i have to get a c section :(

[kassilyn]

My daughter refuses to flip and I have to get a csection. I am really upset. I had a plan to do this all natural this time around. I am also worried it will affect my bond with her. Any advice on how I should mentally prepare??

[kassilyn]

Thank you so much :) you have eased my mind so much

[Kryara]

Honestly?  I thought I would feel worse. Emergency sections are a lot worse because you are already exhausted from labour and the physical demands after take it out of you. However being prepared is being forearmed, just go in with the mindset that you want your healthy baby and that is your end result.  I had planned a water birth with music and relaxing things but it didn't end up that way. My daughter went into distress and I hemorrhaged and it was a nightmare so I was most relieved when I had her in my arms. The best thing is to begin to move about 12 - 24 hrs after as it will help your healing. I am also going to invest in a postpartum girdle this time and will start to use it a few days after I give birth to help support my stomach as last time my back ached a bit. Also try and walk straight and not hunched, you automatically want to hunch to protect the wound but walking straight will help your back support you.

[a7xforlife04]

How does it feel to heal from a c section? I fear I'll get up and feel my insides just fall back into place and have it hurt. I'm pretty sure I'll have a c section as well because of my bariatric surgery

[Kryara]

Your hospital may provide paper panties bur I would recommend granny pants that are high on the waist and won't rub the incision. Not attractive but oh so comfortable when healing.  Also have your comforts like lip balm, any creams or anything that relaxes you. Try and have your partner or someone with you the first day in hospital as you can't get out of bed and they can help pass you your baby and change her/his nappy. Take a baggy comfy nightie that will unbutton at front if breastfeeding just incase you don't like the hospital gowns. Maybe some music as well so you can relax and block out some of the hospital noise.

Also best advice of all, DO NOT freak out if you do not bond with your baby immediately. It is VERY normal. I made this mistake and thought I was the worst mother ever, but as I got to know her and her me, I fell completely in love. You will love her but that overwhelming 'feeling' comes with time. Do not worry about the birth, the section is very quick. It took only 2 minutes to get my daughter out and they had me stitched and in recovery giving her first feed within an hr. Just try and squeeze in sleep whenever you can.

[kassilyn]

Is there anything that I should bring to the hospital that would be different then what I would bring for a regular birth??

[Kryara]

I had an emergency section with my first and I have to have another with this wee one. I am so much more looking forward to this one than last time as I was exhausted from being induced and 24 hrs of failed labour and then a hemorage. It is not actually that bad to be honest. I have never actually had a vaginal birth however I was surprised after my em section that I was not in more pain. I took the pain medication they recommended and I still breast fed and bonded with my daughter. More so once we got home as I hated the hospital with a passion. We always have plans for labour (I wanted a water birth) but we also have to accept that a lot of the time the decision is taken from us and all we can hope for is a healthy little baby at the end.
I would warn ypu that for first 24 hrs or so after the section you will not be allowed up, then when you get up you may be a bit uncomfortable but the more you move the better you're healing should be. Just take it easy. Drink lots of water to keep your energy up and keep the bladder going (you'll have a catheter until you can get up). Just accept help if ypu need it and don't be afraid to ask. Within a week I started to feel a good bit better and my wound didn't really hurt, just sometimes pinched.