Umbilical Hernia - Chicago,IL

N.:

I got one as well with my 3rd child, who was the largest! My was somewhat painful and I couldn't lift anything over 10 pounds, which meant I couldn't lift any of my children, including my newborn!

I did have the surgery, 9 weeks after my son was born. The surgery is nothing, but the recovery will take a few months. I've never had a C section, but I guess I might liken it to a small one. I barely have a scar from it and I'm glad that I did it. I too was worried, but it's best for your health not to "hope" things will go away or lead to complications further down the road. Let me know if I can be of help.

Hi, I have one as well. I've seen a surgeon about it and will get it repaired after the summer. It's not an emergency situation but it's also not something to put off forever. I actually saw one that said I could leave it alone as long as I don't do any heavy lifting. I told him that I have two thirty pound toddlers that I'm lifting all day long every day. Anyways, I had a change of health insurance and had another surgeon look at it and he said that with mine that it is small and lifting won't hurt it much but coughing and sneezing will worsen it (I have allergies). He said which is also what I've read, that if left alone, years down the road part of the intestines can get trapped and the hernia can worsen. The trapped intestines can get gange green, which can be really serious. It's better to repair it before it gets too bad. I got mine after two pregancies - they said that it's probably not due to the two c-sections but caused from the way your body changes during pregnancy - everything stretches out and becomes more elastic. So, I would suggest letting your doctor know about it. Mine does not hurt, but I don't want it to get worse and it bugs me when I cough and bulges out.
Good luck!

This happened to my girlfriend and the doctor told her it had to be repaired surgically.

My mom told me when I was born that she had gotten a hernia, and that I had one as a newborn. I didn't have to have anything done for me as a newborn, it apparently went away on its own. My mom did end up having surgery to fix hers, but I don't remember if she said it was painful or not though.

Hi N.,

I had an umbilical hernia during and after both my pregnancies. So far no complications, but did consult my Dr. about it. Her advice...okay to leave it alone, but if I had pain or sensed intestines poking through, to see her immediately. Also said I could try aiding a natural closing of the hernia by wrapping a sheet around my abdomen while doing crunches, holding the ends of the sheet tightly all the while to pull everything in. The idea was that as my muscles strengthen, they will be pushed in the direction they are supposed to be. Haven't had the discipline to see if this really works, but am working to change this! : ) Good luck!

Both of my boys had umbilical hernias and they both repaired themselves on their own. My older son has a cute little outie now and my younger son has an innie.

Since your baby is only 3 months old, give your body some time to strengthen those muscles.

My older son's hernia didn't correct itself until after he was 1 (my younger son's corrected it in less than 2 months). We consulted several doctors about it and we were told that they could do surgery to repair it, but it was only cosmetic if it wasn't causing any pain.

Good luck, I bet it will repair itself on its own.
B.