If you are having a caesarean....

[danceswithmonkeys]

I've just made up a 'hints and tips' list for my friend who is having a caesarean soon (I've had two) if you want me to e-mail it to you let me know!

Brilliant brilliant thread! Can I ask if anyone has used a prenatal girdle after a c section? Looks like they offer lots of support and make you feel a bit more secure but haven't heard anyone mention it yet. Having CS in 4 weeks, can't wait to see my twins!

Sorry - mean a postnatal girdle obviously…..

I was wondering the same about the postnatal girdle or support belt. Anyone?

Also what is best oil for treating the scar? Anyone tried dermafix? It's been recommended to me. Or bio oil? Or someone even said boots protect and perfect serum!

This thread is great. My elcs is 3 weeks today. I've been online & ordered lavender oil, peppermint capsules, windeze, new flip flops, a really long cardigan (in place of a dressing gown) and a sports bottle.

I feel more relaxed knowing I have this stuff coming.

Thank you.

Do not allow your dh to talk you into helping him rearrange the living room furniture less than 4 weeks post cs.

I second whoever said that if you jyst get on with it people think that you can do more than you actually can. I was carrying on as normal after a few weeks then ended up in lots of pain again.

My stuff arrived today. Now have peppermint oil capsules, windeze, flip flops & sports bottle. Also have a mountain more pads. I feel more prepared. Thanks everyone who suggested stuff.

I agree with the pads thing. You will still bleed lots even if you don't go into labour. Don't take the pack of pads out of your bag and leave them at home. Doh!

Can I add some things to the 'before' the c-section from a medical perspective?

Please take off all your nail varnish and make up before coming to theatre. You can always put it back on again on the ward for photos, but in an operating theatre where things can go wrong, it's a bad idea.
Also for the love of God please don't get a spray tan - or any kind of all over tan! It's a really stupid thing to do.
Leave any jewellery at home. I would hate to think any of my colleagues are thrives, but in a rush things do tend to go walkies.
If we tell you not to eat, we really do mean it! We are nice people honestly! We wouldn't be so strict on the not drinking/eating if it wasn't so necessary.
Lastly . . Don't be shy or embarrassed. We really are unshockable! We have seen and done a lot of difficult/ funny/ bizarre/ sad / unbelievable things. We only want to help you, so talk to us!

Good luck!

Bump for the really useful tips, hoping to avoid a CS but it's great to be prepared.

Fantastic thread, def worthy of bump! Only wish I'd had this advice before my EMCS! Making lists as we speak!

Everyone with c section experience is saying that they felt "rough" afterwards. Can you elaborate on what you mean?

nauseous? Dizzy? hungover? headache? fatigue?

I had a really straightforward c section recovery even though mine was unplanned. Afterwards there was nothing I would describe as acute pain. It was more a sort of odd feeling in the whole abdominal region. My belly suddenly without a baby in it felt like a big wobbly jelly strapped to my front, my abdominal muscles felt weak and I was conscious of the incision area as a sort of nagging twinge on movement, a bit like when you have an exercise injury you're trying not to strain. Sitting up in bed is the most difficult thing. The reclining bed in the hospital really helps. But to put it into perspective the shredded blistered nipples I got from breastfeeding were 10 times worse in terms of discomfort.

I was tired (2 days without sleep) but running on adrenaline. I think it didn't occur to me that there were things I couldn't manage to do so I just carried on as normal. Section Sunday evening, walking 6 hours later, showered myself midday Monday and walking around as normal, doing laundry on Wednesday, on hands and knees scrubbing poo out of the carpet on Friday. In hindsight I wonder if that was wise, in fact the last one is positively stupid, but I did feel back to normal incredibly quickly.

The worst things for me were the extreme constipation and very swollen feet and legs. If I ever have another c section I will be overdosing on dried fruit, drinking litres of water and refusing painkillers with codeine. It was not fun. The swollen legs disappeared after about 10 days. Elevating them helped temporarily.

To be that's what "rough" felt like. Hope that helps.