If you had a repeat c section, was the second (or more) easier than the first? If we go for #2, I am likely in for another c section. My sister said that her second c section was so much easier than her first - but I not sure if she is just saying that because she wants a second niece/nephew!!
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To be honest, my second was worse. BUT both were scheduled and I didn't labor for either so it may be different for women who labored with their first. I honestly think it was a pain control issue for me and not worse because it was my second. Not sure, but I hurt a lot more. But it was short-lived and a distant memory now
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2nd was way easier for me. The pain was considerably less and I already knew what to do from my first time. Belly bands are a must!
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I'm having a scheduled (second) section, but my sister had two already. She said the second one was a cakewalk. I did well with my first, so I'm hoping for the same experience.
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My 2nd one was worse, but I second the pp in saying that belly bands or a binder is really a good thing to have on hand. I had a lot of pain, I don't know if it was nerve damage, but I went back to the hospital to pick up some more tubing for my pump and the Dr. was there and I told her how much pain I was in. Long story short, she told me to start wearing my binder and it made a huge difference.
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Was your first an emergency c section? Planned ones are always easier. I've only had one, but it was planned, so my recovery was a breeze.
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@Dandelion: my first was not planned, LO wasn't moving down after 14 hours of labor and so I had a c section where they discovered that my pelvis is kind of a weird shape which prevented him from moving down. My ob said I could try for a vaginal birth next time but there is a strong chance of the same result. I really don't want to labor again just to have the same result so I would strongly consider a planned c section.
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@Aimed: yeah, planned is much better, because your body doesn't go through any labor. I just went in at 7:30 am, signed some papers, had my surgery at 9:30 and had him at 10. Easy peasy. Plus, it's nice having an end date.
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Both were planned and the 2nd was easier!
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Other than some pain in my one side due to a stitch(my doctor said the pain isn't normal at all, and had never seen anyone in pain like I was) for a couple days, recovery with my second c-section was easier. I didn't labor before it, so my whole body wasn't sore and stiff. I also knew what to expect and started walking sooner because I knew it would help.
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Second was harder. I felt like I was in more pain and it was hard not being to lift my older son for a while.
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The second surgery was better but I had PP bleeding but that can happen after any type of birth.
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I've only had one but will have a scheduled csection for our next. My recovery was great but I had so much fear and anxiety the first time because it wasn't what I had planned, was afraid of surgery and the spinal and had already been in the hospital for three days etc. I'm thinking/hoping next time will be easier just because I'll be less anxious and I'll be in the hospital for less time. .
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I think it depends, but for me the second was slightly easier. I do think there's a lot to be said for knowing what to expect, and having an idea of what *you* could do differently to make things easier or more comfortable. I hope your next birth is smooth and uncomplicated, whatever sort you have.
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Second was better than first and third was better than second! It helps that you know what to expect with recovery and with a scheduled one, you won't have to recovery from laboring too.
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Thank you ladies,@Mrs. Twine: thank you sweet lady!
I definitely think that this time I would be more prepared which would be nice, I really regret that I didn't have a belly band the last time - it's probably why I still have this pooch right? it couldn't be the chocolate? - so I think that knowing what to expect would be good and not laboring first would help!
I guess there's no good exit strategy. -
My second was easier, they have me extra fluids ahead of time to reduce some of the blood pressure issues I had with my first. I was still light headed after wards but I didn't have to have a bunch of extra meds during the procedure like the first time.
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@Mrs. Train: how did you calm your nerves? I'm having a repeat, and I'm more nervous this time than I was before. I think there's something to say about the unknown... This time *i know what they're doing* and I kind of wish I didn't.
I distinctly remember the spinal being a breeze but I'm so worked up this time.... And I still have 6 weeks to think about it!
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My first was an emergency c section and I didn't handle the post op pain well. I didn't want to move (go to bathroom or take a shower) so the nurses MADE me walk around the floor to get me moving. I got a RX for 30 tablets of Percocet and had to ask my MD for another fill. My second was planned, but LO came early. However, I handled the surgery so much better than the first time that I was very proud of myself. I didn't even finish the 30 tabs of Vicodin that was given to me. What I found very interesting was that when I had my first baby in 09/2011, the MD gave me Percocet and in 11/2012, she gave me Vicodin. Her practice decided in late 2012 that Percocet wasn't really necessary for c section pain so they switched to Vicodin.
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My first was emergency, second was planned, and overall, the second was easier. However, my pain was worse with the second. I think that was mostly my fault, though. I (foolishly) tried to minimize the amount of pain medication I took at the hospital, which caused me to never really get ahead of the pain. Then at home I probably over did it taking care of my toddler. Make sure you have some help lined up for taking care of your first kiddo so that you can let your body heal when you get home from the hospital.
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@Mrs. Jump Rope: I think by the time I was 39 weeks I was just done being pregnant and I knew a c section was the way to go so I just did it. I had conversations with my doctor ahead of time about the complications I had with the twins. She really helped to calm my nerves. I was so afraid that my blood pressure would tank again and that I wouldn't recover. So they took some precautions, gave me extra IV fluids before the procedure warned the anesthesiologist about what happened in the past. She gave me some meds (although I don't remember what they were) before hand to help. I think knowing that they were taking all those precautions really helped.
I wasn't as afraid of the spinal block this time since It wasn't too bad before. I just tried to relax the best I could although it's very hard. giving birth is so scary and surgeries are scary too, combine them together and it can be very stressful. I just kept thinking that I am a mother and the c section is just a small blip in time, one struggle I have to over come and I had to be brave for my new baby girl. That helped me a lot
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