[QUOTE=Nickelodian;8251268]
I need one of these, ASAP.
Can we revisit the c-section vs natural child birth discussion? I have so much anxiety about the “process” that there’s a big side of me that just says go c-section. I know what major surgery is like, and nothing changes “down there.”
Thoughts?
Also - any thoughts/recs on maternity girdles and/or nursing bras? I bought some nursing bras from target but they were all awful and uncomfortable.[/QUOTE]
If you’re a first time mom, they recommend not buying the nursing bra until like 10 days from birth. I can attest to why…I could not actually believe how much things changed in those last couple days. When the milk came in on top of THAT…brother. Make sure they are slightly loose in the cup, that’s all I can say. I was a nice proportionate 36 B before I got pregnant. By the time the milk came in, I was a 38H. I had a strong preference for soft cotton. When the milk came in, anything padded just about made me have a hot flash, likewise with satin or anything synthetic. YMMV. I got my favourite ones at Thyme maternity.
I also immediately lost patience with most “nursing” tops. Anything with buttons, for example. Stock up on stretchy T-shirts with big V-necks, that is BY FAR the easiest access, and at first, baby wants to eat really frequently. By even the end of six weeks, you get a lot more routine. Could not handle any of the support belts or girdles until months after baby. Some women like the support, especially for the lower back, I couldn’t stand having anything snug around my hips/waist at first. I do use my woven baby wraps for support now, and I’m liking that…they aren’t elastic, just thick woven fabric. They are also pretty, and I wear them outside my clothes. I might try that after this next baby.
As for C-section, there’s nothing wrong with delivering that way…lots of women have no choice, and it’s determined to be the safest, least traumatic route to a healthy baby and healthy mommy. No need to fear that part. As with anything, there are potential drawbacks, and many, many birth/baby experts (midwives, OBGyn, etc.) will tell you that if you don’t NEED a C-section, it’s likely going to be better overall to have a vaginal delivery. One thing some moms report after C-section is that they felt very disconnected from the delivery, despite being conscious. This can depend a lot on the circumstance, and the doctor. One thing that is factual is that without the natural hormone activity during delivery, including the whole placenta situation, there can be concerns with bleeding, milk production, etc. These can be mitigated, and having a C-section isn’t the only reason you can have problems with those things. I had a 100% natural birth at home, and needed Oxytocin afterward due to bleeding…I just tend to bleed/bruise easily in general, so that wasn’t a real surprise.
A C-section does expose you to risk of infection, as any major abdominal surgery in hospital does. OTOH, it’s a very common procedure (many experts feel it is too common and over-used in Western medicine) and it’s likely that your doctor is very skilled with it due to practice! There are also potential complications with whatever type of anaesthetic ends up used. Stitching in the uterus can be done several ways, and there are some techniques that are better if you want to have a vaginal birth later. Some techniques result in so much scarring that a VBAC is virtually impossible.
Definitely something to look into in detail. There are tons of “birth stories” around, and people who feel super-passionate about both ends of the spectrum…I got a lot more out of reading people’s stories than out of talking to people. People who like to “speak out” about C-sections tend to be very stridently opposed to them…and as with any birth/parenting issue, it doesn’t really matter what everyone else thinks. You need to feel 100% comfortable with your own decision. The stories can be good to get information though!
Ice cream makes everything better! I probably would call my dr/nurses line and let them know just to be safe.
