expecting twin girls and scared about a c section

Kammy - posted on 03/24/2009

I had a C-section and was up the next day.  There really was not that much pain for me.....and I have a pretty low tolerance.  I was actually pleased.  I walked into the OR at 12.00 and had a baby by 12:21.  I have another scheduled for May.  

The fact that you are scared and expecting pain will probably make it seem not so bad.  You know  things are never as bad as you think they are going to be.  Plus, all of your attention will be on that baby and family.  It is a great distraction!  Good luck!

Darci - posted on 03/24/2009

I will be having my third c-section in the middle of May (my first child was breech).  The pain is definitely present, but I think it's more bearable than being pregnant (which I don't particularly enjoy) and you have a baby to look after... it definitely takes your mind off the pain.  The first couple weeks are a bit difficult, but you will notice improvement in the pain each day following the c-section.  Breastfeeding is such a great time with your baby, and it does help with taking your mind off of your pain and just enjoying your time with your baby (or babies in your case).

As far as BMs, I drank LOTS and LOTS of water with my first (which helps), but a little extra fiber or even a stool softener that they offer in the hospital makes the first BM much more comfortable. The pain meds that they give you (especially the pump the first day)... make you constipated.  Drink lots of water, eat high fiber foods, and get moving as the nurse encourages you to do so.

Good luck with your babies... rest is always good for a healing body.  Rest when the babies rest... or sleep when the babies sleep.  As far as c-sections go, I am of the opinion that I will do what I need to do to get a healthy baby on delivery day.  And, so far, I have 2 healthy babies, and they continue to bring such joy to my life!

Megan - posted on 03/20/2009

make sure u get lots of help when u can

Dionna - posted on 03/20/2009

i am breastfeeding....and thanks for all the advice

Felicia - posted on 03/20/2009

Hi, don't be scared. I know you still will be! I had a c section last year and I am having another one in 45 days !!! I was terrified last year prior to the first one, as you are and rightfully so. It is a new experience. But my experience went like this... It happened so fast it was like a dream. It is normal to worry but it is out of your control, so try not to stress yourself out too much!!!  They give you pain killers, that works well at keeping the edge off. Of course you'll experience some discomfort but it isn't unbareable and it is all worth it once you see your gorgeous little babies!!! Just try to get help for the first couple of weeks so you don't over do it and put any undue stress on your insicion (sp?) Good luck!!!

Megan - posted on 03/19/2009

thats what ur partner is there for and they wont let you watch it they will have a blue sheet up r u bottle feeding?

Dionna - posted on 03/19/2009

i guess i'm not really scared about the surgery cuz if they let me i want to watch cuz things like that are interesting to me and i plan on becoming a nurse.... i'm just scared about the pain... i mean you use your stomach muscles for everything and i no it's going to suck to do anything. i know i will have a lot of help but i'm still worried about taking care of two kids while in such pain.

Megan - posted on 03/19/2009

hun every 1 is different i had 1 c section with my 1st and the got me up to walk the next day it felt good and im having another c section in may 2 and a half years apart from both kids there is nothing to be scared bout i mean u would be in the safest hands possible and they do talk u through it and u can also ask alot of questions while they are doing the procedure i think the only thing ur scared about is the operation itself and being ur first honestly u wont feel a thing and it will be over in minutes yeah maybe some people recover quicker then others but they do get u up walking as quickly as they can ur partner will be with u so u wont be alone i dont mean to be personal but u will bleed for the next nearlly 6 weeks maybe less after u have bubiesbut that is natural

Jessica - posted on 03/19/2009

Okay, I completely disagree with the recovery being not much worse than the gallbladder surgery- I do not want to scare you, but I think it's best to be prepared going in!  I have had both, and the C-section recovery is MUCH more difficult.  I had my gallbladder removed three weeks after the c-section.  That being said, it's not all that bad.  You will have significant pain the first day or two, but the best advice I can give you is to stand up and try to walk as soon as they'll let you...it gets easier every time you try!  The more you move the easier it will be, and the less bleeding you will have.  You will not be able to lift more than the weight of the baby (or in your case one of the babies!) for at least two weeks, so plan on having as much help around as possible, at least during the day- and make sure your hubby knows that he will have to get up at night with the lil' ones, as much as possible!

Best advice is to not stress too much about the c-section.  It will be SO worth it in the end to have happy, healthy babies...and honestly, if you have an idea of what you're going to experience, it will be less frustrating for you.  I expected to have a "normal" vaginal birth, and ended up with an emergency c-section at 35 weeks...lets just say I did not take it very well, having all my "plans" go up in smoke!  :)  You have time to prepare yourself and you now have somewhat of an idea what to expect!

Oh, and one other thing- (this is kinda' personal, but hey, we're girls!)- make sure to pack some benefiber, because the first BM hurts, and if you don't like the idea of an enema, then it'll be worth your while to be prepared with alternatives!  I learned that the hard way!  I plan on taking it immediately after the c-section this time...it has no taste whatsoever, and I normally put it in milk.  :) 

I hope this helps and doesn't scare you...hopefully you will be a bit more relaxed just knowing what to expect!  If you have more questions about recovery time or anything, let me know- I'd be happy to share!

Brenda - posted on 03/19/2009

I haven't had one, but I've known plenty of women have good experiences with them.  My chances of having one with my son this time around are higher, because it seems he doesn't want to keep his head down at all, so unless he decides to cooperate, they might do one on me this time.  Try to relax, and realize that they are so much safer for you and the babies in your case (depending on their position more than anything).  In most cases you'll be awake and will be able to see them right away.  I've had my gall bladder removed, and the recover from a c section isn't a whole lot worse, just a bigger incision, and if it happens it happens for me.  I'd really talk at length with your doctor if you have fears about it, and maybe he can soothe your fears a bit.