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Original poster

Looking for positive C Section stories...recovery with toddler

15 replies

Cbeebiesrehab · 13/10/2018 10:09

I have to have a C Section due to my baby being breech and I am really, really nervous. I am nervous about the process itself (only time I’ve ever been in hospital is to have my children) but more of the recovery as I have an active 19 month old at home. I have a wonderful and very hands on OH but it is me my daughter climbs all over and I’m worried she’s not going to understand and hurt me or get upset when I can’t pick her up. Just looking for some positive stories please as feeling sad and apprehensive.

OP posts:
Original poster
Cbeebiesrehab · 13/10/2018 12:56

Anyone?

OP posts:
sunshineonmyshoulder · 13/10/2018 14:16

I had an elective c-section in January with my little girl. The whole process was very calm. Of course there was nerves but very much excitement knowing the baby would be born in minutes. The surgeons were speaking about their weekend and the radio was on in the background the others in the room were talking to hubby and I. Recovery wasn’t all that bad at all. Of course there is pain but keeping up with paracetamol helps and I was out for the day a week later. My baby was my first so I don’t know what it would be like having another one to look after it’ll be hard to explain to your little one because she’s as young. Hope all goes well x

cingolimama · 13/10/2018 14:22

Oh God, my (planned) C section was wonderful. Very calm, very happy experience. And pain free!

Recovery was really fast - out and about after about 5 days and feeling completely normal after a week. I took some painkillers for the first couple of days and then they weren't necessary. I think when the C-section is planned, as opposed to an emergency procedure, it's a very different and very positive thing.

All the best of luck, OP, you'll be fine!

SunflowerSally · 13/10/2018 14:31

I had two c sections. The first was an emergency and so a bit traumatic, but the second was a breeze. Take the pain killers and get some tea tree oil and lavender oil to put in the bath. Make sure you drink loads of water and eat fibre to ward off constipation. It will be fine and the pain is short lived. The main disadvantage is not being able to drive afterwards.

reasonsforwaiting · 13/10/2018 14:52

Another very positive experience of an elective cesarean here too; third birth after 2 difficult forceps deliveries. I was worried beforehand because I'd never had an operation before, but it was all fine.
Caesarean was calm, peaceful; some pain after but took paracetemol (much less pain than my earlier episiotomies). Out of hospital on day 5 feeling great.

I was advised to not do anything over strenuous for about 6 weeks, and I followed this advice. Was able to do all my usual activities looking after my other children, a bit of shopping, but at a slower pace than normal. Made full recovery.

I ate a lot of dates and figs during the early days to prompt my gut into action!

Hope all goes very well for you! Congratulations. Flowers

Original poster
Cbeebiesrehab · 13/10/2018 14:53

Thank you! Hearing that it’s a calm experience is so helpful. When I picture theatre I picture the bright lights and all the instruments and I freak out a bit. I will be stocking up on the pain killers for sure. Thank you for taking time to reply.

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Misscocopops · 13/10/2018 15:26

Buy something called fybergel. It’s sschets and they taste crap but for a little TMI that first poo after a C is very very painful. Apart from that, the planned one recovery is ok.
My other advice is if possible set yourself up on the sofa for the first week.
My first was an emergency and I wet myself the first night I was home, laying in bed all the blood settles so when you stand up it’s painful. Sleeping upright gets rid of this, and I could sit up more comfortable for night feeds and put the tv on to help keep me awake without waking hubby.
Rotate ibro and paracetamol every 2 hours then you don’t have to wait 4 hours between pain relief.
19 months is younger than why my eldest was - she was 2.5 but really, if you have to push your oldest away for a week, they might be sad but they will forget and it’s only a week or two. Plus you’ll probably have lots of visitors who’ll help distract your eldest from you.
I’ve always lost a fair bit of blood so it’s harder to recover, and I didn’t do it as fast as ‘normal’ but that being said the planned c section recovery overall was fine as long as you take it easy and stay on top of the meds and take the fybergel!! It’s a godsend

Ps the injections into your belly after are probably the worst post op - as a heads up! X

UnalliterativeGeorge · 13/10/2018 15:28

I had a 17 month old when I had a section for a breech baby. It was absolutely fine, the worst bit was when he wanted picking up but we taught him to stand on the sofa or somewhere and I'd pick him up from there if he wanted a hug.

You'll be fine and it'll fly by. Buy lots of sticker books Smile

dreamyflower · 13/10/2018 19:20

Bless you. I'm in similar boat except I've had an emergency c-section before. Wasn't great but I recovered quicker than expected. I'm due an elective this time round next month and will have an active 18 month old. I've been told electives are so much more relaxed but I have similar worries about toddler not understanding. All the best.

Original poster
Cbeebiesrehab · 13/10/2018 20:13

Thank you ladies. You have helped put my mind at ease slightly and I will take on all of your adviceFlowers

OP posts:
UnalliterativeGeorge · 13/10/2018 20:21

@dreamyflower I had an emergency first time around under general and I can safely say an elective is 100% better! Technically it was an emergency second time around too as I went into labour before the section date but it was so much nicer!

lorisparkle · 13/10/2018 20:30

I have had 3 planned c-sections. Second with a 21 month old and 3rd with a 4 year old and a 2 year old. I found the first mentally hard but the 2nd and 3rd were very positive experiences. My dm was a great help with the older children but even when she was not around it was fine (but rather hard work!) With my 3rd we were out buying washing machines the day after I got back from hospital and went on holiday when he was 6 weeks old!

njr1895 · 14/10/2018 23:17

My one life saver after my c-section (apart from painkillers) Twining's Peppermint Tea!! Wishing you lots of luck and a speedy recovery!xx

Ragwort · 14/10/2018 23:32

I had an EMCS and had no after effects at all, I was raring to get home from hospital and had no need to sit still or rest (& I was 43 and not at all fit or active Grin). Not everyone will experience pain or discomfort after a CS.

AlwaysColdHands · 15/10/2018 06:57

Yes you will NEED peppermint tea - the pain from trapped wind was just about the worst bit. Don’t underestimate it!

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