mama's of multiple csections! just chatting :)

Hi!
I just wanted to chat with those that had more then one csection or are scheduled for a second.
My second csection is in 82 days (not that I'm counting :)), I'm really looking forward to it because I don't enjoy pregnancy at all. The first one - I had a fabulous experience so I am hoping things go the same way, although of course expecting it not to!!

I hear all the time from other mom's that the second csection is much easier to go through. Any tips or thoughts? No horror stories though please lol!

Hi Cvd. I have heard the 2nd one is much easier to recover from too. Although I am planning a VBAC there is still a 40% chance I will have another section. After I had my first my sisters BF who had had her 3rd section a week before me gave me some good advice.
1. Take all the drugs they offer you
2. Take arnica or bells per to help with the bruising
3. Clean your wound every time you change baby's nappy. Just with cotton wool & water as well as showering morning and evening
4. Move around as soon as possible as much as possible. Try not to mind yourself too much

I also used a bamboo belly band to support my stomach after too which I found helped me in the moving around and had me fitting into my per pregnancy jeans a week after the birth even though they were too hard to wear on the scar.

It is so exciting that you know when little Hudson will arrive

Hi again CVD! My second C was a lot easier than my first C.

You are just more prepared and you know what to expect. This might sound gross, but your OB goes through the same incision line as she/he did the first time, so your recovery should be more quickly as most of your nerves in that area are already a bit damaged.
Also, you don't go through labour with the second. It's planned and therefore, a much more controlled environment.

If all goes smoothly, the hospital has to keep you for 48 hours following a C in Ontario, but will give you the option to stay an extra day to recover if you want. If you or the baby are not doing well, then you would obviously stay longer.

1. Don't eat McDonalds or anything heavy 24 hours before your C to eliminate gas pains! I drank soup and ate very lightly the day before my C because I had horrible gas pains for days with my first son and nothing helped to take it away. None with my second son.

2. Get up after 12 hours or as quickly as you are allowed after your C. Getting out of bed and walking a little helps speed up recovery. The nurse made me get up 12 hours after my C after she removed the catheter. It was really painful the first time. I went to the bathroom, cleaned myself out with the help of the nurse. I felt so much better. Then kept making myself get out of bed every few hours for very short walks in the hall. It took me 2 weeks to feel good enough to not need meds.

3. Take your drugs (advil and tylenol every 4 hours) the first week even if you feel that you're ok. I stopped taking meds after 2 weeks with my second. I had to take meds for 2 months with my first because I was still in so much pain.

Wish you the best of luck.

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Originally Posted by Pearl327

Hi Cvd. I have heard the 2nd one is much easier to recover from too. Although I am planning a VBAC there is still a 40% chance I will have another section. After I had my first my sisters BF who had had her 3rd section a week before me gave me some good advice.
1. Take all the drugs they offer you
2. Take arnica or bells per to help with the bruising
3. Clean your wound every time you change baby's nappy. Just with cotton wool & water as well as showering morning and evening
4. Move around as soon as possible as much as possible. Try not to mind yourself too much

I also used a bamboo belly band to support my stomach after too which I found helped me in the moving around and had me fitting into my per pregnancy jeans a week after the birth even though they were too hard to wear on the scar.

It is so exciting that you know when little Hudson will arrive

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Ah I really hope you get to have successful VBAC then! I admire you, I had the option but vaginal labour just terrifies me.
I think things are a bit different in Canada, I didn't get any bruising. And we are actually told not touch our incision and only to clean it in the shower (I'm not sure if the procedure is different where you are, but here they actually close the incision by folding the skin over and using dissolvable stitches underneath so there actually isn't any "open wound")
I also used a belly wrap and moved around as much as I could so I am definitely going to do that again. thank you for the tips!!! :)
I am excited to know when he's coming too :) I hated the waiting game lol
Hope you're feeling well!!

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Originally Posted by lime

Hi again CVD! My second C was a lot easier than my first C.

You are just more prepared and you know what to expect. This might sound gross, but your OB goes through the same incision line as she/he did the first time, so your recovery should be more quickly as most of your nerves in that area are already a bit damaged.
Also, you don't go through labour with the second. It's planned and therefore, a much more controlled environment.

If all goes smoothly, the hospital has to keep you for 48 hours following a C in Ontario, but will give you the option to stay an extra day to recover if you want. If you or the baby are not doing well, then you would obviously stay longer.

1. Don't eat McDonalds or anything heavy 24 hours before your C to eliminate gas pains! I drank soup and ate very lightly the day before my C because I had horrible gas pains for days with my first son and nothing helped to take it away. None with my second son.

2. Get up after 12 hours or as quickly as you are allowed after your C. Getting out of bed and walking a little helps speed up recovery. The nurse made me get up 12 hours after my C after she removed the catheter. It was really painful the first time. I went to the bathroom, cleaned myself out with the help of the nurse. I felt so much better. Then kept making myself get out of bed every few hours for very short walks in the hall. It took me 2 weeks to feel good enough to not need meds.

3. Take your drugs (advil and tylenol every 4 hours) the first week even if you feel that you're ok. I stopped taking meds after 2 weeks with my second. I had to take meds for 2 months with my first because I was still in so much pain.

Wish you the best of luck.

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LIME - first of all, you got a BFP????? OMG congrats!!! So happy for you. You must be so happy. Hope the morning sickness doesn't hit hard and it's a sticky pinky in there :)
Thanks for the tips - I was more then relieved to read about the 48 hours, with my first I got discharged early, so I was definitely hoping I wouldn't have to stay 3 days (unless of course it's for the best). I'd rather lay in my bed at home. Will definitely hold off on the Mcds/heavy foods hehe, that's something I wouldn't have though about. And although gross, I was actually wondering what they do with the incision, I was going to ask at my next appointment, I figured they go through the same spot.
Really excited for you, congrats again!! I will definitely keep an eye on your journey :)

Thanks!!!!! Yes, I was very excited when I got the BFP. Mostly so I wouldn't have to be on the LE diet anymore! I was also losing way too much weight! I don't have any ms yet. If all goes well with this pregnancy, then I will find out the gender around the time that you are scheduled for a C. I hope that you make a speedy recovery. Good luck and keep in touch.

I highly recommend one of those belly bands...there is the "abdomend" in Canada. It was recommended to me, and I did purchase one, but I ended up having a VBAC. I handed it on to my g/f who was having her second c/s - that was 2 years ago and she still thanks me for it!

My second C-section was much better than my first. My first was done in a hurry and everything was a bit of a blur. The second one seemed to take longer but that was because I had some scaring they had to cut away so don't get freaked out (like I did) when it takes a little longer with the second. I kept thinking something must be wrong cause this is suppose to be really quick... well it took about 30 minutes which seems like forever when you think it should take 5. Thankfully my DH was letting me know what was going on and that it didn't have anything to do with the baby.

The healing with the second seemed 10 times better. Probably because I was well rested and knew what to expect. My OB did go over the exact same place as my first. I think this helped with the burning weird feeling you get when the scar heals. I remember with my first the scar hurting and tingling for months... that didn't happen with the second.

The only thing I would say was worse was getting the epidural. Not that they did a bad job or anything but when you are wide awake and in no pain and you know they are going to give you an epidural it is much more scary then when you are in so much pain that you would let them stick a needle in your eye if it made the pain go away:)

GL and I am sure your second will be MUCH better than your first.

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Originally Posted by The Anchor

I highly recommend one of those belly bands...there is the "abdomend" in Canada. It was recommended to me, and I did purchase one, but I ended up having a VBAC. I handed it on to my g/f who was having her second c/s - that was 2 years ago and she still thanks me for it!

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Ou good to know! I forget what kind I used last time but I ended up throwing it out after so I am definitely going to check that one out!! Thanks :)

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Originally Posted by WantingPink

My second C-section was much better than my first. My first was done in a hurry and everything was a bit of a blur. The second one seemed to take longer but that was because I had some scaring they had to cut away so don't get freaked out (like I did) when it takes a little longer with the second. I kept thinking something must be wrong cause this is suppose to be really quick... well it took about 30 minutes which seems like forever when you think it should take 5. Thankfully my DH was letting me know what was going on and that it didn't have anything to do with the baby.

The healing with the second seemed 10 times better. Probably because I was well rested and knew what to expect. My OB did go over the exact same place as my first. I think this helped with the burning weird feeling you get when the scar heals. I remember with my first the scar hurting and tingling for months... that didn't happen with the second.

The only thing I would say was worse was getting the epidural. Not that they did a bad job or anything but when you are wide awake and in no pain and you know they are going to give you an epidural it is much more scary then when you are in so much pain that you would let them stick a needle in your eye if it made the pain go away:)

GL and I am sure your second will be MUCH better than your first.

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That's really good to know about the length of time, I'd never thought of that. Love hearing that the healing goes better. I am nervous for the epidural this time, with my first I actually could barely feel my contractions but I took the epidural at 8cm anyway and I didn't even feel a poke, so I'm hoping I have the same experience but very nervous it won't go as smoothly lol!

My second c section was so much better than the first.
-I asked for regular pain relief & didn't hold back. I dosed up.
-Got up walking lots
-Wore a supportive pair of bike shorts specially for post pardum (SRC recovery pants).

Good luck and congrats.

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Originally Posted by cvd

That's really good to know about the length of time, I'd never thought of that. Love hearing that the healing goes better. I am nervous for the epidural this time, with my first I actually could barely feel my contractions but I took the epidural at 8cm anyway and I didn't even feel a poke, so I'm hoping I have the same experience but very nervous it won't go as smoothly lol!

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I wouldn't worry about not going smoothly. With my first it was very hard for me to round my back and stay still because I was having some very painful contractions. With the second it was much easier to stay still especially since I was scared. I am sure it is easier to hit a target that isn't moving!! Epidurals are always scary no matter the circumstance. Once it is in and taped up I am fine... I am just a mess before!!

What was the bleeding like after the second one ladies?? With my first I only bled for 4 days and it was surprisingly just like a regular period, I was prepared for like waterfalls lol. Was the second time similar to your first? I am also hoping that goes the same way for me this time hehe

Wow you were really lucky. I had 2 weeks of bleeding after mine. I suppose it can vary widely person to person.

My second C-section was slightly worse than my first....but that's because I attempted a VBAC, so I still went through 20 hours of labour and then I had an epidural the second time vs. spinal the first and I liked the spinal WAY better.

This time I'm due Sept 17th and I'll most likely have a scheduled c/s.

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Originally Posted by Mandy_S

My second C-section was slightly worse than my first....but that's because I attempted a VBAC, so I still went through 20 hours of labour and then I had an epidural the second time vs. spinal the first and I liked the spinal WAY better.

This time I'm due Sept 17th and I'll most likely have a scheduled c/s.

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Sorry if this sounds silly but what's the difference between an epidural and a spinal?? Lol I thought it was the same? I think I had the epidural last time.

I had both last time as due to previous spinal surgery the epidural didn't work properly for me. I was given the epi in the labour ward even though I told them that I had been assessed before the birth and knew it wouldn't be even 50% effective.

The spinal has less risks associated with it of anything going wrong. I think it is just a single injection into a different site then the Epi so no little tube hanging out of your back and it also works almost immediately where as the Epi takes a whole to kick in. Here the spinal is used almost exclusively for elective cesarians as it is seen as the better option

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Originally Posted by Pearl327

I had both last time as due to previous spinal surgery the epidural didn't work properly for me. I was given the epi in the labour ward even though I told them that I had been assessed before the birth and knew it wouldn't be even 50% effective.

The spinal has less risks associated with it of anything going wrong. I think it is just a single injection into a different site then the Epi so no little tube hanging out of your back and it also works almost immediately where as the Epi takes a whole to kick in. Here the spinal is used almost exclusively for elective cesarians as it is seen as the better option

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Good to know! I definitely had the epidural then, because I had the tube hanging and it took a while to start working. Does the spinal wear of faster since it's just a single shot? I wonder if it works the same here in Ontario and I would be getting the spinal this time.

Well mine lasted for 1hr after the operation. I was kill bill style in recovery trying to wiggle my big toe so I could go down to my room where DH was with DD.

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Originally Posted by Pearl327

Well mine lasted for 1hr after the operation. I was kill bill style in recovery trying to wiggle my big toe so I could go down to my room where DH was with DD.

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An hours not bad at all then, I do hope we get the same kinda spinal for csections in Ontario LOL I will have to ask my OB on Friday at my check up. And aww they keep you in a different wing till it wears off?? I would be like kill bill to then, that'd be really hard. My hospital wheels you right back to your room after they are done the surgery

I forgot to add that my Epi was very effective in making me loose the power in my legs, it was just in my torso it didnt work, so maybe with me having both at the same time my experience isn't really relevant for which wears off 1st. Baby brain strikes again

How exciting! Such a lovely time!

I've had 2 c-sections - the second was much better as I knew what to expect. I wanted to relax, not talk and listen to the theatre staff - my husband wanted to talk about risotto!?!?

The lovely ladies before me have such amazing advice... My little offering is:

Don't get the bung put in your wrist (near your thumb). The first time I had it mid way up my arm, the second in my wrist and I couldn't feed my son or even hold him properly.

Enjoy! Those newborn snuggles are just around the corner! 🌸

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Originally Posted by Am3a

How exciting! Such a lovely time!

I've had 2 c-sections - the second was much better as I knew what to expect. I wanted to relax, not talk and listen to the theatre staff - my husband wanted to talk about risotto!?!?

The lovely ladies before me have such amazing advice... My little offering is:

Don't get the bung put in your wrist (near your thumb). The first time I had it mid way up my arm, the second in my wrist and I couldn't feed my son or even hold him properly.

Enjoy! Those newborn snuggles are just around the corner! ��

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I am assuming the bung is the IV, but yes mine got put in just below my wrist last time which was TERRIBLE, so uncomfortable. I actually made them take it out early and just took regular Tylenol rather then the IV pain meds, I will put that on my list to ask for a better position :)! Thank you!!

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Originally Posted by Pearl327

I forgot to add that my Epi was very effective in making me loose the power in my legs, it was just in my torso it didnt work, so maybe with me having both at the same time my experience isn't really relevant for which wears off 1st. Baby brain strikes again

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Oh geez, the spot you really needed it and it didn't work there :( I hated the feeling of my legs after, they didn't get feeling back for a good 3 hours after my epidural! I will ask my doctor Friday and see what she says :)

Hi moms! I know there hasn't been anything going on in this thread for a month and a half but I hope one of you sees this! I just had a quick question.

How does nursing go after a scheduled c-section? With my first c-section, I did go through a couple hours of regular labour prior to the surgery, but how does your body know the baby is out and ready to start nursing if the c-section is scheduled? I did a bit of looking around online and I seen some American sites say they give pitocin after a planned c-section to tell your body baby is out. Being in Canada, I know our processes are different and I've never heard of that so I'm not sure it happens here. Does baby sucking just stimulate enough to let your body know to get rollin' on bringing in the milk or is pitocin the way they do it? I'd hope that just the baby is enough, I don't want to be put on pitocin after! Can anyone shed some light for me? Hehe :)

Hi i have had 2 c sections .1st was an emergency after 30hrs of labor ! so to be honest i was begging for a c section by then lol it was no problem what so ever !
2nd one i also begged for because i was terrified of going thru labor again ! but i was scared not of the op it's self but the iv and the spinal (i had epidural for my first ) i was having nightmares before hand about the catheter lol but don't worry they don't do it until the spinal is done lol
i was admitted the night before and had to shower with a special soap . i hardley slept that night so nervous yet excited to finaly meet my baby !!
in the morn another shower with the soap , then they come and take you to theater , once you get there they firstly put in iv then they get you on the op bed and you have the spinal ( it does NOT hurt ) it works immediatly ! so they lay you down then put in catheter hook you up to all the machines , the sheet "wall" goes up then about 10 mins later you're baby is there ( yes they cut thru same scar )you get a kiss n cuddle then baby is taken to next room where dad is .Meanwhile they finish of and stitch you up by this time can move my toes !!
they leave me with dad and baby for 5mins then i am put in to recuperation room this was the worst bit i had to stay 2hrs there without DH & baby !! my first i was wheeled straight back to my room with dad & baby .It's awfull not being with them and the time just drags on n on .
Pain wise it's better second times round .As for the milk you have got milk and baby will suck and stimulate but i'm not gonna lie what you have at first is just watery crap milk . The day after c section is horrible my baby was crying non stop because she just couldn't get enough that night was a sleepless one lol but on day 3 when i woke up there they were lol was able to finaly feed my poor baby ( the more baby sucks the quicker you will get your milk ) i very nearly caved in and gave her a bottle but i'm glad i didn't it would of just made the whole process longer
HTH i will def be going for c section #3

Hi Cvd I can't believe you're so close to meeting your little boy! With both of my boys I'm sure I wasn't given any pictocin. Ds1 was an emergency cs at 30 weeks due to pre-eclampsia so my milk didn't come through until the following day when they encouraged me to express for him which I did until he was big enough to latch on and learn how to suckle. Ds2 was full term but labour didn't progress. They gave him to me as soon as I was stitched up and he latched right on no problem. I'm hoping for a trial of labour this time and vba2c. I shouldn't think you'll have any problem with your milk coming through once Hudson latches on :)

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The colostrum is there before the birth. The placental hormones just prevent the milk from flowing. Once the placenta is out your milk will come in as normal. As with any birth, lots of skin to skin contact ( as soon as he comes out if they let you or as soon as you get to recovery), frequent feeding, no pacifiers and no bottles will encourage breast feeding success.

Pitocin works to contract the uterus after birth and is given in a far bigger dose than to cause labour pains. In most places they either use pitocin for 4 hours or a longer acting version duratocin to stop you bleeding from the placenta site.

If you are nervous about breast feeding, start expressing your colostrum now already and freeze it in5-10ml lots.
Babies have small tummies to start with but that second night can be a killer when they seem to be starving all the time. Having a supply of colostrum to fall back on if baby has low blood sugars or is constantly feeding will prevent the need for formula

Thank you for the replies ladies!!

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Originally Posted by RKT Mama

The colostrum is there before the birth. The placental hormones just prevent the milk from flowing. Once the placenta is out your milk will come in as normal. As with any birth, lots of skin to skin contact ( as soon as he comes out if they let you or as soon as you get to recovery), frequent feeding, no pacifiers and no bottles will encourage breast feeding success.

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Ah that's exactly the info I was looking for!!!! :) Thank you!
Just wanted to know that not going into "active labour" doesn't delay or interrupt the process. I am really looking forward to nursing, not nervous at all, I had a great experience with DS1 so hoping things go similarly!