With Bean, I went to all the classes and, yes, it was informational but also geared towards vaginal deliveries. When we went for one of our last ultrasounds, it looked like Bean wasn’t going to turn head down but it was early, 37 weeks at that point. The reason we ended with a cesarean — we found out I had cholestasis AND she was still breech.
I don’t know whether Bean would have turned in the few last weeks, but I did try countless of techniques. Laying inverted. Placing frozen peas on my belly in hopes she’d move. Walking around the apartment complex. Etc. But it didn’t matter! She was coming out on her own terms.
Some things I wish I did differently — I wish I knew about gentle cesareans. I would have liked to watch her being born through a clear drape instead being blocked by a blue “wall”. Thankfully D asked if he could stand up and watch from behind the blue wall, and they allowed him.
Some advice or words I wish someone told me — it is not a race. There is no trophy at the end of this all. You wont get a trophy if you suck up the pain. You’ll just be in pain and miserable. A cesarean is major surgery so don’t feel like you need to be superwoman right out the gate.
What does that mean? It means take care of yourself and be a little selfish. You will need sleep and rest. That means utilize the nursery. Ask the nurses to bring him to you when it’s time for nursing or feeding, then send him back. Take time to rest! Don’t feel bad for using the nursery.
If you’re in pain, you can’t do much. And the pain will be high. Major surgery, remember? Take the meds. If you’re pain is low that means you can start moving. And that’s the best way to recover.
You’re probably wondering, when will I need to start moving? The goal is usually the night you had surgery. The quicker you get to moving, the faster you will recover. Once you are able to take steps and walk around (and maybe with the help of pain meds), then take walks with Ryan up and down the hallway. This will serve two purposes… 1) recovery speed, and 2) bowel movements.
Why is E telling me about bowel movements? Because the first one will feel horrible. Almost as bad as birth. All the meds they pumped into you during the cesarean and the surgery itself causes blockage. You can help minimize the discomfort by eating fiber dense food, drinking lots of water, taking a stool softener, and moving/walking.
Will you bleed after like a vaginal delivery? Yes. Funny, right? You’ll still have to wear mesh underwear and a pad. If you don’t like the stuff they give you at the hospital, you can find some extra long feminine pads online. I bought some Always overnight ones to use.
Prepare for massive swelling. It’s normal. But it’s annoying. Make sure to bring a pair of shoes, slippers or sandals that will work if your feet are swollen. I picked flip flops because I could wear them in the hospital shower when I wanted to take a rinse.
Bring a pillow. Hospital pillows are crap. You’re already uncomfortable due to surgery, a comfy pillow will make it a tiny bit better.
We were super bad with this for both kids, mainly because we were soaking it all in. But take those photos. Photos of their hands, feet, the room, the gown, everything. You don’t have to post or share them. It’s more for you to take a look back whenever you feel the desire.
I hope this helps. I’ll update this post if I have more advice and words of wisdom to share. Also, if you’re unsure whether to breastfeed or formula-feed — just remember a fed baby is a happy baby. It’s no one’s business how you choose to feed your baby.