. I had explained to my first that when the new baby came mommy would need to care for the baby and she could help. I think this kept my oldest from being too clingy . Good Luck. I also had a third child 17 years later and he was a natural vaginal delivery who weighed 9 lbs 9 oz.

I had 2 consecutive c-sections. My son was 14 months old when my daughter was born. My recovery time for the second seemed to be quicker than with the first. Maybe because I had been through it before and I knew what to expect and how to work through it. Maybe because with my first, I tried to give birth vaginally and was in labor for about 16 hours. I was pretty worn out by the time we decided to do the c-section.

I didn't really have any issues taking care of my first child - my son. My daughter napped a lot so when she was napping I would be able to spend time with my son, take a nap, etc. We also took measures to make our 2 story house more user friendly for me. We made the dining room into a playroom for my son. We put a pack-n-play in there so he could nap. We put a changing table and bassinet in the living room so I could care for my daughter. We had a bathroom on the first floor so I didn't have to go up and down the steps much. My husband would take the kids downstairs in the morning before he left for work. We would stay downstairs all day. Then my husband would take the kids upstairs when it was time for bed.

I know you don't want to accept help from others, but please be sure to take care of yourself and don't push yourself too hard. You don't neccessarily have to baby yourself but you do need time to recuperate. Congratulations!

I went through the same thing. For my second c-section my almost two year old was over 30 poinds. I found my recovery time to be less with my second. I think because I knew what to expect for both the surgery and being a parent. It was much easier for me. When dealing with Madison(my oldest) I just had to plan better. If my husband left she couldn't sllep in her crib, she had to sleep in my bed. If he left in the morning he would bring her into our bed. I also tried to make sure everything I needed was out in the living room so I didn't have to walk around to much. All in all I thought it went very well and after about a week I was doing everything just as well as before. I just tried not to do it as much.If my husband was there I let him do it. Everything will be fine, good luck and congrats. !

Hi D.,

I would suggest that you talk to your Dr about a VBAC. I have several friends who had c-sections with their first babies and had successful VBACs with their 2nd. The recovery time is much quicker with a vaginal birth and if you want to have any more children, it gets more and more difficult the more c-sections that you have. If your Dr isn't supportive of VBACs then I would suggest looking for one who is. They can always do another c-section if needed and they will monitor you closely to make sure you don't get to a point where it is dangerous.

If you do decide to go with a scheduled c-section, I have heard that a scheduled section is much easier to recover from than one that happens after several hours of labor. You will not be able to lift your toddler or drive or go up and down the stairs for about two weeks after your baby's birth via c-section, so you will definitely need some help in the early days.

Good luck with whichever route you decide to pursue.

J.
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D.,
please, as quickly as you can, get in touch with a bradley instructor:
http://www.bradleybirth.com/GetTeachers.aspx?statemap=PA
or use the following highly intelligent woman:
BUCKS COUNTY SAIAS, BARRIE & ROGER AAHCC ###-###-#### ____@____.com
or a birthworks instructor:
Brittany McCollum Philadelphia,PA ____@____.com

Please. After reading all of these responses and hearing all of these horrible stories of very serious operations for something we, strong women, know how to do - the only thing that I can recommend is to inform and empower yourself.
Your body and baby know how to birth... your doctors, obviously, do not.
With my first child, I educated myself with Barrie (listed above) and I birthed naturally my hefty baby boy. My second child was born at home - and I was in my shower a half an hour after birth and comfortably in my own home and not a germ infested hospital! (and, by the way, my bladder suspension will be extremely stong because I do kegels every day and my prenatal yoga classes make my perineum stronger everyday, but I wouldn't expect any ob-gyn - or a urologist - to inform you of this fact)
Homebirth may not be for everyone - but educating yourself and making your own informed decisions is...
For the sake of you, your baby, and your sacred body - please get in touch with these intelligent women. They can help you.
best of luck to you and your family,
A.

Hi,
I had my first child vaginally, and my second via c-section and what a difference!!! I found the c-section to be much more difficult!! Anyways, my son was 30 pounds also and 20 months old when my daughter was born...and I was able to care for him in all ways except like you said lifting...I would recommend getting a high chair that you can lower (my lowers to ground level) this way your child can climb in and out himself. I also put him in his booster seat on the ground for snacks too!
Also, I got a babysitter to come to my home in the evenings when my husband was working. She would assist me with bathing and putting my son into his crib at bedtime. This was very helpful & not very expensive since she only came from 6 to 8. A lot of times you can find mother's helpers who are younger students who are able to work after school.
Towards the end of pregnancy too, you should try to lift your child less and less--not only to save your back, but to get your toddler ready for when baby comes! Encourage them to walk like a big boy/girl!
I know it's hard to accept help from others (I'm the same way) but it's very important not to lift for at least 6 weeks to avoid damage! So take the help with lifting at least!!! Good luck, K.

I ve onl had 1 c section however ihave a stepdaughter who was 4 when my baby was born. My advice is to absolutly listen when they say for 2 weeks at least dont pick anything heavy up! Espically dont vaccume:) i had so many issues ater my section, i had an abcest directly on my cut, and it burst aweek after. Let me tellyou the pin of that, half if the cut ripped open.trust me be very careful. I would ask approx how big the baby is like a wee before you are due or 2 if they are planning the section. If the baby is approx 6-7 1/2 lbs. Yu can always try to go natural, and if anything happens they can then do anther section. Good luck

I to have had a sec c-section. But my kids are 8yrs apart. The hardest part with me was that i wasn't able to drive and i needed to get my older children from school.

With recovery i had i think a little better time. I wanted to have the sec prego the natrul way. Didn't happen. Talk to your doc. I have come to learn that no matter which way the baby is born. It just matters that everyone is safe and healty. Best of luck.

I had a c section with my DD 9/04 and a failed VBAC that ended in a c section with my DS 3/06. It was difficult to take care of an 18 month old and a newborn after the surgery. I had my husband the first week, thankgoodness! The second week was a differnt story. There was soo much I could not do with my still very needy daughter....no in and out of the highchair, crib, etc. I am currently pregnant with my 3rd, due in May and I am having some anxiety over caring for 2 little ones and a newboprn after surgery. After that second week it go a lot easier! Good luck to you.

Hi D.,
I had 2 babies through C-section.The first was 18 months old when I had her sister, and I was very glad to have help! I could function OK after 2--3 weeks, but I'd say it was six weeks before I felt recovered. But then, I was 40 at the time, and my surgical cuts were verticle and rather long. If you're younger and have the bikini cut, you might do a lot better.

Especially in the first couple weeks, it's helpful to have someone around just to do lifting and play with the older chld, who will want attention. Remember, you'll need extra rest and sleep to recover from birth and the surgery!

My mom came to stay for a month -- a week before the birth so my older daughter could get used to her, and then 3 weeks after. Our relationship is not the greatest and our parenting philosophies are totally different, but it worked out fine. We both love the children, after all! And my husband helped out when he was home from work. Again, my older daughter benefitted from having special attention from him.

Good luck!
W.

Hi Debbie,

I have 4 boys the first 3 I had natural childbirth with and my last was a c-section. When I had my last son he was breech and that was what called for the c-section. Personally I would never do a c-section again so sure that I had my tubes done a couple months later. It was just me at home and I also don't like to ask for help. My childrens ages were 4,8,10. It took a few months til I was totally pain free from the c-section. I know labor can be long but if you could I would try natural childbirth even if you have to take an epideral. With my first 3 an hour after birth I was up and on my feet with no pain and in a shower.

Best of Luck
Kim

1. You're a mom...accept the help...this is probably the only time people are going to freely offer it...so take it.

2. Your doc will put weight restrictions on your lifting so prepare yourself for that...and your 2 year old.

3. Sit down and have a serious talk with your doc and partner and think about your options...a natural birth is much easier to recover from...also as a doula I would suggest talking to one that will offer a free consultation...I do them all the time...failure to progree can usually be changed....and there are lots of different options for helping a large baby to engage...there are times when natural births aren't going to happen, as a doula I recognize that...I had to have a c-section...but there are times when docs just force it on the patient without listening to what the patient wants...weigh your options and I strongly encourage you to seek out a doula in your area... Best of luck!

I had a vaginal birth with my first but due to placenta previa had to have a c-section with my second- 12 months & 4 days after 1st. My son was small enough that I could pick him up if needed, but I did have lots of help. (my mom is a worry-wort and was very insistent that I not do too much) My husband would get him out of his crib in the morning before he left for work, and put him to bed at night. My mom came most days to help (only lives 5 mins away) and the days she couldn't come, my mom-in-law would come when needed (lives next door, so very convenient). He thankfully was able to climb, so he could climb into his highchair, and even once or twice used a step stool to climb into his crib. With my third, a repeat c-section (my hospital won't do VBAC and I didn't want to have to switch doctors), I again had help, but I have to say the recovery was actually much better for me the second time around. After about 2 weeks from the date of birth, you should be able to do a little more lifting- all depends on how quickly you heal- just pay attention to your body and look for signs/feelings that tell you you are doing too much.
I will say, if you have the option and are comfortable with it, you should consider a VBAC. I would have loved to try, and even though I made the choice not to switch doctors, looking back, I probably would have done things differently.
Good Luck!

Hi D.,

I have to agree with some of the other ladies. I had 2 consecutive c-sections also. My first for the same reason as you, failure to progress and a 9lb. 7oz. baby. My son wa 2 years old, 30 lbs, and still in crib as well. The good thing is that you have time to recover in the hospital for a couple of days and I think those are the worst of the days. And like someone else said, don't be afraid to take the pain meds. That is why the dr. gives them to you. My 2nd recovery was easier than my first as well and I still want a third child so it couldn't have been all that bad!!! Good luck. Also, just have someone, like your significant other, put your toddler in and out of the crib. That is really all that you would want help with.

If you have to have a c-section for the second baby as I did I have TWO very important pieces of advice:

1. Get a pair of really good support garment style underwear. They hold all the "jigglies" nice and close to your body to prevent pain when lifting.

2. DO NOT be afraid of using your percocet to get yourself up and walking, walking, walking! The more walking you do...the faster you will heal and the less the amount of time that you are unable to do your dailey mommy things! (of course also ask for a stool softener)

It is not really that bad, it only lasts for a short time. My oldest was 20 months when the second was born and by day 5 I was in the mall at the play area. It's funny what you're capable of doing when you have no other choice!

P.s. I also need to add that you have to look for the good in everything. What I mean is that although the recovery time is shorter with a VBAC, you bladder suspension will remain intact with a c-section!! In other words, women who have only had c-sections, pee themselves less often when they are 50 years old! (I was told that by a urologist)

Ok reading the resposes I seem to be the only crazy one. I had 2 consecutive c sections (not due to my own choosing). With my second one my first child was 2 days short of a year old. That's right I had 2 c sections in less than a year. My first child was born March 13, 2002 and my second was born March 11, 2003. Let me just say the recovery with the 2nd one was much faster & better. Of course I was in better shape with her I had pre-eclampsia (really bad) with my first so they enduced me 3 weeks early. Anyway I was able to do everything and I did it without the pain medicine. Only advice I can give is take advantage of the recovery in the hospital and take the help where you can get it.

Hi D. -

If you are considered "low risk", there are so many reasons to opt for a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) vs. Cesarean Surgery. Major surgery is not only risky for mother, but for baby as well.
I've provided some links for you that offer great information on VBACs and Cesarean. When decisions are based on fear, there is a greater chance that a mother will suffer regret and possible heartache later. Instead, mothers need to educate themselves with evidence-based information so they are better equipped to make informed-choices.

VBAC

www.vbac.com

www.vbac.org.uk

CESAREAN SURGERY

www.ican.org

Hope those websites are of help. If you would like additional information, please feel free to contact me off list. I have more information in the way of studies and research as well.

L. Leavy, CD, HCHI, CHt.
###-###-####
ALACE Birth Doula / Hypnobabies Childbirth Hypnosis Instructor
Founder Mothering & More Birth Network
State Coordinator Operation Special Delivery, PA, NJ, DE
www.MotheringandMore.org
www.MySpace.com/Hypnosis4Childbirth

I had a c-section with my first (twins) because they were premature and could not handle the trauma of labor. My twins were almost 2 1/2 when I had another child 5 months ago. I had a c-section again because my doctor did not think my stitches could handle full labor. The recovery time was not too bad, but I did need help for the first 2 weeks to care for my twins until I was off lifting restrictions. I understand that need to take care of things by yourself because I have been very independent in raising my children, and only ask for help when I truly need it. Unfortunately, you have to have help for those first few weeks or you run the risk of getting a hernia, which is much worse for surgery and recovery time in the future. Take all the help you can in the beginning, because you really do need it. I was exhausted and really did not feel like myself again until the 6th week. Good luck!

I had a c-section in 1997 for failure to progress and fetal distress. My son was 8lbs. He was 30 lbs at 2. My daughter was born in May of 2000 vaginallY and she was 9lbs7oz. I then had 2 more vaginally in 2003 and 2007. I'd go for the VBAC. Its so much easier and safer - especially if you are planning on having a lot of kids.
The risk of uterine rupture is less than 1%

I'd read this...

http://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ClickedLi...

good luck