C-Section

I didn't have a C-Section with my first child, so I know nothing about it, and I'm just trying to get informed just in case. What's the recovery like? Is it harder to get back in shape? Any info is welcome. Thanks!

[trying43]

A c section is major surgery so you definitely have a longer recovery time.  They cut ur stomach muscles so it can be hard if not impossible to get those muscles back.  I personally didn't have to have one but took care of my good friend who did.  I had all 3 of mine naturally and felt pretty good after each.  Good luck

[mommybear0710]

I've had two and will go for my third on May 4th my first was a tough recovery but that was my docs fault, my second was easy I was holding my baby in the recovery room and released from the hospital after 2 days, we had company over that weekend and went out to eat. You can't carry the baby in the carseat and can't lift anything heavier than your baby for 6 weeks. Also I've had alot of trouble tightening my stomach and between the two scars it left some very loose skin because they cut through your muscles.

[angel4311]

I had one for my son 3 years ago and will be having another for this baby.  Because my son was delivered later in the day, they didn't get me up until the next morning and although that moment was a little rough, I felt much better once I was up.  I was able to walk around on my own by that day.  When we came home, I was fine. I took pain meds on the 1st day I was home, because I was sore, but after that I was fine.  You can't lift anything heavier than the baby for at least 6 weeks.  I had a very quick recovery and felt like myself again within a day or two...the woman who I shared a room with had a natural delivery and unfortunetly didn't have such a good experience.  My family have all had sections bc we have large babies and small pelvic bones, so it was the best choice for me!

[vbilger]

Thanks so much for the input ladies! I hope I can deliver naturally again if my baby is smaller like my 1st, but if she's a honking 9 pounder like all my friends have been having, a c section may be the better option!

[kamil119]

recovery is rough, just prepare yourself. I didn't know I was going to have one, so I brought my low-cut panties, which was a BAD idea. Bring high-waisted panties that support your tummy without irritating your incision. This time, I'm getting one of those support girdles, they say it makes it easier to recover. I felt like my belly is literally going to fall out but it was painful to keep my muscles tight. My doctor stressed that they do not cut those muscles, they separate them, but it messes them up anyways. If you want to see, they have a video on how they perform c section and how they separate muscles on babycenter

[vbilger]

Thanks! I may check that out after I decide if it will traumatize me or not.

[JaneRae]

I have had 3 c-sections and number 4 scheduled in June. 1st was really hard as it was an emergency and after over 36 hours of hard back labor. I was exhausted to say the least and my body was already worn as thin as could be. My 2nd was a breeze. I was back to normal very fast. My 3rd was tragic as my son passed away. My recovery was 2-fold grief and physically. There is definitely a scar and seperation of the muscles in that area but all of my kids are so worth it!