When I had Sugar Plum Z in 2012, I figured early on I would be delivering via C-Section. Turns out amongst my health concerns, this girl was breeched and enjoyed that position so it was C-section all the way. I was fine with that. All I wanted was a healthy baby. I researched C-Sections and either I missed the unspoken details or I forgot all that I read. Now that my second c-section is rapidly approaching, here are the things I remember that most moms may not share or probably forgot about because after all is said and done your baby is the most important part.
Here are 5 things you may or may not experience and what I plan to do to get past them. I will say I feel much less anxiety this time around since I know what to expect (unless things are different.)
Anesthesia
It is possible you will miss the entire birth. I did not have the type of c-section that required me to put under however my reaction to the anesthesia caused me to miss the entire birth. To this day I swear I was given too much of a dose. So glad the hubs was there because for all I know they could have stole my baby. LOL but I’m so serious. All I remember is having to vomit and then be in recovery. Speaking of recovery, the itching, massive hot flashes and overall feeling of crazy was almost unbearable. Anyone else experience this? Seriously I thought they were going to put me in a straight jacket. This time around I will be discussing the medication, baby bonding and more with my doctor.
Swelling
I gained 2-3 pounds post delivery all from swelling. Not one person mentioned this. I looked like a baby elephant for at least 1 week. It was crazy. I almost had to wear slippers to my post delivery checkup in a NYC December. DECEMBER! I managed to squeeze my sausage feet into some boots. So yes you may swell and they will record that weight in the hospital before you leave. GASP!
Pain
Ok people mentioned it but I am here to tell you say yes to the drugs. Not the light weight drugs aka Ibroprophen. Say yes to the serious drugs, the ones you will probably never take again unless you have another c-section or major surgery. I’m a tough gal who is a life long migraine sufferer and I needed the heavy drugs. At any moment, I just knew my insides were going to fall right out. It’s not a joke. Say yes and thank me later.
Constipation
Excuse me people this can not be considered a TMI, this is a serious matter. Yes they want you to move your bowels before you leave the hospital but how exactly is that suppose to happen if your body is all jacked up from the trauma that is delivery. I understand this happens with vaginal delivery too but OMG this is beyond what I have ever experienced in life. Just know I will have prune juice in my bag and prunes. I’ll let you know how that goes.
Mood Swings aka Hormonal Rage
Man oh man. I remember this like it was yesterday. In reality the crazy feeling post anesthesia never really left but the joy of new motherhood plus the drugs kept it at bay until we got home. Again, I can’t say how this goes for moms who deliver vaginally but the rage is something. I will be mindful, I will go for walks and I will not kick the husband out of the house this time around. I promise!
Did you experience any of these post delivery? Share your experience and what worked for you.
11 Comments
Adanna
March 19, 2015 at 11:05 AMOMG Why is Z so perfect! She’s too too cute. Such a a blessing to you and your family. I still can’t believe yo missed the birth from your birth story. You’re such a strong resilient woman. I admire that. I’ve heard about the pain of course that’s why I was scared I got one. I think constipation and hormonal changes occurs when you have a baby period.
M J
March 19, 2015 at 3:21 PMAwww thanks Adanna. Yes a C-Section is something else but now that I know what to expect I feel a little more prepared.
Life as a Convert
March 19, 2015 at 11:16 AMYes!! I experienced all of these. The pain was the worst part for me and I have a high pain tolerance.
M J
March 19, 2015 at 3:19 PMThe pain was something out of this world but we recovered. Us moms always do.
Sonya
March 19, 2015 at 5:00 PMI’ve had two c-sections. With my oldest I barely remember anything. With my second one I was fully aware and remember it all. So I definitely think I got too much anesthesia the first time around. I’m pretty small and only got up to 142 with my first one so I’m sure I was over drugged. Glad to know I’m not the only one who doesn’t remember the birth of her child 🙂
M J
March 24, 2015 at 9:34 AMYes Sonya, I am totally praying for a better experience this time around. Healthy baby, healthy mama and safe delivery I can participate in.
Ashley
March 23, 2015 at 7:38 PMLOL, not sausage feet!! I love your honesty in this post. Even though I didn’t have a c-section, some of the after effects of birth are the same either way. After birth pains are worse than labor. I still have to take the heavy drugs for them. I can’t wait to meet your little man!
M J
March 24, 2015 at 9:31 AMYes sausage feet! How dare them. I’ver heard vaginal delivery is no walk in the park either. Oh these children are blessed to have us from the very beginning.
Kita
March 23, 2015 at 9:36 PMYou have scared me. My C-Section wasn’t that bad good gawd. Pain was okay I mostly hated that needle in my hand that was the worse part for me. I took it out of my hand myself after I had the baby (24hrs after) the nurse was pretty pissed…but I needed to be comfortable. The itching didn’t come on til I had my second child via c-section. It was pain but not as bad as I would have thought I was pretty decent…could have been the meds though. I didn’t swell probably because I was already fat. I have a nasty attitude on a daily so that wasn’t new either. Hopefully this time around you will think about the brand new baby and not any of this. I still hate that needle in my hand.
M J
March 24, 2015 at 9:30 AMOh gosh you had me laughing to tears! You are so funny. Yes how did I forget about that darn needle and the catheter. OMG! They better not overdose me this time. I want to see my son born!
Heather
May 1, 2017 at 4:22 PMThere are so many elements of birth and new motherhood that just aren’t talked about. Thanks for giving us this candid perspective!