Second vs First C-Section

Wow their birthdays are gonna be close

If you prepare the eldest properly you should not have any issues. I let Brandon help me get Liam's room ready eg where do you think the cot should go, here or here, I pre-chose a few colours for the paint and let Brandon decide which he liked for his brothers room, let him feel Liam kicking in my tummy, took him along to gynea visits so he could hear Liam's heart beat and see him in the scan, if I bought nappies, I asked which brand he prefered, ditto on the scents of the wet wipes etc

All of that made him really excited to meet his baby brother and when they did meet I cried cos he was so spell bound - I even found him sleeping on the floor next to Liam's cot one night. When asked why "So Liam not scared"

Preparing your child for anything from a visit to the dentist to meeting a sibling to starting school is the most important way of avoiding unwanted suprises. Most children don't deal very well with the unexpected

Hi Ladies

Thanks so much for the replies, I appreciate it.

I had a wonderful aneathetist the first time and hoping for it again the second time. Also, with my first c-section and it being the birth of our first child, I think everything was so overwhelming, I never thought of asking for something different for the pain or asking the nurses to help me up. I dragged getting up for the first time out so long because I was just too afraid until the staff eventually put their foot down and forced me to get up. This time I will get up as soon as I can and defnitately ask for help if I struggle.

The c-section is scheduled for the 4th of June (if all goes well) and my LG will turn 2 on the 9th of June. So I am really hoping that she will handle everything ok. I am bit worried about that.

Both my c-sections were about the same, it was sore, but not unbareable. It is true that you should try get mobile as soon as possible. I am sure that is why my recovery was so easy.

But try to get someone to help you as much as possible with your elder child, and explain why mommy can't pick him / her up (not sure what the age difference is). I found that by showing Brandon my scar he seemed to understand better, and he tended to be more gentle.

Knowing what to expect does make it easier - my blood pressure dropped the first time and doc's suddenly rushed around sorting it out, so the second time, I told the doc and they made sure they paid attention to that from the beginning and as soon as I started feeling woozy I told them, so they could sort it out before there was reason to panic.

The biggest thing is communication, if you are in pain get the nurses to bring you something, ring the bell if you need help sitting up / going to the loo - do not be embarressed ! You have had major surgery, you need help. When the doc does his / her rounds after the birth, talk to her / him if there are any concerns, no matter how arb they may seem to you, the staff need to know.

And stay the full 3 nights, don't try be brave and rush off home, enjoy the help

Good topic!

My second csection was far less painful. Maybe it was because I knew what to expect? I also enjoyed every second of the actual procedure. If I can recommend one thing, and that's to ask your anaethetist to give you a pre-med beforehand.

I also think having a planned csection (my second) as apposed to an emergency csection (my first) makes a huge difference.

And another factor is that you 'want' to feel as normal as possible after your second csection because you have another child and for me I never wanted her to see me in pain so I stood upright straight away and got on with it!

GOod luck!! Looking forward to reading your birth story *hint hint*

Hi Ronel - I have only had one caesarian birth, so I cannot answer your question from experience. Maybe someone else can. But considering that a caesar is MAJOR abdominal surgery where they cut through layers and layers - you should expect to struggle to get up afterwards. I just remember being told by my gynae that although it really hurts, the more upright you stand right from the start, the easier your recovery. If you have the same experience again, you should also tell your doctor, and ask for something stronger for the pain - not all people react the same to medication. They might be able to change your medication over to something that works beter for you. I hope that with your next caesar "knowledge is power" and that you have a better experience - good luck.

Hi Ladies

I am 26 weeks pregnant with my second baby. My first baby was delivered via a c-section. I will be having another c-section with my second baby. Before my first c-section I have never been admitted to hospital or had any kind of operation or broken any bones etc. etc. Thus, my first c-sec was a bit overwhelming. I specifically struggled to get up from lying down. It felt as if the wound teared open each time. I took my pain meds each time they came around.

I was wondering how does the second c-sec compare to the first one. Is it better because you know what to expect? And is the recovery time quicker?

I would appreciate your comments and advice.

Thank you