Question for c-section moms!

Stephanie - posted on 09/16/2009

I have had two c-sections. I found that not only did I heal faster, but I was mobile a lot faster with my second. I think your body knows that you have to be up and running faster because you have a toddler and now a new baby.

Lauren - posted on 09/16/2009

I had an emergency c-sec with my first. Found out I was pregnant with#2 when he was just 6 months old, and was able to have a VBAC with my 2nd, and then my 3rd. My first two are ony 14 months apart, and my 2nd and 3rd are 17 months apart. I am planning another VBAC with twins in December. Recovery from a Vaginal birth is about 1,000 tmes easier than a c-section , in my opinion

Amanda - posted on 09/16/2009

I had an emergency c section with my first as well then I got pregnant right away after with twins I did have another c section, it was planned this time because of my first c section it was less troubling

Darlene - posted on 09/16/2009

I also had an unexpected emergency c-section. recovery was swift for me but I would not want to go through major surgery again unless it was another emergency (especially with a little one already running around the house!)

research doctors/midwives in your area that are in the mind set that VBAC's can be perfectly safe.....please do not just think you "don't have a choice"

talk with your ob/midwife!

good luck!

Deborah - posted on 09/16/2009

I had all three of my boys via C-Section and due to the emergency situation of the first one I was not able to have the little bikini cut, mine was from the inside of my navel all the way down. Because of this type of incision, the other two had to be C-Section also. It's my understanding that if you had the bikini cut you can deliver vaginally with future babies. So that choice is between you guys and your doctor. As far as recovery time afterwards, I actually was up and back to routine quicker with the last two. Maybe because I knew what to expect and what I needed to do for myself in order to recover. I hope you will find this encouraging. Take good care of yourself. :-)

Shannon - posted on 09/16/2009

Hi Nicole. I had my first child also as an emergency c-section (scary). I too recovered quickly. When it came time for my 2nd, I wanted to try vaginally. I delivered her c-section (planned date, nice & smooth compared to first time) and recovered well like I did from the first. By the time our 3rd came I had no choice but to deliver c-section. My son came at 36 1/2 weeks & the c-section was scheduled at 38 weeks. He arrived early, healthy 7 lb 15 oz 22"long by c-section. I went into labor early, they tried to slow it down but he kept on coming. Even then it wasn't planned but it wasn't rushed like the first.My uterus was thin (by that time) & he said it was a good thing they did the c-section.My doctor encourages those who've had a c-section to deliver vaginally if they are able too. Having a planned c-section was a lot smoother (not rushed). They say it takes longer to heal from a c-section then from vaginal delivery. I believe it all depends on the individuals body. I had more weight restrictions after a c-section. but still healed within the 4-6 week period. I think it's up to you, your husband and doctor.You can always see what the doctor says...plan a c-section date around the due date & if the baby comes early try vaginally. That's what we did with our 2nd. However after having 2 c-sections I had no choice but to deliver the 3rd c-section. I never did feel that I "didn't go through the labor process because you do" At least I did w/ my 1st and 3rd.

Jamie - posted on 09/16/2009

I have a had two c-sections. My first one went fine. The 2nd was 21 months later and I went into labor 2 days before my scheduled c-section and my uterus ruptured, thankfully it ruptured on the old scar so there wasn't a lot of bleeding. Where I am from they pretty much don't give you the option to have a vbac (but doctor will not do one) However I am glad that I had the 2nd c-section otherwise they probably wouldn't have known about my rupture at the time and I'm not sure of the problems that would have caused.

Cheryl - posted on 09/16/2009

I have 3 children, all delivered by c-section. I was 31 when I had my last one & the first thing I said afterward was "I'm never, never doing this again. I guess I was getting too old!

Cynthia - posted on 09/16/2009

The situation surrounding an emergency c/s is so totally different and scary. But first, just because you had to have a c/s once does not mean the second child is automatically a c/s. it depends on the situation as to why the first one occurred, and the type of incision. Talk to your gun. A scheduled c/s is a planned event. You know the date, you sleep at night and come in to the hospt in the am. They start your Iv and go to the OR. We have had patients who have had 4 or more c/s so don't dwell on that.

Shannon - posted on 09/16/2009

Hi Nicole, yes I had an emergency c-section w/my first. My second I wanted to try & deliver vaginal but ended in a c-section. I recovered just as fast with the 2nd as I did w/ 1st w/breastfeeding & moderate excerise. By the time i had my 3rd there was no choice but to have a c-section (recommended by my doctor), it's a good thing, I was scheduled at 38 weeks to have it done and my son ended coming at 36 1/2 weeks (7lb 15oz, 22"long) so he was already to term. My uterus was thin by the time i had my 3rd (& if I delivered vaginally he would have torn in many other places). i know people who had 1st c-sections & delivered 2nd vaginally. So if it's something you can do & your doctor says try it, then try it. You can always schedule a c-section date for after babies due date if you wanted to try deliver vaginally. A planned c-section goes much smoother than an emergency one. Just take it easy, eat healthy & if you choose to breastfeed, moderate excerise and you'll heal fine 2nd time around. God Bless & Good luck!

Becci - posted on 09/16/2009

Post a reply!I had 2 c sections my 1st being elective and was fine,2nd time around I wanted to give birth naturally and tried but after 5 days of labour and forcepts he still wasn't coming,so I had an emergency c section which was awful!!very stressful elective ones are planned and so much more organized!!

I've been told if I want any more I will have to have an elective c section.

I would talk to your g p or midwife and they will u any advice hope this helped a bit?!becci x

Donna - posted on 09/16/2009

Hi I've had two and I think the 2nd one was better for me because it wasn't an emergency and I was more prepared. Depends on your situation as to whether they'll let you push the next one out of if there is too much risk involved for either your or yr baby then they'll opt you go for the C.S. Eitherway, they do take time to get over, but like any birth, there is always risk and it is so worth it in the end to have your baby come out into the world safely. And I must say, the 2nd was also better because of the advancements in technology since between my 1st and 2nd (only 2 years)... amazing...back on my feet a lot quicker than the 1st. PS... I'd love some tips on how to get your tummy back in shape after having C's.

Emma - posted on 09/16/2009

I had a c section with my first and they recommended that it was safer to have another c section. If you are over due with your second and have already had a c section they wont induce you they will just take you in for a c section. I would recomment a c section again, but thats just my personal choice.

Emilie - posted on 09/16/2009

Hi Nicole, My first child was born via csection for breech. I've had 2 babies vaginally since then. My advice is to educate yourself!! Some good books to read are The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth (the chapter on elective c-sections), The Silent Knife, www.ican-online.org, www.vbac.com Basically, a cesarean is major surgery that comes with many risks. Because it is performed so frequently, we've become numb to all it's dangers. It shouldn't be a decision to take lightly. If you decide to go VBAC (vaginal) - and I really recommend that you think about it - look into getting a doula. They're great! Best of luck!

Lorena - posted on 09/15/2009

i had an emergency c-section as well with my second, and 2 yrs later had another emergency c- section again! i guess it depends more on you Dr. but i do hear that they encourge a vaginal...good luck!

Tracy - posted on 09/15/2009

I have had three and the first two were a year and twenty-one days apart. I felt that the first one was the worse mostly because of the fear of the unknown. Really I would rather have the section than all those hours of labor. By the time I was having my third I jokenly told my doctor to just put a zipper in.....LOL

Tracy - posted on 09/15/2009

I have had three and the first two were a year and twenty-one days apart. I felt that the first one was the worse mostly because of the fear of the unknown. Really I would rather have the section than all those hours of labor. By the time I was having my third I jokenly told my doctor to just put a zipper in.....LOL

Jessica - posted on 09/15/2009

I had to have two c-sections. One was for my twin girls and then my youngest son. Where I live we are not allowed to have vaginal births after a c-section, but I did have a vagianal birth for my fist child. I would definitly go threw the vagianal again before another c-section the recovery time is faster and less painfull. Deffinitly ask your doctor lots of questions and decide what is best for you and your baby! Good Luck!

Amanda - posted on 09/15/2009

I am pregnant now and due in October. I had an emergency c-section back in Feb 08, so not that long ago. They're saying that there's actually a lot less risk going the c-section route, because a lot can go wrong if I were to choose a natural birth, both with me and/or my baby. Now, while I'm devastated that I will never be able to experience a natural birth, I feel I'm making the right and more healthy decision for both my unborn child and myself, despite the recovery involved, going with the c-section. After going through it with my first, I realized that it was WELL worth it and I would definitely do it all over again. Nothing in the world beats the feeling of being a mom. Good luck with your decision, and just know despite my and others' opinions, whatever you decide to do will be the best for you and your new baby, because it is your decision, after all!

Christy - posted on 09/15/2009

i've had 3 c-sections, the first one was an emergency, she was posterior. so i had a general anesthetic, (they knocked me out), i was in the hospital for four days, the next day i was walking around meijers!! with my second child i had the option to have him c-section or vaginal, i chose c-section, but with a local anesthetic, (i was awake during the procedure). and i was up and walking around within hours. with my third child i decided to have another c-section because it was what i knew, but i went back to the general anesthetic because of complications with the local one. and i was back to work after just 3 weeks, (financial circumstances) but the dr. left the choices up to me. he was very informative i believe the deciding factor in which way i would deliver came when he told me that when you have a vaginal birth after a c-section you have an increased risk for infection. good luck and do what you want to do not what others tell you to, you know what is best for you.

Dorcas - posted on 09/15/2009

I had an emergency-C section with my first child because he was breach. I did a v-bac with my second child (20 months later). I am planning another v-bac for my third child. For me the recovery from the v-bac was much easier and less painful than the recovery from the C-section. There is a slight increase in risk with v-bac's compared to vaginal births with no previous C-section. However there are a lot of risk with doing a C-section. It is major abdominal surgery. All of the major risk such as throwing clots, infections, something else in the cavity being hurt or brused are all there. If you plan on having more children and don't do a v-bac this time then you can't do a v-bac in the future. It is best to talk to your doctor about your fear and what the risk for you are.

Good luck

Laura - posted on 09/15/2009

Hello Nicole. I have had 3 c-sections so far and I am scheduled to have my 4th on Oct. 27th. My first was was a little scary and I had some complicatoins after. I had been in labor for 8 hours and then was diagnosed with non progressive labor. I was still only dialted to a two and had the urge to push. I was scared to go through it again only 17 months later but it was a much faster recovery because I knew what to expect and I hadn't had labor for 8 hours. My third c-section was even easier on me. It has been 5 years since my last c-section. I could try and have a vbac but the thought of going through labor again and then still needing to have a c-section is just to scary. It is surgery and there are risks but for me it is what I know and has been easier every time.

TREVONYA - posted on 09/15/2009

ITS NOT THAT BAD I HAD ONE WITH MY SECOND OLDEST AND MY LIL GURL AND I DID JUST FINE I THINK YOU CAN DO IT...IT WILL BE JUST LIKE THE FIRST ONE AND SOMETIMES THEY WILL LET YOU PUSH IF YOU CAN ITS NOT THAT BAD AT ALL...GOOD LUCK

Emilee - posted on 09/15/2009

If you can find a place go have a vaginal!! I had a C/S with my first and left town to have a VBAC with my second. They are just short of two years apart and I'm so glad we did it! My first was diagnosed Failure to progress, CPD, and non reassuring heart tones. My second baby was a half pound heavier! We had a Doula, a labor assistant, for the second and that helped us succeed I think. In the end the choice is yours and you'll have a healthy baby either way. A repeat C/S is not giving in or failure, do what you're comfortable. Don't give in to the idea that you have to have a C/S if you don't want it. You may have to relocate to a place with a facility that will allow it, that is important.

Good luck and happy mothering.

Stefani - posted on 09/15/2009

I had an unplanned c with my first and a planned one with my second. I was better the second time around because I knew what to expect.

Nichole - posted on 09/15/2009

I've had two and they both turned out perfect. You are actually putting yourself in more danger if you do not have another c-section. You should talk to your doctor.

Desiree - posted on 09/15/2009

Quoting Nicole:

Question for c-section moms!

I had a emergency c-section for my first. My husband and I are talking about having a second child but I am worried about birth. Have any other mothers had two c-sections? Any Advice? I recovered fine from the first one but it's not something I'd like to go threw again..

Hi, an emergency c-section isn't the same as a planned one.  My first one was also an emergency, and I also recovered fine.  But my second one (10 weeks ago) was amazing.  I was so relaxed because I knew what was coming.  Don't worry, get to work and have that second angel.

Elizabeth - posted on 09/15/2009

i have had two also!! The first was an emergency and done in a hurry, they cut me up and down not across so with my second i had to have one also. I was released after the second in less than 48 hrs. I healed fairly quickly and they used the old scar so its just a little darker than it was before

Doris - posted on 09/15/2009

I had 2 c-sections and both went great. I had watched all 4 of my sister-in-law's have their children vaginally and I'll take a c-section anytime. But, I would talk to the doctor and see what he/she says. I had decided to have my 2nd by regular childbirth, but since I wouldn't go into labor the 2nd time, we decided to do the 2nd c-section and again I did great. The babies both had big round heads and absolutely no complications for either of us.

Stephanie - posted on 09/15/2009

Nicole, I've had 2 of them. My first child was sideways & wouldn't come out naturally; my 2nd was on the advice of my doctor. Admittingly, recovery time for them is longer & a bit more painful, but I, for one, have no regrets about needing "surgery" to have my children. I actually am thankful for it. However, it's your choice. If your doctor feels C-section would be necessary, I'd heed the advice. Good luck.

Lynne - posted on 09/15/2009

I had 2 C-sections 4 years apart. My doctor gave me the choice of a repeat C-section or a VBAC (vaginal delivery after C-section). I'm a nurse (RN) & I know that the main potential danger of VBAC is a ruputured uteresis- you can bleed to death and if you survive, no more babies. The chance is small but most ob-gyns will encourage the C-section because of this potential complication even though you can always have complications with a C-section too. For me, my first child birth ended after a LONG labor and the labor was so painful (I didn't get an epidural-long story) & the pain from the C-section was minor compared to the labor pain. So I went with the repeat section mainly because I just didn't want to take the chance that I'd have another long & painful labor. I hope this helps- in the end you have to weigh the risks and benefits for yourself!

Shannon - posted on 09/15/2009

I agree with most of the moms on here, you know your body better then anyone else, also see if a VBAC is even an option first. A great deal of OBGYN's won't because of malpractice insurance. Mine offered,but I would have had to pay for it out of pocket. Since you already had one, you know how to make it through another one. I really didn't mind having another c-section, and with my third child, I had my tubes tide right then and their, so no second surgery for that. I know some people that have them on purpose for some odd reason, mine also was an emergency, I wouldn't change a thing. Good luck on your decision.

Amanda - posted on 09/15/2009

I had an emergency c section for my first son; I then had a trial labour with number two and then another c secton; for number three I had an elective section. 2nd and 3rd time is not as bad as the first. First time is a bit of a shock but you get over it. The important thing to remember is having a healthy baby and for you to be well. Good luck

Denise - posted on 09/15/2009

Yes, i've had 3. The difference was the time in between pregnacies, the mothers health (considered a high risk) and my doctor gave me a choice. However there is nothing wrong with giving birth naturally after a c-section. In my case there were complications with all three pregnacies, so it was planned.

Lisa - posted on 09/15/2009

I have had 3 c-section and after the frist being a emergency one I too was worried but in the end it was nice because of planing and recovery seems to get quicker with each one really:) I was up and out of bed 8hrs after the second and 6 hrs after the third...

Jolene - posted on 09/15/2009

My sister has had 5 c-sections. She recovered well and loved having them all that way!

Cheryl - posted on 09/15/2009

went through 3 c sections,and i had the original incisions, not bikini cut etc. after 1st child was in labor for 11 /12 hrs and they decided to do c section,after having 1st child they told me had to have c sections with any additional children i have, but now unfortunately it is not the case now of days,and i know of alot of people who had c section and then on 2nd , 3rd etc had baby naturally, but the upside of having 2nd you dont go through all the labor again they deliver like week earlier . so its just the soreness and pain after having baby

Sarah - posted on 09/15/2009

i had 2 emergency c-sections and now i dont have a choice if i have any more children, i hve been told that have to have another section if i have another child and they only like doing 3 as it is not recomended to do any more as it takes alot longer for your body to heal. the thought of a natural birth scared the hell out of me but i would have much prefered to have given birth to my boy naturally.

Jenni - posted on 09/15/2009

Like you I too had an emergency c-section for my 1st, 2nd time around I was petrified that I would need another, but midwife said they would only let me go 3 hours in labour before doing a second, he came out in 2 hours 45 mins. Usually 2nd c-sections take longer to recover. but I do know someone who has had 2 and is fine

Amanda - posted on 09/15/2009

you can have a normal delivery after a c-section, It is ok.. Just talk to your doctor and let him or her know that this is what you want. My sister had a c-section the first time and a natural birth the second one.....I think that is great

Cindy - posted on 09/15/2009

I had a C-section for my first as well.... then I had 3 other kids the regular way.... and it all turned out fine.... no matter what you have to go threw all that matters is the baby is in good health.... you are strong you can do what you need to do....

Becky - posted on 09/15/2009

I have also had 2 c-sections.My first was a nightmare!When it came time to deliver my second child a VBAC(vaginal birth after cecerian)was considered.After talking with my OBGYN and having a last minute ultrasound my Dr and I both agreed that a second c-section was warranted.My kids were both 9 pounders and I was not built to have them vaginally.It took longer to recover from my first than from my second.With my son I was sore and tired for a while.With my daughter I was up and out of bed much more quickly.I healed faster with my second as well.You might want to discuss your options with your Dr.Every woman is different.In retrospect,I would have liked to given birth naturally.I hope this has helped:)

Rose - posted on 09/15/2009

I had two c-section 2 years apart but that was back 30 years ago. Back then they cut you up and down not bikini it is possible...

Karen - posted on 09/15/2009

One thing you may want to research is how many c-sections your OB/GYN performs vs. vaginal births. Insurance companies put pressure on doctors to perform c-sections due to liability and time in the delivery room. It isn't necessarily the doctor wanting to do C-Sect but being pushed into a corner to do it or not afford malpractice insurance.

I've had c-sections and surgeries into the same scar and now I have a great deal of adhesions that give me grief. Just something else to consider. Good luck.

Tatiana - posted on 09/15/2009

I had three c-sections. The first was an emergency and the second her heart rate kept slowly down. Then my third was a scheduled. I felt the same way that you did about not wanting to go through it again, but some women just dont have that choice. Like they told me that my pelvis was too small for me to even have a vback, so I guess I just coped with it. As long as the hospital that you went to is good with that sort of thing you should be fine. Dont let it discourage you, they (babies) are precious and its worth it.

Lara - posted on 09/15/2009

Hi I've now had 3 C-sections. The 1st two were emergencies so I had to have an elective with my 3rd. The elective was a surreal but fantastic experience, I had an epidural so was awake to see my baby, it was all over in 20-30 mins and no labour pains! It was great for me and my slightly squeamish husband but trust your own instinct if you want to try for a natural birth next time go for it!

Teressa - posted on 09/15/2009

I have had 3, with my first being in 1975. You can have a 2nd one sucessfully as long as doctor says there are no other complications. I had an emergency c-section. Were you cut up and down or across. My daughter has had two c-sections successfully also. The 2nd one would not be like the first as they would schedule your surgery earlier than your due date. You would not go through all the labor and stress like the 1st one.

Beth - posted on 09/15/2009

You'll have to discuss that with your doctor. But my sister had her first by c section, and the second naturally. Mainly because she was too far along, and ended up delivering in the hall on the way to the delivery room. LOL

Erin - posted on 09/15/2009

Hi you! I also had a c-sect emergency for my first... i have then had 2 more! All recovery fine... (It does get harder to get rid of belly overhang from scar though. eek) Your obstetrician can also check how thin/thick your uterine wall is and tell you if you are ok to have more c-sections...

Ramatu - posted on 09/15/2009

I have had 2 emergency c - sections and only one surving baby. Both were traumatic expereinces but atleast I was conscious the second time and have a beautiful baby to show for it. I receovered faster the 2nd time maybe becuase I had a live baby to look forward to! For medical reasons i would have to have another c - section for my next baby and I am fine with that. Don't worry, you'll be fine. You are lucky you have access to great medical services.