I'm having a repeat c-section this time. I had one with my ds and the recovery is SO much easier than I thought it would have been. I was scared to have a c-section because people had talked about how much worse the recovery was. But it wasn't bad at all for me. I was able to get up the next morning walk around, I had no potty issues, very little bleeding...just overall not too bad. I was in some pain, but nothing unbearable and only had to take tylenol. But now I'm getting worried that I'm setting my expectations too high. Has anyone had more than one c-section? How was the recovery for each one? I'm afraid that I'm going to go in there expecting it to be as easy as the first time and then be slammed with more pain and a bad recovery, you know.

Oh and just to mention, I didn't have an elective c-section the first time. It was after a long labor and only 1 cm later. Turns out I have an unusually small cervix (which has caused other issues like endometriosis). Didn't want anyone to think that I'm just going in for c-sections for the heck of it, lol

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LOL never thought you were doing it for the fun of it. I've only had one, and I too had a really easy one. But I worked on the postpartem floor/nursey and I have to say in general, my mommas that had repeat sections, had an easier time. They were more rested, because they weren't laboring all day. And they also knew what to expect, so they got up and got moving easier. Which makes the recovery easier. I'm sure you'll be fine. You all ready know how you handle the pain and such.

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I've never had a c-section but the mention of one brought fear to me yesterday. I too, have heard horror stories about how horrible the recovery can be. I was told that my little man is breech and the OB said that if he's still in that position at the next appt then, he could schedule me for an external version at the bigger hospital in the next town...not sure how I feel about it...but the thought of a possible c-section scares me. So, I'd like to hear some of the experiences too...

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I don't have any experience w/ c sections, but it sounds like Christin had good info for you. I hope you have as good a recovery as your first!

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Thanks Christin! That's definitely reassuring news.

Dawn- I was terrified of a c-section before I had mine and was determined that I wanted to avoid one. BUT in the end, it really wasn't as bad at all. Of course I don't have a vaginal birth to compare it to, but the actual recovery was nothing like what I had thought it was going to be. I had a friend who had a baby vaginally 5 weeks after me and she had a really bad tear and it seemed like for her, she was in a lot more pain than I was. Which suprised me.
The only thing I would recommend you ask about IF you do end up having one, is having them keep the baby with you in the recovery room instead of sending it to the nursery right away. That's what I'm having done this time. I've talked to my doctor about it and she is fine with that. They took me to recovery and Max to the nursery after he was born and I didn't get to see him for a few hours. Which was the worst part of the whole thing. I want to try and BF as soon as possible with this Aspen, so she doesn't have to leave me and go to the nursery first (as long as everything is fine healthwise of course).

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i havent but brandi that is a good idea if i need one. I will add it to my list

I do have a friend though that had a repest csection... a few. The girls that have them.... feel they are better than vaginal. lol no labor. (well the ones with no horror stories I guess... I mean i do have another freind who opted for a vback) But the one that had a repeat csection... and she actually went into labor before her scheduled c section. and they still prepped her and did the c section. She just wanted to do it that way. I am sure they would have let her push. but she had one so they let her have another. SHe was fine with it

Now another lady i know just had her second one feb 5th. She had some issues... Loss of blood... and then the wound wasnt healing so they have to send her something to wear. She was a bitpale at the brs. But HAPPY still..... I mean either way... baby is out... ok... and the process is over... so you just let yourself heal

So I think it just depends. GOOD LUCK. I will pray you have another good experience

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We have a little playgroup here and my two very best friends both just had their 2nd c-sections (after trying for vaginal the second time, too *whew*). Anyway, they both said the recovery was a little better with the second one--maybe just knowing what to expect? Either way, they were both up and around that same week.

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I have come to the theory that no laboring equates to an easier recovery. I didn't labor AT ALL with my first because all we did was sit there and wait and wait for my body to basically not do what it was supposed to do (water had broken on it's own and I never could get past 2cms). I thought the c-section was a breeze. Most people say that the 2nd one was easier but if you think about it, it's probably because they labored the first time before the surgery and they had surgery on a defeated, exhausted and physically worn down body. After that, there's no laboring involved.

The thing to remember (I am including myself too!) is that it is major abdominal surgery and even though you feel OK you have to take it easy. It's going to be much harder to do that for us that have toddlers around this time, especially when you feel like you can do anything on Vicodin

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Mommy to Andrew, born May 27, 2005