Things we should have been told!
Printed From: OHbaby!
Category: Support
Forum Name: C-Section Support
Forum Description: Had a caesarian section? Planning an elective caesar? Or a VBAC? Or want to know about recovering from a c-section? Talk to other mums who have had c-section deliveries here.
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=8068
Printed Date: 18 December 2024 at 1:40am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Things we should have been told!
Posted By: Two Blondinis
Subject: Things we should have been told!
Date Posted: 07 June 2007 at 11:42am
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#1 You get the shakes due to all of the drugs being given to you so quickly
#2 You get REALLY tight *down there* for ages afterwards (for some) making BDing uncomfortable #3 Having a CS does NOT mean you will have problems bonding with your baby anymore/anyless than a VB #4 Having a CS does not mean you can't breast feed #5 It's really not as bad as some would have you believe Feel free to add  ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
 
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Replies:
Posted By: nuttymama
Date Posted: 07 June 2007 at 1:26pm
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Amen to that.
The bonding thing is a big one, I bonded just as easily with Abby as I did with the boys. Also it not being as bad as some would have you believe. I actually found it easier to recover from my ceaser than from all the nasty stitches I got from No1's natural birth. #No 6 take good care of your back afterwards as the chances are it received a bashing from the medical team before,during and after your birth. ------------- Abigail 06/01/2005 Jayden 21/11/2001 Micheal 03/04/1997 |
Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 07 June 2007 at 2:17pm
Yes the back thing, your ligaments have still softened as though for VB so you need to be careful in the next 6 months-ish.
#7 The Doc is going to ask you afterwards if you are passing gas. It's not cause he smelt something; he's just checking that your bowels are working okay. #8 You will probably get your AF back sooner than if you had had a VB. -------------  |
two blondinis wrote:Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 07 June 2007 at 3:09pm
Oh good it wasn't just me. I thought it was just 'cos we hadn;t "held hands" in so long! 
Oh I vividly remember the shakes!!! I actually think that was the worst part for me! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 07 June 2007 at 9:35pm
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Oh my gosh tell me about the shakes, DP was really concerned as after an hour they finally told us it was normal!
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Posted By: baalamb
Date Posted: 07 June 2007 at 10:04pm
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LOL busymum, I was SOOOOO excited when I passed gas because that meant I was allowed some food then! After so long of not having it, the plastic hospital food was bliss.
I really love Toni's #5. It really isn't as bad as you imagine (I guess it's relatively easy to say this though, after having a truly ideal recovery!). #9 - Don't watch America's Funniest Home Videos two days after your operation we took a TV into the hospital and I had to tell DH to turn it off because I was in fits of laughter/agony from just listening to him laughing.
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Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 07 June 2007 at 10:27pm
Oh yes! Don't get the sneezes! 
I didn't have the "no food until gassing" rule. I'm not sure why. I delivered (or they did  ) at 9.40pm, sat up to feed baby between 2 and 3am and chucked... then at 5am I couldn't hold out any longer and I got the nurse to bring me some toast! Are you saying she wasn't supposed to do that? Maybe it's cause I had chucked and was obviously weak?------------- |
Posted By: Bombshell
Date Posted: 07 June 2007 at 10:56pm
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OMG you mean to tell me i wasnt meant to eat the cream eggs emma bought up to me??? LMAO!!!
I wasnt told of the ITCH you can get while in surgery!!! still the worst part of mine i think!!! I wasnt warned of what i call the EPISHOCK - the pain that shoots up my back with out warning every so often now! |
Posted By: Peace
Date Posted: 08 June 2007 at 8:37pm
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(9) Always mentally prepare yourself for the possibility of a c/s because even though you may feel "robbed" of your birthing experience, it is not the worst thing that could ever happen to you.
(10) Make sure that you have a rope tied to the bed leg at the bottom of your bed that stretches to your pillow, because you have no stomach muscles to get out of bed to baby and will need something to help pull you up. Failing that have your DH push you up
(11) You can still have contractions after delivery. ------------- DD1 May 2006 DD2 March 2011 DD3 August 2012 |
Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 08 June 2007 at 9:42pm
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You can use the electric settings of the bed to get you sitting up. Or put the "cot" side up partly so you can pull up on that.
I wish I knew they could have given me paracetomol instead of panadol, instead of taking so many tries to get the panadol swallowed! ------------- |
Posted By: mamanee
Date Posted: 08 June 2007 at 11:41pm
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I had this thing they called a 'monkey bar' which hung above me bed for me to hang on to to pull myself up with. Still blardy hurt though!
And I can't believe how much I shook! I started shaking immediately after the spinal started working. Oh and try really really hard not to vomit the night after you've had surgery as this hurts so badly! |
Posted By: Peace
Date Posted: 09 June 2007 at 11:07am
I was talking about when you get home girls, not in the actual hospital bed  There's no monkey bars/cotsides/or electric settings on my bed!------------- DD1 May 2006 DD2 March 2011 DD3 August 2012 |
Posted By: MyMinis
Date Posted: 09 June 2007 at 11:22am
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these are interesting things to know, this list is great.
with the epi i had for my forceps delivery i had the pain shooting up and down my back every now and then to, was really annoying but disapeared. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
http://tweetytweety85.bebo.com - bebo |
Posted By: Sarah Beth
Date Posted: 09 June 2007 at 11:58am
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12. Try and get up and moving as soon as you can (with the help of midwives/nurses in hospital), it will make you feel more 'normal' and help recovery
13. If you do feel a bit let down or upset by the birth experience, talk to someone. There are people out there who can help you work through the issues you may face. Ask your midwife or doctor for a referal to maternal mental health. They specialise in that sort of thing. ------------- "> 
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Posted By: switches
Date Posted: 10 June 2007 at 7:30pm
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LMAO ------------- Tina http://www.bump-and-beyond.com/"> 
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Posted By: kell
Date Posted: 11 June 2007 at 2:10pm
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Oh the itch! My face was awful, I had cold flannels etc on me for hours. Its from the Morphine I was told.
13~Take some Arnica drops with you, I think these helped me alot. 14~Normal knickers dont feel good! Have some granny undies packed so your DH doesnt have to shopping for them
------------- Kayla Rose is now 4! James Sydney is nearly 2! |
Posted By: switches
Date Posted: 11 June 2007 at 5:26pm
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------------- Tina http://www.bump-and-beyond.com/">
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Posted By: Sarah Beth
Date Posted: 11 June 2007 at 6:49pm
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15. All the extra maternity pads you purchased can be used to keep your scar dry (for the saggy belly girls like me that is), fold in half and shove fold part on scar and the saggy belly will hold the pad in place. Will help prevent infection ------------- ">
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Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 11 June 2007 at 8:38pm
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I wish I was told about the nana knickers! I wore DP's for at least 4 weeks after!!!! |
Posted By: Two Blondinis
Date Posted: 11 June 2007 at 10:30pm
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LMFAO!!!! OMG that is so funny Amy (probably because I know your DP *tries to control the giggles*)
I second what SarahBeth said about talking to someone about any bad feelings you had about the birth. I was fine until about 4 months post-op then it all came crashing down on me. I requested my labour notes and had a good long chat with my MW and feel heaps better about it now. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Two Blondinis
Date Posted: 12 June 2007 at 2:42pm
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Just making this a bit easier to read
#1 You get the shakes due to all of the drugs being given to you so quickly #2 You get REALLY tight *down there* for ages afterwards (for some) making BDing uncomfortable #3 Having a CS does NOT mean you will have problems bonding with your baby anymore/anyless than a VB #4 Having a CS does not mean you can't breast feed #5 It's really not as bad as some would have you believe # 6 take good care of your back afterwards as the chances are it received a bashing from the medical team before,during and after your birth #7 The Doc is going to ask you afterwards if you are passing gas. It's not cause he smelt something; he's just checking that your bowels are working okay. #8 You will probably get your AF back sooner than if you had had a VB. #9 Don't watch America's Funniest Home Videos two days after your operation. We took a TV into the hospital and I had to tell DH to turn it off because I was in fits of laughter/agony from just listening to him laughing. #10 the ITCH you can get while in surgery!!! still the worst part of mine i think!!! (from the morphine) #11 I wasnt warned of what i call the EPISHOCK - the pain that shoots up my back with out warning every so often now! #12 Always mentally prepare yourself for the possibility of a c/s because even though you may feel "robbed" of your birthing experience, it is not the worst thing that could ever happen to you. #13 Make sure that you have a rope tied to the bed leg at the bottom of your bed that stretches to your pillow, because you have no stomach muscles to get out of bed to baby and will need something to help pull you up. Failing that have your DH push you up #14 You can still have contractions after delivery. #15 try really really hard not to vomit the night after you've had surgery as this hurts so badly #16 Try and get up and moving as soon as you can (with the help of midwives/nurses in hospital), it will make you feel more 'normal' and help recovery #17 Take some Arnica drops with you, I think these helped me alot. (and Rescue Remedy) #18 Normal knickers dont feel good! Have some granny undies packed so your DH doesnt have to shopping for them #19 All the extra maternity pads you purchased can be used to keep your scar dry (for the saggy belly girls like me that is), fold in half and shove fold part on scar and the saggy belly will hold the pad in place. Will help prevent infection #20 If you do feel a bit let down or upset by the birth experience, talk to someone. There are people out there who can help you work through the issues you may face. Ask your midwife or doctor for a referal to maternal mental health. They specialise in that sort of thing. #21 At antenatal class you'll be told that there could be 10 people in the theatre with you and how scary that will be, in reality you don't notice, there are only 3 important people in there - you, your partner and bubs! #22 It really does feel like someone doing the dishes in your stomach (or rumaging in a handbag lol) ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: justme
Date Posted: 14 June 2007 at 4:50pm
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This is excellent ladies - great idea putting this thread together Two blondinis Loads of stuff I didn't know & really helpful! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 14 June 2007 at 5:06pm
I actually didn't feel anything apart from some funny pulling at the beginning. The thoughts started running through my head and I felt particularly nervous (I'm also prone to fainting at medical events) so I got talking with the anaethetist. She was lovely and it made me feel heaps better, she also got me talking about the baby and did I know if it was a boy or girl etc, so it was really easy to talk like that.  ------------- |
Posted By: mamanee
Date Posted: 14 June 2007 at 5:08pm
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Another thing I didn't know up until a few days before my surgery was that they will ask you whether you want the catheter put in before or after the spinal.
Before the spinal, you will feel this and it will be extremely uncomfortable but probably a little bit more private as the nurse or midwife will do it before you are in the operating room. If you choose to have it put in after the spinal (I did) you won't feel a thing but will have it put in while 10 people are in the room. (this didn't really bother me, as they are going to see a whole lot more of you anyway) The nurse tried to convince me that it was better to do it before because of privacy reasons. NO WAY did I want to feel that. Another one I found was that lying on your side is impossible for the first couple of days and the nurses always tried to make me lie on my side to feed Sam and this just made me cry out in pain which made feeding really difficult. So let them know very sternly that it is too painful otherwise they keep making you try to turn on your side. 
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Posted By: Sarah Beth
Date Posted: 14 June 2007 at 5:16pm
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and the operating theartr will not look like shortland st, and there will be no mcdreamy (much to my dissapointment!) ------------- ">
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Posted By: Two Blondinis
Date Posted: 14 June 2007 at 7:03pm
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for privacy?!?!?!
I think the most important thing anyone ever said to me about childbirth (CS or VB) "you leave your dignity at the door" ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 14 June 2007 at 7:35pm
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I couldn't lie on my side either, I'm glad no one tried to push that on me! ------------- |
Posted By: justme
Date Posted: 14 June 2007 at 8:50pm
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actual LOl! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: mamanee
Date Posted: 16 June 2007 at 9:58pm
Oooo my anaesthetist was actually really spunky! He was really nice too and kept making me laugh which wasn't very helpful for the surgeon! Although I'm sure he saw more of me than he probably ever wanted to!
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Posted By: baalamb
Date Posted: 18 June 2007 at 9:00am
I truly wish, wish, wish that I had been asked this. I did not get an option and the catheter was put in before the epi (or any pain relief for that matter) and MAN, did it freaken hurt!! at one stage I absolutely grabbed my mums hand and squeezed so hard and swore at the midwife! She goes 'oh sorry... my fault.' Damn right it was her fault! Ouch, I'll never forget that pain.
I had an amazing anaesthetist too. I told him I was scared and he was so, so calming and talked me through the whole process. I think by default that made him hot 
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Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 19 June 2007 at 9:23pm
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I think this should be a sticky, any objections? ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
 (02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 19 June 2007 at 10:36pm
Great idea!  ------------- |
Posted By: justme
Date Posted: 20 June 2007 at 8:29pm
hope mine is spunky too - that could make it more worthwhile huh?! well.. we gotta get some thrills some how! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 20 June 2007 at 8:41pm
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Another thing I wish I knew (but no one would have been able to tell me LOL) is that I was allergic in some way to the regular dissolvable stitches. c/s stitches are different from VB stitches and after my c/s, my body reacted to the stitches they had used and started to reject them - as in, the stitches were getting worked to the surface and had to be pulled out because they would not dissolve. I didn't even know such reactions existed! ------------- |
Posted By: james
Date Posted: 20 June 2007 at 11:26pm
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if you are still in pain 3 days after it is your right to ask for popur pain meds not just panadol .
if after the broith you feel yucky and sticky ask the midwifes for a bedbath i had one and i almost felt human again. call the midwife as much as you may need them thats why they are there and thats what they get paid for. get your vistour to make your tea/ coffee/sandwhich. rest all you can in the hospital. dont what ever you do go to town just after you have gottn home just to have your mum push you around in a wheelchair because you are to weak and tried from the brith. when they go to get you up the day after baby is born it will hurt like hellll!!!!!!! ------------- <a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://b4.lilypie.com/nLJ5p13.png" alt="Lilypie 4th Birthday Ticker" border="0" /></a> |
Posted By: Glow
Date Posted: 21 June 2007 at 6:30am
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Nobody told me i couldn't drive or walk stairs for up to 6wks.. until being discharged home with a recovery booklet & being faced with 2 flights of stairs to get into my house & 20kms from civilization
If your still got your catheter in & you still feel you need to pee; your catheter is kinked & your bowels/intestines & urinary tract are fine ------------- Mummy of Two Boys B: 2004 K: 2007 |
Posted By: Two Blondinis
Date Posted: 21 June 2007 at 10:18am
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I wasn't told anything at all when I left hospital other than "don't lift anything heavier than your baby", nada about what exercises I should be doing, when I asked about the no driving for 6 weeks I was told that was something the USA need to protect themselves from major insurance claims ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Sarah Beth
Date Posted: 21 June 2007 at 10:27am
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I was told not to drive for 6 weeks, and my midwife wouldn't even let me drive early either (when most can). Stairs were fine, just had to take my time. ------------- ">
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Posted By: luna
Date Posted: 21 June 2007 at 11:51am
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This is great. My personal experiences to 'add' (thought they are similar) are ..
When you first get out of bed to go to the shower/toilet, you'll feel really, really shaky and weak - have someone help you! Getting your catheter out doesn't hurt (I thought it might). The first shower felt like heaven, even though I'd had a sponge bath. And just for the record .. they only sponge your arms/legs ... not any of those more private areas
Your locchia may actually be lighter than you expect - this is sometimes cos you lose so much during the C/S, or because they give you a good clean out. Driving for the first time after 6 weeks is just plain WEIRD ... I felt really spaced out. ------------- Selina http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 21 June 2007 at 2:11pm
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Learning to pee again: do it sitting in the shower or bath.
Driving: Apparently even if you feel up to driving you shouldn't for 6 weeks, cause if you have to slam on the brakes it will hurt you iside so much that you let go of the brake and cause an accident. ------------- |
Posted By: Sarah Beth
Date Posted: 21 June 2007 at 2:49pm
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don't know about anyone else, but I also felt so happy to finally poo. Made me feel pleased that everything was working properly again (took about 4 days for it to happen) ------------- ">
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Posted By: james
Date Posted: 21 June 2007 at 3:02pm
yep me too sarah beth hehehe but mine hurt i was floded in two  now this may be tmi but i could feel everything ------------- <a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://b4.lilypie.com/nLJ5p13.png" alt="Lilypie 4th Birthday Ticker" border="0" /></a> |
Posted By: SarahJ
Date Posted: 11 August 2007 at 4:29pm
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My midwife told me I could drive when I could:
- roll out of bed without pain - stomp my foot really hard without pain Its only taken 2.5 weeks and my insurance company told me I'm covered completely no matter how long I wait after a c-section. So I'm driving, and feel fine. Oh and something else. Don't be alarmed if the surgeon passes a "rope" or cord through to the anaesthetist to fasten. Apparently its ONLY holding your stomach open!! Also - humourous dvds are not advised even 3 weeks after a c section. I watched Lee Evans Live in Cardiff last night and my tummy is KILLING me today! I'm so glad I read this and found out about the back pains being normal, I was completely freaking out that my back was knackered! Those shooting, throbbing pains bloody hurt! ------------- ~Sarah~ Mum to precious Tara Geneve(7) and Marcus James born 21/7/07 |
Posted By: Bombshell
Date Posted: 11 August 2007 at 9:22pm
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yeah i was talking to a friends dad who is a well known physio (x all blacks etc) - and he was telling me about all the women he sees with this back pain...this is before I told him anything about me having some....and then he says = but even so they ALL get pregnant again right after ive fixed them too!
LOL....yeah i guess we do.... my back is still an issue.... and OMG i thought i had an inside stitch coming thru my scar the other day - had mum look at it....ummmm turned out to be an ingrown hair there....and when i took it out(carefully) it was so long....DH laughed and said to be careful it might be attached to the knot on the inside and i would come apart again....SOOOOOOO not funny!
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Posted By: Two Blondinis
Date Posted: 12 August 2007 at 10:06pm
I saw that too! A long white strap came over the curtain and back behind my head. I asked DH what it was an he did the face and said "just don't ask, don't even think about it" hmm very reassuring with great bedside manner LOL
On the driving - I was driving 12 days after my CS. We all went out for my b'day and guess who was the sober driver! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Tashy
Date Posted: 17 August 2007 at 5:09pm
| Sorry, can some one tell me what BDing is? LOL sorry, a bit dumb probably...I totally aggree with the bonding thing, it hasnt been any different than with my first son, Noah....Anyhow, im new to the Boards, so might just say Hi, my name is Tasha and i have two boys Riley 6 months and Noah who is 3 years...= ) Noah was natural and Riley c-section.... |
Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 17 August 2007 at 6:34pm
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Hi Tasha! BD is short for Baby Dancing (ie how babies are made LOL) ------------- |
Posted By: Tashy
Date Posted: 18 August 2007 at 8:26am
| LOL Thanks for that busymum! |
Posted By: miss
Date Posted: 23 August 2007 at 3:31pm
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Oh, I had the total 'greys anatomy' surgical team - all of them ere young and good looking, it was cool!
-DH or DP will get to wear scrubs when they go in with you, just good to know that. - You will be totally immobile before you get in to surgery and will be rolled on and off the table and have your arms starfished. -While you can feel everything they do , it shouldn't hurt. If it hurts then the anesthetic is wearing off so tell them so they can top you up! -when you do those first few poos you can't push, you kind of need to really go and let gravity help work it out - so take a book, you may be in there a while! -------------  
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Posted By: james
Date Posted: 23 August 2007 at 4:49pm
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[!
-when you do those first few poos you can't push, you kind of need to really go and let gravity help work it out - so take a book, you may be in there a while![/QUOTE] awww i soo remeber that and it will hurt too  ------------- <a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://b4.lilypie.com/nLJ5p13.png" alt="Lilypie 4th Birthday Ticker" border="0" /></a> |
Posted By: miss
Date Posted: 23 August 2007 at 5:06pm
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Another one...
-if they give you lactulose to get your bowels moving, they will move and you could be on and off the toiet for the rest of the day. Be prepared! -------------
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Posted By: Jitske
Date Posted: 24 August 2007 at 1:28pm
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I think the most important thing anyone ever said to me about childbirth (CS or VB)
"you leave your dignity at the door" I heard that too but i was sooooo determined to keep every bit of dignity!!! I even got my midwife to show me how to do the cathatar seriously!!!Through out the pregnancy & after i was not having anyone there:) lol |
Posted By: cuppatea
Date Posted: 26 August 2007 at 7:08pm
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Not sure if someone has already said this, have not read all the posts but my husband was pretty shocked that I was naked and staked out when they brought him into the OT, might be wise to let your support person know what to expect!!!! ------------- 
 
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Posted By: buzimumto3boys
Date Posted: 18 September 2007 at 4:16pm
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Geez I wish I knew about the cord tied to the bed leg to help me outa bed!! That wouldve been soooo much easier.. our bed is quite low and ouch!!
I did learn to make the hospital bed go up for changing babies bum and clothes etc (hated the horrid plastic change tables in the room) much easier on the back!! Also taught my older kids before the Csection not to sit on my knee... they learnt to sit next to me and they couldnt jump all over me anymore! I think everything is covered now!! I cant think what it was like! So funny how you forget!! oh, I took pillows in with me as I hated the thin icky hospital ones!!
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Posted By: buzimumto3boys
Date Posted: 18 September 2007 at 4:18pm
| Oh... And I second the maternity pads for the c section wound! helped keep it dry and clean! also used baby wipes to clean it.... and "aired" the wound as much as possible. |
Posted By: susieq
Date Posted: 19 September 2007 at 1:34pm
| If anyone still wants copies of the Ceasarean booklet that I have called Recovery after Ceasarean let me know |
Posted By: justme
Date Posted: 27 September 2007 at 8:43pm
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God I wish I had known this before i went into have ethan - you're not wrong! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Neeks
Date Posted: 28 December 2007 at 3:32pm
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The spasms your legs have when your coming off the spinal block are pretty random too lol they just start flying all over the place for no apparent reason what so ever.
The first number 2 you do hurts quite badly.. especially if your like me and lost quite a bit of blood during the C-S (emergency) and are taking iron supplements Pulling yourself to a sitting position is almost impossible, especially if your short and can't even reach the end of the bed to 'push' yourself up somewhat and your hands and arms just don't want to co-operate LOL And as for dignity... what's that? ;) -------------  
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Posted By: WigglesFan
Date Posted: 25 March 2008 at 4:26pm
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I've had three c-sections and my contributions are:
a) Don't bother bribing your DH or a friend to paint your toenails so you can feel halfway human. The nurse will make you take it off again. b) Take a doughnut pillow to sit/lie on for the first 24 hours. Seriously, my backside hurt worse than my c-section wound after 24 hours of sitting on a crease in the plastic mattress cover! c) Drink HEAPS while you still have the catheter in. It means you can make sure you are really well hydrated without having to totter into the bathroom. d) Getting baby into and out of the plastic fish bowls provided by the hospital is almost impossible for the first day and very painful for the next few days. So don't bother! Just keep bubs close to you in bed. They are used to being close to you anyway so it eases the transition into the big wide world. e) The sooner you get up and moving around the easier the recovery will be. Take it slow and easy and if you decide to walk round the corridors get someone a bit steadier to carry your baby! f) Hold a flat pillow tight against your tummy when you get out of bed. g) If you need to cough, imitate a cat with a hairball and 'huurrr huurrr' first to move the phlegm. Then sit with a pillow pressed against your tum and cough. You can also get dh to stand behind you and hold the pillow tight while you cough. h) Make a fuss if it hurts! Studies show that if pain is effectively dealt with in the initial period then it passes faster. You shouldn't be in pain as long as you have the morphine drip in. If you do then it isn't working. They can give you another booster shot. And keep taking your panadol, tramadol and voltaren for the full recommended period. You won't get dependent on the. i) Stay in you pj's once you get home. If you have a shower then get dressed into clean pj's. You are less likely to try and do too much or be expected to do more if you look like an invalid! |
Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 25 March 2008 at 4:55pm
wish someone had warned me about that!!! i had to abandon my visitors it came on so quickly! ------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker"> 
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Posted By: sally belly
Date Posted: 29 March 2008 at 4:53pm
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Lol Bizzy, poor you . At least you were at home though & not out & about. -------------    
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Posted By: Bizzy
Date Posted: 29 March 2008 at 8:14pm
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oh, i wasnt told that on day 4 they stop the slow release morphine i had been on... wasnt till i was half way round the ward on a walk that i realised why i hurt so much...(cant remember if i mentioned that already). apparently they cant give it to you more than 6 times... whats it called - um....... oh sevradol.
that was a kicker...a bit of fore warning might have been nice. ------------- http://www.myfitnesspal.com/weight-loss-ticker">
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Posted By: Smartmum
Date Posted: 23 May 2008 at 8:58pm
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Good tips here!!
+Put your maternity pads for your wound in the freezer before applying them, the cold is soothing! +Also use an icepack on your would if you have done too much in one day. + YOu can react to the drugs and vomit. ( i vomited after i got out of the recovery room, most painful thing!!) + First poo.....OUCH
+Take anusol cream or suppositories in your bag for the hemoroids you might get from the first poo.. + Have food in your hospital bag in case you are ready to eat and the hospital hasnt saved you anything. + the nurses can't give you anything to help your fart! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: ElfsMum
Date Posted: 24 May 2008 at 2:14pm
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slow release stuff? i just had the pump then it got taken off me when it made me sick.. they say those drugs dont get to bub..dunno bout that..:( that pamphlet Susie sent me was great..should be given to everyone!:) ------------- Mum to two amazing boys! |
Posted By: Bobbie
Date Posted: 24 May 2008 at 8:38pm
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the first poo - not fun at all!
Oh and just reminiscing with someone about this. The feeling morphine gives you like having something crawling under your skin (and making you itch) and the weird morphine dreams. -------------  
 
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Posted By: AnnC
Date Posted: 25 May 2008 at 10:01pm
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#3 Having a CS does NOT mean you will have problems bonding with your baby anymore/anyless than a VB
I actually did have trouble Bonding with Rhyley (my ceasar baby) it took till the next day to truely bond with him. so mine would be .. Its okay if you don't bond with your baby straight away doesn't mean your a bad mother just means you been thru major surgery . ------------- Ann 
Also Mum to Josh (15) and Brooke (10) |
Posted By: Bobbie
Date Posted: 25 May 2008 at 10:13pm
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That's so true Ann. I know people in my coffee group who had VB's and didn't bond straight away and I was surprised that as soon as I saw Rowan I did. -------------
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Posted By: james
Date Posted: 26 May 2008 at 6:39am
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only the lucky people get morphine pumps some like me get one lot and then it panadol and codine which can work fine
oh and coming offffff morphine is bloody icthy ------------- <a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://b4.lilypie.com/nLJ5p13.png" alt="Lilypie 4th Birthday Ticker" border="0" /></a> |
Posted By: MissAngel
Date Posted: 23 June 2008 at 6:55am
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I had no problems with my first poo - or farting!
Coming off morphine is REAL itchy >.< Having the catheter removed - NASTY.. I dont know why they tell you to breathe out when they take it out, It hurts anyway! ------------- Alex, Thomas and Lily http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: spiritgal
Date Posted: 02 July 2008 at 11:29pm
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To have some Tea Tree oil around as it helps if your scar starts to get a little infected.
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Posted By: Shezamumof3
Date Posted: 03 July 2008 at 9:35pm
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I agree missangel, having the catheter out SUCKED, but I was so glad when it was out, my pee hole is still a bit sore from the damn thing! Peeong doesnt sting though so thats good.
I definitly agree with holding something against your scar while you pee/poo etc, as the straining and pressure from your bladder etc can make going really uncomfy, I find holding something soft hard against my scar and leaning back slightly when I go loo helps stop it hurting. ETA- Also, when my scar is quite sore, like after walking round or standing for too long I put the heat sack on it for a while and it feels so much better afterwards. ------------- |
Posted By: kiwikid
Date Posted: 25 August 2008 at 8:33am
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I think peppermint tea can help with digestion and hence wind, it really does hurt when you need to fart!
I found it hard in the first few days to get up and down off the hospital loo, it must have been quite low, use the disabled toilet if you can as it has rails. Definately recommend arnica tablets to help with the internal healing. I was given pain killers rather than morphine and they were fine, also the catheter removal didnt hurt for me. Get up and about as soon as you can and into the shower, you really will feel good afterwards and more prepared to tackle being a new mum. Dont forget its still possible to do skin to skin with your baby immediately after he/she is out of you, I forgot in all the rush and didnt get this, really wish I had remembered but I think because of the meconium they had to check him out first anyway but Hayden was all cleaned up and dressed when I first held him (they lifted him up for me to see before they took him away to be cleaned and checked etc) The anesthetics can make you vomit on the operating table, not great when you are emotionally all over the place anyway and trying to bond with your new baby but they can give you an anti nausea drug which may take a few mins but will stop you being sick. Take your own pillow to hospital and on the drive home / other car trips in the early days put it over your tummy and then do up the seat belt. Same process for coughing as the ladies mentioned earlier. Giving birth is just a moment in time, you'll be a mother for the rest of your life so dont get upset that you didnt get the birth you planned on, the most important thing at the end of the day is you and your baby are safe and well. ------------- 
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Posted By: MalibuBarbie
Date Posted: 03 September 2008 at 9:45am
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That is such a great thing to say. I really truly have felt inadequate and like a failure after 2 failed vb's and a comment like this really helps me to pull myself together and to look at the positives. I have always wanted a large family but swore after ds#2 that I would not have any more children because of needing to now have a c/s each time I have a baby and the feelings of inadequacy that follow after a c/s for me. But you are right how you give birth is not the most important thing. I also have two things to add to the list.
It's funny how we each have our own interpretation on a c/s. It has been an informative read going through all these posts and if I have to have a 3rd c/s I will be in the know even mre than I was 2nd time round, thanks to all you ladies. |
Posted By: MalibuBarbie
Date Posted: 03 September 2008 at 9:48am
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Ok I had a little more than two things to add to the list. Sorry I can't count very well can I? Lol. |
Posted By: 2bmumof3
Date Posted: 05 September 2008 at 7:55pm
Don't let it put you off your dreams of a large family. My best c-section was my first as I knew it was going to happen (it was elective due to breech bubs)and I often wonder if I hadn't tried and failed with my other two whether I'd have that feeling. I've spoken to a couple of mums who have only had elective c-sectinos and they simply can't understand why anyone would want to birth naturally and feel quite settled with their birth experiences. ------------- Sara Corban (22/11/04) Connor (18/04/06) Chelsea (21/05/08) 
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Posted By: Shezamumof3
Date Posted: 15 September 2008 at 12:52pm
Ohh i got the blisters/bed sores on my bum I felt bruised down there for weeks!! Actually I had brusing and shaffing and blisters it was awful!------------- |
Posted By: Neeks
Date Posted: 15 September 2008 at 8:53pm
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I got wicked bed sores on my back that took a wee while to heal. If you can't get out of bed, ask for a sponge bath it makes you feel so much better and it will help prevent nasty sores from being in one place for so long -------------
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Posted By: MalibuBarbie
Date Posted: 15 September 2008 at 9:34pm
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Ha ha fat chance of getting a sponge bath at my local hospital. All the staff are always so "busy" lol. I couldn't stand the day after my cs due to nausea and dizzy spells and all they did was chuck me a bowl of water and a flannel and said here you go. I really struggled lol as each time I moved I felt like I was going to throw up or faint. Ah well won't kill ya makes ya stronger I guess lol. |
Posted By: Neeks
Date Posted: 16 September 2008 at 10:06pm
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LOL WTF? Lazy buggers
Mind you, the hospital staff I had were pretty sh*te too actually... right hand had no idea what the left hand was doing.... Keziah didn't have a bath until the day we went home and ended up sick because it was too cold
Bubs needed to go under the PTU lights (for jaundice) so I went back after going home for a day and I hadn't eaten anything at all before going back, but tough I wasn't a patient anymore -------------
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Posted By: pomikiwi
Date Posted: 07 October 2008 at 3:35pm
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Making sure your hospital bell is tied to your bed so it doesn't fall off, then when your baby cries you're not waiting in tears for 20 minutes for someone to come and pick her up and give her to you :-(
Oh and just incase you do have a hot anaethetist (sp?) make sure you look half decent before you go down to theatre, lol! I looked so messy and i'm sure I didnt smell very pretty either.
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Posted By: Charlis_Mum
Date Posted: 08 October 2008 at 11:17am
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I didn't realise how much water you can retain. I was quite puffy in my feet and I thought that was the only area, it wasn't until I got up for my first shower that I actually had to do a double take at myself in the mirror as I hardly reconised myself my face was so puffy!!
Also, kiwifruit is a good way to get the bowels moving, I was scared to push when on the toilet and my midwife told me I just need to get on with it and I wasn't going to split apart. Eat 6 kiwifruit and you are good to go!! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: thomasina
Date Posted: 09 December 2008 at 2:50pm
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I loved reading all these posts! It brought back many memories.
pomikiwi - lol! your comments made me laugh. I remember walking to theatre while my waters were breaking& I had to keep stopping for contractions, but the worst thing was wearing those awful hospital gowns!!! they have to be the most uncomfortable thing ever to wear! why do they do up at the back! ooohhh the first poo....! and it wasnt until I was at home that someone bothered to tell me that the codiene can make you a bit constipated- so this made going to the loo even worse. I also felt quite queasy days after my c-section ------------- 
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Posted By: JoJames
Date Posted: 02 January 2009 at 4:57pm
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This is a great topic, brings back memories.
I have to admit that I lied to the nurses and told them I'd farted cause I was so starving, mmm hospital food. When you are finally allowed out of bed the first few days be aware of your body and don't push it, definately get up and about, but take rests, I almost dropped my baby because I had to sit down so fast, I yelled at the doctor to grab him quickly. Lactulose worked REALLY well Driving home was painful and yes stairs when you finally get home are the worst, took me 10 mins to get up them, kept having to really concentrate on using my legs, you don't realise how important your ab muscles are until they are out of service. And my MW told me to take Pamol and Brufen regularly when I was at home fo rthe first week or so, even if you don't feel you need it. When I didn't take it, it definately hurts and slows ya down. And the other great advice my MW told my husband was for me to feed, eat and sleep and do nothing else, I think that helped my recovery heaps. Oh and having a good height change table helped heaps. And my mother came evryday and cooked dinner and cleaned the house, lifesaver. ------------- http://www.alterna-tickers.com"> 
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Posted By: Shezamumof3
Date Posted: 05 January 2009 at 10:34am
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Mt MW also told my DF that he was to make sure that I didnt move from the couch unless I needed to go toilet or shower lol, I was to just eat feed and sleep! for 2 weeks!
I didnt listen....and I should have. I tried to clean and stuff and ended up sore as heck! So, LISTEN to your MW lol. Mine growled me! Pamol and a heat sack were my best friends, the heat sack helped loosen up my muscles a bit and made getting up and walking/hobbling easier. ------------- |
Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 05 January 2009 at 11:10am
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I second the heat pack! At the hospital I was in you weren't allowed to use the food microwaves to heat them up though, you had to use a special microwave that was hidden away in the sluice room, it was a bit scary going in there, all sorts of medical paraphernalia and a big poster on the wall saying how to estimate quantities of blood loss, complete with pics!
Also, if you have an emergency c-section, just because you haven't pushed your baby out doesn't mean you won't have some of the same after pains as if you had a VB. Labour is still pretty rough on the body even without the last two stages. TMI warning: I have to say, unfortunately lactulose doesn't always work. I got given several doses of the horrible stuff and they didn't seem to make any difference. In the end - a week later! - lots of grapes and a massive quantity of water did the trick. And if you get bunged up like that, don't think that once you've finally passed your big chunk of clay-like poo the floodgates will open , it's a gradual process to get rid of all the concentrated waste.
In hindsight, I was lucky - I felt very sorry for myself at the time but I was separated from JJ for 5 days at the beginning because he was in SCBU, then I developed a wound infection and we were there for another week and a half. But it meant someone else was doing all the basic baby care when I still couldn't walk etc, and I was basically fully mobile again by the time we got home. So count your blessings I guess. Oh, and I think everyone should keep a record of things they want for their labour next time if they want to try for a VBAC - I think part of my problem was that I hadn't fully prepared myself (I remember thinking once we got to the hospital "I'm not sure I've thought through this!") and I'll have far more specific instructions for my DH for next time. Plus I was too independent and didn't want any other support people there, next time I'll enlist a whole team
ETA: I recently realised that I basically have amnesia for the first 48 or so hours after the birth, don't know if it was the pain meds or some kind of response to trauma, but I don't remember much at all! I must have been so out of it! ------------- 
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: JoJames
Date Posted: 05 January 2009 at 2:21pm
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Completely agree about the amnesia, I'm not entirely sure what happened the first 2 days after the birth either, I know I was on bed rest for the first day, and there were visitors but I was so shattered I'm sure I kept drifting in and out.
J also got taken to SCBU which was a lifesaver cause they would take him and bring him back for a feed so I got to sleep, also they gave him a bottle of formula one night so i could have a long sleep. The first night they bought him in and the nurse helped hold him to my breast and I fell asleep! When i woke up I apologised and she said "no worry he's been fed" She had just held the baby to my breasts while I was asleep! I got given 2 doses of lactulose and boy at 3am did it open the floodgates. ------------- http://www.alterna-tickers.com">
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Posted By: peanut butter
Date Posted: 24 January 2009 at 7:19pm
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This is a great thread. I was totally unprepared for my CS. It was the last thing I wanted. When they told me they needed to consent me for a c-section I burst into tears (amongst the contractions....end of transition I think). But once bubs was out I was totally ok with it! Before that I was shaking uncontrollably and sh*t SCARED!!!
Now I am home and overdoing it! Eat, feed and sleep sounds great but my mum is here to help and she thinks I am lazy if I dont do much. After all, I only had a baby...suck it up! GREAT! Its also hard with a toddler. But after reading all this its good to know things are normal
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Posted By: JoJames
Date Posted: 24 January 2009 at 8:44pm
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Especially cause you were home so quickly!!!
Stuff your Mum, do the bare minimum, your body will thank you for it, otherwise you'll be back in hospital as soon as. You did have major surgery!!!! Good luck with your new baby and don't be afraid to ask for help. ------------- http://www.alterna-tickers.com">
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Posted By: LeahandJoel
Date Posted: 24 January 2009 at 9:13pm
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Congrats on baby peppercorn, and welcome James. I had the shakes with my cs for about 3 hours, but a lot of that was because Leah was taken to special care and I didn't know what was going on. Once I got down to the ward and was finally allowed to see her and hold her the shakes went away pretty quickly. -------------  
 
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Posted By: JoJames
Date Posted: 24 January 2009 at 9:27pm
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I didn't even see the name great name!!
I had the shakes terribly due to the epidural, they also went away when I held the baby, awful feeling. ------------- http://www.alterna-tickers.com">
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Posted By: Charly
Date Posted: 29 January 2009 at 11:58pm
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One of the worst parts for me (emergency C-section after 4 days in Labour!) was the spray that the anesthetist used on me to see if I was numb enough for them to start the operation! He kept saying "if it feels cold, then you're not numb enough", which in my delusional over-tired state was making me think "OMG, they're going to cut me open and I'll feel it!" This was so incredibly frightening at the time.
------------- http://lilypie.com">  
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Posted By: Leelee
Date Posted: 30 January 2009 at 12:50pm
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Fluid retention is what I'm having issues with, my feet and ankles are so swollen and all my mw says it will take time to go down you just need to pee it out, if only it was that easy. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> 
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Posted By: cuppatea
Date Posted: 30 January 2009 at 12:54pm
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Yeah I had that too Leelee, I didn't get any swelling when pregnant but have had it postnatally both times, once from the spinal for the c/s and then this time to cos I had an epi. Keep your legs raised as much as poss as that is suppose to help, but yeah takes time I'm afraid -------------
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Posted By: peanut butter
Date Posted: 30 January 2009 at 12:55pm
| LeeLee, you will wake up one morning and look down and see ankles again....your day will feel so much better! |
Posted By: megabux
Date Posted: 11 February 2009 at 12:17pm
| regarding getting out of bed.... you just roll out lol. |
Posted By: kaaza
Date Posted: 14 February 2009 at 10:35am
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....also, sometimes an Epidural does not work effectively (as I experienced), which means you will need a general anaesthetic. Your partner will then be asked to do the skin to skin and no support people allowed into operating theater with you .....
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Posted By: Spirals
Date Posted: 24 February 2009 at 9:29am
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Not sure who said it now - but I second the point about keeping your pain relief up.
I didn't the day after - I wasn't feeling too bad (still dosed up with morphine I guess!) and the nurses didn't insist that I take it either. Boy - did I suffer later on that day. My obs wasn't happy either - he said the nurses should have known better. Apart from that though, the hospital staff were wonderful. They couldn't do enough for us. We were very lucky. |
Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 28 February 2009 at 6:46pm
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I got a body stocking/ tummy wrap (not sure what it is called) from the physio in the hospital, it held everything in tight and I could walk standing straight, & I also had a pain pack that I had to take everywhere (shower, walkies) & I could dial how relief much I needed without over doing it.
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Posted By: charlncassy
Date Posted: 11 May 2009 at 9:55am
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I wanted to add that - if the morphine does nothing for you - you are no going crazy! So don't be afraid to say so!
Morphine had no effect on me - it did not work - so they put me on oxynorm - which worked a treat! I had a spinal block and the catheter was put in after - though i was not asked about either but so glad it happened this this way. Have to have another C-Sec next time due to pre-eclampcia last time. Want to ask what you mums think is 3 c-secs to many?? My DP is dead set on 3 kids - i am just not so sure... |
Posted By: pomikiwi
Date Posted: 11 May 2009 at 7:39pm
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^^ I got told if I wanted another baby then I should go straight for a c -section. But buggar that I'm over it, no more kids for me.
Victoria Beckham had 2 sections ------------- http://lilypie.com">  
DD-Carys Amelia 17.03.06 |