C-section - Farmingdale,NY

hi M.. and congratulations! i had a c-section...unexpected...and felt great afterwards. i was up and moving around pretty much right away. i could have eased into it more though because i did have moments where it would all catch up to me. after the c-section my dr recommended 'staying ahead of the pain' instead of 'trying to catch up to it' which i guess is nearly impossible. so they wanted me to take the painkillers proactively. not to try to 'tough it out' which was being silly i guess. thats all i got. congrats again!

Hi M., I had a C-section 14 months ago. I was out of bed by that evening and never needed anything stronger than advil for the pain. The only time I struggled at home was lying flat in bed and having to get up, but with twins you will never have time to lay in bed so it should not be a problem. LOL
Good luck to you.

I had a C section last August and believe me when I tell you one weeks worth of rest would not be long enough to take care of one baby - let alone twins. It is extremeley painful to get up after the C-Section - sit down - getting out of bed is impossible without help. Please find someone to help you for at least 1 month - as a week won't be long enough. I stayed with my retired mom after my husband went back to work - I don't know what I would have done without her....

I had a c section for my daughter, everyone told me to walk around as much as possible after the surgery and they were right. I forced myself to walk as soon as the dr said it was ok. I ended up with very little pain and a quick recovery time.

One other thing make sure you keep the incision clean as possible, I was afraid to touch it & ended up with a painfull infection there. Follow the dr's instructions and keep that area very clean.

my husband only had a week off as well, and four of the days were in the hospital b/c with a c-section you stay longer. i only had one baby though and also do not have a high threshold for pain. i was worried sick & scared to death of the whole c-section thing. i'll tell you now - stop worring. while it is not a very fun process - there is nothing to be scared about. you should be up & out of bed in a day and they should have you walking around the floor of the hospital before you leave. it is painful at the incision & it really hurts inside to laugh, cough, and especially poop...make sure you get a stool softener immediatly afterwards & have your husband buy you a package for you before you get home. or buy one now for when you get home & take it regularly when you get home!!! getting up, or sitting up is painful afterwards - especially trying to sit up in bed, my husband had to pull me up for a couple of weeks afterwards so i could sit in bed & feed the baby at night. if you live in a house with two level's - make sure everything you need for the day is downstairs with you when you come down for the day - that limit's your going up & down the stairs to get stuff for you & the baby's throughout the day. you will be sore but you should be able to take care of the babies fine. you will manage, just do EVERYTHING SLOWLY!! and if you do feel o.k. - still do things slowly - remember you just had majior surgery & your body needs time to heal itself no matter how good you may feel. it may not hurt to have someone come over during the hours your husband is at work to help a bit for a week or two until you are moving a bit better and gain some control over the two babies you have!! but again, nothing to be scared or worried about. sleep well now & don't worry - it'll all work out!

Congrats on your 2 miracle babies. I also was pregnant w twins and had a c section. My b/g twins are now 2 years old. I had a c section, and if I was to have more kids I would def have another csection. I had pain medication on day 1 and 2 after the babies were born, and then switched to motrin bc i was not having any pain. My kids stayed in the hosp for 5 and 9 days after I came home. They were born at 36 weeks. 5.5lbs and 5 pounds both healthy. During the infant year was a piece of cake. I think 1 1/2 and now is a killer. But all worth it. You find ways to feed your babies at the same time, hold them, it all works out in the end. Good luck,

Hi M.,
Don't fear, a C-Section is the most humane way of giving birth--especially if you're scheduled for it. When I was PG my greatest fear was giving birth, and then I found out I needed a C-section which put me over the edge mentally. Well, let me tell you that it was the best thing EVER... No labor pains, they drug you up nicely, you don't feel a thing, and it only takes about 45 minutes. The baby comes out all nice and not mishapen and you're up and about the next day. Although I didn't have twins I was walking fine within a week. I say thank your lucky stars that you'll be in one piece down there, and you'll be drugged and won't feel a thing. It's the BEST... And you don't even see the scar it's so tiny.

Good luck to you and be thankful for the C-section.
K.

M.,

How exciting! You are entering a wonderful time. I have had 3 c-sections, and the recovery from every one was different, with the first being the hardest, but still not as terrible as I thought it would be. I will tell you this...it is normal to feel like your insides are going to fall out. Don't worry, they won't! It is normal to not want to look at the incision...I was actually more traumatized by the incision than anything else (mentally it really made me crazy to know my body had been cut open). You don't have to look at it if you don't want to.

When you start feeling better, it is way to easy to overdo it. I think you will need help. You're not supposed to lift anything heavier than the baby for 8 weeks after a c-section. That means no laundry baskets, no grocery bags (I had quite a shock when I went grocery shopping and then realized I wasn't supposed to lift the bags!)

You probably won't be able to stand for very long periods of time, so washing dishes is very difficult. Do not vacuum your rugs, sweep your floor. It is the everyday things that you don't think about until you realize that you use your stomach muscles for them and life can be pretty hard after a c-section because of that.

Riding in a car is painful because we use our stomach muscles to stay upright as we go around corners, curvy roads. Caution your husband to drive slow and cautiously, and put a pillow over your stomach under the seatbelt. You will really need that.

As for the pain. I don't think you have too much to worry about. The hospital will give you great pain relief, and you will probably go home with a strong prescription. Take it...whenever too many hours went by and I forgot to take my medicine because I was busy with a baby, I paid for it. By the time you are feeling pain, it takes so long for the medicine to get on top of it. So...you might want to keep a piece of paper with a list of when you took the medicine, and then set a timer to remind you to take it again. Take all of it, until the bottle runs out, and by then you should be fine on ibuprofen. I learned the hard way here, so seriously consider what I said.

Let others take care of you. You will be having major surgery. Your best bet is to plan on sitting in a comfortable chair for the majority of the time. Take daily walks by yourself, at your pace. You will heal in your own time, and you will soon forget it, but while you are healing you must give your body the rest that it needs. The only thing you should be doing is taking care of your babies. Let someone else do everything else if possible, including 1/2 of the baby care too! You will recover faster if you let yourself have the time.

Good luck. You will be fine.

Oh yeah, the hardest thing for me about the actual procedure was the time after the babies are born while they are stitching you up. It takes forever (it seems) and you can feel their hands on you and it doesn't hurt but it is just weird. All you will want to do is be with your babies and then there you are on this table waiting for them to close.

On the positive side, with my last baby, I was in the recovery room after the c-section and they brought in the baby and she nursed right there. Wonderful experience. I hope yours is wonderful too!

D.

Hi M.;

Congratulations on your twins! I have 2yo b/g twins that came via c-section at 38 wks & 1day—just as planned. My 2 singletons were vag so it was a different experience all the way around. Here are a few things that you might find helpful:
-since it is twins, there will be a lot of people in the OR. I had my OB, plus another to assist, the anesthesiologist (mine was great, talked to me the whole time telling me what was going on), nurse for me, neonatologist and 2 baby nurses, my DH of course and even a hospital admin for me to sign something LOL.
-at the hospital at 5:30, went into the OR at 7:45 am and had babies at 8:32 and 8:34. Lucky DH got to hold them before they were taken up to the nursery to be bathed and checked over- I got to touch them, and kiss them but not hold them.
-the spinal wasn’t terrible; the nurses will keep your mind off of it. DH is usually out of the room until after the first incision is made (my DH is a fainter)
-I had my tubes tied since they were in there already, and was told that that would make the recovery more painful. But it was not terrible.
-spent the first day in bed with the circulation boots on my legs to prevent blood clots. Worst thing was I really wanted a shower.
-‘Order’ your pain meds a ½ hour before you next scheduled dose, it can take time for the nurses to get to you especially if the floor is busy. I took the meds in the hospital and was only on Motrin by the time I went home.
-Once they removed my catheter (yeah you get one of those too) my nurse helped me to move around. ASK for help if you need it, the nurses and aides are there to assist you. They helped me to the bathroom and waited outside while I showered quickly. They even set up a pile of ‘ready to go’ sanitary napkins and panties (use the mesh ones that the hospital gives you, they don’t press on your incision and are disposable)
-The more you move the easier it gets. The stomach pains are from the gas, if you move it releases. C-section or vag, I was scared to push during a BM, drink lots of liquids and take the softener if you have too
-If you choose to breastfeed in the hospital, use the bed pillows for supporting the babies- the hospital breastfeeding pillow was too uncomfortable on my incision
-Until my milk came in on the last night of my hospital ‘vacation’ I had the nurses do the middle of the night feeds. I just needed to sleep.
-Once you are up and walking attend the baby care classes- they help and you meet new moms and you get to leave your room.
-At night I always had my husband make sure that the twins were next to each other
-Once you are home, heed your drs orders: stairs only 2xs a day so choose where you want to spend the day. I had diaper stations set up on the main floor, nursery and my room too.
-Have your husband take off when you get home and then enlist the help of every person that ever said they would lend a hand- twins create a lot of laundry.
-Have a support system in place: parents, siblings, neighbors, church group, twins club…it will make a huge difference.

Please contact me if you need to, a perk about having twins is meeting other twin moms.

Hope this was helpful, wishing you big healthy babies and a speedy recovery.

-M. K

M.,
How exciting! I had a c- section and I'd recommend hiring a doula- a daytime caregiver who can take care of you so you can take care of your kids. Or a baby nurse to help with your cuties. Or both. Throw money at this situation for the first 3 weeks and you'll be so happy you did. A smart investment in you, your sanity, your marriage and your kids.

Enjoy your babies; it's such a miracle.
R.

M.,

My friend had C-section twins and practically bounced back from the surgery--I think I had a harder time after mine and I just had a single! That's the good news. The not-so-bad news is that with twins you are going to need an extra hand anyway, since there is a lot of work involved (as I am sure you've heard!) But, as far as the surgery goes it's not necessarily related to the number of babies but rather how you heal in general and how "talented" your doc is at sewing you up neatly.
Good luck and enjoy the miracles!
A.

I LOVED MY C-SECTIONS!! Both of them!! This is what I wrote up for iVillate, so I copied it for you. It's EXACTLY what went on during my surgery!! Seriously, I was in virtually NO PAIN and I was up and running in just a few days!!!
Good luck to you and I hope this helps!
PS- my SIL just had twins, babies # 5 and 6 for her, her first via c/s, and she was home and taking care of all 6 kids (the youngest two are 1 and 3!!) with no problems!!

Okay, here it is.... my c-section birth story! I wrote this over a year ago for someon on ivillage who asked me for my c-section story, so here it is, unedited! :)I know I would have LOVED this information before my surgery, so I knew what to expect!! :)

I decided I wanted to have an elective c-section. Apparently, 18% of all c-sections now are patient choice c-sections, so it’s a growing trend. Once I heard this was a possibility (I never realized that it was!!), I knew it was the choice for me. I did not want to experience the screaming and sweating and panting and pain through hours and hours of labor. I know that I have a high pain threshold and I heal quickly and I'm a doctor and a surgeon(a veterinarian) and so I understand the whole procedure for surgery and I wasn't worried or afraid of the hospital.
I have the most amazing doctor and he was totally fine with elective c-sections. My wonderful husband told me that he wanted whatever I wanted, so he had no problem with it at all!! But whenever I talked about it, other people were horrified! They had so many things to say to me and I can tell you, none of it was positive! But, I didn't stop talking about it because I feel that a woman should have the right to deliver the way she feels most comfortable, if she knows all the facts, and that was the choice I made! I did a ton of research to determine if it was truly more dangerous for me or the baby and I found out that, No, it is not. There are a LOT of studies regarding emergency c-sections and the increased infant and mother complications secondary to these procedures, but those are for emergencies! For truly non emergency elective c-sections, which mean that there is absolutely NO ISSUE with the mother or the baby, there is truly such a tiny increase in the risk that it was worth it for me.
So, as for what the procedure entailed... I had to go to the hospital the day before for routine bloodwork. Then, I went in at 7am the next morning and I wasn't allowed to eat or drink after midnight the night before (just a precaution in case you wind up needing general anesthesia, and also, apparently, the spinal anesthesia makes some people nauseous). I was taken into a room and I had to change into a hospital gown and slippers but I forgot my slippers so I took a pair of hospital slippers. My husband was told where he could leave my hospital bag ( in the recovery room area) and he sat with me. Eventually they made him change into scrubs. They attached a fetal monitor to my belly while I waited. It's a big fat belt like a seatbelt that attached with velcro, and I could hear it monitoring the baby's heartbeat. Someone came in and performed an ultrasound to determine the position of the baby. Someone else came in and started an IV catheter and a fluid drip and they dripped a lot of fluid into me before the surgery, which of course made me have to pee so I had to get up and take off the monitor and waddle to the bathroom like, twice. A nurse came in and shaved the very top of my pubic hair along the top of my belly, not very much. The anesthesiologist came in and explained to me that the spinal anesthesia would be a two fold process. First, they would numb the area and it would feel like "a big bee sting". Then they'd give me the official spinal needle but I wouldn't feel it. She then gave me a shot of something in my IV that was to prevent nausea. Finally, it was my turn. I walked into the operating room, and they sent my husband in to a scrub room to scrub before he came in to meet me, which was after my spinal anesthesia was given and I was getting prepped for the surgery. It was very weird to walk into the room because I've always been rolled into surgery before for other things! I hopped up on the surgery table and they had me lean forward and a nurse put a hand behind my neck to sort of push me forward so they could do the spinal. Honestly, it was a very uncomfortable position, leaning over my fat belly and I couldn't breathe! Normally, I have heard that they have women stand leaning against the table, which seems like it would have been SO MUCH more comfortable! Oh well! The numbing agent stung a little bit then felt warm, it didn't hurt. Then, they gave me the spinal. That took them 5 tries, because (they say) I'm overweight, but honestly, I think I just had a crappy doctor because once another doctor came in, he got it in in ONE try!! It didn’t necessarily HURT, but it felt really, well, not nice. I was really stressed about it so it was probably just me EXPECTING it to hurt. It wasn't THAT bad, really, I just wish it hadn't taken as long! As soon as it was in, my whole lower body got really warm and felt strange and they made me scoot down the table really fast before I had a hard time moving! Then things happened fast! Someone was scrubbing me down below while someone was attaching a probe to my finger to monitor my heart and someone was arranging the drapes so I couldn't see past my shoulders.Then came the urinary catheter! Well, it was nothing! They inserted mine after my spinal and I was draped so I saw nothing. I did feel them scrubbing me and so they were touching my belly and legs and private parts, so it must have been at that time, but I didn't even really realize it and it didn't hurt! Make sure you request that they insert it AFTER you have your spinal, if they don't normally do it that way! My husband came in to sit at my head. They also gave me oxygen through a nasal tube. They did not tie my arms down but they asked me not to move them, and I have heard that at some places, they do tie arms down for some reason. They even let me keep my glasses on! My doctor had come in by that time and he was joking with me! I LOVE that man! Everyone was talking and it was a very relaxed atmosphere.
Then, they started the surgery.....
Once the surgery began, there were two doctors, one on either side of me, and a bunch of nurses. The surgery itself felt like a lot of somewhat hard tugging. There was no pain, it just felt like they were pushing me one way and then pulling me back again, so I was sort of rocking from side to side. I heard them comment when my water broke, and then, a minute or so later, I felt EMPTY and he held up my baby boy! It was so strange, I could immediately breathe again! They held up my son and then immediately took him over to a table to be cleaned up and weighed, and my husband was instructed to go with them. After that, I didn't feel the tugging anymore, I didn't really feel anything. I had been worried that I was going to be able to feel because I was able to move my legs the entire time, and I thought I shouldn't be able to do that! But I heard later that it was excellent anesthesia because you should still be able to move but not to feel. I was never nauseous the entire time, but I hear a lot of women vomit at some point during this whole thing. Some people can have a harmless but strange reaction to the spinal anesthesia, and that did happen to me. I was expecting it so I wasn't concerned but my husband was terrified when he saw it! I started to shake and tremble. At times, it was so bad that my hands rattled off the table, and I had no control of it. It's apparently some kind of adrenalin reaction and doesn't stop until you run out of adrenalin, which takes a half hour or so. It stopped before I reached recovery! Anyway, a few minutes later (the whole thing only lasted for 20 minutes so it's hard to tell what happened when for me, time seemed to disappear), the nurse came over with my son in a little swaddled bundle, all cleaned up, and they held him to my cheek so I could feel him. They let me lift a hand to touch his cheek, and then, the nurse took our camera and took a picture of us. They were still busy working on me at this time, but I didn't feel anything. Then, my husband left with the baby to go to the nursery for other tests and stuff, and my own doctor left and the other doctor finished the surgery. He said, "Don't worry, when I"m done, you won't see the scar at all!!". When he finished, they told me to scoot over to a rolling table and I was rolled to a recovery room where I was told I"d stay for 2 hours, then go to a regular room and my son would be brought to me. That part was uneventful, I just laid there and sucked some ice chips (all they would give me and I was thirsty) and my husband came and found me to tell me the baby was 10 pounds 2 ounces and 22 inches long, and my mom also found me there after seeing the baby at the nursery.
I finally got to my room and they brought my son in to me. I didn't feel any pain. My doctor recommended that I take the pain medication every 4 hours as recommended and I did, because I know as a doctor myself that it is easier to PREVENT pain that it is to control pain. Honestly, I never felt any true pain, just some muscle aches similar to after you shovel snow for the first time of the season or ride a horse or bowl after not having done it for ages! Really painfully achy but not actual pain. I still had the urinary catheter in and they wouldn't let me eat that day at all, which was a bummer because I was hungry.
The next day, they took out the urinary catheter and I got up. I got up myself without any help, I really thought it would be so much worse but it wasn't bad at all. They say some women have bad gas pains because your intestines slow down from the anesthesia but that didn't happen to me and I ate well and enjoyed the very good hospital food the entire time I was there. I walked around without a problem, although because of the discomfort, it was sometimes difficult to get comfortable in bed and moving my legs was a bit hard because my tummy was sore so I had to use my arms to grab the bedrails to adjust myself! Urinating and defecating weren't painful either, which I have heard they both really are after a vaginal delivery.
I left the hospital 5 days later, and I felt so good that doing TOO MUCH was my biggest worry! They told me not to carry over 10 pounds but my son WAS over 10 pounds :) so that was hard to do! At one point, I was going up the stairs and I felt a sharp pain and I realized I had to slow down so I tried to take it a bit easier. I healed up without any incident at all and my scar is almost faded now, and is really small and so low down that it's in my pubic hair!
All in all, my experience was an amazing one and I look back and remember that day with joy and happiness. I am so glad I chose this birthing experience for myself, and I would truly recommend it to anyone who isn't totally into the laboring thing! **edited** I had another C section with my second baby in February 2007, and it was just as easy and painless of a surgery as this one!! Of course, I love and trust my doctor, which really does help a lot, and my pregnancy and surgery was problem free, another plus!

HI! First of all, good luck with the birth and twins!! I had 2 c-sections. My first was an emergency c-section, but I recovered quickly. My second one was even better as it was planned and I was up out of my hospital bed within 12 hours of the birth. Like you said, everyone's body is different and no two births are alike. I think 1/2 of it has to do with your attitude towards everything and knowing what you're going into. My husband didn't even take off of work when I got home because the babies basically just eat, sleep and need to be changed for the first couple of weeks anyway. I just had the baby next to me in a bassinet. I also nursed too, so that cut down on the prep of bottles, etc. It does hurt to laugh, but otherwise, just take it slow the first couple of days and let your body be your guide. Don't over do anything. I only ended up taking 3 pain pills because I knew that there was worse pain that! Good luck again. Email me if you need any other encouragement/support!

I had both of my children by c-section. It is a little scary (the first was emergency, second planned) but my recovery was so quick I wondered if I would have done as much with a natural birth. The day after hospital staff had me up and walking around. The first few days at home I didn't do a whole lot. But I would day a week after I had it, I was doing things pretty close to normal. I would use a basinette so I didn't have to bend low to get the baby. I would put as much stuff close to waist level as possible! I found that getting low on the ground, I wasn't really having a hard time getting up, I was just trying to be so careful I took for ever! I would drag laundry baskets to the basement, and my ex husband would carry them back up to the bedroom. I know the first few days, It really helped having a pillow over my abdomen when I was getting up from a sitting position. I also know people who didn't have good experiences, but I did.

Obviously you already have a lot of responses, I didn't read them all to see what they said, but here's what I have to add. A friend of mine had 3 and said with her first the nurses didn't get her up, they made her stay in bed for 2 days and her recovery was long; with her 2nd (different hospital) they made her get up a lot and recovery was short; 3rd time she went back to the 1st hospital and told the nurses to get her up even though they tried to make her stay in bed and her recovery was short.

With mine they got me up after 6 hours and it was painful, but it got easier every day and after 2 weeks I was able to move comfortably. I was able to take care of my baby, my only restrictions were "Don't lift anything heavier than the baby in the carrier and don't climb the stairs carrying the baby." When my husband left for work in the morning he would carry the baby downstairs and put him in the Moses basket if he was asleep and I'd be downstairs all day until he got home. It was fine. You'll be great. Congratulations

Hi M.~

Personally speaking, my C-Section was a pretty positive experience...it's the easiest way to have a child..NO pushing required :) I had my son in early January by an unplanned C-Section on a Monday (his head did not engage because it was too big) and I was released to go home on Thursday. My husband was only home for 3 days before he went back to work. Your abdomen will be sore for several weeks.....you will be able to do things, BUT don't OVERDO it! Getting up and down will be challenging especially form a supine position. Make sure that you have enough pollows to prop you up at night...I found this was the easiest way to sleep AND when I had to get up to feed him in the middle of the night I was already half way up. If you get up and move around a little at a time, increasing the time you are up a little each day, you will be fine. I am not going to lie to you...you will be pretty sore because a c-section is a major operation. Make sure you are taking the prescribed drugs...it really does ease the pain. When you feel you are ready, wean your way off the drugs..it will make you feel better and less tired. YOU ABSOLUTELY NEED them during the first two-three weeks. After 8 weeks you will be allowed to exercise. My recommendation is to walk a lot.

Good luck! Make sure you stay hydrated!

My boy was 8 lbs, 13 oz and was 21.5" long. At his 4 month well visit he was 15 lbs, 11 oz and was 27.25" long. After 2 miscarriages (one at 20 weeks, the other at 8 weeks) he IS my little miracle. If I have another child, I would welcome another c-section because that is the only thing I know.

GOOD LUCK!

Hi M.,

I had C section for my son....The procedure itself was
very very easy...I got a little nervous before, just being
in an OR and all for the 1st time...but the procedure is
a piece of cake...I was really drugged up the first day,
but days 2& 3 are when you feel pain....and the nurses will
make you get up and walk very soon (too soon) but that's how they do it....

You won't feel anything on day one!!

I was up and walking at home by day 4 (when I left the hospital...yes you have pain, and can't lift heavy things
for a while...

The real work will be taking care of twin boys!!
That's when it really gets tough!

DOn't stress over the delivery....

K.
Corona, NY

Hi,

I had a good experience with my c-section. Maybe some advise - if your husband can only take a week off, have that week start the day you get home from the hospital, not the day of the birth. That will give you a few extra days with him.

I moved slowly but without pain after two-three days, so by the time I got home from the hospital I felt really good. We live in a two story house and one day after I was home I was climbing the stairs (slowly and carefully) but without pain. I found that I could move about in the house quite comfortably.

The only time I noticed exhaustion from the c-section was when I started to go out a bit - to the grocery store for light shopping - have your hubby do the heavy shopping!!! But walking from the parking lot into a store was a longer walk than what I had been doing for a month, so that did exhaust me.

But as for being at home, I really didn't mind the c-section. My only issue was that I had a big baby (almost 10 lbs) who was hard to carry around after a c-section. With twins you will not have that issue!

Good luck!!! And enjoy the babies!!

I've had two twin births, both C-sections, five years apart (almost to the day!). My husband could only take off about a week and then I was completely on my own. I would recommend taking any painkillers possible while in the hospital, and move around as much as you can while you're there. Take advantage of sleeping at night and ask the nursery if they can keep the babies so you can rest up while you can. The best thing I would suggest is to get stitches instead of staples. I had staples both times and they caused problems for me until they were removed, then I was much relieved. After my husband returned to work, my only physical limitation I had was getting up and down off the floor (I sat on the floor to feed and change both babies at the same time). Would love to share any more info or advice from having had two sets of twins. Please email me at ____@____.com or call me at ###-###-####. Sandie

I did fine with both of my c-sections...even my first which was emergent after 16 hours of labor that started at 11pm...once I was discharged, I didn't need much in the way of medicine at all and didn't have any issues. I did try to avoid lifting, but really felt so good (despite being very tired) that I had to watch that I didn't over do it. Good luck!

Hello, M.. Congratulations and I'll include you in my prayers. C-Section - What do I know about this? Well, I've had 5 C-section deliveries. Like you, this was no option. In my case each of my 5 children was breeched. Let me just give you a few quick tips after delivery: The more you walk around, the more the uterus gets going, the faster it will heal. As long as the painkillers are not passed on during breastfeeding, walk around as soon as you feel the medication kick in. When getting out of bed, use your arms to pull yourself up, not your abdominal muscles. Then sit upright for a little while before actually standing up so you don't get dizzy. Wash up often to feel refreshed. And when you feel any pain, (and here's a major key) offer up for each of your cute babies. Of course, rest when they're resting. Wedge a pillow under your belly when you're laying on your side. You can do that even now - less strain on your belly and your back. I used to use a stroller in the house so I can bring the baby around without having to carry the baby or the baby in the carrier. Just to avoid heavy lifting until I can really manage. Just avoid getting close to stairways with the stroller- that's common knowledge. Well, there's probably more to tell. So just think practical, try not to feel overwhelmed because this is all worthwhile. You'll do just fine. Good luck!

Well it is true, recovery depends on the person. If you are an active person to begin with you most likely will bounce right back.

I have had 3 C-Sections. With my 1st my son had to be transferred to a NYC hospital because he had an undetected heart defect. I was released from the hospital 1 day early and did a TON of walking right away. It was tough, but you do what you have to do to be with your child. I never gave my self a time to heal becuase I just couldn't (son was hospitalized for over 3 weeks and had open heart surgery at 8 days old). This recovery was LONG. I had pain up to 1 year because I never let myself heal.

My 2nd & 3rd recovery periods were much shorter - I was up and around 1 week after surgery, back to cooking, cleaning, etc.

You have to keep in mind with twins you will barely be getting any sleep and that is most likely to be worse than the section recovery. I would honestly ask for help from families and friends if possible, you are going to need it!

C-sections are not as bad as everyone makes them out to be. I've had three within a five year period, my first one was an emergency so I too was terrified, but with the second I had the choice and I opted for section number two. The recovery isn't too bad as long as you take your pain meds and GET UP AND MOVE!!!! Every person I know that had a terrible experience didn't move around in the hospital the next day. You absolutely have to get everything moving. Don't have the nurses bring the babies to you, go get them even if it takes twenty minutes to get down the hall. You'll be so excited to see those beautiful little babies that you really won't care too much about the pain. One suggestion is be careful about trying to lay on your side for a bit. That's the only time I experienced extreme discomfort. You should take it easy every chance you get and do not ignore if you're feeling crummy, rest, I got a lot of scar tissue the first time b/c I was stubborn and did way too much around the house, let it go for a bit, that's what daddy is there for. Lastly, enjoy those babies, it goes so quickly, my first will be six next month and my last will be one in October :( Good luck, don't stress about it, the outcome is AWESOME!!!!!! I'd do it ten more times if we had the money.

M., don't stress. I have had two sections in the last two years, and can honestly say that it is not nearly as bad as you think. I am sure you received a hundred responses by now, but here are a few tips i would suggest:
1. stay in the hospital AS LONG AS POSSIBLE they will let you go home after three days but you are allowed four. STAY FOUR. you will really need that extra day of resting in your bed at the hospital... you won't ever be able to lay around like that again!

2. Take your meds---everything they give you--- like clockwork. this was the best advice i ever recieved (and it was from my OB). he told me that women try to be "strong" and not take the pain meds but we are supposed to take them so our body can heal. if you are in pain, your recovery time is much longer---something that noone wants or needs!

3. Recovery time: personally, it took me 11 days with my first and 12 days with my second to feel back to normal. That being said, after a week, i still felt crappy, but could handle feedings and diaper changes. if it is at all possible, i found it really helpful to have an extra set of hands (at least for a few hours) for the first two weeks from the birth (not the homecoming).

4. Enjoy it. I was put under for my daughter's birth and missed the whole thing but was awake for my son's and it was absolutely the most wonderful moment of my life. good luck and enjoy your sweet little boys!!

First and foremost, congratulations on your twins! I am a Mom to 2 year old twin boys.
I can honestly say that I think that I had a positive C-Section experience. The worst part for me was when they were trying to give me the spinal. They were having trouble getting the needle in because I couldn't really bend over (pretty hard with a twin belly). They said they may have to give me a local so I would sleep through the procedure. I never prayed so hard for anything in my life. I wanted to be awake for my boys' birth. The Big Man was listening because on the last try they got it in. After a few minutes my whole lower half went numb. I didn't feel anything during the surgery. I felt pressure but absolutely no pain. By the next day I was out of bed and walking. It was definitely not the best I have ever felt but as long as I went slowly I was ok. I came home after four days in the hospital and was up and around taking care of my babies. My husband did stay home with me for a week and then my Mom stayed home with me for another week. After the first two weeks I was on my own. As long as you don't do anything too strenuous then you should be ok. If you can get help doing other things around the house, though, that would be best. Taking care of the babies is the easy part. It's trying to keep up with everything else that's tough.
I wish you all the best. Being a Mommy to two little boys is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. I wish you the same. Take care.

M.:

I had a c-section and only one child so not sure with twins how difficult it will be but with the right attitude you will be fine. You will feel abdominal pain which is normal and not unbearable but as long as you take plenty of fluids and MOVE around you will be fine. It is really not bad at all. Truly the only bad thing about c-sections specially for first time moms is that you won't be able to hold your babies until some time after in the recovery room, at least they didn't let me at Morristown Hospital so not sure if it is the same everywhere else so ask your dr. My dr did let me touch her for 1 second but I wasn't able to hold her until some time after, for me it was about 45 min but don't be worried they will be with your hubby. The most important thing is don't do anything other than caring for the babies and again move, move, move. The biggest mistake I made was to just be in bed when I came home from the hospital so move, move and move around the house. Also if your hubby can only take 1 week off from work what I suggest is for him to take that week off once you return home from the hospital as you will be in the hospital for about 3-5 days depending on your insurance and then another week at home with him will give you about 8-10 days of recovery time with his help. Really think about this b/c while you don't want to be by yourself at the hospital and it will be nice if he can stay with you, you really won't need him as the nurses are there to take care of you and help you with the baby, it is their responsibility. Therefore you can maximize your time with your hubby when you really need him. Congratulations and best of success with the twins. You are in for the ride of your life being a first time mom, it is amazing to be a mother I am sooo happy for you.

No joke I had a C-section at 2 in the afternoon and was up moving around by I think around 8pm. Sure there's some pain, but nothing that prevented me from holding and taking care of my daughter. I should mention that I had a morphine drip. That helped alot, and the nurses and doctors kept yelling at me to get back into bed and rest but I honestly felt that if I just layed around I would be in more pain. The only thing that really hurt when I got home was getting up from the bed. I had to do a sort of roll out of bed, but that's nothing differnt from getting out of bed while big and pregnant right?

CONGRATS On the twins! That's very exciting! Good luck and here's to wishing you a speedy recovery. I certainly had one so it sure is possible!

Hi there,

Wow twins! So exciting and amazing. I had a c-section(emergency last minute.) From what I hear if it's planned it's not as bad as an emergency and my sister had two c-sections, one after labor and one planned, planned made the recovery way easier for her. By a week I'd say I was only fair, but you cannot drive for at least two weeks and you aren't supposed to lift too much. For the first 5 days my husband had to lift the baby and hand him to me(bending is difficult). If you have friends or family or can get a baby nurse or something I highly recommend it. It helps with your sanity too. But no matter what it will be great cause you have two beautiful babies coming!!!

Good luck!

-A.

Congrats on the upcoming birth!!!
I had c-sections and after a few days was feeling much better.
One piece of advice if you can do it: have your husband keep working while you are in the hospital and take the week after you come home. AT the hospital you will have lots of help. YOu will be there at least 4 days and by the time you come home your recovery will be well on its way. Don't know if this is possible but my sister and brother in law just did this. He took off the day of the c-section of course, and then went back to work for three days, then took off again starting the day she came home.
Hope this helps. Good Luck and enjoy them!!!!!

I had a c-section when I gave birth to my son back in February. Honestly, once I got the epidural I didn't feel anything. I did have some pain and discomfort the first few days but it was mostly when getting up and it was all because of the staples. Once I got the staples out I was able to get up and move about freely. I did take motrin the first few days (I also got a prescription for the pain killers from my doctor). Everything will be fine! Think about the end result - your precious boys!

Hi there,

I had a c-section in October (vaginal birth wasn't an option for me, either, since my baby was breech). It was really very easy and relatively painless. I was up and moving in the hospital the same night of the surgery, and didn't really have any problems getting up and around the house the day I got home from the hospital(3 days post op). It was a bit difficult maneuvering into a comfortable position for nursing, but otherwise the pain was minimal and I felt I was able to care for my baby without problems.

Feel free to contact me if you want more information!

Good luck to you,
R.

I know this is a bit late, but I wanted to let you know that I felt the same way about c-sections. I was pregant with only one baby, but they kept saying that he was going to be big and they didn't think I would be able to deliver vaginally. I, however, did not want a c-section. Unfortunately, after 12 hours of labor I was unable to vaginally deliver (my son had a very big head!). As scared as I was my c-section went very well and very quick. All told it was about 30 minutes and because of the drugs I do not remember much of it! My recovery was also much better than I thought it would be. I was able to get up and moving the next afternoon and with the help of pain meds be able to move around during my stay. I was also in the same boat when I got home in that my husband had to go back to work. While I had a lot of help, I had long periods of being alone with my son. My advice is to rest as much as possible. I had the pack and play next to the couch and we would nap often during those first few weeks. I also would not do a lot of stairs. I would have everything I needed for the day downstairs so that I did not have to try and get up and down. I would say within two weeks I was able to start walking around the block and get outside. Take your time. Don't let people try to rush you or guilt you into going at it too quickly. Listen to your body. And I found that it gave me a chance to just curl up on the couch with my new baby and bond with him! Good luck.

hi M.

I just wrote a really long response and somehow lost it! Anyway, congrats on the imminent arrival of your twins.

In summary of what I wrote I'd say, first 5 days take the pain killers the hospital offer. It makes the world of difference and certainly the kind I received didn't interfere with feeding the baby/knock me out etc. They will get you out of bed about 12 hours after surgery. That, for me, was the most painful part of the entire procedure! but it's good to get moving around asap. I was able to walk around during my hospital stay, as long as I moved kind of slow. 5 days after that (ie probably the first 5 days you are home) things get much better - my wound only hurt getting out of bed and out of low chairs, but generally I was able to move around ok and carry the baby etc etc. I found it best to sleep somewhat propped up with pillows. Also you'll quickly figure out that sitting up is easier if you use your arms rather than your stomach muscles! It's hard to describe, but if you're getting out of a chair, it's easier to get up kind of scrunched up rather than straight up. You'll quickly figure out your way to sliddle out of bed and chairs and the like! 10 days after the birth things were much much improved and I felt remarkably back to normal.

Slightly off topic, as it doesn't relate to pain, but I found after surgery that my feet and ankles really swelled up like crazy. Apparently it's very normal, so don't be freaked out if that happens. It's kind of gross looking, but when you have a baby/babies no one is looking at your feet! Oh also, babies are a wonderful distraction from pain!!!

I hope this helps, all the very very best!
DS

M.,

My sister had a c-section and she was up the next days. She kept the pain killers in for a little over 5 days and that was it. She had a wonderful experience and actually said she would not have it any other way. I think that we tend to dwell on who will be there and the fact that we will not have to get up. But I think that in your siutation you will be totally fine. The most important thing is to walk a little at a time each day while you have the help. Good luck with the little miracles!!!

you will be just fine. the pain will come as a shock the second day after because u cant get out of bed the first day after birth. i didnt take the percs even though i wish i had and my pain was bad but i was determined to walk. i got up atleast four times a day in the hospital...walking is supposed to relieve the gas that comes with the opening up of the belly. its the hardest thing...the cut was not as bad as the gas lol. i drank gingerale which did help. dont eat anything that can cause more gas like brocolli etc. i stayed in the hospital about 4 days and was able to walk by the sixth day and by the 9th i was working from home again. im not saying that you will recover that fast because it was very painful but u can definately do it because your a mommy! good luck!

Hi M.,

I had a C-Section 4 months ago and felt that I recovered quickly, although I definitely needed help for a while. Particularly if your husband will not be with you every day in the hospital, I would highly recommend putting your babies in the nursery at night while you are in the hospital (nurses will bring them to you for feeding) and staying for as long as your insurance allows you in the hospital. I know that some books and nurses disagree with putting babies in the nursery at night, saying that you won't properly bond with your babies, but I think an exhausted mother will not help anyone! I have some friends who were practically bullied into "rooming in" with their babies by highly opinionated nurses, and they all said that they were exhausted by the time they got home. The nurses at Yale New Haven were very supportive of my choice to breastfeed but have my son in the nursery at night, so they brought him to me every 2 or 3 hours to feed during the night. This gave me a chance to catch up on some sleep and heal.

Congrats on the boys and good luck with everything.

Kathy

Hi M.. first, congratulations on you twin boys!! How exciting, challenging, and rewarding!!! While I have not had a c-section, I am a RN on the postpartum floor of my local hospital so I work with mom's who have had c-sections all the time. Your first day after the surgery will be your most uncomfortable. the day of your surgery you will be on a PCA (patient controlled anelgesia) pump of either Morphine or dilaudid in which you press a button for a "boost" of pain meds running through your IV or the epidural in your back. After roughly 12 hours that will come out as will your Foley catheter. During the time that you have the PCA pump, you are in bed, but will be dangled (sitting at the side of the bed and possibly standing up for a minute if you're feeling really good). We get you up and moving as quickly as possible as it is the best for you. After the PCA is gone, you are then switched to pills such as Percocet and 800mg of Motrin (Ibuprofen), both of which you will get a prescription for when you go home. You can take the percocets every 3 hours if needed (yes they are safe to take while breastfeeding, if that is something you plan to do). You can expect each day to get a little easier. Stay on top of your pain!!! don't wait to take the pain pills!! You should expect to stay in the hospital for 4 days. Maybe have your husband keep working during that time and have him take he week off when you do go home from the hospital. Is there anywhere else to help you out? Really for two weeks after you aren't doing much of anything except caring for the babies. no housecleaning, vacuuming, driving, limit your stair climbing to once or twice a day. You should be resting and sleeping when the babies are sleeping. Get them on the same feeding schedule. feed one then the other, that way ou can rest for a while in between..
I hope Ive answered some of your questions and calmed some of your fears. Good luck!!! Please let me know if I can help anymore!!
C.

Hi M.,

Everyone's recovery is different, but many women having twins, even if they are having a vaginal birth, need some help after just a week at home. After a surgical birth, your primary objective needs to be recovery, or you'll risk further complications. If your husband has limited time off, do you have family or friends who can help, the resources to hire a postpartum doula, or belong to a church/temple that might have volunteers for this type of purpose? I would be sure to have some help or the availability of some help in place. Pretend for a minute that this was not a cesarean, that you were having some other type of major surgery ... would you come home and take care of newborn twins a week later by yourself? If you wouldn't (and I wouldn't), then a cesarean wouldn't be different. The severity of the surgery isn't lessened by the fact that you get a baby (or two!) out of it.

Good luck M.. I hope these last weeks of pregnancy pass smoothly and before you know it, your healthy babies will be here.

I had a c-section with my daughter now 5 years old. I had a pretty quick recovery. I was in the hospital for 4 days which helped alot, they get you up and moving as soon as possible. By the time I got home I wasn't fully myself but almost there. I was able to do everything that my daughter needed while my husband was at work. Just make it easy on yourself and don't try and do to much, just take care of yourself and your babies, keep everything close by and if you are bottle feeding, have bottles premade so that all you have to do is warm them up a little. Best of luck to you!!!! Babies are a wonderful thing, enjoy!!!!!
Lisa B.

i was up and moving around the next day. in the hospital, they encourage you to move. my twins were in the NICU so i regularly walked to see them. you are just really sore and it is a bit difficult to sit in chairs and the toilet. once you are sitting it is okay just getting into the sitting position is slightly painful-nothing unbearable-depending on your threshold. they also do not encourage you to take painkiller (advil is okay) and that i found was enough to help dull the pain. my twins stayed in the NICU after i was discharged and i would drive 1 hour away and visit them in the NICU every day. i had to walk very very slowly, but i did it. i don't recommend that, i totally over did it and paid for it! when the babies come home they will sleep a lot, esp for the first week or two so you should have enough time to feel better-you won't feel great for a while but you'll be able to function. and then, buckle up, twins are tough, they will keep you hopping. make sure whatever schedule they are on that they are BOTH on it, esp sleep schedule otherwise, they tag-team you and you could be up around the clock. trust me, not a good situation!

Hi M.! I just recently had a c-section in February and although a couple days in the hospital were a little rough, I'm doing great and i would do it again if i were to have another. The first week I was a little slow moving around the house going up and down our stairs and I didn't get out too much, but by the second week I was much better.... going for walks etc. i was on percaset and that seemed to help tremendously with the pain. I honestly think the first few days were the hardest right after the surgery. Getting out of the bed and walking around and going to the bathroom sort of stand out as challenging. I would recommend staying in the hospital as long as possible and then maybe when your husband goes back to work if somebody else can come help you??? Perhaps another family member? I had help for 3 weeks and i only had one baby!! Good Luck to you!!! It's truly amazing....

Never had any c-section can't help with that, but wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS!!! Two great GIFTS from God above to you and your husband!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I will be praying for you all and may Jesus be with you all and with helps.
Any family around and can they be trusted? Make sure they help with around the house and not you and they hold the babies....:)

I have twin boys as well and it is amazing. I do not have any C section advice as I did not have one but you will do fine with the twins I am sure by the time your hubby goes back to work. I breastfeed and feed them at the same time generally and I have found everything (outings, feedings, playing, traveling, etc) much more doable than I anticipated. Best weishes!
S.
mommy of Varen and Ronak 10.27.07

Hi M....

If you want positive c-section stories, than I'm your mom!!! I've had 3 sections, and they were amazing...each one was easier than the last.

I took percoset in the hospital because the uterine contractions while I was trying to nurse were pretty uncomfortable. But I really had very little incisional pain. It is hard to maneuver the first few days, in the hospital bed and stuff...but it's not awful. I don't consider myself to have a high tolerance for pain, either...but I really think my positive attitude (and adrenaline!!) played a big part in my easy recoveries...Plus, I walked the halls A LOT...

Once your staples are out (about 5-7 days pp) you'll feel like a new woman!

TWINS! How exciting!!! I think I'd be more nervous about that, than a section! :-)

Best wishes...I'm happy to answer any other questions...It's sad people always seem to share the horror stories...

Keep an open mind, and focus on what's important - those babies!!! A little discomfort is way worth what you're in for as a mom!

Best Wishes to you and your new family...
J.

I had an unplanned c-section after 26 hours of labor - and though it wasn't what i had wanted everything went smoothly and i now have a wonderfully perfect little boy who is thriving!
the surgery is major - and the recovery time does really depend on the individual. i was up and walking around after a day or so - and yes, there is pain, but it is more learning what you can and can't do - and then avoiding certain movements that will cause stress on the incision. some things you can prepare for: set yourself up at home so that you can avoid stairs - also find a way to prop yourself up in bed so that you don't have to move from a reclining position to sitting - you will have the instinct to move quickly when your babies cry - and any movement that fires the abdominals (and there are more movements than you think) can be difficult.
i was fine taking advil but they will definitely offer stronger pain killers. i did not do anything physically straining for 6 weeks after the c-section but i felt pretty good after about 4 weeks. now that i am back to working out (i am a dancer) it is frustrating that the great abdominal muscles i had have no strength whatsoever - but keep at it and things start to come back - it is just work!
you will be fine! just listen to your body and enjoy that babies!!!!

Hi, M.! Congratulations! First, let me say that I am the biggest baby in the world when it comes to pain. I had a c-section 13 months ago- my blood pressure was at an EXTREMELY dangerous level at 37 weeks pregnant and my doctor's decided that immediate delivery was necessary- even after delivery, my blood pressure stayed dangerously high so I actually spent the next 24 hours on a magnesium drip, in bed, extremely out of it. I tell you that because they say getting up and moving helps the recovery process, but even w/o being able to move my recovery was great! I was on painkillers, of course, but really by the time I was out of the hospital the only time I was in any discomfort was if I laughed, coughed or tried to bend too far. I was absolutely able to care for my baby by the time I left the hospital. In fact, it was so "not bad" that I'm doing it again in November! I wish you all the luck in the world- enjoy your twins!

I had my c-sections and was out of bed the next morning, then when I got home I was doing everything within a few days. I have a high tolerance for pain though. I did however take plenty of breaks during the day. Believe it or not I moved into a new home 2 weeks after my 2nd c-section and I moved furniture, boxes, plus took care of a 2 1/2 year old daughter and my newborn son. You will have twins, so you will be twice as busy as I was, but the incision pain isn't that bad, I only used Motrin, if that helps. The other thing I did do was made a small fabric log filled with rice and put it in the freezer. I took it out and put it on my incision which really helped; now I make them for everyone, the kids call them "Boo Boo Packs." Let me know if you have any other questions.
Hugs,
T.

I had to have a C for my second child...my son! I was scared to death of the pain after the fact. It was painful...YES...but that is part of any child birth. Take the meds on schedule!!!!!! That will make it fine. You will be sore after but stay in the hospital as long as possible! I stayed for 5 days...I stayed an extra day for health reasons. But by the time your husband goes back 2 weks will have passed & you should be fine. As soon as he walks in the door put him to work with the twins. And when they are newborns they will sit around and eat! Make sure you have at least ONE swing! I used the papasan chair & it was a life saver! Make sure you have a changing area close by so you don't need to do a lot of walking!
You'll be better than you think! HONEST!!!!!!

Well, I didn't have twins but I did have an emergency C-section. I would imagine that a planned C-section should be a much more calm experience and I wouldn't be too nervous about the actual procedure- it's not fun but neither is a vaginal birth! My recovery was not bad at all- I didn't take any Percoset afterwards, only Motrin & Tylenol and that was enough. Yes, it's a little hard to move quickly for a couple of weeks but you're really only out of commission for the first day or so. With twins, you may need an extra pair of hands for the first few weeks if you can find them. Congratulations!

Hi M.,

A scheduled c-section is the way to go. I've had two c-sections. The first was an unplanned, emergency c-sections and I'll spare you the details and just say that my recovery was difficult. The second time it was scheduled and it was a completely different experience. It's a major surgery, no doubt about it, but for the most part, I felt really good afterward and my recovery was much better and faster the second time around, which I attribute to it being a scheduled surgery. Your body doesn't have to go through all the exhausting hours of labor or the pushing. My advice would be to take the painkillers as you need them (you need them in the beginning and they will help you recover) and make sure you have someone to help you while you are recovering. To any new mom I would say to take help wherever you can get it. Let someone else do the cooking (or make meals now and freeze them so you don't have to be in the kitchen when the babies come; and have foods available that can be eaten without much prep -- yogurt, cold cuts for sandwiches, etc.) and the cleaning (or just let things "go" for a little while). Take the time to rest whenever you can. Good luck!!!

I also wanted to add that I was up and walking within hours of the 2nd c-section. Also, another piece of advice -- take the stool softeners! The painkillers can constipate you and that's the last thing you need.

Hello M.,
Congrats on your two Angels!! I am due in September with my 4th, and they were ALL C-sections. And I am willing to have more! The doctors will take care of you, even better than natural birth, bc it is Surgery. They are there for you to ease any discomfort, and check on you constantly. I sometimes stay in the hospital for 4 days straight until they know I am ready to go home and handle the baby on my own. OH, and since you had major surgery, the husband should help you get the baby in the middle of the night, you stay put, breast feed/bottle feed, then have him burp the baby. Share in the bonding experience, and my husband is so good about knowing what I went through, he wants and needs to extend that extra helping hand. Lots of luck. God Bless you and your family.
~D.

Hi M.,
So first congrats on your boys coming soon!

So no horror story here...I loved my C-Section (I'm so jinxing myself for next time!). Mine was planned, I went in at 9 a.m. had my little girl by 11:57 a.m. You do have a spinal instead of the epidural, but really it wasn't bad, my nurse kept making bad jokes so I wasn't paying attention to what was happening. I did get sick from the anesthesia but my anesthesiologist guy was great holding a pan for me to get sick in and stroking my hair - so sweet! I was lucky and they gave me morphine but was walking (SLOWLY) around the hospital and within a week was able to go up and down stairs (don't tell my doctor). Really mine was great! Best of luck to you and your family!

~Kristal

Hi M.,

I see you have a lot responses, I will quickly add mine! I had 2 c-sections. First one unplanned, 2nd planned. Both recoveries were so easy for me. You will be in pain in the hospital, but try to walk as much as you can. By the time I left the hospital I was off the pain med and only taking Motrin. My recoveries went so well, that sometimes I forgot what I couldn't do! Limit your stairs to once a day and try to keep everything you need close by. Babies sleep so much during the recovery period so hopefully you won't have any trouble except getting adjusted! If you are in pain when you get home, don't be afraid to take something!

Lots of luck!
J.

Hi M.,
Congrats on your twins. I can respond to your c-section, but not to how to deal with the twins. EVERY persons recovery is different. I have loved the advice from other women, so you get different points of view. Be honest with your doctor and your hubbie. Your hospital stay will also help you to feel out how you are doing. I want to encourage you to get up as soon as possible in the hospital. MOVE your body. It will hurt and you will need to monitor what you wnat to use for pain. One woman mentioned your first bowel movement and she was RIGHT!!! I would also have on had Fiber-All or Medimucal so it helps keep things soft(Gross, I know, sorry)and moving when you get home.
I feel blessed with my C-section. It was an emergency, and mentally I was not prepared.But that said, I had an easy recovery and was up and around right away. He was bord ant 10:21pm and I was up moving at 2 am. Use your nurses to help you, that is what they are their for.
I would however, and this is me. Pray and expect for the best but prepare for the worst. That is..just in case you are in pain that you have some backup to help you with the babies, even after you hubbie goes to work. Exhaustion will set in and that is when you will need the help. Talk to some moms of Multiples. They are your wise owls because they know how that end works. Pick theri brains too!
I do want share with you that I was very cold and shaking with my C-section. I do remember that and I remember itching after the birth. I was told it was from the medication. It was gone after the first 24 hours. Drink your fluids too.
Another one...you have heard it before, sleep now and sleep when the babies sleep. Sleep is good medicine.
Best wishes to you and your little miracles.

Relax....i will tell you to enjoy that hospital stay...it will seem like a hotel. I have had 2 c-sections...it's not that bad...you will be sore when you get home, but by the time your husband goes back to work you will be fine...take the pain killers at first, do not do too much housework, and if any wants to help LET THEM....good luck and enjoy the experience...I did.

COngratulations on the twins coming soon. I am a mother of 4 years old twin girls and also had a C section. I second the recommendation of someone else of taking the pain medications on schedule. Makes a big difference. Also, since your husband has a week off, put him to work for that week, don't try to be supermom but rather focus on your healing and let him bring the babies to you, do laundry, etc. It will give him a good feel of what you will be doing once he leaves too :-)

Also, if you haven't done so yet, try to get in a mothers of twins club in your area. The women in the group are great and a lot of them are willing and able to help out in the begining with begina a spare set of hands or cooking or running errands or just being there for an ear when you need it both before and after the birth.

Hi M.

Congratulations on your twins! I have had four c-sections, the first was after many hours of labor so I was quite tired, but the others I was much more rested going into the surgery which made a large difference, so if possible get a good night's sleep before the surgery.

My recovery time was relatively quick and I think it's because the nurses in the maternity ward encouraged me to stand up straight as possible as soon as possible. My first son was born at 11:11 in the morning and by 3 PM I had gotten over the spinal anesthesia, which was when they had me upright and walking to the bathroom. In all four cases, I had IV pain management for 24 hours and then switched to a capsule pain reliever (can't remember if it was Darvocet or what) which I didn't need after about two or three doses. I didn't care for the side effect of feeling zoned out so it was easier to deal with the soreness of the incision (which was also minimal after the IV was removed) than to feel like I was in a different world and missing out on my babies.

Another hint that helped me quite a bit was to take a small pillow and press it against my lower abdomen when standing up to give myself extra support and not strain my muscles for a while. I think I did that for about a week with the first baby and less with the other three. If you have to cough, pressing that pillow against your abdomen will help you not feel hurt and be able to cough better.

I attribute part of my quick recovery to the skill of my surgeon -- he did three of the four sections and his partner did the other one. Both doctors did a great job! Before I had the first baby, I remember insisting that I didn't want a c-section but after 37 hours of labor and only dilating one centimeter, I was ready for anything but more hours of labor with Pitocin. Six hours of that was plenty, and even though I tried to have the other babies naturally, it seems that I was never able to dilate past 1.5 centimeters before the babies needed to be out.

Again, good luck with your twins!
R.

M.,

I had a c-section with my dtr 3 years ago. The best piece of advice I can give you is to take you pain meds on time. I found the most important time to take them was prior to bed time and first thing in the morning. That was when I was most sore. I delivered on a Friday afternoon and was up in the shower by 10am on Saturday. At my hospital, the nurses encourage you to get up and moving. They don't like you to sit in the bed. They'd prefer you to sit in the chair, as long as you can tolerate. As for when I got home, I felt pretty good...again, taking the pain pills at bed and in a.m. By the end of the 1st week, I no longer needed the pills. Also, see if someone can help you here and there. DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP! Even if it's from a friend, neighbor, etc. My friends and family cooked food, cleaned my house and it made the transition that much better. Congrat and good luck to yoU!

Goodmorning Momma,
I have twins also...and had to have a C-section...mine was not planned...but not an emergency either. I had a little time to adjust...but not much. I don't know how you are managing the idea of C-Section...but once I knew that this was the way it was going to go...I put away any dissappointment I had...and just embraced it as the way it was meant to be...and stayed present with EVERYTHING as it happened. It really helped me manage the fear.
OK...on to recovery time. Yes, I think everyone is different...so hard to advise on what your experience will be...My experience was not too bad. I was able to deal with the discomfort without being too physically limited as far as taking care of the babes...
but a few words of advice:
stay on schedule with the pain medication...(and you will need pain medication)...once you start to feel it again...it takes awhile for the meds to kick in...in other words, don't wait to feel the pain to take the meds...My experience...the first couple of days were the most difficult...and frankly, bowel movements were hell...but after the first few it was less painful.

START COOKING...and have your friends and family start cooking too! Get those frozen dinners in the fridge! You're time is limited and you might not feel well enough to be up and around the kitchen...START COOKING.

Best of luck with those babies...you are in for a world full of joy!

G.

Since you are having a planned" c-section you are probably already better off. I had a planned c-section as well and I think it helped me prepare mentally. I did as I was told the first day in the hospital and by the second day I was up and walking the halls. It does depend on your pain tolerance, but if all goes well and you take it easy the first few days you should have healed enough and built up some energy to be okay. However, I only had to be able to handle 1 - God Blessed you with 2!!!! My suggestion would be take all the help that is offered before your husband goes back to work!!!

Hi M.,

I had an unexpected C-section and I recovered very quickly. I fully attribute my quick recovery to the fact that I took pre-natal yogs in the last few months of my pregnancy. It helped me to connect with my muscles in a way that gave me alternative ways to move and do things while my adbomen recovered. Even on my second day in the hospital I was much more ambulatory than the other C-section mom in my room.

I know your due date is fast approaching. There are a multitude of yoga videos (try You Tube) online and it is never too late to learn some great breathing, relaxation, stretching and meditation methods.

Best of luck!!!

L. W

hey M.,
i had a c section almost a year ago and i had a great delivery/recovery. My daughter was breech so i had no choice and i was so scared and nervous! I was in the hospital for 4 days, the first day or 2 i stayed in bed, i had the morphine drip also and i highly recommend it!! by the 3rd day they encourage you to get up and walk around! The more you walk around the better you will feel. I noticed if i didnt get up and walk around, i would get really bad pains in my stomach, i think it was gas pains. so def make sure you walk around and try to avoid stairs as much as possible! I used pain killers in the hospital but by the time i got home, i didnt need them anymore! I think a c-section is alot easier than a vaginal birth. Take it slow though and use the pain killers if you need them!! you will be fine!!
J.

After a week, you should be feeling pretty good. However,
I would suggest getting some help, family, friends, to
help out just to make it easier. Think you will be
pleasantly surprised about c-section recovery.

Good luck.

In comparison to all the people I know who had c-sections, I had the longest recovery & it was only a week. The second one I had scheduled and it was only 3 days once I was home. Do your walking in thw hospital, take vicatin, avoid stairs, stay hydrated and keep the incision very clean. Don't skip showers. Some of the horror stories were probably women who had all the labor first or something unusual happened. It depends on how in shape you are too.

Congratluations. You should be ok after a week, just get help whenever people are available.

hi M.,
my daughter was born via emergency C-section, that was painful emotionally,after long... labor. The first 3 days are the toughest - but you're in the hospital those days, nurses help you and take care of you babies- so that HELPS! the first day you get up is Crazy painful, but the more you walk the better it gets, really! i breastfed and took painkillers (safe during breastfeeding) once or twice per day, thats all i needed. By the time you get home you'll be even better, within 2 weeks i was in a very good condition. I'm sure when you'll be taking care of you babies everyday, you'll forget all about pain and discomfort. and as far as the scar- its very small and very low, so you wont see it later... good luck with delivery and your little angels. They are worth every little pain and scar in your life!

I had an emergency c-section which I was totally unprepared for which was probably good because I did not have anytime to be nervous about it like you. The anticipation is enough to make anyone nervous. After having a c-section I would not hesitate in doing it again. The procedure is so simple, no pain, the weirdness is not feeling half your body following the procedure but you will not be thinking about that as you are with your new little miracles. After you will feel some pain when you are first moving around but should be up walking pretty soon - the more you do the better you feel. Unfortunately for me my baby was premature and was taken to another hospital so I pushed for an early release. I was only in the hospital for 3 days following my c-section and left walking out the door to go the other hospital. I continued going to the other hospital everyday. I really felt very little pain. I did not even take prescription pain killers after the first three days in the hospital. My doctors did not recommend them because they can cause constipation which is worse pain after a c-section. I can assure you I was fine taking over the counter tylenol. While it is scary to anticipate a c-section rest assured it is not bad. I also have 4 good friends and 2 family members that had c-sections and they all had very easy recoveries as well. I think the nightmare stories are the exception. Good luck and don't be scared you will do fine and be amazed at how easy it is after all your nervousness and anticipation.

Hey M.:

I have had 2 c-sections and the recovery was not bad at all. You will need pain meds in the hospital but once you go home over the counter motrin will help ease any remaining pain.

My first c-section took a little longer to recover from. I would say I was good by the start of my second week home. After my second C-section I was up and walking the same afternoon. I was also walking up stairs and picking up my toddler right after I got home from the hospital.

The best advice I can give you to help speed up your recover is make sure you get out of bed and move around as much as possible. My husband and I would walk to the nursery to get the baby and then we would walk around the postpardum ward. It helped me recover much faster.

Good luck! If you ever need to talk just drop me a line.
A.

I had a c-section for my first child 13 months ago. My husband was able to stay with me for 3 weeks and then had to go back to work. I really did not think that the pain was that bad. I was/am in pretty good shape. I jog for exercise. It was painful only when I forgot that I had a c-section and when my son cried and I shot up out bed to tend to him it did not feel great. Other than that I climbed stairs and took a walk every day with him outside.
The doc gave me percocet. I took one the first night I was home. It made me too groggy, so then I took motrin for a week and then the pain was pretty much gone.
I am also an RN, and medically speaking the faster you get out of bed and the more you move around the better you will be.

The whole experience of the c-section was fine too. Nothing to be worried about at all. My anesthesiologist was great, very calming and reassuring.

You will be fine!!!!!

I think it depends it what kind of shape you were in pre-pregnancy, and if you worked out during your pregnancy. I had a c-section with my first child, and was doing great after 3-4 days. I went back to running around 8 weeks afterwards. I worked out regularly while pregnant -- yoga, swimming, weight lifting, and various aerobic machines. I'm sure it had to do a lot with my speedy recovery. Good luck!

I had a c-section 6 weeks ago and I had a very positive experience. I never went into labor. The doctors decided to do a c-section when I was a few days overdue and my daughter was estimated to be 9 pounds (I am a small person, so they knew this could be a problem). This was the best thing because I never had the pain of contractions. It was very relaxed because I just arrived at the hospital when I was supposed to and let the nurses and doctors do their jobs. The most unpleasant parts were the catheter and epi but they were both quick. The surgery was painless, just a little nausea at first but they fixed that quickly. After, the morphene made me groggy and nauseas for a day but it wasn't too bad. The first time I got up, I will admit, was painful but it got better quickly. My advice is not to baby yourself but also know your limits. Get out of bed and move but don't lift anything heavier than your baby. Accept help when you need it from whomever offers. I recovered very quickly with little pain. Oh, and take the pain meds that they give you. I took them every 4 hours the first day, then every 5 the next, and continued to let more time go between doses. This seemed to work well.
Good luck with your c-section. Seeing your babies for the first time will make it all worth it!

Hi M., I am a positive story. :) I had to have a c-section due to a complete placenta previa. So, aside from being afraid of the c-section, I was also afraid of bleeding to death. Needless to say I was terrified. My c-section was completely uneventful. It was over in about an hour from waking into the surgery room to recovery. I never had the shakes during surgery. I threw up once after, but with no nausea and it was over after I did it once. I didn't have any trapped gas issues. I peed and pooped no problem. I was up and walking around the next day and it didn't hurt. I took nothing but motrin after the surgery and was fine with it. I did have post surgical/ hormone plunge migraines for the first month I was home. I did have night sweats for a good two weeks or so. I did have this weird shaking, chattering thing in the middle of the might that was from the anesthesia and hormone plunge. I did have difficulty breastfeeding (not sure if it's related), and I did have PPD (not sure if it's related). I healed beautifully. I have a faint white scar on my lower abdomen and never had an infection, or tearing or any issues. After your c-section, you are tender and a little fragile feeling. I'm glad your husband will be off for the first week. That one is the hardest. However, I'd strongly encourage you to get some help for the first month. Consider family coming to stay, or hiring a post partum doula, or baby nurse. You WILL need some help juggling those two little ones. You simply can't move around as fast as you could before surgery and you shouldn't because you have to protect the incision. Every woman's experience with a c-section is different. There are risk and complications and every person's genetic make-up for healing, over all health and tolerance is different...as is every doctor's skill. So, I cannot give you any guarantees how your experience will go. I purchased a book called The Ultimate C-section Guide. It was a quick read, and there is a whole section for husbands. It tells you EVERYTHING. Everything that will happen, everything that could happen, everything you should ask or be prepared for. I knew the whole scoop and that was very comforting to me. The actual sugery goes like this: you arrive, they prep you (iv, questions, etc.), you walk into the surgery room while your husband is being prepped. You sit on the table, curl over and the anesthesiologist puts a local on your back, then they put the spinal in and the lay you down immediately. A spinal takes place very fast. I started to loose feeling in my legs (they had to put them on the table) before I laid down. You cannot have a valium or anything like that to relax you before hand. After surgery you can. Then they put the curtain up to block your view of the surgery. Some hospitals let you see. I had NO interest in seeing. I specifically told them not to tell me anything besides that the baby was born. They played music for me to relax me, I asked them to do that. Then the doc came in, he talked to me, he cleaned and sterilized my belly really well. Then they make the first incision, and make sure you handle it ok. Then your husband is allowed in. Then he came in and we talked. I was laughing and smiling. 10 minutes later, tops, doctor said, "your baby girl is born!!" She started screaming, my husband shot up and said "she's so beautiful!! I love you!!" Then they let him go over to her while they checked her out. He took pics and came back and showed me, then went back to her. Then he came back to me with her. I looked at her, kissed her, kissed him. We took a family pic. Before I knew it, it was over and they placed her on me and we were wheeled to recovery. We tried breast feeding for a little bit, and then my husband went to the nursery with her and I went to my post partum room. 15 minutes later they were back with me. I was pretty high off whatever they gave me that whole day. The next day my brain was back to myself, they removed the catheter, I got up and walked around. That was really it! The incision area is pretty gross. I was a little freaked out a how swollen every thing was. But, that all goes down. If you have any more questions, anything I can tell you about, don't hesitate to contact me!!

As I always say when it comes to pregnancy and mommy matters......each experience is different and very personal. I have had 2 c-sections and you are absolutely right, it all depends on who YOU are. I will give you the facts on what I went through and so will tons of other mommies, but fact of the matter is, your experience will be your own. Don't be afraid by what you read, a c-section is rough and painful and it all depends on how you adapt. You will be very sore. The core of your body will serve as your twins entry into this world. The dr. will move everything aside to bring your babies into this world and put it back into place. When the anesthesia wears off, you will certainly feel it. Kinda feels like you had a super core workout with wonder woman.... a thousand situps or so and the soreness you feel the next day should give you somewhat of an idea of the pain. As horrible as it may sound, the sooner you move around, the better. Slowly, gently....but move around. My first c-section was at 24 and I bounced back pretty well. My 2nd c-section was a bit harder as I was 31. It took a bit longer for me to bounce back. You will definitely need help as all your movement will be limited. So prepare for someone to be with you for at least 3 weeks. I am grateful that I had my mom at both those times because it was hard, especially the 2nd time around. Remember, this is the core of our bodies we're talking about and the core controls all of our movement. We tend to take that for granted. You'll see what I mean once you are there.....coughing...reaching....getting out of bed...lifting your legs.....sitiing and getting up from the couch or chair. Definitely arrange for someone that can stay with you once your husband goes back to work? You will need assistance, getting out of bed, showering, and all the day to day stuff we take for granted. You will also need an extra set of hands for baby #2 as your lifting will be limited as well. I don't mean to frighten you, just hope to help you be prepared. As for pain meds, take them on time and if you find that you can't handle them, they make you weak, sleepy or whatever, there is the possibility you may have to go cold turkey with just plain Tylenol. That happened to me on the 2nd c-section. Also remember that the pain meds may effect breast feeding. Talk to the nurse or dr about that if you plan on breast feeding. Whatever the situation, you will get through it, those 2 beautiful babies will push your mommy instinct and you'll be on your feet in no time. Good luck M.!

First of all, Congratulations!! Quite often the longer recovery times occur after a woman goes through labor and then requires a c-section. I had a planned c since my daughter was breech. While it takes a good 2 months to feel totally yourself again, the recovery is not really bad. As long as you make sure you don't overdo it, you will be great! My mistake was the minute I felt good, I brought a load of laundry downstairs, and wound up taking 2 steps backward. The best piece of advice I can give to you is when people offer to help, LET THEM!!!! Your 2 beautiful babies will definitely lessen the pain. Besides, if recovery was so bad, who would have more babies??!!! ENJOY and best of luck!

M., I had an emergency c-section due to the baby being breech. The day of the c-section my husband did everything in the hospital, I got up that night and walked a little bit. The best advice I have is try to get up that night and do just a little walking. Make sure you keep up on your pain medicine and don't be afraid to ask for it. The next day I was so anxious to take care of the baby I ended up showering and was on my feet most of the day because I wanted to do stuff for the baby. I got in trouble with the nurses and rested a little bit. Each day got easier, but don't let them push you out of the hospital, they had me stay to Thursday, I had the c-section Monday, but I could of stayed until Friday. After a week you're still pretty soar, but I felt better. I only had one baby, so you'll be a lot busier than I was. Take advantage of your husband being home and if you can have a friend or family member help you during the day when he goes back to work. I realized how strong my body was, I hardly rested and didn't follow doctors orders to take it easy, but remember, it is major surgery!!! Don't push it and know your limits, if things are to hard, you know your body and take it easy. I have many friends that believe it or not, prefer the c-section over natural birth. I am 8 weeks pp now and feel great. Good luck and don't worry, know your limits and try to get some major rest before the c-section. What I would give to go to bed at 8p.m. and sleep thru the night and sleep in!!! If you have any questions let me know.

It is not bad at all. I would recommend you taking a class at the local hospital, so you know what to expect. When you get home it will hurt to get up from your bed or couch. You will need something to hold on to to get up. But after a week you should be good to go!

Hi M.,
I've had two c-sections and recovery is not easy however you have to move around in order to heal quickly. Of course you can't lift haeavy objects nor climb stairs. I would suggest getting a relative or friend to come over and help during the day.

Both of my boys ended up being c-sections, 2 years apart. I was up around the hospital the next day and on my own in a few days. With my oldest I felt so great I actually went to the billard hall to play pool when he was only 3 days old. It does depend on your recovery level, but just make sure if your pain tolerance is low to have the doctor perscribe you some meds for relief. Since your husband is going to be gone after the first week, you should maybe look into hiring a 'mothers helper' for the second and/or third week to help you with stuff around the house. I'm part of www.care.com and there are some great people on there. You're deffinately not going to want to carry a laundry basket around for a while! If anything, get friends or family to help you out for a day, or even a couple hours. You're going to have your hands full with twins till you can be fully up and running!
Good Luck!

I have had 2 C sections and 1 vaginal delivery. DONT WORRY! The C section is not bad at all. I would say I had some "discomfort" sleeping/moving in bed right afterwards,but it was no big deal. Make sure you get the medication you need. Also, after the babies are born, make sure the nurses know that you would like your pain medication as soon as you can have it. If you take it at regular intervals you won't feel a thing.
A scheduled C eliminates a lot of the stress/pressure you would ordinarily experience. It's great since you can have all your plans in place. After 1 week you may be ok to take care of the babies' daily needs -- but I would still recommend having someone help you...(a baby nurse, neighbor, relative, anybody) even if only for an hour. Stock up on meals that can be heated in a jiffy. Maybe someone can do a little laundry for you? You won't be in much pain after a week you just may need the sleep/help.
Please don't sweat the whole breast feeding thing (especially after a C). If it doesn't work out for you don't feel guilty...formulas are so much better now then they were. (Maybe Dad can give the nighttime feedings then..also the babies sleep sounder on formula) I fed my daughter formula at night and nursed during the daytime, both of us were fine.
I would ask around and find out who the good anesthesiologists are at your hospital. Your doctor can also help you with this. This is key.
New babies are tough, but the hard part passes very quickly.
***The BEST ADVICE I ever got was from my aunt. She said I was lucky to have a C since I would get to stay in the hospital for 4 days. SHE SAID TO TREAT IT LIKE A HOTEL!! REST UP! Take any classes that you can. AND DO NOT FEEL GUILTY ABOUT LETTING THE BABIES STAY IN THE NURSERY!! YOU SLEEP AS MUCH AS YOU CAN !!! Let the nurses do what they are paid to do. Let them deal with the diapers! Your job in the hospital is to rest and get better. Take the meds have them serve you your meals. Believe me it was good advice!!!! I did this and recovered VERY quickly.
Feel lucky you're having a C-section !!! I've done both and the only thing that matters is that you and the babies are healthy.

I had 2 c-sections. After my first I had 50 people over my house for his bris (circumcision done at home for religous reasons). I wcame home from the hospital and the next day cleaned and shopped and prepared. Same thing with the second. After the second though, the doctor said I did too much because my incision was infected. Not fun! What i would suggest though, since you will have 2 babes to care for is that your husband not take the time off until after you get home. It is silly for him to sit at the hospital with you for 3 days. Let him be there when the babes are born, then go back to work for the 2 days when you are at the hospital and be home for a week after that. If timed right, he could be there for 10 day, as long as the days fall on a weekend.
Good luck!!

I had a c-section 13 months ago with my son. I was out of bed in the hospital the next day, moving slowly. But, by the time I went home, I was walking and doing everything I normally do. Granted, I was a little slower, and tried not to pick anything heavy up or do any major cleaning for the first week home, but after about a two weeks from the c-section I was back to normal.I never even used the pain killers, just advil. I am a huge fan of the c-section, I thought it was a piece of cake. However, I know every body is different. good luck... I was really nervous too about the pain.

Hi M.
Congrats on the twins!!
Do you have any choices?
I didn't! I have 4 "healthy" children because they could do Csections. By the way, I guess I wouldn't be here either if it they couldn't do C-section, so I am thankful for the procedure for many reasons, not the least of which is the life of my children. First was done emergency, the last was for my twins. It was the easiest. I was awake, and they showed me the babies, My husband was there. I did have help with the twins, my 70 year old mom came, but with the first 2 I was on my own. Recovery was fine. You go back for post op at different weeks, and I had 2 post partem checkups with all 3 pregnancies. The hardest part of all was knowing how many pregnancies, etc when they asked at subsequent GYN appts, or mameogram appts. I now know, I have had 3 pregnancies and 4 children. They told me, but some secretaries at MD etc offices can't figure out the twins birth. Enjoy relax and tell the OB that you want them to let you see those babies if at all possible, and if you want your husband there set that up also. It was great. Need encouragement email me at ____@____.com
old SAHM of 4, married almost 40 years. I guess my husband went to work the day our younger son was born after I went to sleep and all was settled. He was born at 5AM.

Hi M.,
I had a c-section not by choice but after 24 hours of labor I stopped dilating and my daughter just wouldnt come down, and I had a quick and easy recovery. I never took any pain meds at all, not even in the hospital, and I have an extremely low tolerance to pain too...I ended up having my gallbladder out 3 months after I had my daughter and believe it or not that pain was farrrrr worse than labor and my c-section recovery...For me it just felt like a bad back ache but in your belly...The more I moved around the better I felt...I found that if I layed around in the bed I got stiff and found it harder to get up/move around...so while I was in the hospital for 4 days I pretty much lived in the chair, and the bed only for sleep....the worst part for me was that my legs got very swollen, more swollen than before I had my daughter, and that really bothered me...I think more so than my scar..The nurse told me to just keep them up, that when you have a c-section it takes longer for the fluids to leave your body...by the time I left the hospital though it was much better...My husband wasnt able to take any time off from work, and although I had my Mom for 2 weeks I was able to do pretty much everything on my own....just remember the more you move around the better you will feel...I actually did too much because I popped some stitches but that goes to show how good I felt. I will have to have another c-section if I am blessed enough to have another child and I would do it again in a second!!I wish you a speedy recovery and the best of luck with your twins!! Being a Mom is one of lifes greatest rewards!!
Meg :)

Good Morning M.! First of all CONGRATULATIONS on the impending arrival of your twins - how exciting for you and your husband! I will share a little of my c-section story with you - my son is now 5 1/2 - because of blood pressure problems throughout my pregnancy - my doctors insisted on a c-section, so I had plenty of time to adjust to the idea. Once the arrival date approached - I went to the hospital, checked-in and was "ready" for surgery - only to find out that the doctors said my insurance wouldn't pay for a c-section without trying to induce first - yikes (my blood pressure improved as I approached my due date). I was not in labor and experienced no discomfort at all. They gave me an induction suppository which I guess was supposed to bring labor / contractions on - which it did not! The next morning the doctor came in - performed an ultrasound and said that he had turned around (breech like) and that now they could perform the c-section - as originally planned. It was an extremely surreal procedure - lying awake through the delivery not feeling a thing and chatting with the doctors. After they delivered him, brought his little face around the curtain for me to see - then whisked him off to be weighed and cleaned up. I went back to my room - and finally got to hold him - wow, what an incredible experience (even if I was under the influence of narcotics!!) My husband was only off work for a week as well - I felt a little woozy and overwhelmed the first couple of days - but very quickly was up and about with no complaints. Thankfully my husband, the good sport that he is, got up nights with me to feed him and cuddle him. I felt back to my normal pre c-section very quickly and had no real issues in dealing with this new little person or the daily routine of care (other than being extremely tired - but I think that had a lot to do with the fact that our son didn't like to sleep very much!) I was 36 when I delivered him and would highly recommend the c-section (I can't imagine delivery any other way!)

I wish you and your husband the greatest joy and happiness as you welcome your new babies and pray that your delivery experience is as pleasant as mine was!!

Take Care...........L.

My first was an emergency C-section, my second planned for medical reasons. And while it wasn`t a cakewalk, it worked out just fine. I was out of the hospital in 2 days and moving about. The worst part? Getting up the first time, which you should do as soon as possible after the operation, and the first bowel movement. (Gross I know, but someone has to tell you...) Once that was over, it was clean sailing. I have to admit my scar still bothers me sometimes, but really, what is that compared to my wonderful daughters?

Hi M. & congratulations on your twins-to-be! I have b/g twins who turned 4 in April, so It's been a while for me, but I remember that the recovery from my c-section was fairly easy. There was some soreness & I tried to take it easy for a couple of weeks, but other than the 1st couple of days right afterwards I don't remember needing any pain killers. I hope you have a good experience & a quick recovery!

Even if you have an easy recovery, though, you'll probably want/need some help after that 1st week when your husband goes back to work. It's easy to get overwhelmed w/the needs of two infants & don't forget that you'll need to eat, shower, etc. yourself. If you can line up some help ahead of time, I think you'll really appreciate having it when the time comes.

Good luck & best wishes!
Deborah

My c-section came suddenly when i was pregnant with twins because one of my babies died in utero. my c-section was done at 24 weeks so my surviving sone was in the nicu for 3 months. i had mono twins (shared only one sac, very high risk) so that is happened with us. The healing time was not bad. i was walking and cleaning my house the day i got home 4 days. I had my two year old at the time, and going back and forth to the hospital to see my baby, so relaxing was not an option. if you ignore the pain and tell yourself you have to do this, you can. its mind over everything else. just dont do anything strenuous. Try to relax when ever you get the chance, especially if you start feeling some pain. the most part of pain i felt was all due to the gas. but if you keep moving, so does the gas. they send you home with some meds though if you need it. i took 1 a day when i felt i was in the most pain. I wish you lots of luck, you are going to have your hands full, but you can do this, we are women! we are strong! Feel free to email me if you need any advice.

M.

I had 2 sections with my kids. They weren't that bad. Keep up with your meds. Ask for them as soon as you can, usually ever 4 hrs. Don't wait until your in pain to get them. My second time around was so much easier because I didn't labor for 21 hrs before hand. I did go into labor on my own, but I was only in for about 5 hours so I wasn't as tired afterwards, like I was the first time. Within the first 24 hrs of birth, the nurses will get you up to take a shower. I always had my husband help me. He could wash my feet and legs and gently do my incision. That made it easier on me. You will have to learn to do things for the first week or so with out using your stomach muscles. Push yourself up in the bed with your arms and legs. You will be sore, but the pain is managable. You really won't be able to do anything for the first 2 weeks except pick up the babies. No driving, no cleaning (hurray), no nothing. Do stairs as little as possible. If you have stairs go up and down as little as you can. If your bedrooms are upstairs, make a diaper changing station in the livingroom. We used the pink hospital bucket for wipes, diapers, and creme. This made everything very mobile and all we had to do was refill the bucket. Honestly, there is going to be so much more going on that you really won't think much about the section afterwards.

Hi M.,

I am the mother of twin boys, born C-section, they just turned a year yesterday (6/11/08). I must say that the recovery time for me was quite short. I stayed in the hospital for almost 5 days, that's because I gave birth at 10 p.m. and didn't get into my room til after midnight, so therefore I got an extra day. I only took pain killers twice while in the hospital and I breastfed while in the hospital. The nursery is on the second floor of my house and I was able to go up and down (slowly, of course) but I did it just fine. My spouse was home with me for the first week after they were born, but then had to return to work. I think you'll do just fine. I kept the twins in the same crib in sleep positioners when I first came home. This way they had each other and you'll see that twins need to be near each other a lot. I also drove after the first few days I was home, (even though they say you shouldn't drive for 4 weeks), that was just unrealistic for me. Overall I would say that I had a very quick and easy recovery. I recommend that you walk a lot while in the hospital to relieve the gas. and you'll be fine. Don't worry, it will be wonderful for you. I wish you all the best enjoy your miracle.....
M.

Hi M.,

Congratulations on your twins!

I had two C-sections, and both times was up and around on the second day. After the second, I was home on the 3rd day and my husband left for Europe on a business trip; so, I was on my own. Things went fine, although, I did notice increased swelling when I was up and moving around too much.

I know that many people swear by morpheine, but I found that it just made me feel exhausted and nautious and still in pain. After the first 24 hours I only took motrin, and for me that did more to to take the edge off the pain than the morpheine did. Just don't miss a dose - it's easier to keep the pain in check if you nip it in the bud than to get rid of it once it becomes bad.

Good luck!

Hi M., I had a C-section almost 4 years ago with my twin boys. I was off pain killers in less then a week. The boys were still in the hospital during that time. They were fine just small so they wanted to keep them awhile. It was hard but I realized I needed my rest to heal quicker. Everybody has a different experience. My sister-in-law just had a c-section when her son was born and she did not have any pain afterwards. When my boys were small, I went to bed as soon as my husband came home from work. He took care of them until 2am, then I took over starting at 4-5am. Since my boys were tiny, they needed to be fed every 2 hours. They only drank small amounts at a time. (which gradully increased). You will be fine! Just sleep when they sleep and don't worry about cleaning! Hope that helps! D.

M.,

Congratulations on your new arrivals. I also had twins (boy/girl now 3 yrs old) with a c-section delivery. I will admit the morning after was the WORST. But once you get moving the healing moves right along. It really depends on your pain threshold and your will to get things accomplished. By the time I was discharged, I was a little slow but I was able to take care of the babies. I also had limited supports (my husband only had 3 days at home to help). Be prepared to not get much rest, as having twins is a handful but it is also a blessing. Believe me once the babies are home and in full swing with endless night feedings you will be to tired to worry about any pain you feel : 0. Best of luck and rest up now !!!

Hi M.,

I had an emergency C section. You will need to use painkillers during the 1st week. While you are in the hospital they will probably get you up within the fist 24- 36 hrs. My healing process was medium but I know someone who was fine within 2wks. Being a first time mom helps also as you don't have to worry about managing a toddler as I did. probably why I had a longer time healing.

You will need some help probably just because you will be having twins. If you husband can help you up for each day (diapers, wipes, bibs extra clothes, bottles if you are not nursing, food for you, etc.) before he leaves for the day or the night before that may be helpful, especially if you don't have family/friends around to help out. Remember the sleep A LOT the first few weeks!

hope that helps.

I had one, and my two best friends had them (one had two) - in every case, we were walking around within days, and unless the wound is not healing properly, you should have NO problems lifting your cutie pies and even going up/down stairs! Your stay at hospital is longer than reg birth, and those 4-5 days are enough to heal you well for heading home. BIG suggestion: the drugs/epidural they give you tends to bring on nausea as it wears off. Sometimes they wait to give you the anti-nausea meds until you feel it, but ASK FOR IT to be given as soon as possible after birth. If you let the nausea come on, you can get the dry heaves, which pulls at the fresh scar, and HURTS. Take it to prevent the nausea (I learned this for my 2nd child, who I delivered VBAC). Good luck!

Consider hiring a baby nurse for the first few weeks. A few generations ago that was the norm even when moms stayed in the hospital for two weeks after giving birth. The reasoning being that you will need some time to rest and recouperate in between learning to take care and caring for your new babies.

Congratulations and good luck!

M. Kassover MSPTPCS
Physical Therapist
Board Certified Pediatric Specialist

M.
I had 2 c-sections, not by choice, that is just what my body decided. None the less, my 1st experience was bad (2 weeks to recover and a lot of pain) and the 2nd one was great. This is what it comes down to, talk to your Dr about how he or she sutures. I didn't know anything with my 1st or things would have gone differently. Each Dr does the surgery different and this is what will determine your recovery time. My 1st Dr didn't take the time to suture properly, in fact her resident did it, enough said about that.

There are 7 layers of skin , muscle etc between the you and the baby. Each one should be sutured individually and tight. It takes more time in the OR but, its worth it b/c it's your body. The care that the Dr takes to suture properly will expedite your recovery time. By day 2, I was feeling good and by Day 3 I felt llike I could leave the hospital. I had very little pain and only needed Motrin.

My 1st Dr said she only does 2-3 layers. Again not my Dr anymore and hind sight is 20/20. Take the time to discuss the suturing process with your Dr it will make all the difference with the world. You will need the speedy recovery with twins.

Also use Vitamin E lotion on your suture, once a scab has formed, everyday for a year and it will disappear. I did it for both of mine and my 2nd one is almost gone. Since they had to cut in the same place I don't know if it will totally ever be gone, but who knows

Good luck and i hope this was helpful
B.

Hi, M.!
Congrats first of all! I am a mom of twin 3 year olds (a boy and a girl). I was suppossed to have vaginal delivery, but I just wouldn't dilate all the way...so after 2 days of labor I had a C-section. I made it all the way to 39 1/2 weeks with the twins so the were pretty big for twins (6lb 7oz and 6lb 4oz) the bigger the better for them...right! Anyway...the best piece of advice I can give you is to keep moving after the c-section - even if it just means hanging on to the bed rails in the hospital and pulling yourself from side to side. The more you move the more your body gets the gas (from having your insides cut open) out..and honestly the gas was the worst part. I mean don't get me wrong I was sore but once the gas was out it was no problem at all...you just have to take it easy and SLOW. Don't overdo it and try to stay away from stairs. I put my kids in their cribs at night and I took them down in the morning..during the day I let them sleep in pack n plays downstairs so I only did the stairs once or twice a day. As far as recovery after the c-section I would say by the time I was released I was able to move around and take care of both babies...you will too! Good luck and let me know how it goes!
M.

I had an emergency c-section with my daughter. She just turned 2 months and I am feeling fine! I think you're going to need help though. It's not so much taking care of the baby, it's the other stuff that you don't really think of. I was up and able to walk around by the third day. The more you can walk in the hospital the better you'll feel, but don't over-do it! Good luck and congrats!!!

M., congratulations to you and your husband on your upcoming arrivals!

I had an unplanned c-section with my first baby in February, and I was up and walking within 24 hours of surgery. My little miss was in the NICU and I was not allowed to see her or hold her after the section, so I was very motivated to get up and about. I was in the hospital for about 5 days, and depending on your insurance, you should probably be there for about the same amount of time. I spent most of that time resting and recovering. I suggest that you take the time in the hospital to rest as much as you can - as much as you won't want to, send the babies to the nursery so you can rest up. Since your husband can only take a week, have him take that time after you're home from the hospital to stretch out your recovery help. I am sure he will want to be with you and the babies, but you can have other friends/family with you in the hospital for company. You will need his help much more when you get home.

Once you're home, you will have to limit trips up/down stairs and will probably be instructed not to lift anything heavier than one of the babies (or their combined weight depending on how big they are!).

As far as pain medication goes, I took what they gave me in the hospital to help me sleep, but once I was home, I limited myself to Motrin and was fine.

Also, don't know if you're planning to bf. Because my baby was in the NICU and I was trying to recover from the section, I allowed them to supplement her with formula. I tried to get there for every feeding, but it was hard because she ate so often and the NICU was so far from my room. I would feed her, go back to my room and would have to leave to feed her again 15 minutes later. On the reassuring side (if you are planning to bf), she hasn't had any formula since we came home from the hospital. I felt terrible about my birth plan going awry and guilty that I wasn't able to be with my baby in the NICU and nurse her, but it was much more important for me to recover to be ready to take her home and care for her.

My main piece of advice - REST as much as you can in the hospital, and you will be FINE! Best of luck to you!

Hi M.!
I had a c-section with both of my girls and both times everything went great. My first was an emergency after 41 hours of labor! See, good thing you don't have to worry about any of that! That time I had an epidural only with pain meds after. I was really scared because It was the first time I had ever had major surgery (plus all the usual first time babystuff!) My tolerance for pain is not good! I am a big baby! I was so surprised at how quickly I was able to recover. The hardest part is when, hours after you have the c-sec., the nurses tell you you have to get up! It gets a little easier each time, and I thought people were nuts, but it is true...the more you move/walk the easier it is and the faster you recover. Nothing strenious of course, just walking around. By the time I went home on day 3, the prescription pain meds were enough and I didn't need them for long.
My second time was pretty much the same except I had a spinal instead of an epidural. That part was fine, but they also put painmeds in with it. I would never do that again. It made me sick(I don't do well with major pain meds.), and I felt so dopy that I feel like I missed a whole day with my baby. Other than that all was well!
My best advice is if you have a week with your husband home to help you, take advantage of every minute! You will need some time to recover physically as well as emotionally (all those hormones!) Sleep when you need to, take the first few days slow and ease into a routine so that by the time he goes back to work, you are used to the things you need to do. You will be exausted, but it is worth every singel minute of it! Best wishes for a happy healthy delivery and two wonderful babies!|
J. Parris

Hi, I had a c-section with my second child. It is true, everyone is different with recovery time. You'll need to find a place to sleep where you can pull yourself up with out much reaching or pain. I slept on the sofa for a few weeks and pulled myself up using the back of the sofa. Don't use stairs for awhile. Twins...WOW !!!!! Bless you :o)

Oh M.! I had to write you.

When I was pregnant with my oldest who is 7 1/2 now, my biggest fear was needing a c-section. Two weeks before he was due, my son flipped and was breach and broke my water. Guess what I was getting! I was scared to death too. It ended up being FINE! Once the epidural was in place (epi because I was already in labor), I just closed my eyes and relaxed.

I will tell you one thing and this is NOT to scare you but to educate you because when it happened, I had never heard about it and it made it that much more frightening for me. My son was large and when they pulled him out, my chest filled with some air. I began to hurt in my shoulder and then it went to my neck and head. THIS IS OK but just be aware it can happen and if it starts to, make sure you tell the anesthesiologist so they can give you some medicine. Also tell them if you begin to feel nauseous. Those two were the only issues I ever had.

With my oldest I was up and about in no time. My recovery was nothing. With my middle son, I CHOSE a repeat c-section so hopefully that will tell you how not a big deal it was. I had a spinal with him and was up and about in no time once again. With him I pushed a bit too much at home so my stomach would hurt but when it did, I took it as a sign I needed to rest.

I just had my third last August. With the second and third I had told the anesthesiologist about the "air" issue so they were aware. I didn't have it with my second but I did with my third but this time I was given medicine that knocked it out before it traveled up my neck. Just make sure you communicate and you will be fine!

This time I did rest more after the surgery and my incision did get slightly infected but it was not a big deal. I took an antibiotic and was good to go.

Oh...and don't drive for two weeks AFTER YOUR RELEASE DATE. :D You'll be fine. Stay hydrated and rest every chance you get. My husband was only able to take a week off as well and in fact, I was home alone from the time my second was 1 1/2 weeks old because my husband was being transferred and I had to get our house ready to move. He was gone most of my second son's first 3 months of life unfortunately.

Just think positively and bask in the excitement of your little angels about to arrive and how you are finally going to get to see their beautiful little faces. I'm so excited for you!

L.

http://APerfectMoment.MyArbonne.com

I had a c-section with my daughter, and though it was painful the recovery time wasnt as long as I thought it would be. The first few days were hard but by the time I took her to her two week appointment I was feeling great. i was able to move and had the staples removed. As long as you get that extra support those first few days you should be good. I know its a scary feeling but I don't think I would have changed it. My daughter came out so perfect with her little round head that its all worth it. And believe me after awhile you forget that pain you had. Best of luck with your babies.

Get moving as soon as possible in the hospital, this actually speeds your recovery. If you have some kind of IV pain med initially, once that is removed you will have to ask the nurses for pain medication (they didn't tell me I had to ask until it was too late). Make sure you ask as needed, no need to hold out and be a martyr, you want to feel good so you can move around and heal.

Since your husband can only take a week off, make sure he doesn't start that until you are ready to be discharged, you will most likely need all the help he can give. If your home has more than one floor, try to set everything up in the beginning so that you and the babies can spend the entire day on one floor, then just move everyone to the other floor at nighttime. If you are NOT nursing, make sure you have a system so you don't have to go up and down stairs at night to get bottles ready.

My husband was WONDERFUL when our daughter was born. When she woke up in the middle of the night, he got up and changed her and brought her to me to nurse, I barely had to wake up. This made things a lot easier for me in the daytime while he was working, at least I was better rested than if I had provided all the nighttime care.

Because you won't know until you go through it how much help you'll need, I would try to line up at least a few hours help a day for a couple of weeks after your husband goes back to work - maybe there's an enthusiastic grandmother nearby?

My very best to you. Don't worry about the pain, follow the dr's and nurses advice (be nice to the nurses - they're a great asset in the hospital) and don't be afraid to ask any questions.

Hi M.,
Good Luck with the twins! I've had 2 C-Sections - both at 8AM and was up and out of bed going to the bathroom by 10PM that night...best advice I can give is don't be a hero - take your pain meds on a regular schedule for atleast the first 2 weeks - you'll have too much to do to allow the to get out of hand. It is very uncomfortable without the meds, but perfectly manageable with them. Take Care! H.

When I was pregnant with my first, I went into labor, but she wouldn't turn over, nice breech, so had a c section, up and down, but had a clotting problem, and was released after a week. I did walk like quasimodo for less than a week, but my baby was doing well, Because it was an up and down, my GYN and I set a date for the 2nd one, it wasn't as traumatic as the first, and I was up the same day with no drugs, Came home 4 days later and was fine, seems if you know what will hapen, it lessens when you know what will happen. Good luck

My first C-section was an emergency, and recovery was tough from the surgery after laboring for 18 hours. But, after a week I was feeling pretty good. My second section was a lot better because I was well rested beforehand, and I found that the sooner you get up and start walking, the faster you will recover. By the time I left the hospital after 4 days, I was doing pretty well. My advice is to listen to the nurses in the hospital, get moving within the first 18-24 hours despite the pain and eat nutritiously as soon as they let you. It does really hurt badly for the first couple of days, but just know that it will pass. I would say that the first 48 hours are the worst after the surgery....and even though I am always reluctant to take medications, I really listened to the nurses and I took a total of like 3 percocets the whole stay, I mostly had motrin. As long as I didn't let the motrin lapse (going more than the 6hrs between doses) then I felt pretty good, too. You will not feel like getting up and moving around the next day, but that is crucial to a faster recovery!

Hi there! Congrats on your babies coming soon!! I agree that you need to find out how your doctor sutures! My first section was unplanned and not fun and they stapled! Needless to say I ended up with an incisional hernia that was fixed at my second section (by different doctors) almost 3 years later! My current doctors told me that stapling was the "Lazy" way to finish a c-section. They stitched me up wonderfully and the recovery was super! I didn't need all the pain meds they sent home with me, but I do also recommend the pillow when you are getting up, as it helps to "hold in" all the jelly belly!! Good luck!

Hi M.-
I have had both a vaginal birth and a c-section. Honestly, the c-section was far easier! Healing was easier and shorter. Walking and using the bathroom was easier after the section then after the vaginal delivery!!
My advice- stay in the hospital for all 4 days (I actually asked to leave early- my Doc said no and I am glad he did!) Take pain meds while you are there, then switch to motrin or tylenol when you get home. Leave the kids in the nursery at night so you can sleep (unless you plan on breastfeeding- then you don't have much choice) And finally- get up and move!! Rest on the day of the surgery- but after that, get out of bed, shower, sit in the chair and walk, walk, walk. I am a cancer survivor- as a result I have had several surgeries the past few years. In my experience, the more you walk the halls the better you will feel and the faster it will happen.
Best wishes and Congratulations!

Hi M.,

I have had two c-sections, both were single pregnancies. As you said, everyone is different and will recover differently, but I did not think it was bad at all. The first two or three days were the worst for me. I would recommend taking it easy, accepting all help that is offered and taking the meds - they help! By the fifth or sixth day, I really felt well with both of my deliveries. While I was a little sore for the first couple of weeks, I was able to take care of the babies by myself. Of course, I only had one the first time, but I did have a 19 month old when I had my second. The docs told me not to lift anything heavier than the new baby, but this was impossible with my son. Fortunately, I did not have any problems. Take it easy and take the pain meds as you need them and you should be fine. Within 3 weeks, I felt totally normal with both.

Congratulations and best of luck!

Dear M.,
I had a planned c-section to deliver my twins, too. The advice and experience here are all good, I would just add that if there's any way you can do it, try to line up someone to be in your home to help you during those first few weeks. It's not so much about recovering from the c-section, it's about getting the hang of caring for your twins. While it's true that they will mostly sleep during the days that you are recovering, since there's two of them, there's no guarantee that they'll be sleeping at the same time! It may take a little while to get them on the same schedule. So if there's someone who can help you, particularly for the hours when your husband is at work, sign them up!

Good luck and enjoy your miracle babies,
A.