info / advice needed re c-section

jemw

Hi Guys

So, as the baby is still breech and ECV is not an option, I have to go to hospital on Friday for a pre-op before my c-section on Monday.

Just wondering if anyone can give me any advice or information that would be useful to have / be aware of?

My concerns really are around :

* not being able to have skin to skin contact almost immediately after the birth (obviously providing there are no medical issues)

* being able to breastfeed, difficulty holding / picking up the baby, etc, due to the wound

* pain relief for after the operation and the effects this has on breastfeeding (i.e. if the drugs leak into the milk?)

* healing properly - I am overweight but reasonably fit (used to gym, hike, take personal trainer sessions), pre preg size 18-20 and worried this may affect the healing process?

I'm nervous at it is, so please no horror stories!

Thanks in advance
Jem

snowmaid

jemw wrote: »

Hi Guys

So, as the baby is still breech and ECV is not an option, I have to go to hospital on Friday for a pre-op before my c-section on Monday.

Just wondering if anyone can give me any advice or information that would be useful to have / be aware of?

My concerns really are around :

* not being able to have skin to skin contact almost immediately after the birth (obviously providing there are no medical issues). They will hold baby to you straight after, perhaps giving him/her to your OH to hold close to you for a few minutes. If you are well, they will give you baby to hold a few hours after.

* being able to breastfeed, difficulty holding / picking up the baby, etc, due to the wound. I had 3 C's and breastfed mine with absolutely no problem.

* pain relief for after the operation and the effects this has on breastfeeding (i.e. if the drugs leak into the milk?) They will give you pain killers that won't effect baby.

* healing properly - I am overweight but reasonably fit (used to gym, hike, take personal trainer sessions), pre preg size 18-20 and worried this may affect the healing process? You should heal fine, but anyone can get infection, overweight or not, whether you have normal birth or not. Watch out for signs of infection which you can ask your midwife about.

I'm nervous at it is, so please no horror stories!

Thanks in advance
Jem

I was up walking the same afternoon. It makes it easier to hold your wound while getting in and out of bed. Put weight onto 1 foot while sitting on the bed, and then the other. Try to walk up straight relatively soon, supporting your wound.

wickyt

Hi Jem,

I'm no expert but my wife gave birth to our daughter via c-section just over 12 weeks ago so I can let you know her experience of it.

This was her 2nd C-Section (the 1st an emergency) so was way more relaxed about it this time around! I imagine the pre-op meeting that you have will be extremely useful and you'll get the chance to ask all your questions and get the correct advice.

I've added our experiences where relevant below.

Good luck with the birth!

jemw wrote: »

Hi Guys

So, as the baby is still breech and ECV is not an option, I have to go to hospital on Friday for a pre-op before my c-section on Monday.

Just wondering if anyone can give me any advice or information that would be useful to have / be aware of?

My concerns really are around :

* not being able to have skin to skin contact almost immediately after the birth (obviously providing there are no medical issues) - our daughter was born and immediately weighed/checked. She was back with my wife within 2/3 minutes. This didn't cause any problems when she first attempted to breast feed which was around 30mins after she was born if memory serves me correct.

* being able to breastfeed, difficulty holding / picking up the baby, etc, due to the wound - my wife did find it tough for the first couple of weeks (both times around). My advice would be to make sure you arrange in advance some help with day to day tasks such as washing, ironing etc and really take it easy. Again, having someone on hand to help change/dress the baby will help.

* pain relief for after the operation and the effects this has on breastfeeding (i.e. if the drugs leak into the milk?) - Not aware of any issue but that's defintly a question for the Pre-Op and one I'm not qualified to answer. My wife certainly had some tablets however I can't remember what they were and they didn't impact any breast feeding.

* healing properly - I am overweight but reasonably fit (used to gym, hike, take personal trainer sessions), pre preg size 18-20 and worried this may affect the healing process?

I'm nervous at it is, so please no horror stories! - No horror stories here! Our daughter is now 3 months old and thankfully very contented! All the very best!

Thanks in advance
Jem

galvanizersbaby

Hi OP

I have had 2 planned C sections - first one like you due to DS being breech at 39 weeks
My answers to your questions below:

* not being able to have skin to skin contact almost immediately after the birth (obviously providing there are no medical issues) - had skin to skin contact pretty much as soon as baby was born - then took another 30 mins odd for surgeon to sew up so baby was returned to me as soon as possible after this

* being able to breastfeed, difficulty holding / picking up the baby, etc, due to the wound - I was able to breastfeed with help from the midwives - I had baby on a pillow next to me most of the time because it was tricky if he was back in his cot and I would have to call a midwife to pick him up and hand him to me

* pain relief for after the operation and the effects this has on breastfeeding (i.e. if the drugs leak into the milk?) - as far as I'm aware the drugs they will give you don't affect your milk

* healing properly - I am overweight but reasonably fit (used to gym, hike, take personal trainer sessions), pre preg size 18-20 and worried this may affect the healing process? - I didn't have any problems and the midwives/HV's checked the wound regularly for signs of infection.

One thing I would advise is not to forget to take very high waisted pants in with you so that there is absolutely no chance of the waistband catching on your c section wound.
The bigger and higher the waist the better (though obviously you don't want them falling down!)
Good luck x

tiamai_d

jemw wrote: »

My concerns really are around :

* not being able to have skin to skin contact almost immediately after the birth (obviously providing there are no medical issues) You can, speak to your MW about this on Monday. DH held DD close to me because I was too scared to move (personal issues for me, not directly due to the C section), soon as I was in post op, she was cuddled into me and had her first breast feed.

* being able to breastfeed, difficulty holding / picking up the baby, etc, due to the wound You get used to it. Slightly uncomfortable but no more than after a vaginal birth. I managed after the emergency C section (complicated and I was in a lot of pain afterwards) and the elective. The elective was far easier, I used a pillow, so baby lay on the pillow which helped take the pressure of my scar.

* pain relief for after the operation and the effects this has on breastfeeding (i.e. if the drugs leak into the milk?) The drugs they usually use have little or no effect on your milk. Take your pain releif as they offer it, if you are on any that can only be given at set times, make sure you are there to get it. I missed one when at SCBU and it was a nightmare! While taking the pain releif, I felt fine.

* healing properly - I am overweight but reasonably fit (used to gym, hike, take personal trainer sessions), pre preg size 18-20 and worried this may affect the healing process? I was a 16-18 and healed up very quickly after the elective. I was driving after 2 weeks. The first week I spent walking up and down to SCBU several times a day, and it was a long walk. Get up and about as soon as you can, it really does help.

I'm nervous at it is, so please no horror stories!

I'd be more worried if you were not nervous. My experience of the elective C section was very good. I didn't enjoy it as such but it was nowhere near as bad as I imagined. We both came out of it safe and sound which is worth more than I can ever describe.

Answers in red. Best of luck!

The hardest part is the actual walking into the theatre then the spinal. After that you just lie back and try to relax.

Just to add, when I still had my catheter in (12 hours after the op it is usually removed), I had to call the MW to lift DD in and out the crib (she was with me the first night, taken to SCBU the next day), at 11pm it was removed, I went for a shower and managed to lift her in and out from then on. I was up and dressed at 8am the next morning waiting to go for breakfast because I was STARVING!

honeypop

I had an emergency CS 10 months ago, so here's my responses on your worries...

jemw wrote: »

Hi Guys

So, as the baby is still breech and ECV is not an option, I have to go to hospital on Friday for a pre-op before my c-section on Monday.

Just wondering if anyone can give me any advice or information that would be useful to have / be aware of?

My concerns really are around :

* not being able to have skin to skin contact almost immediately after the birth (obviously providing there are no medical issues) My husband did skin to skin as soon as the baby had been weighed/checked, i read up on this as I was worried I would need a CS (and was right!) and apparently it is very beneficial if the mum can't do it. He whipped his surgical top off and they handed him our baby and covered them with a towel.

* being able to breastfeed, difficulty holding / picking up the baby, etc, due to the wound BF was no problem, but I did have to do it 'rugby ball hold' style, so the weight wasn't on my wound. OH was around for the weeks following, so did pretty much everything like dressing, nappy changes etc and all I did was cuddles and feeding! The wound did get painful, and I knew when I had done too much and needed to stop, don't underestimate how much rest you will need. Yes some people are up and about the same day, but there are a lot of people who cannot do much at all for many weeks. Make sure you have as much help as possible for the weeks following birth, it took me about 5 weeks to be able to do daily things comfortably.

* pain relief for after the operation and the effects this has on breastfeeding (i.e. if the drugs leak into the milk?) I was on 2 sets of pain relief tablets for 8 weeks afterwards and was told this did not affect the milk.

* healing properly - I am overweight but reasonably fit (used to gym, hike, take personal trainer sessions), pre preg size 18-20 and worried this may affect the healing process? As long as the wound is kept clean and air can get to it, you should be fine. Without being crude, I was a only a little overweight and where the cut was made then created a 'lip' where my belly would sag over. If this happens, make especially sure that the area is kept dry and clean and aired regularly, as the fold over of skin can make it a bit yucky.

I'm nervous at it is, so please no horror stories!

I found it very useful to wear knickers 2 sizes bigger than usual, proper 'granny pants' as they came up nice and high past the wound and so there was no rubbing or agitation of the cut. Very comfy, and a must have for all CS mums! And loose waistband-ed trousers, I wore my maternity tracksuit bottoms.

Thanks in advance
Jem

Britwife

I had a c-section due to my daughter being breech too, that was after a painful but failed ecv.

My concerns really are around :

* not being able to have skin to skin contact almost immediately after the birth (obviously providing there are no medical issues) My baby was given to my dh and we sat for a few moments with her right after birth. They finished closing me up and while they did this, the nurses took my baby and got her cleaned up and dressed. They met me in recovery and she never left my side the entire hospital stay. She is now 17 months old and I breastfed her till she was 16 months old.

* being able to breastfeed, difficulty holding / picking up the baby, etc, due to the wound. I has no issues breastfeeding, holding her or picking her up. It was a bit painful but nothing too bad. I positioned her bed right next to mine so it was easy to get her. I never heard her cry in the hospital.

* pain relief for after the operation and the effects this has on breastfeeding (i.e. if the drugs leak into the milk?) The best advice I got from the nurses were to take my pain meds and I'm really glad I did because it gave me the chance to recover in a relaxed way instead of being tensed in pain and dealing with a newborn. The drugs I took didn't have any effect on my milk or her.

* healing properly - I am overweight but reasonably fit (used to gym, hike, take personal trainer sessions), pre preg size 18-20 and worried this may affect the healing process? I was overweight too, the worst part was going into the shower to remove the bandage tape (the sooner you get that off the better for healing) I cleaned the are gently with a face cloth 2x a day and no issues at all with my wound.

I'm nervous at it is, so please no horror stories! This birth and aftercare was the best out of my children.

You will be in recovery for a few hours, they may keep you longer if you have a higher bmi and will get a few herapin injections, those hurt and leave bruises but just admire your new baby and it's a peice of cake. This is to help prevent blod clots. I had to stay in recovery for 6 hours. In our hospital, the first day's meals are brought to you but after that you have to go out in the hall to get your meals. I didn't get up the first day as by the time I got to my room, it was late so the catheter was removed the next morning. They will come to you and help you get up the first time, this will be very painful, I had to sit right back down. I gave it another go a few hours later on my own and did good. Each time you get up, it's gets easier and less painful. Also, be careful if you have to remove the bandage in the shower on your own, I felt ready to pass out and had to pull the emergency cord. So just look for the signs and sit down, was nothing major though.

I went home after 3 days and felt wonderful. Just take your time in moving around and don't over do it, you have plenty of time later to do whatever, this time is all about you recovering and bonding with your baby.

Wish you all the best!

jcr16

hiya i've had 3 section, first i was in labour fully dilated ready to go and realised at last moment baby was breach and distressedso emergancy section, 2nd baby over due he just wouldn't come and third baby was breach again.

i must say due to the first being an emergancy i don't really have any recollection of what actually happened. so when i went for my pre op meeting wth my second i found it very scary everything they said but when it is actually happening there is no pain no discomfort at all. the staff were amazing. the staff were so reasurring the whole way through. while i was getting all prepared hubby was able to go off get chanced and hands etc all washed.

the weirdest feeling ever is when they are spraying your tummy with i think ice wwater or something to see where your numbness is getting to. anyway they kept asking and saying can u feel it. and i said ony just and that when she got to about my boobs then she said can u feel anything and i said no, and she replied thats good cause we've nearly got baby here. which was just amazing.

i was then handed my baby all immediatly and baby laid on my chest for a few min's. then while they wer esewing me back up baby went off with daddy and midwife to get dressed. so daddy got some 1 to 1 time with baby which was wonderful.

then they wheeled me into recovered and brought a cuppa in and i just chilled.

as for pain they give you as much as you need but i found i didn't need much. they put inflatable things on your legs and give u a catheter but by next morning it has all gone and your able to get up and about and walk about virtually pain free. however with my 3rd section i found i recovered much quicker. i had my baby wed's mid morning and i was home fri. wanted to come home thursday but hubby said he didn't want me to rush it. bless him.

also they aren't too keen on you having a bath , but the next day after baby born i went off for a fab bath with lots of bubble bath ( scar was still covered over ,but perhaps not wise if dressing off) and washed my hair. made myself feel gorgeous. then got back to my bed, painted my toe nails, put makeup on. felt fantastic.

as for scarring my scars have all completely gone and healed really well. my third scar too slightly longer to heal .

Mely

My concerns really are around :

* not being able to have skin to skin contact almost immediately after the birth (obviously providing there are no medical issues)

* being able to breastfeed, difficulty holding / picking up the baby, etc, due to the wound >> I breastfed both times after a c section. The midwife will help you with this and dont be afraid to ask for all the help available!!!! Using a cushion under baby will help you greatly,both in hospital and at home.

* pain relief for after the operation and the effects this has on breastfeeding (i.e. if the drugs leak into the milk?)>> I never even thought of this and both my babies where fine. I had a voltarol pessary:o in the recovery room afterwards and i found this to be excellent. Its a few years since i had mine though and there may be even better drugs available now? Once on the ward you will be hooked up to a self administering morphine drip...enjoy - i know i did! lol.

* healing properly - I am overweight but reasonably fit (used to gym, hike, take personal trainer sessions), pre preg size 18-20 and worried this may affect the healing process?>>> I wouldnt have thought that weight is an issue with the healing process. It is important to get mobile asap after the op,otherwise there can be problems as you become stiffer the longer you leave it as the stitches can tighten if you dont move. DO NOT get up the first time without assistance from a nurse, as you will feel a bit wobbly on your legs and the would can feel tender/tight but the more you walk about the easier it gets - i promise!
You just have to take it easy and be sensible. And have help when you get home for a while. Dont push yourself too much either and think... oh im ok i can do that...as quite often if you do too much, too soon it will knock you back!
I just wanted to add that i bonded the same way with my 2 ceasarean babies as i did with my non ceasarean babies. And the c section didnt affect the breastfeeding, although it is uncomfortable at first you will be glad you persevered, and dont forget that cushion!
I hope this has helped!
Good luck with your little one!
Mel x

galvanizersbaby

jcr16 wrote: »

hiya i've had 3 section, first i was in labour fully dilated ready to go and realised at last moment baby was breach and distressedso emergancy section, 2nd baby over due he just wouldn't come and third baby was breach again.

i must say due to the first being an emergancy i don't really have any recollection of what actually happened. so when i went for my pre op meeting wth my second i found it very scary everything they said but when it is actually happening there is no pain no discomfort at all. the staff were amazing. the staff were so reasurring the whole way through. while i was getting all prepared hubby was able to go off get chanced and hands etc all washed.

the weirdest feeling ever is when they are spraying your tummy with i think ice wwater or something to see where your numbness is getting to. anyway they kept asking and saying can u feel it. and i said ony just and that when she got to about my boobs then she said can u feel anything and i said no, and she replied thats good cause we've nearly got baby here. which was just amazing.

i was then handed my baby all immediatly and baby laid on my chest for a few min's. then while they wer esewing me back up baby went off with daddy and midwife to get dressed. so daddy got some 1 to 1 time with baby which was wonderful.

then they wheeled me into recovered and brought a cuppa in and i just chilled.

as for pain they give you as much as you need but i found i didn't need much. they put inflatable things on your legs and give u a catheter but by next morning it has all gone and your able to get up and about and walk about virtually pain free. however with my 3rd section i found i recovered much quicker. i had my baby wed's mid morning and i was home fri. wanted to come home thursday but hubby said he didn't want me to rush it. bless him.

also they aren't too keen on you having a bath , but the next day after baby born i went off for a fab bath with lots of bubble bath ( scar was still covered over ,but perhaps not wise if dressing off) and washed my hair. made myself feel gorgeous. then got back to my bed, painted my toe nails, put makeup on. felt fantastic.

as for scarring my scars have all completely gone and healed really well. my third scar too slightly longer to heal .

This part brings back memories for me too...I think they started at my feet with the cold water spray - they were asking me to wiggle my toes and I couldn't see if I was able to wiggle them or not cos my bump was too big.
However they were wiggling when they shouldn't have been so I ended up having to have the spinal again (not a horror story honest op) - was just a bit awkward trying to sit up again being half numb
They were great though and everything went very smoothly when I went in to have my 2nd c section with DD - I found the staff at the hospital great both times

bonty44

Gosh, this all brings back memories, DS1 was born by emergency caesarean 8 years ago; no problems with skin to skin and what I will never ever forget is the way DS1 stared right into my eyes when he was born, I saw him within seconds, and he looked as if he'd known me forever, so if I had any issues with the way he'd been born they disappeared immediately, it was a wonderful experience, the theatre staff were great and it was all very positive. The only thing I didn't reckon on was how quickly the area round my scar could get smelly! (hot weather and I was a bit too scared to get too close to it!!!)

A V-pillow for feeding DS1 was a godsend; through the first night I couldn't pick him up out of the crib and felt a bit self-conscious ringing the buzzer, but that was me with the issues, not the hospital!