Anyone had a C-section?

Ladies I am having a scheduled C-section next week, I have a 7yr old son, whom I had natural along with difficulites of labour, that is why Dr is having me do a C-section.  I am just wanting any information on it For instense What is a epidural feel like?, How long after they take the baby out are you in recovery before getting to hold you baby? Where are you numb from? How is the recovery? Thanks ahead of time

[Wooly25]

I had one but it wasn't scheduled so I can't answer all your questions in the manner that you ask.  By this I mean, I was in labor so getting stuck 4 times for my epi because the chick couldn't get it right didn't really bother me.  I was more worried about it not working then what it felt like.  But at that time it was not bad.  I think I was numb from my breast area down.  I could not move my legs they felt like they weighed a million pounds each.  but I could move my arms.  I think I was in recovery for about an hour before I got the baby, because they had to do some testing on her and give her a bath.  I did get to see her right after they did her initial stuff (weighing, wiping her off, and wrapping her up).  My doctor did internal staples so I didn't have to have them removed or anything.  I was in bed for about a day and a half.  It hurts to move at first for about the first week, but I do recommend that you get up as soon as you can to help keep things in your abs stretched out and not tighting (which makes thing more sore).  I was up and about about 8 weeks after with very minimal pain (hines painkillers) but for the most part it wasn't that bad.  NOw my friend had one and she get a bad infection in the incision site, and that was not pretty at all.  She had to have it reopened and packed once a day and then had to wear a pump that removed the infection for 30 days.  So it can be good or it can be bad, just like a regular birth.  I personally didn't have a bad experience, so I am planning to have another one next time.  Good luck.  

[lisa]

i have had 2 c-sections the 1st was an emergency one and the 2nd was a scheduled one the epidural was a little uncomfortable when they first inserted the needle and i was numb from the breasts down they dont use staples to close the incision here in the uk it was just stitches inside and out and i got to hold my baby both times as soon as they finished stitching me up but they were giving straight to their dad to hold while they were stitching me so i got to see them straight away as for the recovery it does hurt at first but i agree with wooly about getting up as soon as you can afterwards i think it helps with the recovery with my first i needed painkillers the first few days but with my 2nd i didnt really need them at all, obviously i was in a bit of pain but it was managable and after 6 weeks i felt great i could walk around without feeling any pain. Take care and good luck.  

[kris123]

I had a spinal and it was bad for me.  The dr. could not get it into the right place.  It took 45min and another dr to get it in.  I think the dr. was not that experienced because the other dr came in and put it right in.  I was very upset because I was feeling pain in my arms and back so if it hurts yell.  The other hard part was arching my back and bending over because I had that big belly in the way :-)  Just relax like they tell you took.  After they got the spinal in and I was on the table it was ok.  I could feel nothing of the cut and only the pressure of them pushing down to get the baby out - pushing under my rib cage - very odd feeling.  After baby was out I shoke like crazy but they said all normal.  It took forever to get feeling in my legs which scared me like **** i know it sounds bad but it was ok - the thing that sucked was the spinal - it is always good to hear the good with the bad.  It hurt for about 4 weeks where they cut and yet to have feeling back where they cut me - dr said normal

[Pearl99]

What do you mean that is 'why th e doctor is having you do a C-Section'?  Did you deliver vaginally last time? What difficulties do you mean? It sounds vaguely like you don't agree with the C-section decision--but I can't tell for sure.  Do you want to give more details (if not I understand)?  Every birth has some difficult moments but it is rare if you have a successful vaginal delivery to have some sort of pre-emptive C-section---there's usually a medical reason.

[tomel]

Yes...why would you have a csection after a vaginal? If you can dont do it...they can be rough.
Your numb waist down...the spinal doesnt hurt to badly. It's a while before you get to be with baby. After the spinal wears you will bleed alot...just like a vaginal...your stomach is gona be very sore....you will be on pain killer...wont be able to drive for 2 weeks...recovery is anywhere between 6 to 8 weeks....have to be careful when holding/nursing baby on tummy...higher risk for infection.
Vaginal is way better.

[Darkestlight]

I'm going to be very honest with you. The spinal sucks.... They couldn't get the right spot. It hurt so bad that I got nausaus and light headed and had to be laid down. I couldn't get my back into the right position and had to be stuck probably 3 or 4 times till they got it. I ended up crying asking them to just put me to sleep, but fortunately for me they finally got it.
Every hospital is different when it comes to when you get to hold your baby. My daughter was born at 10:18am and I had her in my arms by 11am or 11:30am. I was still in recovery when they brought her to me. They didn't even ask me if I was up to having her yet.
The numbing issue was the weirdest thing for me. I was numb from the middle of my chest all the way down. It was weird because when I would breath I couldn't feel it..... if that makes any sense. My chest would move when I would breath, but I couldn't feel it. That was soooooo weird.
My recovery was awesome. They gave me some good **** on the Operating table and I didn't have any pain for 14hrs. By the time it was time for me to go home, 4 days later, I was ready to go and felt great. I took percocets in the hospital for the pain, but once I left the hospital I didn't even need then anymore. I think I've had one of the best recoveries the doctors have ever seen. From what I've heard women usually have a much harder recovery.

[lostlilygirl]

i had a c-sec and i was really freaked out. but now that it's done and i'm healed i think ALL women should opt for it lol... the spinal was nothing for me. a few ***** feelings and that's it... less than getting a needle...

i think the rest of your questions you need to talk to your doctor about because it depends on what they will do... mine let me see my DD seconds after they pulled her out and they wrapped and cleaned her in two minutes i was holding her on my chest still open on the table! they took her away for 30 min of tests and a more through clean than she was all mine :)!!!!

I had DD 4.5 weeks ago. at about 3.5 weeks i felt fine but if i tried to do stuff i'm not suppose to my body reminded me, but only minor pain... the first few weeks were harsh though. i needed help in and out of bed... be SURE to eat and get walking right away... i was too scared and didn't and i didnt feel better until the 4th day cause i wasn't moving around...

oh and the numb thing its like up to the edge of your chest... or around your rib cage...

hope this helps!!!

[cantwait4baby]

I had a c-section and although I was upset at first when they told me I must say I LOVED IT!  I got the epidural before I knew I was having a C.  It took a few tries but it eventually worked.  It didn't hurt just felt "weird".  Now when they broke my water and attached a monitor to the baby's head that hurt like hell - it was right after that they gave me the epidural and then right after that they gave me the C because of the baby's heartbeat.  I had the worst pregnancy ever but the best delivery.  I got up and walked the next morning - had the baby at 10pm.  It hurt but I did it and I credit that to my speedy recovery because I did not even take pain meds once I got home.  It really only hurt after going from sitting to standing and GOD FORBID you sneeze.  LOVE THE C-SECTION I cant say it enough.

As for the actual procedure - I threw up the entire time so I was more consentrated on that - My arms being tied down stressed me out and then I started to vomit.  The baby came out and I heard her crying but I could not see her - that got me upset too.  After baby comes out they hit you with tons of drugs.  I have no memory of her after she was bornbut I have many pictures, my boyfried got to hold her right away and then he put her up to my face - I dont remember but I see the pictures.  The wheeled me by to see her when I came out of it.  I do remember that.  Good Luck.

The procedure is just pressure - no pain and take it from me - I would tell you - there is no pain.  Now - if they have to break your water.  Just lay there and think about roses because that hurt like hell.