Considering a c-section..

MomofJ&B - posted on 01/29/2013

I had two Cs. My first came after almost two days in the hospital trying to give birth vaginally to a stubborn baby boy who didn't want to come out. I passed out exhausted in the middle of contractions, I was so fatigued. When I finally got the C, I was able to hold my baby and it couldn't have been a more amazing moment than if I had a regular birth. I even scheduled a C with my second boy. Recovery time is definitely longer vs. vaginal, in comparing my experience to that of friends, but they didn't have tears like you did. Recovery with the second C was definitely harder than the first for me because they have to cut through scar tissue and the muscle all over again (babies born 3 years apart). First rehab period was about a month. Second was about 6 weeks, with slightly more pain. Body came back instantly after 1st C. Still waiting for it after 2nd, LOL (but I am older and more consumed with motherhood to go to the gym this time). Second kid is almost 3. I would keep in mind that medical technology is such that C sections, although major surgery, are pretty commonplace and safe these days. My kids were born in a state-of-the-art baby hospital, so I never had any concerns. Good luck!

Casey - posted on 01/29/2013

I had two c-sections. With the first one I didn't feel like myself again for months. With the second one, I felt better in a couple weeks. Both were painful, but the sooner you move around after the surgery, the better. I was back to my prepregnancy weight a week after leaving the hospital with both. I was in the hospital for about five days and four days. I was really hoping to go vbac after the first because I felt like it took forever to feel better and it was so painful, but I just never went into labor. I recommend not doing it unless you and your doctor feel that it is the right decision for you based on health and not fear. The fear got the best of me the first time around, and I didn't have a choice the second time around because of it.

Chris - posted on 01/28/2013

I have had two c-sections and I went home after two days on both occasions. I felt great very quickly except the second time when I got a cold and had to cough. Ouch for a few days. I think breast feeding also helped and getting outdoors with the baby carriage got me back in shape very quickly. My friends have all said I got back in shaper quicker than anyone else.

We are all so different. Age, what you did before for workouts, the geographic area you live in and time of year??? My summer baby was a great deal easier to take out for walks than my January baby.

Angie - posted on 01/28/2013

Hi There!

The short version is don't have an elected c-section. I had three kids close together (2008,2009 and 2011) and my stomach is a wreck - lol! I'm just now down to my pre-pregnancy weight and my stomach is slowly but surely beginning to firm up but still has a long, long way to go! I did exercise during my 2nd and 3rd pregnancies. For the long version - read on! = )

My first baby was breech so naturally I had a c-section with her. The anesthesiologist gave me way too much, I was numb up to my neck and it was hours before I could even hold my baby. Like someone else said, they flashed her to me (which I have to wear glasses, so I couldn't even see her!) and then they took her away for cleaning and such. I was in bed all of the first day, couldn't eat ( I was so hungry!) and couldn't even pick my new baby up to change her or feed her that entire first day! The second day they removed the catheter so I was able to get up but I was so sore and couldn't walk upright and doing anything with my baby was very difficult. Once we got home getting out of our bed and not a hospital bed was very difficult, getting baby out of the crib was hard and just sitting down and getting off the furniture was hard. Some furniture I couldn't sit on because I couldn't get up! I wore the binder the hospital gave me for the first month because it hurt to not wear it and was tender at the incision for months after as well.

My second baby, which came just 15 months later was delivered as a VBAC. I had no intentions of having another c-section. I was in labor for 10 hours with no epidural - my choice because I believe in as little interventions as possible. I tore horribly! I tore all along the vaginal wall, lost quite a bit of blood and I was very sore even when I got home. I wore ice diapers and had epifoam, nothing really helped with the pain. At my 6 week check up I found out that I also had a prolapse from that delivery. She was 8lbs even.

My third was a 6 hour labor, no epidural, had very minimal tears and he was 9lbs 11oz! I felt like a million bucks after him! I was up doing things, no pain, just happy! Best delivery ever!

Best wishes!

Cynthia - posted on 01/26/2013

i have 2 sons and both birth stories are completely different. my 1st was a lot like yours but my second was easy. with no problems at all.... i don't have any real advice for you except not to expect the same thing because they are different.

Deanna - posted on 01/26/2013

Ouch!! I was not a fan of having to get a c-section with my second child, but it had to be done. Recovery is about 6 weeks, with no lifting anything heavier than baby. It is different for each person. Some women feel nothing after, some feel pain, but most are in between. I felt twinges, more like a tightness in the abdominal area. With a vaginal birth, recovery is about 6 weeks, but you do come back faster than a c-section.

After the tears and the epidural not working with the first I would recommend the c-section.

Amy Rose - posted on 01/23/2013

I'm 24 weeks pregnant with my first child. So far the doctor's have assured me he's developing just fine. Great and very consistent heart rate, normal weight, quad screen came back negative (though I know those tests aren't full proof) and everything with him is looking good. Myself on the other hand have a family history of high blood pressure (mother, father and brother all on medication for HBP) and at my last doctor's visit protein was found in my urine. I did the 24 hour urine test and my CBC and urine results came back normal (huge relief) I've been made aware that because of my weight I weigh 209 and have only gained 1lb and 8oz so far (baby's weight is 1lb 2oz as of January 8th) and my high blood pressure I run the risk of developing preeclampsia. My doctor prescribed me to take one 81 mg low dose of aspirin every day until I give birth which I'm still uneased about because it's stated on the bottle that during the last three months of pregnancy it's dangerous and can cause issues for me and my baby during delivery and that only in extreme cases directed by the doctor should you take it. Along with that, I've done one test for gestational diabetes at around 16 weeks or so and results were normal. My husband has Type 1 diabetes and we've been testing my blood sugar every so often to keep an eye on it. I'm due to get another GD test done in the next few weeks. All that said, I'm wondering if I should insist on having a C section just because I'm at risk for so much that could cause a lot of strain on me and the baby during delivery or at least propose my concerns and get feedback from my OBGYN. Would anyone have any thoughts besides talking to my OBGYN about personalexperiances or general knowledge. Thanks!

Holly - posted on 04/11/2010

with my first daughter i was in labor 12 hours when the doctor decided it was time for a c section, at that point i was so tired i just wanted to get it over with. i recovered pretty quickly so i decided to have a c section with my second daughter which was a bad decision. my incision started opening so they had to push my tissue or fat whatever you want call it back in,but after 4 days in the hospital they sent me home. i was so sore and scared to move but the doctor said everything was fine...i went back in and got my staples removed and an hour later i was back at the hospital because my incision busted open and my fat was hanging out,so back through surgery for the second time in a week not to mention being away from my newborn for another 3 days. i was so scared and depressed afterwards i had to be put on medication which i am still taking and my daughter is 2, i am not trying to scare you but i would try to go natural if the doctor thinks it is a good idea because there is no gurantee u won't have complications with the surgery!

Angela - posted on 04/11/2010

i have had 3 c-sections & had no problem w/any i couldve had a normal child birth with my last one but choose a c-section it is easier 2 heal and keep the soreness out and i think u heal better now iam not saying go & do everything normal again i am talking like just like walk alittle here & there not over due it i know thats easier said then done but i was also ready 2 go home after 10hrs of having my 2nd now my 3rd i had a tummy tuck done so i was alot more sore but if i was u & had problems i would do the c-section.. good luck on the chioce u make

Charmaine - posted on 04/11/2010

its been really hard since my c-section... it was a year ago and i still have pains... the recover is way worse .. my friend had a horrible delivery and tore and stuff but she still healed faster then me

Trina - posted on 04/11/2010

It sounds like you need some facts here and so I am going to give you facts and then you can read them and decide ok? Here is a fact from Childbirth.org "A cesarean section poses documented medical risks to the mother's health, including infections, hemorrhage, transfusion, injury to other organs, anesthesia complications, psychological complications, and a maternal mortality two to four times greater than that for a vaginal birth." Here is another fact from childbirth.org "An elective cesarean section increases the risk to the infant of premature birth and respiratory distress syndrome, both of which are associated with multiple complications, intensive care and burdensome financial costs. Even mature babies, the absences of labor increases the risk of breathing problems and other complications. ". Who studied say elective c-sections have become to risky http://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/p...


I am not trying to discourage you, but I can tell you that just because you had a previous hard labor does not mean the next one will be bad. Your body and your baby's are made to birth. When you go into labor your baby will begin to rotate and turn. They will be colonized with your flora at birth if you choose a natural birth. Birth stimulates your baby and sends the baby a wake up call. Then if you delay cord cutting for only 5 minutes your baby will get all of his or her extra blood volume by as much as 25%. I just want for you to know that childbirth is nothing to fear. Our mothers gave birth, our grandmothers and their mothers before them. My main concern is that you come out of this as emotionally healthy and unscathed as possible. Everyone deserves a peaceful birth. I don't think everyone knows a natural birth can be a peaceful and beautiful thing for the mother and child. Here ares some facts about vaginal birth vs. Cesarean http://parenting.ivillage.com/pregnancy/...,,bgjt-p,00.html. There are videos on youtube about this too that are very informative.

Please don't think I am judging your choice or anyone else's here. That is not it at all, so I want to be very clear on that. I have been honored to be training under renowned midwife. I love women and I love birth. It is our birth, not our doctors, we all women deserve to have all of the facts to make an informed choice. I bet you already have those facts, and you have already studied, and researched both natural birth and c-section. Good luck to you! I hope you have a beautiful and amazing birthing experiences.

Laura - posted on 04/11/2010

I had a C-section by choice. I begged my doctor to give me one, because I had no interest in going through labor and normal childbirth. I loved my C-section and would do it again in a heartbeat! Every single woman is entitled to her own opinions and beliefs about childbirth, but no woman has the right to pass judgment on another woman's decisions! A C-section was the right choice for me, and I am so glad I did it!

Jenna - posted on 04/08/2010

On a side note, majority of doctors do not use staples anymore with csections. They use Dermabond or sutures. So it is a lot more comfortable. You can ask your ob about this as well, way before the surgery.

Michele - posted on 04/07/2010

I had an emergency c-section with my 1st pregnancy. Honestly, I wish I could have gone naturally with an epidural. It takes longer to recover, the staples make it hurt so bad to cough, laugh, sneeze, etc., Where as the incision is numb...it gets massively itchy sometimes. It is harder to get your body back after a c-section. I gained 80 lbs with my 1st pregnancy...she was born in 2004, I JUST lost 50 lbs of it last year. So yea, it was REALLY hard. Now I have the choice this time as to whether or not I wanna have a c-section this time or not, I haven't really decided, I'm thinking I'm going to try natural & see how it goes. I hope this helps you hun. Best of luck!

Amanda - posted on 04/07/2010

I wouldn't recommend a section. I've had 3 and boy do I wish I hadn't had any. I only ended up with the 3 b/c the first one was an emergency section. Now I'm trying to loose the weight and there's this annoying little "shelf" under my belly where the scar is. See the skin below the scar firms up really well and then the extra belly fat just hangs over. So if you plan on loosing all the weight as soon as ur healed then great, but it's going to take a lot of work and you'll never have a flat stomach like you would of before the section. I say try the natural way and see what happens.

Emily - posted on 04/07/2010

Hello. I had a very difficult birth with my first one and am nervous of giving birth again.
I can understand your worry and my advice would be to talk to your midwives about your fears and the likelyhood of a similar birth experience.
Each birth is unique so I hope whatever you decide it all goes smotthly second time around for you.

Sherre - posted on 04/06/2010

Like someone else has posted, a c-section is major surgery and although you were in pain with your first baby, the pain of a c-section is much worse, although everyone is different. I don't know if you plan on breastfeeding either but remember you're going to be on pain meds after so make sure you talk with your doctor about what is safe to take. I had a c-section a 1 1/2 ago. The doctors just lied so they could get my labor over with and because they get paid more. I'm upset I never researched it and got trapped into doing it. The most horrible expeirence I've had. I also believe the cons outweigh the pros in this situation. There's a website called I-can.org and a documentary called "the business of being born." Please, not only gather more opinions but get facts. Unless you need one, you shouldn't get it. Goodluck and congrats!

Alison - posted on 04/06/2010

i had a natural delivery with my first son, and an emergency c-section with my second after a 3 day labour. I found it very very hard after the c section and also got put back into hospital at 11 days because of a nasty Golden Staph infection in the wound. I have been told in future to have c-sections if i have anymore babies. i also lost 16kg in 3 weeks after c-section not sure if that was due to being sick or being a single breastfeeding mum with a 3yo and a newborn and no time to eat??

Natasha - posted on 04/06/2010

I feel the same as marie! I was in labor for 21 hrs before I had a c-section. My son was breech and his heart rate was dropping with every contraction I had! I was very niave thinking a c-section was the easy way to go. Even though they gave me alot of epidural to make sure I didnt feel anything. I felt the cutting of my uterus!! It was a dull pain! But still hurt like hell! Also my son was stuck so they had to push and apply pressure to my stomache to get him out

Like Marie I still have upset emotions! They showed my son to me for only a second and had to wait a hour and a half before I could see and hold him!! Its been 9 months since and I still get sad and heartbroken thinking about that. I feel cheated!!

The recovery is not easy!! I still get sharp pains around my scar! The doctor said that could be permenant! But my son was worth it dont gbet me wrong, but I would NEVER choose a c-section over a regular delivery after my experience! I am not judging I am just telling what happened to me !!

April - posted on 04/06/2010

Hi :)
I planned a natural water birth with midwives and ended up with an emergency c-section. I was terrified of surgery and the whole process... after the epidural (which terrified me as well) I didnt feel a whole lot. 2 hrs later i was in the room holding my little girl. I ended up not taking any pain meds afterwards...
It sounds like you are going to have one.. So, I just wanted to give you some advice that I wish I would have known. First of all, Dont push yourself afterwards, if you rip the stitches it will have to heal from the inside out. Make going to the bathroom a priority because all the meds can make it difficult. Take Magnesium Citrate as soon as you can to help you if you dont. Dont be afraid of the scar and when 6 weeks is up, start living your life again but ease into exercise slowly because at 6 weeks I ran 2 miles and did a few hundred crunches and ended up with a huge scab on my scar.
I gained 50 lbs while pregnant and my baby is 6 months and im just starting to feel back to normal and I have about 12 lbs to go and ive been working out a lot and eating very well...the weight loss will depend on your body... im not sure than natural vs c-section makes a huge difference, some are lucky some arent :) (im not lucky haha)
Next pregnancy I have I will schedule a c-section. It was easy and I know the ropes for it now so to speak. Good luck!
Oh, and if you want to breastfeed, get the baby back to your room as soon as possible and dont let them give any formula. Breastfeeding is possible just sometimes a little more difficult with a csection :)

Maren - posted on 04/06/2010

If you are going to go through with the c-section please read this! My midwife has had a c-section and blogged about it. http://www.nurturingheartsbirthservices....

Erin - posted on 04/06/2010

hi i had a c-section with my daughter, and would recommend it for sure.... i was induced three times in a perioud of 26 hours, and only made it to 2 cm, and had pre clampsia... i was scared to have a c-section, and thought i would be in so much pain afterwards... but it was such a quick procedure, she was out with in ten minutes, and i swear i was up walking around with her the next morning.... they also gave me great pain killers... so i didn't really notice the pain very much... The scar is so small from where they took her out and you can barely notice it... and i have lost most of my baby weight and she is 13 months.... if i get pregnant again i plan on scheduling my c-section... GOOD LUCK TO YOU

Jenna - posted on 04/06/2010

If it is going to harm your body, or if even if it just makes you feel more comfortable, by all means choose the csection. Too many women would rather hark on mothers who aren't "natural" whether it is birth to breastfeeding to raising of a child. It is totally your decision and one you should totally discuss everything with your OB about. Having a natural childbirth, especially while you are worried about the possible risks that you've already experienced, is not going to make the labor any easier for you.

Good luck to you!! Remember this is your decision and your decision alone. Don't let any degrade for any choice you make!

Melissa - posted on 04/06/2010

Have you talked to your doctor about what they think is best in your situation? If they consider you to be at risk for such a bad delivery. My daughter was born via c-section (emergency) and I ended up with a bad infection and am still healing (she is only 7 months) and am having a bit of a hard time loosing the tummy but it is going and I am down 20 lbs from when I got pregnant. I wouldnt say one is easier than another...it is surgery and it can be slow to heal and I find the incision scar hurts when I get my period (not usually more than the first day and its not horribly painful just a nuiscance and uncomfortable). If it means you wont be freaked out and will be less stressed then opt for one, you could always maybe try a regular delivery and talk to the doctor about having a c-section if you are finding it too painful, stressful, etc... You will figure out what is right for you, I am sure at some point you will just know which option will work best for you and your family!

Christy - posted on 04/06/2010

I have 3 sons ages 5, 7, and 9. All 3 were c-section. My first was emergency and was very scary i went through 36 hrs of labor and pushed for 8 or 9 hours, then rushed for a c-section. The other 2 I didnt have an option they wouldn't let me even try to have them. I was awake for the last 2 while they done the sugery.It wasnt pleasant.It takes much longer to heal. I was in hospital for 7 days after the 1st one then 3 days on the 2nd, by the 3rd one I knew I had to get up and move so was released in 2 days. But I done to much after each one and have alot of scar tissue. On my 3rd one they couldn't even cut it, had to burn then cut. Think about it long and hard wish I could have done it natural! Not to mention the scar and I have tried hard but relize I will never be able to have a flat belly.

Pamela - posted on 04/05/2010

I had c-section with my first born, and vaginal with my second. I've found it easier to heal with my second, it also depends on how many surgeries you've had in the past. How your body reacts to it. It takes around two months to heal from c-section, very painful, and you really don't even want to think of bowel movements! With me, I was back on my feet by 1 and a half months, however, my first surgery, so ended up with infection, and on liquid diet for a week. Hated it!

Jill - posted on 04/05/2010

Sarah I feel the same way! I want to have one with my second because sounds like me with my first she was a huge baby and I tore 4th degree and it was a very rough delivery and recovery. I want to be put out for my next. I am not pregnant with my next yet but that is what I am going to do. You won't have any tramatic experiences.

Carrie-Jo - posted on 04/05/2010

I ended up having an emergency c section with my son, who is now 19 months old. At the time I was very disappointed with myself, I felt as if I had "copped" out or something on having a natural childbirth. But the circumstances that arose during my son's delivery as it was, was not ideal for having a safe birth with both of us being healthy afterwards. Looking back on it, it was not a bad experience...if anything I got to focus more on his arrival as I wasn;t feeling no pain! lol You can't see my scar it healed so well but I am sure as most c-sec Moms wills say, at times I have weird sensations going thru my scar to remind me of his delivery:) My son was born safely and most importantly healthy....I am expecting my second in late September and upon the advice of my Md , who also delivered my son, I am having a planned c-section. I am actually looking forward to it, if that says anything about my experience :) I have no guilty feeling about it this time around because at the end of day your life and the life of your baby's, is more important than anything else.....what's a little scar? You have that gorgeous baby to look after and raise......Enjoy every moment and remember, get up and moving soon after your c section and get lots of rest....you'll be on the go right quick!!!
OH yeah....btw I lost my 35 lbs gained about 2 weeks after the surgery but that could be due to breastfeeding
Carrie

Stephanie - posted on 04/05/2010

I had to have an emergency c-section. I was sure that I wasn't going to have one so I never really researched it. And then BAM, had to have one! It wasn't too bad. If my husband and I have a second child, I would probably have another one (especially now that I know what to expect). If you are really nervous about having a vaginal delivery, definately look into and talk to your doctor about the c-section. Everyone is different! As for getting your body back, I'm not sure if it depends a lot on the type of delivery. It took me 2 years to get down to my pre-baby weight but I also had some difficultities with my scar and my husband has been in Iraq so it was just me so I wasn't the best at eating healthy. If you had luck losing the weight after your first one, just do the same thing and you shouldn't have a problem.

Becky Jane - posted on 04/05/2010

I had an emergency c-section with my daughter, and i can tell you there very uncomfortable, and painful its hard to get yourself going and you wont be able to lift anything (only your baby) for 6 weeks plus, i wanted to give birth naturally and would never have a c-section unless the baby is distressed. i dont have any feeling in my stomach at the bottom and your scar can sometimes get infected, i would seriously think about it and try another labour as normal

Sabrina - posted on 04/05/2010

I am not one to push a c-section. I have had 2. My first was an emergency csection. But my second was scheduled and it was much better. so i would say if you had so many problems go ahead and schedule that birthday if you can

Stacey - posted on 04/05/2010

well i had my daughter 2yrs ago and had very diffcult labour she was 11pounds 3ounces i had to get 4 units of blood couldnt walk for two days had to get bed washed it was horrible so yea if i got pregnant again id go for a c section i couldnt do the whole natural thing again good luck with whatever you choose

JODIE - posted on 04/05/2010

im not pro c-section,i had no choice it was an emergency as my waters had broke 52 hours before that,it was the last thing i wanted i broke down crying i was so scared,i had a natural birth with my daughter and wanted one again with my son,but the section wasnt half as bad as i imagined,just do what you feel is best,at the end of the day its your body and your baby,as long as you get your little one out safely is all that matters,good luck with the birth keep us posted on what happens

Marie - posted on 04/05/2010

My daughter was breech, so knew my chances of a C Section were huge, BUT I made the choice to still go through labour, I wanted to experience labour, and knew there was the slimmest of chances that a doctor would let me push. My midwives were fully supportive of my decisions as well as my doula, however even though I reached full dilation at the last minute the doctor said I have to have a C Section. Still controversial whether or not I needed to, but I am still upset over this. Anyway, I know each woman has a different body, different values and views on labour...but the healing is not easy. I still have some pain in my scar, not to mention the scar tissue, the emotions attached with healing...The IVs, catheters, having an extended stay in the hospital, many hospitals will take you baby away while in recovery(not my case) but the one thing that stands out for me...

The lack of emotions! I didn't want sedatives but they still gave them to me, I didn't get to see my daughter for 5 minutes, I didn't get to experience my baby crawl towards my breast, nor the immediate skin to skin contact, it still eats away at my heart and hurts now 6 months later.

Every labour is different, every being is different. Do what you want and wish to do, but ask yourself if it is worth it. You body does heal, but your emotions will be with you through your journeys and when other woman talk about their experiences. For me, it hurts and I am ashamed that I had to have a C Sec when I wanted a home water birth. I will never forget when I walked down the hall from my office to the midwifes and was told my baby feels breech and that I had to go in for an emergency ultrasound and then it all snow balled.

It isnt the C Sec I struggle with, but the emotions attached to all the interventions.

Melisa - posted on 04/05/2010

I think one thing that people forget is that a c-section is a major surgery! It's easy to forget as the end result is the most beautiful thing you could imagine! But, your body is designed to give birth! You are meant to feel pain, you are meant to tear (and heal). Feeling the pain isn't like the pain of cutting your leg off -- it's the beautiful pain of knowing you are giving life to something you have spent so long creating! The euphoria you experience from feeling everything of your baby coming into the world is unprecedented! I may be playing devil's advocate here a little bit as it seems most of the previous posts seem to be pro-c/s, but I stand by my opinion that a vaginal birth is the best thing for you, for your baby, and for your bonding relationship. You should feel proud that you are a strong woman who CAN have the experience of vaginal birth as some women have gone through hours of natural/drug-free labour only to have an emergency c/s and become depressed etc because of it. Good luck, and know that whatever you choose is what is right for you.

Sarah - posted on 04/05/2010

Thanks everyone! I think with the circumstances I'm going to go for it and get the c-section. I just think it's right for my situation. I get what you're saying Carly because that was part of the reason I wasn't going to get one. But my last delivery was so physically draining on me I don't think I can physically do it again. Though I don't necessarily know if I can or not, I just have horrible horrible pregnancies and my last delivery was so incredibly hard for me that it's not just a "I don't want to deal with it" kind of situation. I just want to be able to take care of both of my children the best way possible. Thanks again =) We're really excited to have her! Only 16 days until she's due!

Gen - posted on 04/05/2010

I had planned c-sections for both of my kids, 6 years apart from each other, and both went extremely well. I was out of the hospital both times after 3 days. I gained 49 pounds during my first pregnancy, and it was gone after a week. Toning took just little over 2 months. Then I gained 53 pounds during my second pregnancy, gave birth 4 months ago and now I am back to my normal weight. In the process of toning and am almost completely where I want to be. My opinion...GO FOR IT!

Anna - posted on 04/05/2010

one of my friends had a c section and never lost any of the weight, but she didnt try very hard to loose it either. i had a natural and had an episiotomy done so i wouldnt tear. ive only had one child so i cant really compare, but it was a rather easy healing process. yes, it hurt but i healed in like a week maybe two. i can see wanting a c section bc you can plan it and such and you most likely wont have to deal with any contractions. do what is best for you and good luck. congrats on the new bundle of love!!

Carly - posted on 04/05/2010

Giving birth is the hardest thing you will ever do and yes sometimes you do come away with tears etc.. that's just the process of giving birth. I would never consider a c-section unless I definetly needed it. It all comes down to what you think and feel and what your comfortable with. I think you shouldn't base it all down to the first time you gave birth! After all labours are, most of the time, completley different from your last experience.

JODIE - posted on 04/05/2010

hi i had a c-section 7 weeks ago,i was only in hospital 3 days then was allowed home,they say it takes 6 weeks to get back to normal and heal fully and you shouldnt do anything before then,but i just took it easy for the first week,i still done some things because i just cant sit there and expect everything to be done for me,i did do a lot of walking at the end of the first week i went shopping for about 4 hours and i really paid for it when i got back home,i was in pain,im great now though,all i can say is if you have one,take it easy and dont rush into things

Danielle - posted on 04/05/2010

Well as I'm sure anybody will tell you it depends how far you have to go to get back into shape. I had 2 c sections. With my first I gained 90 lbs and after 8 weeks I lost most of it and spent the next year toning only to find out I was pregnant again lol. Second time around I only gained 15 lbs. I was literally walking two hours after the surgery (all they had to do was tell me the sooner I was up walking the sooner I could leave: i had my son to get home to and my husband didn't have any time to take he's military). So three days after the second c section I was back down to 125 at 5'6''. By my check up I was tone again. I didn't take any pain killers the second time around. The first time I was on them for just under a week. Besides the incision is under the bikini line so it doesn't affect your swimwear. It's fading after a couple years and once I finish getting my abs completely back I bet it'll be gone altogether. Just remember it is a lower stomach surgery, your abs will hurt for a while. Even after a year it hurt to do military sit ups and push ups. Running wasn't a problem, I could do that a week after the surgery. Hope this helps :) Just don't be scared, I was awake for both really it's kind of like being on HOUSE MD. I thought it was cool, I wanted to see :)

Angie - posted on 04/05/2010

With my first daughter I was in labor 18 and half hours and never dialated by the time the nurse called the Dr we were both in distress...I ended up with an emergency c section...I spent 8 days in the hosp with an infection...8 years later I had my other daughter by scheduled c section because i was scared of trying labor again..that was a breeze and to think back now i was 17 when i had my first so everything was more scary for me i think i refused to walk and move around so that did not help my infection any at all so when i had my second one as soon as i was allowed to walk i was doing it i told myself i would not end up like i was before lucky for me i was out of the hospital in 2 days...Also with both my kids my body was in better condition after the c section then it was before i got pregnant lol hope this helps alittle..