[Kaseyrn2b]

Hope you won't mind me asking this, complete opinion Q. If I end up needing a c-section ( I am 28 weeks, placenta as of today is still low-lying) which I know my drs aren't sure of yet, what would you recommend bringing to the hosp/ having after deliv? I have had 2 uncomplicated vag births and have always been nervous about the prospect of a c/s but, whatever is needed I'll deal w/. However, I like to plan, helps me feel better, so just in case, I was wondering what an exp RN would recommend for his/her pts both in terms of recovery and preparation. For example, are there any great products out there, special pillows etc?

Thanks in Advance!!


Jen

[tinyscrafts]

my bet is it "moves" up

[bagladyrn]

The only thing I'd suggest that you bring that I've found particularly helpful to c/s moms is a "boppy" pillow. I'm referring to those sort of "C" shaped pillows that are great for nursing - they make it easier to hold your baby up and protect that sore belly.

[dharma143]

My only experience is 2 C-sections 11 mos apart. #1 D/T ecampsia #2 D/T delivery of twins <a yr /p(one of the twins was transverse @ delivery time) & repeat of eclampsia. This was 24 & 25 yrs ago...I am not familiar with new products. I found 7 to 10 days was a magical time...I felt recovered then. The hard part was returning to nurse my twins q2hrs, they remained hospitalized for 3 weeks D/T a 2mo preterm delivery.
I never experienced vag delivery, so no basis of comparison? Honestly, I didn't find C-sections that bad...really.
My advise to expectant moms has always been NEVER listen to war stories from "experienced moms". Often these tales GROW with each repition! My comment to people who speak with new moms, for God's sake...you will not be cannonized so think before your mouth engages.
I wish you a wonderful birth experience!!

[shortstuff31117]

I too bet your placenta will move...try some visualization (sorry if that sounds weird). Anyway, I had a c-section and I would recommend bringing a boppy and a few extra pillows. It was really hard to get comfy afterward and having 4 pillows from home really helped. You never know if there will be pillows available at the hospital. Also bring someone who can stay with you through the first day at least, because it will be difficult to move in and out of bed, and they can bring the baby to you, change diapers etc.

Good Luck!
Carrie

[Kaseyrn2b]

Originally Posted by shortstuff31117

I too bet your placenta will move...try some visualization (sorry if that sounds weird). Anyway, I had a c-section and I would recommend bringing a boppy and a few extra pillows. It was really hard to get comfy afterward and having 4 pillows from home really helped. You never know if there will be pillows available at the hospital. Also bring someone who can stay with you through the first day at least, because it will be difficult to move in and out of bed, and they can bring the baby to you, change diapers etc.

Good Luck!
Carrie

Visualization doesn't sound weird at all My DH will be there regardless, but if I know I will need a c/s, the grandmothers have already said they'd come before hand to watch my other 2. I am hoping it 'moves' I think maybe they should have waited a bit for this u/s...next one's in 4 weeks. We'll see ! Thanks to everyone for the advice!!


Jen

[RNnL&D]

Do you have a marginal previa? All I heard was low lying, which wouldn't necessarily demand a CS. I would bet, if it isn't a previa at this point, it isn't going to be. One of our nurses was diagnosed with complete previa at 12 weeks, with vag bleeding. She was on bedrest the entire pregnancy, but went on to deliver vaginally after the placenta moved up.

[Kaseyrn2b]

Originally Posted by RNnL&D

Do you have a marginal previa? All I heard was low lying, which wouldn't necessarily demand a CS. I would bet, if it isn't a previa at this point, it isn't going to be. One of our nurses was diagnosed with complete previa at 12 weeks, with vag bleeding. She was on bedrest the entire pregnancy, but went on to deliver vaginally after the placenta moved up.

U/s tech said it wasn't previa, just low-lying. I don't completely understand the difference, and I tend not to trust what I read online ( not here, just in general) but, I have my OB app't Thursday, so I'm sure to be picking his brain then My OBs are great, they are newly on their own and don't have a million pts so they spend LOTS of time w/ me on questions and whatnot. Plus they treat the nurses they work w/ really well, so you gotta love that!


thanks for the input!!

Jen

[SmilingBluEyes]

If you have a csection, you will need the same things you would after a vaginal delivery. And that list should be provided by your birthing class/instructor or you can ask the hospital. Remember, the more you bring, the more you carry home. Just check to be sure you will be provided "Basics" like diapers/wipes, peri pads and gowns. If not, plan to bring your own. I also find many women prefer to recover in their own bedclothes. Extra pillows and a boppy for nursing are musts! As are basic toiletries. Other than that, you should not need too much. Leave the valuables and money at home, obviously.

Wishing you luck and here is hoping your placenta "migrates" before delivery-time!

[AJCD]

I haven't had a c-section and I'm not a nurse, but I have heard a few things from friends and relatives who've had c-sections.

They all second the use of "Boppy"-type pillows. Also, my cousin (who had a c-section for breech -- from what I understand, those are a given around here -- after an unmedicated birth two years previously), recommended sleeping on something semi-low-lying after returning home. Not terribly low-lying nor terribly soft, but a comfortably firm surface that brought her thighs more-or-less perpendicular with her torso when her feet were on the ground. Others may feel differently. Point being, don't get too set on where you're going to sleep when you get home -- beds at home don't have those nifty height adjustments, for the most part

Incidentally, from what I've heard, I agree with the poster who said not to pay overmuch attention to the war-stories propounded by some folks about c-section recoveries. Every woman is different, and their recoveries and experiences will be different. My same cousin who couldn't say enough about unmedicated birth also said her c-section recovery wasn't nearly as bad as she'd been led to expect. In fact, she and another friend of mine who'd had a c-section said they loved the fact that they could sit comfortably after the section, as opposed to what they'd experienced after vaginal births.

Again, every woman is different, and all this is sheerly anecdotal. I'll be hoping for you that your placenta creeps up to a less surgically-necessary perch