United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

Hi! I am scheduled for a c-section this Tuesday. My first two births were natural of course the second resulting in Savannahs RBPI. I am just wondering if anyone has any c-section advice out there? I am just nervous about the whole surgery thing and spinal. But I honestly can't imagine a birth going any worse than what we experienced last time. I just want Trey(this baby) to come out breathing and alright and to get to see that he's o.k. Have a great weekend everyone! Heather :O)

I don't have any advice but will be thinking of you Tuesday. Best of Luck and keep us updated.

I don't know about advice, but you'll be so pleased I bet. My second was by c-section (of course because the first went so bad!) and it was nice and peaceful and easy. Of course, it is surgery...and you'll be quite sore the first few days, but I can't say it was worse than the pain I had after my first was born. I had epidurals with both babies. They are a little freaky, but you'll be fine. It doesn't hurt, you'll just feel an electric zing down your legs when they're putting it in. It only lasts a second or two. The c-section is weird too. Some of the equipment they use makes your stomach muscles jump and it almost feels like the baby is kicking you really hard. You'll feel movement and some pressure, but you won't feel pain. Afterwards, take your pain pills, don't let the pain "get ahead" of you, eat very lightly the first day the baby is born (I had some nausea with the pain medicine. I also had itching, but ask for something for that too) and take lots of pictures! C-section babies have beautiful round heads! Best of luck! You'll do great!
Jaime
If you want any more information, e-mail me and we can chat. (not sure how much you want to know! ))
Jaime

In some hospitals they do this automatically and in some hospitals they don't. So it would be something to ask about... Ask for pain medications before they make the incision - this way you are on top of the pain rather than always trying to catch it. Also a PCA pump for those first hours would be pretty invaluable. I've had clients who have had multiple c-sections and they swear by this new method in comparison to how it was done in the past.

Also - talk to the doctor about the size of the incision. Some doctors cut a smaller incision so that the woman has a smaller scar and so that the baby has somewhat of a "vaginal" experience...and then they use forceps or vacuum extraction to take the baby out of this small opening. This is one of the reasons you hear about bpi's with c-section.

That's all I can think of for now... Good luck Heather!! Soon you will have your baby in your arms!!
Big hugs,
-francine

Enjoy no labor...ha ha ha. My c-section 2nd birth was a beautiful experience, I saw my baby after she was delivered. And, even though I already new the sex I had them call it out when she was delivered because I missed that the first time around...(the delivering doc never told me, the NICU dr told me once she was stabilized!!).

A few things that suprised me, one my spouse wasn't allowed in the OR while I got the epidural and it was kind of lonely those few minutes without him. The spinal worked very fast, which was a strange sensation. Once they put it in, it starts right away so they rush to get you to lay down before you're 100% dead weight. I also wasn't expecting to be that nauseous from the anesthesia, but I was. I threw up 2x in delivery, and most of the afternoon...felt like a bad hangover really...room spinning. I'm not saying this to scare you, just to let you know of things that you might not expect.

Again though, my c-section experience and hospital stay were so much more enjoyable!!!!!


Best wishes, I'll be thinking of you.

After Mike our first both my other children were born c-sec...
I know you have to be nervous I was- for both but they both went beautifully.

I definately agree don't let the pain get you use the pain meds and get mobile as soon as you can... also drink tons of water even though you don't feel like it.

You know the only thing I wished I'd asked was if they have to leave so much extra skin. use the pressure wrap if they offer or ask for it..

Good luck, we'll be praying for you and your family and your beautiful new baby!

Thank you all for all of the advice. I will definately ask my dr. about all that you talked about and make sure I take my pain meds on time. It helps so much to talk to moms who have been there done that. And thanks so much for the support and prayers! Heather :O)

Good luck Heather! Please let us know how everything went as soon as you're up to it!

Kim

Heather, Congrats! and good luck on Tuesday. I just wanted to say don't worry about the C-Section. Mine was so easy and my hubby was there the whole time. It's so nice so be able to sit and go to the bathroom without any pain. Not trying to be gross, but just letting you know that there's a lot of good from C-Sections. Also, I had the bikini cut and it's a little weird when they remove the staples (tingly) and it feels numb for a long time, but it's not too painful. Especially compared to the 4th degree!

Enjoy your gift!

Tammie

Good luck. My first two were natural and the third was a scheduled section. I have to tell you it was cake compared to the first two!!! Its a WHOLE different experience--just try to enjoy it. I really didnt have a LOT of pain. The nurses were surprised that I ASKED to have my pain meds reduced. I didnt like feeling out of it all the time so they cut the dose in half and it was just right. (keep that in mind) I did have the nurses keep the baby through the nite so I could get a good night sleep. I stayed in the hospital 5 days and I totally took advantage--knowing I was going home with a newborn and two waiting for me at home. Just try and enjoy the experience. I really did and have nothing bad to say about c sections. Good luck again!