Pregnancy Update: One Month Left
I feel like it has been forever since I last updated on baby boy. I am 34.5 weeks and doing about as well as I can be at this point. We had maternity photos taken this weekend and the above is one of my favorites.
All of pregnancy is hard on me, each trimester for different reasons. We are now in the super swollen, super sore, super uncomfortable stage.
My feet are swollen round-the-clock and bear resemblance to the feet of Fred Flintstone. My legs are also pretty bad by the evening. Today my midwife gave me an Rx for compression stockings – awesome.
I am sleeping well overall, as long as I don’t drink too much and have to wake up to go to the bathroom. If I get out of bed, I am often up with insomnia for 1-2 hours.
We have had a first name for months, but just agreed on a middle name about a week ago. For some reason though, I don’t want to share it publicly yet. So, you’ll just have to wait and trust it’s pretty awesome. 🙂
I am seeing the Vanderbilt Midwives again, but this time around have opted for a c-section. My birth was physically traumatic with Adeline and we want to preserve the integrity of what is left, if you will. 🙂 After carefully weighing the pros and cons feel this is the best option for my body and the baby. So, would love any advice you have for the recovery process with a c-section.
We have scheduled the c-section for January 6, 2015.
One month left!
I’ve had 2 c-sections now (first one emergency, second one because I was scared to try VBAC), and recovery isn’t bad at all. Get up and walk as soon as you can (shuffle slowly, of course). If you have a 2-story house, set up a first floor station of baby stuff so you don’t have to go up and down stairs all day. Let people help you! My mom came over and mopped my kitchen floor one day and I wanted to cry out of relief. 🙂 Good luck!
Oh! And wear the elastic belly wrap thing they will give you…so much easier to stand up out of bed or a chair when everything is held together tightly.
I have never had a C-section, but know many that have… & I think it’s called a bellyband??? Many use it after, but I think some use it before too. I have heard it’s an absolute MUST & makes recovery SO much better. I have looked them up just for info. purposes for others. I’d recommend asking others who’ve used them as to the one they recommend. Best of wishes to you & your sweet family for the best new year ever!
Love this picture! Just one piece of advice for after a C-section: take it easy post-operatively! DO NOT OVER DO IT! My first C-section I completely over did it when I got home from the hospital (something about wanting to push my baby in a stroller around the block) and was a mess. The second time around I came home from the hospital and stayed in my room for almost three days and just rested and cared for my little one. Just rest and know that after about 2 weeks you will feel a lot more like your old self!
My son’s birth was also very traumatic for me, physically, and I had two surgeries afterward to repair the damage. For a long time I thought I might not have another child because of it. But I’ve now decided I’ll just elect for a C-Section. Good for you!
I was in your shoes two years ago. I had a fourth degree tear with my first, the fought to have another natural delivery with #2 and ended up with a 3rd degree tear. When I had #3 I said sign me up for the c-sect!! I was terrified but the recovery was honestly so much easier! The first few times getting up are hard. But as long as you keep moving, I felt normal within a few days. It took weeks to feel normal after my vag deliveries. Lots of stitches in the belly are better than lots of stitches elsewhere!
It’s a different delivery- very quick and sterile. But better for mom and the end result is the same. A baby!
Good luck.
Oh Jessica I wish you would rethink the c section. My first pregnancy was very difficult. 32 hours of labor-no epidural. My second was an emergency c-section. I felt awaful afterward for a good month. I couldnt cough- I felt that I missed out on the whole birth experience. I dont think that I really bonded like i did with the naturaL births. My third pregnancy I did the VBAC. It was a piece of cake. Four hours of labor- two pushes and out she came. I felt great right after the birth and didnt even feel like I hjad had a baby.
Unless you truly have to have a c-section I would not do it!! I am being totally honest with you. I will be praying for you my friend!!
I have thought about it for many, many months. I do not need to rethink it. It is what is best for me. Each person is different. Thank you for your prayers.
A scheduled c-section sounds like a good choice for you. I’ve had two c-sections after being in labor for hours. The second c-section was easier for me to recover from because I knew what to expect and the situation leading up to the c-section was much less stressful on my body.
Some advice — have comfy pants that the waist is higher so it doesn’t rub on your incision. If you need pain medication, take it. It’s so easy to hunch over but be mindful of sitting up as straight as you can as soon as you can. Take a walk in the maternity area of the hospital the next day, movement helps. And most importantly be kind to yourself as you recover!
Best of luck with everything. It’s an exciting time for you!
Both my boys were delivered via c-section. My biggest piece of advice is to get up as soon as they allow you. My recovery was easier and faster than some that deliver vaginally and I whole heartedly believe it was bc I got up and moved asap. Good luck!!!!
I used the wrap they give you afterwards for probably far longer than was needed, but it helped with pain and swelling, so I didn’t care. We were gifted a neat little timer that could track diaper changes, sleep schedules and whatnot. My husband used it to keep track of my pain medication schedule so I wouldn’t have to be in pain because we forgot when I took my last pill. With my first c-section, I tried to sleep in our bed at home, but it hurt too much getting in and out, so with my second, my husband and I decided to camp out in the living room so I could sleep in our recliner. That worked much better for all of us and it was just a couple of nights. Also, and this was just me personally, I had a hard time with our first, letting my husband take care of the baby and house stuff. I felt like I should be doing more. The second time around, I knew better and did only what was comfortable, because I knew if I rested, I would be back on my feet much more quickly.
God bless!
Yes, sleeping lying down is not comfortable. You’ll want to be propped up in some way for the first few days to a week at home. Use the timer on your phone to schedule an alarm for your pain medication and have it right nearby so you can take it easily.
YES! I almost forgot about setting a timer for your medications… You do NOT want to miss a dose or you’ll regret it tremendously…
The thing I wasn’t prepared for with my c-section was having underwear and pants that were high up and avoided rubbing on my incision area. Granny panties are your FRIENDS! And I got oversized lounge pants that definitely were loose and didn’t sit at all on the incision site. I had a lot of burning sensations from the nerves being cut – like – I felt like the whole area was on fire! I had a couple bags of peas that I rotated through to help calm the nerves and to ease the pain. Also, try to limit stairs – once or twice a day is plenty for the first week or so…
I just scheduled my second c-section for December 30th (due date of January 6). Wishing you the best of luck! It’s been fun reading your site as you’re at similar stages of pregnancy as I am.
I have had two C-sections – one with because my labor was not progressing the first time, and the second was because my doctor would not do a vbac. My best advice would be to get up and moving around as quick as you feel like it, it really does help with the healing process.I also highly recommend getting one of the compression bands that you can put around your stomach. It really made all the difference the second time getting up and moving around as well as while I was home with the recovery process. Remember to take it easy and rely on others for help. You will need help getting up out of bed, and walking the first few days. You have to also remember that not only are your stomach muscles stretch from the pregnancy, but they have been literally cut apart and put back together. Good luck!
I ended up needing c-sections with both my son (now almost 12 years old!) and my daughter (9). They were both unplanned and with the first, I felt completely unprepared. I had skipped over that part in ALL the books, so I think it’s great for you to get advice from those of us who’ve been there.
I WISH I had known about this band they’re talking about because it does kind of feel like your insides are going to come out when you walk. I found it difficult also to sleep in our bed (it’s pretty high off the ground) so I camped out on the sofa for a week or so, propped up with pillows and the bassinet next to me. Also, with my daughter, I ended up with what they call a ‘spinal headache’ because I had been sat up in bed too soon after the surgery. Make sure you lay down flat for several hours right after the surgery to avoid this. But when ready, getting up and walking a bit is a good idea.
Our house is only one level, but if you have more than one, I would stick to the ground floor. Walking up and down the stairs is not a good idea. Also, if you have a shower stall, it’s much easier to get in and out of rather than lifting up your legs to get over the bathtub ledge.
Let anyone, and everyone, who wants to come over and help out do so. I didn’t have a lot of help and it was hard on me and my husband.
Finally, rest lots and enjoy your precious bundle!
I have had two c-sections. The first was an emergency c-section in the middle of the night, and the second was scheduled. The difference between the two was incredible. My scheduled c-section was so calm and relaxed. Because it was scheduled in the morning, I had a great team of doctors and nurses, and I got my spinal from the head of the anesthesiology department. I was able to hold and nurse my baby on the operating table while they stitched me back up. It was a wonderful experience.
I was also given a belly belt from the hospital after my second c-section, and I loved it. I liked the support it gave, and I felt more confident in moving around when I was wearing it.
I’m sure yours will go great!
Limit steps and keep a pillow nearby to hold on your stomach when you laugh, cough, sneeze or have to get up! That first sneeze is a killer if you aren’t prepared
Two words: Grannie Panties.
I have had two c-sections: 1st was emergency and 2nd was scheduled because the docs at Mayo felt pretty certain the same issues would come up again.
You’ll want some big ‘ole grannie panties that come up over that incision!!! I made my husband run to Target to buy them after my first and packed new ones in my hospital bag for the second!
I WISH I had a belly band – might need to get one of those if I decide to go for a third.
Also, make it easy to care for that baby. Put everything that you will need for him on the floor of the house that you will be on the most – do whatever you can to limit the stairs for the first 6 weeks or so. Also, a changing table that is up and off the floor is really important. If you don’t have one, a nice concave changing pad placed on an old baker’s rack was wonderful! Then use the shelves to keep baskets of diapers, wipes, burp cloths and extra clothing. They are the perfect height to change baby.
I have had two c-sections. The first was an emergency and the second planned. Granny panties are a must! 🙂 I couldn’t get in and out of bed very well after either, so I slept in our recliner for a few days after both. It just made standing up less painful. I agree with the other ladies about timing your pain meds. I have a high tolerance for pain, but my doctor said that I could injure myself if I pushed it. So, for the first 2 weeks I took my meds every four hours. Then, when I weened off of them, everything was great and I felt no pain at all. Try to avoid stairs. I know you live in a two story…but for a few days, I would try to limit stair climbing…for the main reason of…it wears you out fast! 🙂 I am so excited for you!! Congratulations!!
You are SMART for this decision! I had a similar experience with my first-very traumatic physically for me and recovery was a beast! I opted for a c-section with my 2nd and it was the BEST.DECISION.I’VE.EVER.MADE!!!-my recovery after my c-section was a walk in the park compared to my recovery after my first delivery. I slept on an incline for about a week (just propped up with pillows), loved my belly band thing the hospital gave me, and just lived in leggings for a while (jeans were killer on the incision-even if they fit they were uncomfortable to sit in). Getting up and moving as soon after as you can was helpful too. Good luck and prayers for an easy and safe delivery and recovery for you!
Hi Jessica,
I ended up having an emergency C-section with my first baby (a girl!) – her head wouldn’t turn, she was large (8 lb. 14 oz.), the umbilical cord was wrapped around her head, and her heart rate kept dropping when I would try to push – it just wasn’t going to happen. I was super, super nervous because it all happened so fast, BUT in the end, my experience was great, the recovery was easy, and I’m currently expecting our 2nd (a boy!) in March and will have a scheduled C-section this time around.
Of course, everyone’s experience is different, but I think you’ll find a C-section isn’t as terrible as you might think. I remember the worst part for me was the first time I had to get out of the hospital bed…I really felt like my insides were going to spill out! Of course, they weren’t, but it was a strange feeling. Definitely take the pain meds as directed! And I agree with what everyone else is saying about underwear – you’ll definitely want to wear clothes that don’t touch the incision as it will be very sensitive. I continued to wear gowns and maternity pants for a long time after because it made my tummy feel more “held together.”
I was able to hold my girl in the operating room and nursed her as soon as we were in the L&D recovery room.
Praying for you as you enter these last weeks! 🙂
Hi Jessica!
I had a very traumatic birth with my first and a c-section with my second. By far, the c-section was easier to recover from. Let’s just say baby #1 did a lot of damage and recovery was very difficult. Baby #2 had no other options but to come via c-section. I’ve had various surgeries throughout my life and c-section was one of the easiest to recover from in my opinion. I should also note I have a fairly high pain tolerance! Good luck! I can’t wait to hear the name you’ve chosen.
The Vanderbilt midwife — Annie Sorensen — delivered my last baby via waterbirth in Cookeville…I LOVE HER! Blessings to you!
I have had two c-sections. Here is what I learned from my first to my second.
-Yoga pants, granny panties, and a nursing tank with a robe over it. More comfortable than a gown as you want your section line protected a little.
-Ask for surgical glue instead of staples on your incision line! Seriously, way better!
-If you take it really easy the first week or two, you will recover SO much quicker. Seriously, walk a little to keep moving but other than that, just take care of baby.
-You may want to consider a post partum doula… spendy but worth it! Have her stay at the hospital overnight with you to help adjust baby for feedings, etc or at the house once you are settled. One of the hardest things for me was getting baby out of their little crib thing as it was hard for me to turn from side to side the first two days after my section.
-It can take awhile for things to get “regular” ask for milk of magnesia, don’t wait too long or your tummy will get really uncomfortable. (tmi but hey, if I can help you out…)
-boppy is awesome for nursing, protects your sore tummy!
-Pump a little even if baby is nursing well. When you don’t labor it often takes longer for your milk to come in. Pumping helped a lot my second time around.
-As for the not bonding comment…. I bonded beautifully with both of my babies. There is no one size fits all birth experience–you will have a beautiful birth! Many hospitals now allow you to do kangaroo care right on the operating room table– ours does. Also, if things go well, baby can be with you in recovery and you can nurse immediately.
Blessings!!
All good advice. My first was unelected emergency c-section which then forced me to have all c- sections plus abdominal surgery in between. A couple things –
If you get sick with anesthesia talk to the dr. They can give you something for nausea in your IV as soon as you start to feel sick. Throwing up in OR is no fun. Your anesthesiologist is there to help & they don’t leave your side. Also if you get super tired after delivery that’s ok – take a snooze. I did while my husband asked our daughter to choose the name ( we had 2)
Stay on top of meds even if you feel ok in an hour you will be in pain and it’s too late to catch up. Just take them. After a few days you can wean to Motrin or whatever but take the meds
Small pillow over the belly helps if you laugh or have to get up quick.
Whatever they offer to help move your bowels take it. I can’t stress this enough. This was my biggest mistake w/ #1. A stomach incision hurts like heck when you strain
Get up & walk. If you are in decent shape the recovery shouldn’t be bad esp since you avoid labor.
Accept help of course! Take time for you. To be honest bringing home # 2 was harder than #3 – you’re a pro by now!
Don’t worry about the c/s you will do fine!
Good luck / my daughter’s bday is Jan 5th !
Sorry one more – both my c/s elected kids went to nicu for wet lungs for 24 hrs. It happens bc they don’t go thru birth canal. It wasn’t ideal but you manage & they do fine. If that would happen know it’s pretty normal.
I had two c-sections… the first due to a birth-defect, and the second as an elective repeat. I had a great experience with both.
First of all, everyone who said to wear the binder- this is an AMAZING help. Ask for it ASAP and wear it all the time. And, ask for extras to take home… I had 3 with my second baby and it was great to wear one, wash one, and have a back-up.
Second, start walking ASAP. Some docs have a set number of hours for you to remain in bed, but as soon as you have permission, start walking, and take little walks every 4-6 hours (coordinate with your pain meds). Drink tons, it forces you to get up to go to the bathroom more often, and even those little walks are good for you.
Be prepared for referred gas pains- I had them in my chest, and asked for a heat pad.
Have a close friend who has had one walk you through the whole thing- just so you are prepared for all of the procedure… to help you feel like you won’t be surprised by anything.
With my second, I repeatedly asked EVERYONE if I could hold the baby right away with skin-to-skin. They were very accommodating when I let them know that was my preference. Their instinct is to do things in their own routine, but when they knew I wanted to hold the baby immediately, they grabbed him, and wiped him off while I held him. It was awesome.
One more thing… at the hospital, you will have a mechanical bed- so you can sit up and then get out of bed from sitting… at home, you will miss that. So make sure you have someone around to help you get up from bed when you are laying down. The first night, with my first born, I didn’t realize that would be a problem and I felt like a bug stuck on its back. Just have someone around to help you sit up from laying down. 😉
Oh yeah… Take your birthing music into the OR!
I had two c-sections…the first not planned and the second one planned. Planned was way better. They give you a spinal and then you aren’t nearly as “drugged up” feeling. My advice would be the following: Granny panties (self-explanatory). Walk around when they want you to. Know that you WILL heal and feel normal again. (It was my first and only surgery(ies) and I was shocked at how it felt. But then I was shocked at how well our bodies heal. You’ll be fine.) And last, request ahead of time to hold your baby in the ER. Everyone else held my daughter first. With my son, I wanted to be first! They assured me I could be, as long as we were both doing fine. We were, and it was one of my most special moments ever. I can’t wait to hear more about baby boy and learn his name!
And yes to what those above said…take the drugs on time, every time! A mama that has uncontrolled pain can’t be the mama she needs to be.
I’ve had two c-sections. First was emergency, 2nd planned. The 2nd was a breeze to recover from. Others have said it, but my advice is – first don’t over-do it. I remember being shocked at how easily what seemed like the simplest things wore me out. Take all of the help you can. It’ll be easy to over-do it with three little ones to take care of. Take your pain meds on schedule. I remember thinking I didn’t really feel like I needed it and boy was I sorry for that. Have yoga pants and leggings to wear afterwards. It will be a while before you will want to wear jeans again. It’s going to go great!!
Hi Jessica! I am praying for a smooth c-section and a sweet bonding time with your little one! I had a c-section with my first and my biggest tip is to try and nurse sidelying if possible bc it can put less pressure on your incision and give you more rest.
What a beautiful picture of your family! I love it!
I’ve had 3 sections and each one was different. I tried to vbac with the second, and after 24 hours both the baby and I were in distress, come to find out the cord was wrapped around her neck twice. The third was planned and much smoother.
Overall, the best recovery was my third. Planned is much better than having an emergency section.
My advice is to stay in the hospital as long as you can and let them take care of you. The belly compression band is your best friend. (And it also makes you look pretty amazing after you’ve had the baby!) Another thing we did was telling our kids I had a big ouchy and I couldn’t hold or help them in/out of carseats/highchairs etc. Lastly, pamper yourself and get a mani/pedi. You deserve it!
One last thing- you and your doctors know whats best for you and your sweet baby boy. Don’t let others make you feel like you are less of a mother for opting for a section.
Good luck!! Sending prayers on January 6th!
I hope you have a wonderful c-section birth experience! I haven’t had one, so I don’t have advice, but I had to comment because I think everyone’s kind, helpful, and encouraging comments are so wonderful! There is so much judgement in the area of birth, but you have to make the best choice for you. I’m impressed that you’ve shared this and with all the uplifting comments! Can’t wait to hear the awesome name too!
I felt the same way… and was honestly nervous about posting, especially because we have been passionate about natural birth for our first two. But, we really feel like this is the best option for my body this time around. Grateful for the kind advice. 🙂
And yes, the name is all kinds of awesome.
I would recommend tape, not staples. More work for the dr/midwife, but worth it!
Such a lovely photo of your family! I think a birth experience, just like anything in life, is what you make of it. Their are pros and cons to each side, you just focus on the positive :). I have had 3 c-sections in about 4 years, it definitely was not on my radar as I believe in trying to lead a holistic life, (cleaning eating with as much organic as possible, everyday exercise etc). However, God had another plan for me. (Emergency c-section, attempt at V-bac, and on the third I had no choice but a section.) I am just grateful for 3 healthy babies. There is a peace and calm about a planned c-section. I think the hardest part for me is having to wait to hold my babies! My advice would be to 1. to have the baby with you in the recovery room. (After the c-section you first go to a recovery room where your are monitored for awhile, before going to your postpartum room.) 2. To get up and move as soon as you can and walk frequently throughout the day. It hurts but the more you move the better you will feel. 3. Wear or ask for the belly band. I wore it for a few weeks after also. It helps when you laugh, cough, sneeze which is painful. 4. When you go to get out of bed do a log roll technique. You roll onto your side before getting up. It is the best way to get out of bed.5 Beware of potential “gas bubbles” . I did not have this with my first, but had it with my last 2. From being open, your body cavity can get pockets of air gas that can be painful. (I actually thought this was worse than the incision pain.) It’s normal and the more you move the quicker the go away. I found the milk comment interesting from above. My pediatrician informed me that with each child you nurse, the quicker your milk comes in. With my third my milk was in within 36 hours. Sorry for such a long comment! I have thought so much about my own birth experiences. Although it is not what I anticipated, it was still beautiful. God gave me three amazing little boys and I have a grateful heart. I pray you have a peaceful and beautiful birth meeting your newest little love!
I think the best advice I was given was to stay on top of my pain meds right after the csection and while in the hospital AND to walk as much as possible. The more you’re up and moving, the quicker you’ll feel better. The first few days were a little rough, as expected, but each day gets better and soon it’ll all be a distant memory. Enjoy that sweet newborn!
Lots of good advice from all the comments. I’ve had 4 (1st one didn’t progress, attempted VBAC for second and again didn’t progress and numbers 3 and 4 were straight C-sections) and learned new things with each one! After reading all these comments I’m kinda ticked off that I wasn’t given a belly band after ANY of mine! So onto the things that stood out the most to me: 1. I had a pain pump and they didn’t tell me to give myself a dose a bit before I got up to move the first time. (having never had surgery before, I was completely unprepared for how painful it was) So get a dose in before you move! 2. Stay on top of that medication! I wrote every dose down in a notebook where I also kept track of nursing times/side/etc. If you know what pain med works for you request it! I was given a different one with the 2nd child and it wasn’t nearly as effective and I also wasn’t told to take motrin when I left the hospital and I was still in a lot of pain even though I was on pain meds. So, with the next pregnancy I learned- take motrin for as long as I’m taking pain meds! 3. Stool softeners and lots water and high fiber foods (I had no idea that pain meds stop you up). 4. With each recovery I got out of bed sooner after surgery and I agree, the sooner, the better! 5. Not sure if it’s standard everywhere, but make sure they use the compression booties when you are resting in the hospital, the research I did shows that it helps to lessen the risk of blood clots. 6. I agree with it being more comfortable to sleep at an incline in a recliner and when in bed using the log roll method like somebody mentioned too. Sorry for the book! It’s amazing how different each birth is, kinda like each kid is so different! Don’t feel bad for electing for a C-section, you have to do what’s right for you and your family! As much as I wanted a natural birth and was a bit disappointed with having a C-section, the outcome was the same, a beautiful baby! Best of luck!
Your maternity pictures are so incredibly beautiful. My baby and only (wish we had been blessed with three more) is 11 so the details are fuzzy but I bonded immediately with our baby. I was in labor for about 12 hours after a planned induction & my doctor was concerned that our baby was stuck & recommended a C section. Then it seemed to take an extremely long time to get the anesthesiologist I remember telling her that she was my new best friend. She laughed & said, “Everyone says that and then they forget all about me. I told her I never would & haven’t! Of course, you will spend more nights in the hospital and will start recovering with expert help all around you which I loved. If you can have someone stay with you for a week or so after you get home, that would be great. But if not, I would send your older kids to school/daycare so you can rest. Maybe now start teaching them to climb up & snuggling with you since you can’t pick them up for a little while. I’m sure they know how, but just as a planning strategy.Plus you already have two kids & know what to do. Even though I went to every baby class know to man (or woman), I.was more overwhelmed with learning how to take care of my first child than the actual recovery. I remember sobbing on my bed the day my parents left saying that I didn’t know how to take care of a baby. My mom assured me that I would be a great mom! So it’s wonderful that you’re already a great mom! Blessings to you & prayers for a speedy recovery.
I had a traumatic birth with my first with tearing that took six months to heal, and just had a c section because of placenta previa and accreta. I’ll be honest – I didn’t love either experience but I really preferred the natural birth. Having said that, I think c sections are necessary in some situations so I understand your choice! Granny panties, medications, learning how to get out of bed and lots of help essential! I have had a horrible recovery with a bad infection so watch out for that. I ended up back in hospital for IV antibiotics but I think I’ve finally kicked it. I would initially it’s way harder than natural birth but, four weeks on, I feel better and less pain downstairs than the first time!
Hopefully your recovery has gone smoothly! Thanks for sharing your choice on a C section. I think it has become so common to push “natural” everything that sometimes women getting a C-section feel like less of a mom because they didn’t have a “natural” childbirth and that makes me so sad! I had an emergency C section and it actually went so incredibly well and my recovery was quick.
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