C-sec moms

[sophie'smom]

How are you handling recovery? Was it this your first c-sec? If not, any tricks to make recovery easier?

I am having the worst time of my life! It is bothering me and affecting breast feeding and my hormones are all over the place crying for no dreaming reason. Not to mention the pain! Oh my the pain! It feels like I was being cut by a million razor blades at the same time. I can't walk straight, I can't lay down and I can't sleep

I hate the fact of me getting a cesarean because I tried so hard to avoid it. Stupid car accident! I am so mad at it!

[Babidol]

I'm so sorry momma. Have you tried a football hold for breastfeeding? This vagunal delivery recovery has been harder on me too this time. The pp bleeding is insane. What about a heating pad?

[sophie'smom]

We have tried the football hold too and it is still painful but we just tried breastfeeding while laying down and it hurts less.
It is hard to deal with the incision and the breastfeeding pain when both hurt at the same time.

[my3sons]

Is there anything they can give you for pain while your breastfeeding? If you're already taking something, maybe it's not the right med for you since you are still in so much pain. I recommend calling the doc and trying a different scrip. Just my opinion; I think a little more pain medicine would be better on the baby (if you're worried about it in the breastmilk) than having a mommy who is crying and quite miserable.

I've read about the trauma of having surgery and how that alone can cause some post traumatic stress. There is also a lot of info out there about how having your birth taken from you and changed so violently can really leave you mourning that loss and fighting feelings of helplessness and general anxiety. You're feelings of 'hate' toward the c-section are perfectly normal and you are doing good by realizing those feelings exist and talking about them.

Below is an abbreviated list from this website: http://www.birthtraumaassociation.or..._is_trauma.htm
"risk factors for Post Natal PTSD which include a very complicated mix of objective (e.g. the type of delivery) and subjective (e.g. feelings of loss of control) factors. They include:

Poor pain relief
Feelings of loss of control
High levels of medical intervention
Traumatic or emergency deliveries, e.g. emergency caesarean section
Impersonal treatment or problems with the staff attitudes
Not being listened to
Lack of information or explanation
Lack of privacy and dignity
Fear for baby's safety
Poor postnatal care
Previous trauma (for example, in childhood, with a previous birth or domestic violence)
In addition, many women who do not have PTSD, suffer from some of the symptoms of PTSD after undergoing difficult birth experiences and this can cause them genuine and long-lasting distress. These women are also in need of support."

Don't be afraid to reach out for support during this time. ((big fat pregnant hugs))

[MaryJane]

When did you give birth? Your pain shouldn't be that terrible. You can use a pillow in your lap over your abdomen to cushion the baby and you when you move around. Also, I found that ibuprofen was better for pain relief than some of the other meds. Side lying nursing could help, but I'd be concerned that you are still in so much pain. Don't hesitate to call your doctor. There may be something else going on. Maybe a lactation consultant if breastfeeding is hurting, but latch could be an issue just because you are in so much pain from the surgery.

[mla]

Were you given a prescription for percocet? Or any other major pain relievers? If so, TAKE them. If not, ask your doc for a prescription. It's important to keep pain meds on board at all times for the first couple of weeks. You don't want the pain to get ahead of you.

[mla]

Oh, and I've nursed all three of my kids, so I know there are pain relievers you can take while nursing. Percocet worked great for me when I was recovering my my c-sections.

[sophie'smom]

I wish I could go on my computer and quote everybody. But yes ladies, you have nailed every feeling I have.

Last night we tried side nursing and it hurt less, if we sit it hurts a lot. But I think we are going to stick to nursing while laying down while we are home.

I got Percocet and ibuprofen 800, haven't taken it around the click as prescribed, just when the pain kicks my butt because it makes me groggy and impaired and I don't like that when my kids are around and awake. I have been taking Percocet in the am and pm and just ibuprofen during the day. Also I have been having back spasms and I am thinking it is because of the car accident just too many things pile up together.

[MaryJane]

I understand about the feelings with the percocet. You can alternate Tylenol and Motrin which might help. I still encourage you to talk to your doctor. And take your meds before you need it. That's the only way to stay on top of it.

[mla]

I understand about the feelings with the percocet. You can alternate Tylenol and Motrin which might help. I still encourage you to talk to your doctor. And take your meds before you need it. That's the only way to stay on top of it.

Yes. Take your meds around the clock, even if it's Tylenol and Motrin. You want to stay on top of the pain.

[sophie'smom]

Do I call the OBGYN or the primary care doc? We didn't know who to call today.

[ClarisseMarie]

Ita with the ladies. I hated taking the meds, but I learned quickly to do it. I slowly started extending time between ,meds and was completely off everything within 6 days. So if you are still in that much pain I'd definitely call. But they did tell me it is different every time and for every person. I get the disappointment...I never imagined myself as needing to have a c-section. I was very upset by it, but it had to be done for Elena, and I guess that made it bearable. But it's ok to grieve your birth not going as planned. Hang in there, mama.

[MaryJane]

Call your ob/gyn.

[sophie'smom]

thank you.

[Babidol]

Hope you are feeling better today. Hugs momma.