Wow - well at least it's almost over!

I had a c-section - emergency in my case after 27 hours of labor - and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I was off the pain meds within a day or two of getting out of the hospital.

Though the doctor recommended the c-section earlier, I held off because I was worried about the surgery and worried that I wouldn't bond with my baby (as I'd read in quite a few baby books). And that I wouldn't be able to breastfeed.

It was all just fine. Breastfeeding was hard for me but more because I'm terribly uncoordinated not because of the c-section. My milk came in just fine, I was (attempting) to nurse her within about 30 minutes after birth. And I didn't have problems with my incision at all.

My main advice is relax! It's going to be fine.

First off, don't worry (I mean, I know you're going to worry, but try not to worry too much). I had a c-section, also after a long but fruitless labor. I was dreading the recovery period, but it really wasn't bad at all. Very little pain, and I had nice drugs for the first day or two.

My only real issue with the c-section was that my daughter was several hours old before I even got to touch her, and that I subsequently had a hard time nursing (my milk didn't come in until she was 5 days old). I was so cowed by the whole labor and delivery that I didn't push as hard as I should have to see my daughter, and they took her away to the nursery for hours before bringing her to me. You may need to be assertive and push to see your baby.

Overall, though, the c-section just wasn't bad.

Good luck!

First, congratulations. Tomorrow! Wow.

Both my kids were c-sections. I was completely nervous with the first because it was an emergency, but I had no complications with either and I thought my recovery was normal. No incision problems. No problems nursing related to the c-section.

My second child was a planned c-section. I have to say that it was one of the best days of my life. I had plenty of sleep the night before, the surgery was at 9 a.m., and my hospital room was bright and sunny.I spent the day just admiring my daughter, mostly pain-free.

I had a c-section (as one twin was breech) and it was a breeze. I had very little pain. The recovery was easier than I anticipated.

It did take longer for my milk to come in (because of the c-section, and we were a little early - 38 weeks) and that part was very stressful. If that happens to you -- and you want to breastfeed -- don't hesitate to contact a lactation specialist. You'll probably get introduced in the hospital but might need to follow-up.

I, as well as a few of my friends, did feel nauseous after surgery. The nurse attributed it to one of the mediciations that they gave during the block for the c-section. (Can't remember what it's called.) You might want to be aware of that, or ask about it.

But all in all, it was surprisingly easy.

Congrats on making it to delivery day!!

I had two c-sections and both experiences were very different. The first was unexpected and I was a nervous wreck. At one point I thought I would faint on the operating table. I was excited about the baby, but was too stressed about the surgery to really enjoy his first few minutes. The recovery was fairly easy. I was lifting things and moving around by the time I got home.

The second surgery was easier. I knew what to expect and had a much better time in the operating room. I got a little nauseous and lightheaded on the table, but it didn't last long. The surgery seemed to go by a lot faster and I got to spend more time with the baby before he was taken to the nursery. The recovery with number two was a lot harder. I had a really hard time walking until about a week later. I struggled to find a comfortable sleep position. I also took a lot more pain pills than with the first.

The best part about the c-section is the scar. It's ugly and my stomach now hangs over it, but it's a constant reminder of giving birth to my beautiful babies.

Let us know how it went!

HEY Colleen! I hope everything went well. Can't wait to see some pictures!

I have never had a c-section as this is my first pregnancy but the one thing everyone had told me is that the recovery hurts worse than going through it because the meds are pretty strong. I have also heard that once you see that little bundle of cute you don't really worry about anything else.  

Since the original author of this post had the c-section in June, I wonder how it turned out?

Every situation is different but I had a c-section for my twins and it was a breeze. I don't remember much pain at all and the recovery was easy.