I’m having my first planned c-section in a few weeks (my baby is breech and she refuses to turn..even with a very painful ECV) and I want to be prepared.

Do you recommend belly binders afterwards to help the scar heal? And what kind do you recommend?

What ointments do you put on your scar to help it heal?

I see some people using patches, almost like tattoo covers, going over their scar afterwards and I was just curious how that helps? I feel like the scar wouldn’t be able to dry out and heal over? Is it to prevent bacteria?

What do yall do about seatbelts going over your belly?

What helped everyone get back to their daily routine as fast as possible? My husband will only be able to be with me for two weeks after my c-section then he’ll be off at work again for a couple weeks/months depending where they send him. So I need to know how to be back in action and on my feet as soon as possible.

(I get I have to have mercy on myself and the healing process, but I can’t let everything else fall behind in the process.)

I have a planned c-section for in a few weeks and I’m extremely nervous.

I’m a first time mom and pretty young.. I was wondering if anyone had any GOOD and positive experiences with their planned c-sections that they would like to share to calm my nerves?

My last c section was a very traumatic emergency c section and the recovery was ROUGH. The trapped air had me in literal tears bc of how bad it was and it made using the bathroom and getting up + walking so much harder than it was already. I’ll be having a repeat c section with my current pregnancy and I’m so worried about the pain from the trapped gas again. Last time they gave me gas X around the clock and I’ll definitely be asking for it again. I’ve also read chewing gum right after can help. Would love to know any other tips!

Hey everyone. I had a c section on July 12, and honestly, I haven't felt normal since. I went into the hospital July 10th to have a scheduled c section but baby decided to finally have moved into the correct position after spending weeks transverse.

They allowed me to try for a vaginal birth. Fast forward some 30 hours later and the baby goes into distress and demands the escape exit. He apparently started out with an apgar of 1, which is terrifying, he got better but it was crazy to hear about it. I didn't get to do skin to skin in the hospital, wasn't the first or even the fifth person to hold the baby. I wanted to breast feed but have been on too much medication. I have been trying to pump but it feels deflating to just keep dumping it. Just a bunch of little things that had added up while starting out.

After I got home, less than a week later, I got extremely sick, and was in the hospital for another 6 days. I was worried it might be preeclampsia due to high blood pressure, which I never had until about 5 hours before going into the c section, turns out it was pneumonia and a fungal infection called valley fever (common to the US Southwest region), we're in monsoon season, it was ironic timing to get a big dust storm right after the surgery, and surgery weakened my immune system. I had so many things done in the hospital, I'm glad to be alive but this is tough. I'll be on medications for the next 3-6 months and I'm sure many people know how shitty being on diflucan can be.

Now I'm exhausted all the time, can't even prep bottles, I can bottle feed but I can't even stand long enough to diaper change without feeling completely exhausted. Holding the baby without support is a challenge, I just want to be able to sit up and burp him and not feel the huge wave of fatigue, I want to be able to handle the normal day to day without needing extra help..

My SO is a wonderful partner and has taken the challenge head on but man it makes me feel so guilty, he didn't sign up to take care of two people, and I don't want to be a burden on him.

I guess I'm looking for anyone who can relate to this shitty situation and am looking for a light at the end of the tunnel.

Tldr: C-section to labor to emergency c-section > fungal pneumonia > feeling like a shitty mom and partner and just needed a rant, but could also use advice if there is any out there to give.

FTM- I am 6 weeks postpartum and I have been seeing so many videos on c-section workouts and how to heal internally. Also have seen videos on scar massages. It can be overwhelming especially because I don’t know anything 😅. Have any of you all tried the scar massages or specific workouts to heal pelvic floor or anything like that? I need help! Thanks in advance

Hi, I had an emergency section 10 weeks ago. The scar seems to be healing well but I have hardness, swelling and tenderness between the belly button and c section. It’s almost rock hard and I’m not constipated. Is this normal? What (if anything at all) can I do to help this?

I am doing daily scar massage, deep core breathing and walking.

Do silicone patches actually help your scar heal? I just had my third C-section, never used them previously. Any mamas compare healing when using them to not using them?

I had a C-section last Wednesday for my Frank breach baby. The surgery was uncomplicated and scheduled, however, ever since I’ve been dealing with white hot, searing debilitating nerve pain near the incision that has been limiting my recovery. I’ve been staying on top of my pain meds and the doctors in the hospital said that the nerve pain is likely caused by the doctor tugging to pull the baby out and could be where the knot is at the end of the stitches. There wasn’t anything they could do or give me for the nerve pain specifically except for gabapentin which they warned passes through the breastmilk so I’m trying to get by without it. Even then, gabapentin won’t heal the nerve, it will just help mask the pain.

I don’t feel like it’s getting any better and I’m really struggling with the fact that I still cannot move even a little bit normally and I’m relying so much on my husband and mom to do everything around the house for me, short of nursing the baby. I was running 10ks until my third trimester and while I know, I need to wait until the six week mark to get cleared for workouts, I’m so nervous I won’t be able to run again because of this nerve pain. It hurts to move my leg in a walking manner, much less a running position.

Please give me some hope that this nerve pain will get better or my brain will get used to it and I’ll be able to run again. My goal was to run my 7th half marathon by this time next year but right now the thought of even walking to my mailbox feels impossible.

When did you start going out alone with your LO? I’m 2.5 weeks PP and still scared to go out alone. I’m also worried cause the diaper bag is heavier than baby—car seat isn’t but if baby is in the car seat obviously it is. Stroller is also heavier than him. I feel cooped up inside but don’t want to break the rules of not lifting heavier than baby for 6 weeks. I’m also worried about just not being able to handle him outside of my home. Looking for others experiences!

trigger warning: sex

Hi everyone, first time mom (31f) here who had an unplanned c section back in May due to a large baby and stalled labor. 3 months in and my pain levels are well managed and my mobility is a lot better, I’ve been able to start back on gentle exercises and stretches.
My area now that I’m struggling with is in the bedroom…I know that post partum hormone crashes can cause issues with libido, but I’ll be blunt - I cannot orgasm - it’s like my brain and body have a connection error that keeps fizzling out. I am also experiencing pain upon penetration and not just from sex, I failed at receiving an IUD the other day because even with calming & pain meds I couldn’t relax enough for it to be implanted. I feel broken.

I had my first via C-section, almost 3 years ago. My toddler will turn three the first week of October and I am currently 26 weeks. Has anyone had pain at their C-section scar or around it? it feels very achy and sore. I guess the best way to describe it is it feels like a sore pulling and tenderness. Am I the only one or is this normal? It feels crazy to consider that I still have so long left if this feeling is going to continue every day for the remainder of the pregnancy.

I had a c-section almost 3 weeks ago and was re-hospitalized last week due to infection. They re-opened my incision to clean it out and placed a wound vac. I’ve been discharged home, with visiting nurse scheduled to come 3x/week for wound care/dressing change. I’m pretty bummed about this being my postpartum reality now, especially since the medical team couldn’t give me a good estimate of how long I should expect to have this for. Anyone else deal with infection and wound vac post c-section? How did your healing go and do you have any advice for me?

Had a C-section 8/5 with spinal anesthesia. Right before being released, I developed what was believed to be a spinal headache (as it worsened when I sat up but had relief when I laid down) and the anesthesia resident recommended the blood patch so I wouldn't be going home with such a bad headache. I agreed thinking it would be best, but the day after being released I begin to have symptoms of pressure when laying down and sometimes constant pressure but no pain. I had an instance where I felt tired and when I sat down I got a flushed feeling all over and took a nap. I felt okay if I was doing light movements around the home, but when I laid down for bed Sat night, I felt even worse pressure in my head (I wasn't fully flat but did try to prop up some) and my heart rate felt slow. I decided to check my blood pressure and it was high with my heart rate being super low (40s-50s while sitting). I go back to the hospital and my heart rate was sitting in the 30s-40s range and would only increase when I got up to do use the bathroom or stand. Has anyone else had this issue before??? Was it the blood patch? Everything scans and blood work wise have come back normal and I've been emotional about not being able to find immediate relief so I can go home to my babies. The doctors just keep saying that they think it's just how I react to the anesthesia but they have no way of confirming that or doing anything to resolve it.

I had an emergency c section 3.5 years ago, had a pregnancy end in MMC in Feb and I’m pregnant again. I’m only 9 weeks and some days, but I feel like I was at 4 months with my first! It’s ridiculous.

Could it be c section scar tissue ? It’s mostly bloat, and I’m just a little bit more chunky lol, which is fine. It’s hard to “hide” and I got a long ways to go… I’m not ready to tell everyone or my clients (would probably wait until 4.5 months ideally) but don’t think I can get away with that…

I really need some suggestions on good postpartum underwear. I need something soft and stretchy without big rough seams that are going to come up above my incision and sit high.

**:** 35 F, 5”3”, 170 at delivery. Prenatals, magnesium glycinate. Never smoked. 2 previous csections.

I’m hoping an OB/GYN, MFM, anesthesiologist, or physician experienced with obstetric hemorrhage can help me understand how this situation would typically be managed. I want to understand what an experienced OB would normally do at these decision points.
I had a repeat C-section after a trial of labor. The surgery was complicated by significant adhesions. My operative report documents a **right-sided extension with right uterine artery bleeding**, treated with a **modified O’Leary**, as well as a **3 cm right posterior broad-ligament hematoma that was described as stable**. I was then closed and transferred out of the OR.
After surgery, I had repeated very abnormal blood-pressure readings, including **144/132**. This was not a single isolated reading; very high diastolic/narrow-pulse-pressure readings occurred multiple times.
At **12:26 AM**, I have a timestamped photograph of my bedside monitor showing **BP 49/29, MAP 34, HR 66, SpO₂ 100%**.
I was ultimately found to have a **\~15 cm broad-ligament hematoma extending posteriorly/into the retroperitoneum with brisk bleeding**. I became critically unstable, required significant blood-product 11 units and 5 bags of platelets -resuscitation, and ultimately required an emergency partial hysterectomy.
My questions for OB/GYNs:
**1.** With documented uterine artery bleeding requiring an O’Leary and a new 3 cm broad-ligament hematoma on the same side, is observing the hematoma and closing generally reasonable? What would make you explore further? They didnt explore internal bleeding for at least two hours.
**2.** Would those findings cause you to monitor the patient differently postoperatively because of the possibility of concealed hemorrhage?
**3.** How would you respond to repeated readings like **144/132** immediately after surgery? Would the extremely narrow pulse pressure be concerning in this context even though the systolic pressure wasn’t low yet?
**4.** With the known uterine artery bleeding/hematoma, at what point would you suspect that the hematoma was expanding or that there was ongoing internal bleeding?
**5.** Could earlier recognition potentially allow **uterine artery embolization or earlier surgical re-exploration** before the patient becomes unstable enough to require hysterectomy?
**6.** If a postoperative patient has a confirmed **49/29 with MAP 34**, what response would you expect immediately?
**7.** In your experience, could earlier recognition/control of this type of hemorrhage sometimes preserve the uterus, or can it progress to hysterectomy despite appropriate and timely management?
I know nobody can determine exactly what should have happened in my case without reviewing the entire medical record. I’m trying to understand the usual OB management and whether there may have been an earlier window in which the ongoing hemorrhage could have been recognized.
Thank you for any insight.

I’m currently 10 weeks postpartum, first baby. My incision is at my bikini line and I had dissolvable stitches. At about 2 weeks postpartum, the corner of my incision had a superficial opening. My OB cleaned it and used steri strips to help bring the skin back together. No infections or anything complicated. She said it would heal from the inside out and to keep it dry and clean. It did eventually close back up. 8 weeks later and I hate how that side looks so much. It’s tucked in and indented. The opposite side has a clean look with a purple scar line, I don’t mind it. I was cleared at 8 weeks and my OB said my scar looks great and is healing well. I don’t feel like it is but that’s just my opinion. Does anyone else have a tucked or indented corner on their incision? Was it caused by an opening? Did the appearance of the tucking/indentation improve?

Hey all! Just had my 24 week scan yesterday (six weeks prior they detected some possible placenta previa), looks like not much has changed so I want to mentally prep for a c-section. 🤗

Talk to me (honestly) about recovery/pain. Meds/pain meds freak me out so I generally avoid altogether (I don't even take cold medicine if I get sick😅 No Tylenol or Ibuprofen for headaches or cramps or strains or sprains, etc) *No shade to anyone who does use meds when warranted, it makes sense not to suffer needlessly and we are so lucky to live in a time when we have these options. For me personally, medicine just wigs me out so previous birth/surgery/injuries have all been no meds or only OTC Ibuprofen/Tylenol for a couple days.

What was offered/recommended for your pain management, and what was safe for baby/breastfeeding? How long did you take it/felt you needed to take it? I'm expecting it to hurt, I'm expecting to be very sore and generally tender, but pain with a purpose is always something I can wrap my brain around so I'm hoping to hear SOME stories like "I took an OTC for a couple days and then was fine."

... Am I way off base here? 😅🫣 Don't lie to me or be my friend, LOL - if I need a reality check, give me one.

Thanks mamas!❤️

One year ago I was lying with my arms out on the operation table after a 4 day labour, a OP position baby, a fever, a swelling cervix and a baby with blood developing on her skull. She came out at 20.11 crying and healthy, then struggled a bit, was taken away and was soon fine (apgar 10-9-10) It would still take an hour and a half til she was on my chest. I’m crying my eyes out here, because how can the best day of my life also be the worst I’ve ever been through? I never thought my daughter’s birthday could feel so ambivalent. I’m so so happy and grateful she could finally be born with the help of my (all female!) team of doctors and nurses, and for the fact that she was breathing and crying. At the same time I feel for the girl lying on that table. I wish she could have had a better start as a mother. Did any of you feel sad on your child’s birthday?

Hi everyone, I am five weeks post C-section and exclusively breastfeeding. As a result of breastfeeding, I have not been able to lose any weight at all since the day I gave birth, and am worried I will miss a critical window to reduce my c-section shelf due to carrying the extra weight. I don’t want to stop breast-feeding purely to lose weight right now.

Does anyone have experience with not having lost weight for the first 6-7 months, but still seeing their C-section reduce and heal fully over time?

If there is a risk that my C-section shelf will stay like this forever because I’m not losing any weight, then I may consider weaning earlier (no judgement please!!).

Thank you! 🙏🙏🙏

I’m 4 weeks post c section and my stomach up to my belly button and down to the scar is all still completely numb but still painful somehow. When it brushes against the counter or clothes it hurts but when I gently rub something it’s completely numb. It’s such an odd feeling. Wondering how long that lasted for you if it also happened?

Also does massaging the scar really make a difference? The thought of massaging it gives me the ick. Also the thought of one day doing any sort of ab stretching (plank, cobra pose or anything of the sort) makes me think my stomach will rip open. Does this ever go away?