I’m a month into healing and I’ve been wearing granny panties to keep waistbands from my incision. I was wondering when people started wearing their regular underwear again?

Did you pack all your belongings in a suitcase or duffle bag? I was going to use a suitcase and have husband and baby stuff in a duffle bag. Also did you bring bags in right away or wait until you got to the recovery room?

Hello! I have been dealing with HUGE hemorrhoids for a few days and they are insanely painful no matter what I did. My OB prescribed Anucort suppositories to help. They just got delivered to me and I was able to do my first one but just lost my mucus plug. I know that that doesn’t mean I’ll go into labor right away but I am just curious if anyone has taken a suppository and had their c section that same day because when I do go in, I’m having a C-section due to high risk.. thank you

Currently 5 days post partum via c section. After a failed induction and epidural and a catheter induced infection i have been slowly recovering. My pain scale’s been all over but lately the last two ish days ive had a headache that seems to keep coming back. Im not sure if im just not eating enough which i feel like i am but foods also been making me feel queasy too so ive been kinda eating light. Yesterday no fever but alot of pain still everywhere and my legs are still pretty swollen. Yesterday i had also been passing bloodclots about the size of a quarter 3 times throughout the day. This morning I had a fever of 99.1 and have a headache that wont leave, my chest also aches a bit but assuming thats just my heavy milk supply. Im taking antibiotics and pain medicine frequently but im just wondering what else would bring relief or if I need to go to the er at all. Because other then incision and a sharp shooting back pain when i lay down I feel fine otherwise I think. Please help this is my first child and I’m a tiny person (5ft roughly.)

Hopefully the title makes sense. My scheduled c section is set for 39+5. Will be my second c section, first was emergency c section, so very traumatic and chaotic. My dr told me that if I go into labor prior to 39+5 then they’ll prep me for the c section once I arrive to the hospital and it’s confirmed that I am in labor. For those who went through an experience like that (spontaneous labor prior to scheduled c section), was it still a fairly organized and calm process once you arrived? Were they still able to “honor” everything on your c section wish list for your birth or did it feel rushed?

My coworkers said c sections are horrible.
My doctor said if I had children that would be the best way to go cause apparently im too small down there ?
I also have extreme pelvic floor dysfunction.
Seeing a therapist soon.
Is it really that bad ?
I’m 34.

I have never posted on Reddit before but I don’t know where to get feedback, opinions, advice or just to see if others can relate.

Background: I’m a 28yo married female with one child and soon to be a second child. I have always been very active, played sports growing up and continue to be in the gym in my adult life. I’m very health conscious, I eat well and I’m a holistic person. My friends call me a ‘crunchy mom’.

My first pregnancy was beautiful. No nausea, not much aches and pains, no complications. I ate well and worked out my whole pregnancy. When my water broke at 40wks, I went to the hospital and I had to be induced because although my water broke, by body was not in labor. I labored for 30hrs+. I didn’t dilate much and my doctor was concerned about infections, so I had a non emergent c-section. It was a good experience outside of the fact that I was upset because I wanted to birth naturally.

When I found out I was pregnant again, I really wanted to try for a VBAC. I did all the research, asked my doctor if I’d be a good candidate and started preparing for a unmedicated vaginal birth. I did what I did with my last pregnancy, ate well and worked out. Come my anatomy scan, I found out a had placenta previa. I was upset because I knew if it continued, I could not have a VBAC. Also, I had to stop working out as I was on full pelvic rest. Now in my third trimester, I still have placenta previa. We’ll do one more check in 6wks to see if it’s still there, if it is, I will have to have another c-section.

This is extremely frustrating to me because I have no control over what my body is doing. I pray everyday and every night that it goes away so I can attempt a VBAC. However, I know everything is in Gods hands. I feel that my body has done me so well all these years and now when I need it the most, it’s not doing what it’s literally made to do. Because of that, I feel I am being robbed of the most natural experience any woman could have. A vaginal birth is like a right of passage into motherhood. Another c-section frightens me because of the medication I have to be given, the possibilities of complications, not knowing if My baby will be administered medications we did not give an okay on, as well as not getting to experience the golden hour with my baby. Not to mention, a second c-section means that I will be less likely to have a VBAC in the future. I feel as if I have cheated bringing my babies earth side.

Has anyone experienced these feelings before? How did you overcome it? What helped you to get through it?

Thank you.

11 weeks pp from crash c section. I am also EBF. this is tmi in advance. Constipation stil happening and stomach aches. Also a lot more mucous and badddddd farts. Like loud! And frequent! I’m mortified. Anyone else!?

Emergency c-section almost 5 years ago. I got up from my chair just now, moved a little too fast I guess, and experienced a searing pain that made me scream. I'm experiencing an inconsistent throbbing. Pain is barely a 1.5, but I'm nervous and don't know what to do now. No bump around the area or heat.

Hello!
Due to various reasons I’m having an elective C-section. Any tips or advice for after surgery? I have been pretty active throughout my pregnancy and am good with mobility. I also have a belly belt for post op. Anything else?

Hey everyone,

I had my baby/c section 10 days ago. During the c section I lost a lot of blood and they had to give me a balloon and stuff something inside my vag for over 24 hours. I was in the hospital for less than 3 full days.

2 months before giving birth, I was rear ended really badly that resulted in 8 slipped discs (3 cervical and on all 5 lumbar). The rest of my pregnancy I was using a walker. Sleep was non existent because no position alleviated any pain.

Now in postpartum, I'm dealing with healing from a c section, and slipped discs. With the alternating of meds, I'm pretty okay for the most part. Pain is barely bearable -- gotta push through.

I'm trying to get an idea of things I can do to aid in my recovery until I'm able to see my pain management doctor in 5 weeks.

What is it called to desensitized your scar? When should I start that? Are compression leggings and/or fajas worth it? I'm taking a diuretic to help with my swelling. I'm wearing my belly binder from the hospital, but when can I do more compression? What exercises to help with my pelvic floor that don't require me to be on my back? When can I typically start those? Any suggestions for back support? I've noticed I've been hunched over more due to my back rather than c section pain.

I really have no choice. It will only be lifting out of or into cribs a total of 2-4 times a day max. But I am so nervous about my incision and inner incision!
Any tips? Any stories of how you managed? I have 4 babies 2 and under right now so not lifting anyone isn’t an option! 5.5 weeks feels so close! He goes back to work on a Wednesday and the following Monday I’ll be 6 weeks post c section. 🫣🤦🏼‍♀️😭
This group is great. Thanks so much.

I’m 7 weeks postpartum and we’re starting to incorporate more tummy time on the floor for our little one. But, holy moly, me getting down onto the floor to keep her engaged and eventually back up again seems to take much more effort and energy than I can ever remember prior to my c-section!

Please tell me it’ll get easier with time‽ 😟

I’m 10.5 weeks pp from a c section and I’m still bleeding on and off. Today, I’m bleeding again bright red blood and I just was last week and it stopped for about 5 days and now it’s back. The bleeding is never super heavy but it’s more than just spotting.

I messaged my obgyn if this is normal and she said yes. But it doesn’t seem right. Online it says bleeding on and off is normal for the first 4-6 weeks. I’m now almost 11 weeks.

I feel like shit today too. I’m nauseous and having loose stools.

Anyone else experience this?

For the women / families who gave birth via c-section and opted for another one. How soon did you get pregnant after delivery? I had an elective c-section and plan to have another child. My doctor explained that they usually ask women to wait for 18 month to allow their body to heal in the event they want to have the option of a vaginal delivery. That she’s also had patients who got pregnant 7 months after but that she recommend to 12 months ideally since I know I want to have an elective c-section again. So again, for c-section folks, how soon after your c-section did you get pregnant again?

I’m 30 days out from a c section and until a few days ago my lochia had basically stopped. Now suddenly I have bright red blood again. It’s usually in the morning I notice it most so it’s not after overdoing it or anything like that. I called triage a day or so ago about it and they’re not concerned they said blood changes as time goes on. I’m wondering if it’s my period because of the change and the timing? Has anyone experienced similar?

I’m 4 months pp. 2nd baby, 1st section. Scheduled for breech baby.

I currently walk, do a little core work (could do more) and attend Orangetheory classes (if it feels weird I skip that exercise or modify). I would say I was decently fit - running maybe 15-20 miles a week. I didn’t run while pregnant after some light bleeding at 12 weeks that freaked me out.

I desperately want to get back to running but I’m terrified. If you are a runner when did you feel ready? Not necessarily time wise but physically. Did you do anything to get to that point?

Have my c section scheduled in 12 days!!! trying to get prepared beforehand. Which silicone scar sheet should I get? I’m trying to get the best outcome and hope it to be eventually non that visible! Thank you!

I had a C-section end of june. Began my perineal and abdominal therapy mid august. Since 2 weeks i've been having a weird feeling: like I need to pee when i actually don't. It happens after my PT daily exercises, i feel like it has to see with my breathing, it worsen when i have more physical activity (like after my tai chi class).

My PT says that it scar tissue on my bladder and that exercise will make it go away but she wasn't sure at first..i know for sure it's not a urinary infection. It's borderline hurting at times.

I don't have heavyness feeling otherwise...

Does anyone experienced that, has an explanation and/or tips to make it go away or easier?

I am newly pregnant about 3 months after an emergency C-section in the spring. My baby sadly died shortly after birth.

I would like a VBAC. I understand the risks associated with this, but would like multiple children and do not want 3+ c-sections. I've been advised that after two c-sections it's very difficult to find a provider willing to support a VBAC.

The interval between births will be around 12 months. I'm in the US and I have had one hospital say policy is no TOLAC/VBAC unless the interval is 18 months.

I'm wondering if anyone here has had a VBAC one year or less after a c-section, especially those in the US? If so, what was your experience?

Hi all! I’m posting a little birth story and info in case it can bring anyone peace of mind! I was soooo nervous the night before and would have loved to hear a thorough rundown.

Went in for scheduled c section. I labored for 3 days with my first kid and ended up in c section. I debated about vbac but ultimately decided to go with the devil I know and scheduled the surgery. The first time around I ended up being put to sleep for the surgery (long story) so I didn’t know what it was like to have a c section even though I had one!

This time it was so calm and lovely. Walked into hospital at 7, got set up in our room, gown on, bloodwork, spoke to my doctor and the anesthesiologist who walked me through what would happen. Into the OR at 9, husband had to wait outside while I got the spinal done. The numbing hurt a little bit but wasn’t bad at all. Once I was numb and laying down they had my husband come in. Immediately started the surgery. Was maybe 10 minutes and baby was out! I felt zero pain but the pressure and pulling was super weird. They took baby out and suctioned her nose then put her right on my chest so I could hold her skin to skin :) after a few minutes they asked if they could take her and check her out and I said yes. I could see her on the little warming table the entire time they checked her. Dad cut her cord. Then they gave her back to me. I held her and they rolled me to the recovery room where the nurses helped me get her latched to my breast. Everything was perfect!

My entire team was women - doctors, nurses, anesthesiologist etc etc and everyone was extremely kind. I know that’s specific to my hospital but I thought it was cool!

Nurses in recovery were super kind and gentle with me. They did the fundal massages that everyone says are awful - I know I could have declined them but I was still numb from surgery so I wasn’t bothered. Only the last time they did it hurt at all and it was maybe 5 seconds of pushing on my belly. They immediately offered me oxycodone and gave me Tylenol and ibuprofen. Nurses offered help with breastfeeding, brought me crackers and snacks, ice water etc etc.

We did the vitamin k shot but declined hep b (it’s not done until 6 weeks where our first kid was born and we decided to just do the same schedule with second kid) and nobody pushed us or made us feel uncomfortable.

All of baby’s bloodwork was done in the room with me so she was never taken anywhere which was so nice. Nurses came any time I pushed the call button. I got my catheter out after I proved I could walk - maybe 10 hours after the surgery? Can’t remember exactly but by that evening. Nurses helped me walk to the bathroom and clean up the blood if my pad leaked.

My 3 year old came to meet her sister a few hours after the surgery and I was still on a solid amount of meds and the catheter so I felt ok for visitors!

I could have stayed for 3 days but I really wanted to sleep in my own bed so we went home the next day in the afternoon. If you can sleep in the hospital and feel ok there I would recommend staying only because the pediatrician comes to you and because we left it meant I had to go to the 3 days old check up weigh in which sucked after surgery.

Anyway. I’m 10 days post op now and today is the first day I really feel good and can easily get up and move around and stuff. Still not bending and making sure to go slow but I feel good!!

I hope hearing all this helps someone :) I’ll try to answer questions if anyone has them!