How was the experience of having a C-Section?

Question

My fiance and I have been discussing this and I'm just curious to get some insight because I definitely want kids, but I'm just nervous about the whole thing and want the best for me and the baby when we get there. How was the recovery? Have there been any long term affects? Are you glad you chose that over natural birth? Thanks!

Answer 1

I ended up having a c section after 18 hours of labor because of CPD (baby wouldn't fit). At that point I was SOOOO relieved! I loved my c section. And prior to it (if it's scheduled) you get to sit down with the anesthesiologist and tell them basically if you want NO PAIN at all (how I am) or if you want to be somewhat alert (either way you're still alert, just depends on how groggy you want to be). I felt nothing with mine other than the feeling of the doctors tugging and pulling on my body because your upper body can't help to move with them.

Afterwards my teeth were chattering and I was really shakey for maybe a half an hour but that was it. They give you anti-nausea medication along with your anesthesia usually so you don't feel nauseated or anything. Then they came in and pumped my IV full of pain meds once the anesthesia started waring off to get the pain taken care of followed by handing me pills every few hours. You also get lovely room service being a c section patient. Basically it's like being in a hotel (well it was for me at the hospital I was at). I ended up staying in the hospital maybe 72 hours tops. You have a catheter in place for the first 24 hours I think it was so you don't really have to get up and move. It's best to have someone stay with you to help you with the baby and bring the baby to you for feedings. You should get your own room after a c section. Laughing and sneezing caused some pain but if you just hold pressure on your incision during those rare occasions or put a pillow on it, it goes away. Walking is a bit difficult , or was for me, but more stiffness than anything. You just have to be slow and careful with your movements.

My scar healed up brilliantly (just in time for my second to be born). And I didn't have any long term effects. Because I had one last time, I get to have an elected c section this time, so that is another plus to having one.

All in all I prefer that over laboring for hours, was great to just get doped up and enjoy a baby. :) One thing I heard and I noticed was sometimes after c section it takes just a little bit longer for your milk to come in. Took about 6 days at the most for mine to. But just keep that baby on there (if you want to breastfeed) and it comes eventually. But given the choice in the beginning prior to labor, I would definitely have chosen a c section!

I just remembered one thing, the biggest difference on the baby is after a c section babies tend to have a bit more water to suction out, because it normally squeezes out while coming through the birth canal, other than that babies are fine and healthy and that is not even a big deal. In fact even though there are other risks, you also squash many of the dangers of delivering vaginally. You rarely have complications during c sections whereas with vaginally it's common for some problem to arise.

Answer 2

My c-section went extremely well. I was in labor for 19 1/2 hours when they realized my son's heartrate was plummeting and not coming back up quickly after the contraction passed. So, I didn't chose to have it - they had to get me in for an emergency C-section.
I remember shaking alot and my teeth chattering but the nurses told my husband it was due to the epidural and meds they had me on. They had my son out within a minute though during the process of stitching me back up, that took time - I remember getting sick to my stomach too but not throwing up. In recovery they put on nine heated blankets because I was so cold but I really was okay health wise. My healing time was different - they show you how to move and make sure you do it properly. Its best to have someone with you the first few days back home and your healing time is longer than a natural birth.
The only lasting effects I have are the scars and I'm still somewhat numb in the abdomen area since they cut into nerves.

Answer 3

I had a natural birth with an epidural, episiotomy and tears. I am 11 weeks pregnant and will be discussing with my doctor soon if I should chance tearing again or have a C-section. Most women don't get to choose to have a C-section (usually their doctors tell them to or it is an emergency because of risk to the mother/baby etc.) Everyone I know who had C-sections recovered fairly quickly and the long term effects are scars. Hope this helps!

Answer 4

I had no choice in the matter. My son was breech, i had pre-eclampsia and went into pre-term labor at 35 weeks when i had my c-section.
This may sound odd but the whole time i was pregnant i wished for a c-section cause i could not imagine anything coming out of me down there.
It was very painful the first few days. I still hurt for like two weeks. I bled for 6 weeks. I was sore and tired.
My son was born healthy though by the way. I was put to sleep when i had my c-section at my request (they wanted to give me an epidural but who would want to be awake knowing they are getting cut open?)

The only long term thing is where i was cut, it is still numb after 6 years.