Ok so I was like 90% of other pregnant women that said I DO NOT WANT A C-SECTION. This was my biggest fear. I said I would do anything before getting a c-section. Therefore, I did not do any research on c-sections (big mistake). A c-section is always a possibility so I advise everyone to read up about c-sections even if you think that you will not be having one. 

 

My reasoning for needing one is that I was experiencing something called PROM (pre-labor rupture of the membranes). My water broke before I was in actual labor. I had the option to be induced but the way it was described to be did not sound pleasant. After hearing many stories of women going in to be induced, getting put on drugs (pitocin) and being in labor for 12+ hours and then needing a c-section anyway, I made the dreaded choice of doing the c-section.

Here was MY experience: 

• Worst part of the procedure was the spinal tap (I passed out). 
• You will most likely be throwing up for the first day due to the drugs given to you. I could not even keep down water. This will pass pretty soon after the drugs start wearing off. 
• Ask the nurses to show you how to get out of the bed. This was very difficult for me to do because your core is in so much pain and that is essentially the part of your body you use to get up out of bed. They will assist you, ASK FOR THE HELP!
• Recovery is quicker than you would think. Worst part is the first few days and the gas pains. WALK, WALK, WALK. Walking is the best thing you can do to get the gas out and recover quick. I started with short walks up and down the hospital halls and then progressed to laps around the maternity ward (I was in a small hospital). As painful as it is, just get up and do it. Also ask for gas meds!!
• Do not be afraid to ask for pain medication. The downside to this is that it can make it difficult to pass a bowel movement. They might not want to give you the stronger meds due to this, but if you really need it just ask for it. I tried just doing the strong Motrin and it just wasn’t doing it for me.

I personally did feel like I missed out on something by not giving birth naturally – especially that initial bonding with your baby and the feeling of holding them for the first time. I did not get that initial skin to skin and I was so drugged up when I first held him that it did not mean much to me. This still bothers me from time to time, but it does not mean he loves me any less or our bond is less significant.