ELCS Advice - Belts, Constipation, Overhang, Lifting a 98th percentile toddler....

[Bobsmyaunty]

I'm in the process of booking in for an ELCS after some 'bowel issues' (lovely!) following the birth of DS1.

I'm confident that this is the right choice for me but a bit clueless about the recovery and I have heard mixed reports on a couple of things. Hoping some experienced mums can impart their wisdom!

Firstly, pain relief... I really can't risk getting constipated. Anyone know if one type of drug is better than another at avoiding this?

I've heard that the sewing-up-job can be different depending on the surgeon, in that some sew up inside well which results in a temporary pulling feeling inside but no overhang in the long run. And others don't do this so the fat overspills a bit more and there's overhang. Anyone heard of this? I'm opting for an ELCS for health issues but obv if I can avoid an overhang I would love too...

I've also got a LARGE toddler. He's just turned 2 but is already 2 and a half stone. I'm thinking it's likely it's going to be the whole 6 weeks before I can actually lift him. He will use some steps I bought to climb in and out of car seat, booster seat etc but he's still in a cot. I can probably get my husband or mum to help for up to 4 weeks and wondering if I need to get some friends to help me just a little for the remaining 2 weeks?

Finally - the theramaline (sp) belts - are they worth the ££'s?

Phew. I have actually got loads more questions but realise people have lives to lead and might not have time to write an essay for my benefit!

I had an emcs so can help on knowledge of that! For me after about 4 weeks everything felt right (ish) again. I didn't go for the belt but next time I will defiantly. I had my handbag against me for the entire journey home and it will be really useful for the first week defiantly.

Just don't overdo it, I found that once I felt better I went walking, lifting lots ect and paid for it the next day!

Good luck

Hi,

I'm not really sure if mine would be classified as an elcs or an emcs and I'm not in the UK but I will share my experience anyway on the off chance it helps. It was my first pg too.

My pain wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. They gave me diclofenac injections for 2 days then nothing but I took paracetamol at home afterwards on about day 5 when I was out of hospital. The pain in my back was always worse than the scar.

They wanted to give me an enema after as the Europeans are rather fond of those and I said only as a last resort so was given herbal laxatives on day 2 but no idea what they were. They worked though. I had my parents staying for 3 weeks. I definitely needed the help with the lifting. I was desperate to get out of hospital because I wasn't getting any help lifting dd in and out of her crib and she was only 3kg! I was almost back to normal by the end of those 3 weeks though.

I have no overhang or stretch marks and my scar is very neat and much lower than I thought so belts wouldn't have worked I don't think for me.

Good luck op!

I would advisen pain relief for at least the first couple/few days. Your spinal anaesthetic will block pain at first, then morphine (oramorph) next, then possibly codeine+paracetamol or diclofenac. You should have a laxitive (such as lactulose) as well as these drugs as your bowl is usually sluggish post-op and the pain meds slow it down, too. Take lactulose, drink plenty of water (at least 2L per day) and keep up on your fruit and veg.

Don't lift anything/anyone other than your new baby for at least the first 6w. My dd1 was 3yo when dd2 was born and I did not lift her. I made up for it with lots of cuddles

Haven't heard the same as you re. overhang. I think that depends on lots of factors: surgical skill; where abouts the incison is; your weight (and weight gain); your skin type/elasticity; your age; how you exercise and get fit post-natally.

FWIW, dd2 was ELCS. I had been fit before and during the pg and have a low transverse abdominal scar (it lies within my public hair).

At first, I had a 'shelf': it looked like I was wearing pants that were too tight IYKWIM. That lasted for about 12-16w. Then, as I exercised, lost fluid and weight, it went back to normal. Dd2 is almost 3yo and even I struggle to see the scar. There is no overhang (very glaf about that!)

I did gentle postnatal pilates 6w after the birth

I had an EMCS. Kept a pillow in front of me for a while to help brace against coughing/laughing in the immediate recovery. Pain was really not as bad as I feared - paracetemol is your friend.

It took about 4-6 weeks to feel 'normal' ish aside from sheer core strength weakness. Just had to take it easy - surprised how slow I walked for weeks afterwards. Constipation wise I was recommended lactulose likewise after having considerable difficulties! Definitely worth stocking up in advance. Was advised not to pick up much for 6w and couldn't to be honest. I am currently 38w pregnant and trying to avoid c/s this time but understand your concerns as I have a fairly weighty 2.5 year old to consider if not successful. Would advise getting some help it its available to you (at your DS age). Its only for short term after all!

Longer recovery wise the scar is very hard to see and profile went back to normal after 5 or so months - I was slow on the uptake of exercise but did yoga and also took to using a hoola hoop which did wonders for recovering the core strength plus easy to pick up when convenient/whilst juggling little one(s).

Good luck!

I needed help for 3w, was glad of help for week 4 but didn't really need it and was on my own from 5w. I also drove from 5w and although it felt a little strange, all was fine.

I bought a cesarean belt, but never used it as I couldn't stand anything around my scar. I had over sensitivity in that area for a while and even wore high-waisted jeans for about 8m. I was back in normal jeans by my dd's 1st birthday and my body was completely back to normal by then, too.

Good luck!

I am 2 weeks post CS (my second) and this week I did my first outing solo to the playground and cafe with toddler and baby.

DD1 did a poo while we were in the cafe and I suddenly realised I couldn't lift her onto the changing table in the loo (she's 2.5) - panic! Then I had an idea - I told her to put her foot up on my bent knee, braced myself and sprang her up on the table so my knee took the weight. Then to get down she put her arms round my neck and I told her to lean into me so my neck took the strain. Worked ok but it was a bit of a risk to take.

First time round I felt fairly back to normal at 4 weeks, this time round, let's see....

Hats off to you, marshmallow, for your outing only 2w post-CS!

How has it been for you, second time around? I'm asking as we're thinking of ttc dc3, who would be born by ELCS (my second ELCS).

TIA, and sorry for slight thread hijack

Molotov - second time is both harder & easier....easier because I know what to expect & how to pace myself, harder because I'm 3 years older and feeling my age! Plus the scar does seem to be taking longer to heal this time - not much pain but I am aware of it if I move awkwardly.

The thought of having a VBAC after a CS last time didn't appeal though: especially not going overdue, induction or constant monitoring. I got to 39+4 with no signs of going into labour and I was very ready for it to be over. So an ELCS was a huge relief really.

Thanks for all your replies - really useful!

It sounds like 6 w cover would be best so I will have to investigate what I can do. Might have to be MiL :/.

And no overhang issues which is a relief!

Did you all have dissolvable stitches or staples btw?

..and molotov could you still manage Pilates stomach exercises at 6 weeks ?

I had an ELCS nearly eight weeks ago.
I have been feeling 'normal' for a few weeks now.
I was driving at 4 weeks, had to lift my toddler when DS went back to work, (about 4 weeks). No belt used/needed and no overhang.
All good!

Thanks marshmallow

Dissolvable stitches for me in 2012.

Bobs, my pilates exercises were a specific postnatal programme, which I started after I got the all clear at my 6w check

Went to write you a long post about my experiences but my android deleted it so this will be the shorter version

Painkillers: morohine/oramorph constipate badly. Ask about fentanyl much better for constipation. I went home on paracetamol and ibruprofen after 48 hours and was fine.

Stitches: I had real stitches with pins in each end, midwife came to my house and removed them after about a week. Didn't hurt that much.

Opening bowels: I opened bowels whilst still in the hospital around 48 hours later and it hurt more to sit on the toilet and then pull myself up again.

Pain: the first 48 hours where hell but I had ga so felt all the pain as soon as I woke epidural/spinal would solve this. The first week I found it hard to get up from laying a lovely midwife said hold a sanitary towel over the wound when pulling your self to standing really helped my son went straight to nicu for 3 weeks and everyday I got a taxi to the hospital and stood for around 8 hours a day from around day 4 and after 3 weeks felt no more pain and had heeled fine.

belts: bought a belt forgot to use it

I hope all goes well for you and baby and a few weeks later it'll be like a distant memory

Oh and if your not breastfeeding dont mess around with lactulose get a packet of dulcolax works much quicker but you cant use if breast feeding good luck hope it helps

Hi

I had a C-Section 2 weeks ago and had the Thermaline belt - best money ever spent. It meant that the pulling stopped and the cold compress was a welcome relief.

Good Luck

Thanks for Fentanyl recommendation summerdreams and excellent idea re holding pad over wound.

Must have been very hard being separated from your son. Hope he's thriving now.

Noitsachicken is your toddler very heavy? Mine is 98th percentile, would love it if I could lift him by week 4 as a bit worried about how left out he's going to feel!

LinAJ congratulations! are you feeling good at 2 weeks?

Good to hear no overhang issues going on generally!

I had an ELCS. I didn't have any constipation (but then I never suffer during pregnancy either), no pulling and no overhang. I didn't use a belt but DH took a month off work and did everything other than feed baby (as I bf).

I am due to have a second ELCS in May. DD is 91st percentile and I'm not quite sure how I'm gong to manage her just yet as DH can't take as much time off work this time.

I had an emcs previously. The first bowel movement is worst, (they offered glycerine suppositories if it wasn't happening naturally). The 'no lifting anything heavier than your baby' rule is to prevent you from ripping your stitches and prevent giving yourself a hernia (which would need to to be repaired surgically). I had a strip above my scar which remained numb (it has been explained to me as being nerve damage from my cs). If you plan to drive sooner than recommended 6 weeks, check that your car insurance still covers you (most do from what I read).
I had dissolvable stitches so no need to get them removed. Big granny knickers and high waistband are most comfy because they don't sit on your scar. If breastfeeding, a high pillow will help prop the baby up and prevent you having to bend. Remember, it is a major abdominal surgery so don't push yourself too soon, it will take time to feel better/get back to 'normal'. Congrats on your baby