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My Slightly Chaotic Life

Balancing Life, Children and Chaos

Pregnancy

What to Expect During a C-Section

February 11, 2019 Comments : 30

Nervous about having a c-section? Here is what you can expect to happen before, during and after a c-section birth. | C-Section | New mom | Birthing options | Baby | Newborn | #csection #birth #pregnancy #birthingoptions #baby #delivery

It has been 10 months since Avery was born and I have received so many questions around her birth and the c-section I ultimately had with her. When my first was born over 7 years ago, I ended up with a c-section then as well. I had no idea waht to expect during a c-section at that time. This time around I had a scheduled c-section planned, but after going into labor at 37 weeks I still felt completely unprepared as they wheeled me into that operating room.

Part of the fear of having a c-section is the unknown. I have had first time moms and even second time moms ask me what it is like to have a c-section. Here is what to expect before during a c-section as well as before and after.

What to Expect during a C-section

Nervous about having a c-section? Here is what you can expect to happen before, during and after a c-section birth. | C-Section | New mom | Birthing options | Baby | Newborn | #csection #birth #pregnancy #birthingoptions #baby #delivery

You will be nervous

Once that decision is made to proceed with a c-section you will start to feel nervous. You will also feel sad, relieved and scared all at once. Sad that your birth plan is gone, relieved that labor is almost over and baby will be out safe and scared off the surgery and recovery. No one plans to have a c-section as a first time mom and an increase in nerves is to be expected.

There will be a lot of people

The room will be packed with people. I had both my children at a teaching hospital so my experience may be skewed. I had an anesthesiologist, a nurse anesthetist, my labor and delivery nurse, the OB attending, an OB resident, surgical tech, a nursing student, and a pediatrician resident and attending (standard for an unexpected delivery as it was for Avery). My point is there will be a lot of people there but they are all there to support you and your baby.

The spinal block is amazing

The spinal is way stronger then your traditional epidural. This basically numbs you from your nipples down. It will feel weird but you will be thankful it’s there.

Yes, you will need a catheter

They will place this after you get your spinal thankfully. It is a little tube that gets inserted into your urethra into your bladder. You won’t even know it is happening but it is an important part of making sure your bladder is empty. In fact, the catheter generally remains in place until you are up moving around.

You may feel sick to your stomach

This is typical with the anesthesia. I always get extremely nauseous during and post c-section. Just let them know and they will give you medications to counteract that.

You will feel pulling, tugging and pressure

None of this will hurt but you will feel those sensations and they are completely normal sensations to feel during a c-section.

You will be able to hold your baby and do skin to skin 

I think that this is one of the biggest fears that new moms have when the thought of a c-section comes up. Not being able to immediately hold your baby after delivery. At the hospital I had both my children at, they had the baby cleaned, suctioned, weighed and measured in under a couple of minutes and then promptly placed them on my chest.

They also had a clear screen so that as soon as she was pulled out they held her up so that I could see her. While the doctors did cut the cord, Aaron was able to help trim the umbilical cord and be right next to Avery when she was getting weighed and measured. While it is not immediate like in a vaginal birth, the nurses and doctors make every effort to let you hold and see your baby right away.

Shaking is normal

Hormones combined with the effects of anesthesia will make you shake. This is to be expected and it doesn’t last for very long. I was shaking from a combination of those, nerves and the fact that the operating room is extremely cold.

Moving sucks

Those first few days after a c-section when trying to get out of bed, up from a chair or even picking up your baby will be uncomfortable. Don’t even think about coughing, sneezing or having that wonderful first bowel movement. You will be sore and I suggest having a pillow on hand to brace against your incision when moving. It will help with the pain.

You are still a badass

Just because you didn’t have a vaginal birth does not make you any less of a mom. You are still amazing and recovery from a c-section is no joke. Some will say that a c-section is the easy way out and honestly they suck. There is nothing easy about a c-section and you are amazing no matter which way you birthed your baby.

Nervous about having a c-section? Here is what you can expect to happen before, during and after a c-section birth. | C-Section | New mom | Birthing options | Baby | Newborn | #csection #birth #pregnancy #birthingoptions #baby #delivery

Hopefully knowing what to expect during a c-section birth will help you be more prepared for your delivery. Whether you deliver vaginally or through a c-section knowing what to expect helps calm the fears a little bit.

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Comments

  1. Joanna says

    February 11, 2019 at 2:08 pm

    I don’t have children but I know women who have gone through C sections and they said it’s not nice at all. The recovery is so much more painful than a natural birth.

    Reply
    • Mary white says

      December 17, 2019 at 8:26 am

      Since you have not had a baby you should probably not be giving an opinion about pain. I had both types of deliveries and do not see it as one more painful than the other. Every delivery is unique.

      Reply
  2. Deb says

    February 11, 2019 at 6:46 pm

    You’re so brave! I never knew many of these facts about c sections
    Debs @ https://tiger-mint.com

    Reply
  3. Tonya says

    February 11, 2019 at 8:03 pm

    Congratulations and thank you for sharing your story. My mother had a c-section with my brother.

    Reply
  4. Melissa says

    February 11, 2019 at 9:46 pm

    I was amazed at all the shaking with my first c section. It took forever to stop too. My other two weren’t as bad.

    Reply
  5. Nicole Anderson | Camping for Women says

    February 12, 2019 at 2:49 am

    This was such an interesting read to truly try to appreciate all that a mom will go through in the process of having a c section. I’m sure you must go through a number of emotions: scared, elated, all at the same time! This is a great resource for expected moms to read.

    Reply
  6. Amy-Lynn Denham says

    February 12, 2019 at 8:50 am

    Whether scheduled or emergency I think that c-sections are scary (even though the doctors are well-trained). I have a lot of respect for women who endure this.

    Reply
  7. Geraline Batarra says

    February 12, 2019 at 11:14 am

    Mothers are still mothers whether they had a c section birth or normal. They both had a painful and un ending sacrifices.

    Reply
  8. Folabest says

    February 12, 2019 at 11:58 am

    This is highly informative. I never heard of this before. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  9. Sincerely Miss J says

    February 12, 2019 at 12:06 pm

    Congratulations. I had a c-section and I agree that spinal block was amazing but the pain and recovery was super tough. Don’t want to go through that again.

    Reply
  10. HilLesha says

    February 12, 2019 at 1:18 pm

    I know someone who had a c-section and they said that it didn’t wasn’t a walk in the park. Childbirth, whether delivering vaginally or via c-section, is an incredible (and excruciatingly painful) process. Therefore, I have nothing but respect for women who have to endure it.

    Reply
  11. Julie Trujillo says

    February 12, 2019 at 1:39 pm

    It’s amazing what a c-section does to our body and scary how many times it’s performed in the US.

    Reply
  12. Chelle Dizon says

    February 12, 2019 at 4:00 pm

    I really cannot imagine if I’ll be the one in your shoes. I have so much respect for moms who had a C-Section.

    Reply
  13. Clare Minall says

    February 12, 2019 at 6:01 pm

    I ahve 3 kids adn all of them are from C-Section. It was not as painful as people think but it was a very critical procedure.

    Reply
  14. Alexandra Cook says

    February 12, 2019 at 6:03 pm

    I really don’t know how it feels like but it sounds very painful. Salute to all moms who undergone C-section. You were so strong.

    Reply
  15. Preet says

    February 12, 2019 at 6:05 pm

    Sounds like it was really hard. I have a normal delivery with my kids. It was so painful never thought that a CS can be so painful too.

    Reply
  16. Christa says

    February 12, 2019 at 9:19 pm

    As a two-time mom, I’m constantly amazed at how little I know about aspects of the birth procedure. This was very informative and is great info for soon-to-be mamas.

    Reply
  17. Czjai Reyes-Ocampo says

    February 13, 2019 at 12:20 am

    The pain of giving birth via C-section usually comes after you have given birth. I did not want to go under the knife when I gave birth to my son, and thankfully, he was born via NSD. I also wanted to save on medical expenses because C-section deliveries are very expensive here in my country, unless you have a health insurance.

    Reply
  18. Purva Bhatia says

    February 13, 2019 at 12:21 am

    Well summed up. I went through a csec to deliver my baby. The recovery period is more than normal delivery but I couldn’t have been able to bear the pain I think.

    Reply
  19. Shannan P says

    February 13, 2019 at 1:36 am

    Thank you so much for sharing your experience. While I ended up having vaginal births with my kids, we were teetering on the brink of a C-section with my youngest and I remember being terrified and not knowing what to expect.

    Reply
  20. Jasmeet Singh says

    February 13, 2019 at 6:11 am

    You are so brave. Thank you for sharing this information. This will surely benefit other expecting moms

    Reply
  21. Elizabeth O says

    February 13, 2019 at 7:17 am

    This such an informative post. You’re so strong and I appreciate your time for writing this article.

    Reply
  22. Kalyan Panja says

    February 13, 2019 at 8:13 am

    This is an useful post for would be mothers. Thought provoking post.

    Reply
  23. Woodeline says

    February 13, 2019 at 9:46 pm

    I don’t have any kids, but I don not want to push. I don’t think I’ll have the strength. But c-section may not be up to me. Yeass you are still badass

    Reply
  24. Karen Monica says

    February 14, 2019 at 3:56 am

    This is such an informative post about C section. This will definitely benefit expecting mums.

    Reply
  25. Monidipa Dutta says

    February 14, 2019 at 5:50 am

    I am actually terrified of having kids. But I must say that you r strong…

    Reply
  26. sarah camille says

    February 15, 2019 at 6:59 pm

    C-sections are one of the things that scares me the most about pregnancy, but I’m so glad I read your post. I didn’t know about several things you mentioned but it feels a little less scary now!

    Reply
  27. Henrietta says

    February 17, 2019 at 9:05 am

    I have bookmarked it for obvious reasons 🙂 I especially love this “Just because you didn’t have a vaginal birth does not make you any less of a mom.” Thank you so much for sharing this!

    Reply
  28. JASMINE VARGAS says

    February 17, 2019 at 5:59 pm

    I had two c-sections and I remember recovery was the hard part. I hated to move lol

    Reply
  29. Ida says

    March 5, 2019 at 2:21 pm

    I had my first born “naturally” and twins by c-section. When I was told there was no other option than a c-section with the twins based on their positions, I completely lost it. I was upset for days and it took several discussions with doctors and my husband to come to terms with it. I was scared to death of the procedure, recovery, breastfeeding afterwards, how I would be able to cope with twins and a 2 year old, etc. And honestly yes I did feel like a failure.. Everything went however well, “giving birth” was a breeze, I recovered relatively quick (not as quickly as many, but still) and managed to breastfeed without any issues for a year. I think the most important way to prepare is face any concerns or questions and come to terms with the surgery. Were I ever to have another child, I would definitely opt for natural delivery given the possibility, but either way, a baby is always a baby, no matter how they’re born ❤️

    Reply

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About Me

Hello

Hi! I'm Danielle. I'm a mom, girlfriend and ED nurse. I love sharing my honest take on all things mom as well as life!

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“A beautiful day starts with a beautiful mindset “A beautiful day starts with a beautiful mindset” - unknown 
Read that again. 
No matter how crappy you think your day is going to be; wake up and set you mind to a more positive way of thinking. 
I can’t tell you how many times this thought process has gotten me through rough days at work, with the kids or even when I’m just feeling incredibly overwhelmed. 

Tell me how do you create a beautiful mindset? 
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#positivewords 
#motivationalquotesdaily 
#lifewithkids
AD: Balancing my mind and my immune system these d AD: Balancing my mind and my immune system these days. As a busy mom it’s so important that I keep a healthy immune system because moms don’t get days off! 

Bonus: supporting my gut health as well with products that contain @epicorimmune. It’s a POSTbiotic. Haven’t heard of that before? So, PRObiotics in your gut eat fibers (PREbiotics) in order to make beneficial metabolites. Well, POSTbiotics contain those metabolites and delivers them directly to your gut. 

Currently using @countrylifevitamins Gut Connection ImmuneBalance™ powered by @epicorimmune. You can find @countrylifevitamins online at the link in my bio. 

How are you balancing your mind and body these days?

#livemorehealthydays #EpiCorImmune 
#EpiCor 
#healthylivingtips

https://lnk2.io/wLKXFhK
Rainy day here today but this little corner of Ave Rainy day here today but this little corner of Avery’s bedroom looks so cozy. 

I’m so thankful to have passed on my love for reading to both my children and here are some of Avery’s favorite books on display. Beekle, Raz & Benz and Strictly no Elephants are Avery’s favs and we read them on repeat every night. I’ll link the books in my stories. 

What books do your kids love?
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#lifewithatoddler 
#toddlermomlife 
#momlife 
#motherhoodalive 
#motherhoodlife
I couldn’t go another day without having this sw I couldn’t go another day without having this sweet photo of both my kids and myself on my feed. 

Getting photos with the kids is hard and the majority of the time I’m doing it by myself. 
I rely on my camera, tripod and timer to snap these shots and anyone who knows this method can relate to it taking many shots to get something resembling what your initial idea was. 
Pretty happy to have finally caught this one and not ashamed to admit there was some bribery involved.

Share your tips with getting photos with your kids in the comments! 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#mommyandme
#momswithcameras 
#momswithstyle 
#honestmommin 
#lifewithlittles
Easter is coming up and if your like me; you want Easter is coming up and if your like me; you want to create something (most likely last minute) that your kids will love but doesn’t cost a fortune. Well I am here to say Easter basket’s don’t have to be expensive! 

In fact: you can create a fun Easter basket for your kiddos that is inexpensive (and last minute if that’s your thing). 
Things I grabbed for Avery’s basket this year:
1. Chalk (Target dollar spot)
2. Sunglasses 
3. Water bottle 
4. Bubble wands
5. Socks (because what kid doesn’t love socks)
6. Plastic eggs with candy and coins 
7. Chocolate bunny 
8. Spring outfit 

For inspo on older kid’s Easter Basket ideas, make sure to check out my latest blog post (link in bio). 

That’s it! Quick, easy and the total cost was minimal. 
Bunny pictured from last year because my child does not need anymore stuffed animals.

What fun things do you do for Easter?
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.
#easterbasket 
#easterbasketideas 
#toddlerhood 
#easterbaskets 
#busymomlife
3 years ago, this little one came into this world 3 years ago, this little one came into this world in a whirlwind and has kept us guessing and on our toes ever since. 
She loves reading, hiking, riding her bike, jumping on and off a thing, playing with her siblings and friends and Paw Patrol. 
Happy birthday Avery; life is that much better and just a little crazier with you around and I wouldn’t have it any other way. 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#birthdayvibes 
#toddlermom 
#toddlerstyle 
#threeyearsold 
#mylittleloves
Warmer springtime afternoons spent with this one i Warmer springtime afternoons spent with this one is nothing but pure joy with a little bit of caffeine thrown in to help keep me fueled. 

It is also the perfect time to pair your favorite @dunkin beverage with a snack. With options from Avocado Toast (my favorite), to a Grilled Cheese or Stuffed Croissant (Hayden’s favorite) or even a chocolate glazed donut (Avery’s favorite), there is something for everyone. And until April 27th, you can snag any size Cold Brew for just $3 with your Perks membership in Maine and Vermont. So, make sure to sign up today!!
So a big @dunkin cheers to warmer days, brighter flowers and spending more time outside with a coffee in one hand and a snack in the other. 

What are you looking forward to most about springtime?
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#dunkinmaine 
#dunkinpartner 
#dunkin 
#mainemom 
#newengland_igers
I’ve had people ask me how I stay so organized; I’ve had people ask me how I stay so organized; how I manage kid’s schedules, work schedules, graduate school and blogging all at once.

Here’s the truth: I don’t. 

I am the least organized person you will meet. I have calendars everywhere and a planner filled with post it reminders and lists. The fact that we make it places on time, I get my school work done and meet deadlines for myself and brands is a small miracle with a little last minute panic thrown in when I remember something I forgot. 
So today I sat down. Updated my life and organized the next couple months so things feel a little bit calmer. Here’s to hoping this small bit of sanity continues. 

What do you do to keep you and your family organized?
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#realmotherhood 
#targethome 
#officedesk 
#organizedliving 
#momstruggles
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“A beautiful day starts with a beautiful mindset “A beautiful day starts with a beautiful mindset” - unknown 
Read that again. 
No matter how crappy you think your day is going to be; wake up and set you mind to a more positive way of thinking. 
I can’t tell you how many times this thought process has gotten me through rough days at work, with the kids or even when I’m just feeling incredibly overwhelmed. 

Tell me how do you create a beautiful mindset? 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#positivewords 
#motivationalquotesdaily 
#lifewithkids
AD: Balancing my mind and my immune system these d AD: Balancing my mind and my immune system these days. As a busy mom it’s so important that I keep a healthy immune system because moms don’t get days off! 

Bonus: supporting my gut health as well with products that contain @epicorimmune. It’s a POSTbiotic. Haven’t heard of that before? So, PRObiotics in your gut eat fibers (PREbiotics) in order to make beneficial metabolites. Well, POSTbiotics contain those metabolites and delivers them directly to your gut. 

Currently using @countrylifevitamins Gut Connection ImmuneBalance™ powered by @epicorimmune. You can find @countrylifevitamins online at the link in my bio. 

How are you balancing your mind and body these days?

#livemorehealthydays #EpiCorImmune 
#EpiCor 
#healthylivingtips

https://lnk2.io/wLKXFhK
Rainy day here today but this little corner of Ave Rainy day here today but this little corner of Avery’s bedroom looks so cozy. 

I’m so thankful to have passed on my love for reading to both my children and here are some of Avery’s favorite books on display. Beekle, Raz & Benz and Strictly no Elephants are Avery’s favs and we read them on repeat every night. I’ll link the books in my stories. 

What books do your kids love?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#lifewithatoddler 
#toddlermomlife 
#momlife 
#motherhoodalive 
#motherhoodlife
I couldn’t go another day without having this sw I couldn’t go another day without having this sweet photo of both my kids and myself on my feed. 

Getting photos with the kids is hard and the majority of the time I’m doing it by myself. 
I rely on my camera, tripod and timer to snap these shots and anyone who knows this method can relate to it taking many shots to get something resembling what your initial idea was. 
Pretty happy to have finally caught this one and not ashamed to admit there was some bribery involved.

Share your tips with getting photos with your kids in the comments! 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#mommyandme
#momswithcameras 
#momswithstyle 
#honestmommin 
#lifewithlittles
Easter is coming up and if your like me; you want Easter is coming up and if your like me; you want to create something (most likely last minute) that your kids will love but doesn’t cost a fortune. Well I am here to say Easter basket’s don’t have to be expensive! 

In fact: you can create a fun Easter basket for your kiddos that is inexpensive (and last minute if that’s your thing). 
Things I grabbed for Avery’s basket this year:
1. Chalk (Target dollar spot)
2. Sunglasses 
3. Water bottle 
4. Bubble wands
5. Socks (because what kid doesn’t love socks)
6. Plastic eggs with candy and coins 
7. Chocolate bunny 
8. Spring outfit 

For inspo on older kid’s Easter Basket ideas, make sure to check out my latest blog post (link in bio). 

That’s it! Quick, easy and the total cost was minimal. 
Bunny pictured from last year because my child does not need anymore stuffed animals.

What fun things do you do for Easter?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#easterbasket 
#easterbasketideas 
#toddlerhood 
#easterbaskets 
#busymomlife
3 years ago, this little one came into this world 3 years ago, this little one came into this world in a whirlwind and has kept us guessing and on our toes ever since. 
She loves reading, hiking, riding her bike, jumping on and off a thing, playing with her siblings and friends and Paw Patrol. 
Happy birthday Avery; life is that much better and just a little crazier with you around and I wouldn’t have it any other way. 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#birthdayvibes 
#toddlermom 
#toddlerstyle 
#threeyearsold 
#mylittleloves
Warmer springtime afternoons spent with this one i Warmer springtime afternoons spent with this one is nothing but pure joy with a little bit of caffeine thrown in to help keep me fueled. 

It is also the perfect time to pair your favorite @dunkin beverage with a snack. With options from Avocado Toast (my favorite), to a Grilled Cheese or Stuffed Croissant (Hayden’s favorite) or even a chocolate glazed donut (Avery’s favorite), there is something for everyone. And until April 27th, you can snag any size Cold Brew for just $3 with your Perks membership in Maine and Vermont. So, make sure to sign up today!!
So a big @dunkin cheers to warmer days, brighter flowers and spending more time outside with a coffee in one hand and a snack in the other. 

What are you looking forward to most about springtime?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#dunkinmaine 
#dunkinpartner 
#dunkin 
#mainemom 
#newengland_igers
I’ve had people ask me how I stay so organized; I’ve had people ask me how I stay so organized; how I manage kid’s schedules, work schedules, graduate school and blogging all at once.

Here’s the truth: I don’t. 

I am the least organized person you will meet. I have calendars everywhere and a planner filled with post it reminders and lists. The fact that we make it places on time, I get my school work done and meet deadlines for myself and brands is a small miracle with a little last minute panic thrown in when I remember something I forgot. 
So today I sat down. Updated my life and organized the next couple months so things feel a little bit calmer. Here’s to hoping this small bit of sanity continues. 

What do you do to keep you and your family organized?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#realmotherhood 
#targethome 
#officedesk 
#organizedliving 
#momstruggles
Follow Me on Instagram
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