C-Section VS. natural birth?

I am a woman on my husband's acct. I am 36.5 weeks preg, yesterday I got an ultrasound %26amp; baby is breech. I am freaking out b/c I have a 10 1/2 month old right now, who weighs 28 pounds, and I know that I'm not going to be able to take care of her after a c-section. I also am freaking out b/c of the extra long hospital stay, and the fact that I don't know who is going to watch my other child. I am married, but he can't take more than a few days off due to it being a new job. I know what ppl. are going to say "ask a friend or a family member to help" and the only 1 we have is my mother in law, but she just had a complete hysterectomy a week ago. My question is for the women who've had c-sections, and have other kids. How did you manage after the surgery to care for your other kids? If you've had a nat. birth as well, which was easier to recover from? How long should I expect to be in the hospital, can I breastfeed, and how long until I can lift my other child? THANKS.

C-Section VS. natural birth?
Not only is every woman different, but every birth is different, and every C-section is different. C-sections have come very far in the past few years, and most women have very pleasant experiences, and recover quickly. My wife just had to have a C-section because our son (born February 9) had too big a head for the birth canal. She had no complications, and recovered very quickly from it. I'd still say hope the baby turns around, because you're always taking a chance with surgery.





The good news is that if you do have a C-section, you can schedule it. Try to schedule it for a Friday afternoon or evening. That way, your husband gets that first weekend to be at home, and then can take another couple of days - you'll get to maximize his time at home, while you're still recovering. By the time he goes back to work, you should be able to walk and take care of many of your 10.5-month-old's needs.
Reply:Hi


I have had a natural and 2 c-sections births natural first and followed by the c-sections. Natural birth was so much easier. I stayed in the hospital for 3 days with both c-sections. It took me about 2-3weeks to fully recover from my first c-section and on the second about a week I was back to work. Like you, my husband wasn't able to stay away from work too long , he understood the pain I was in and didn't expect to much out of me. I did what I could even though it may have taken me all day. You probably wont be able to lift your other child for at least about a week, you could probably hold the baby if you are sitting down. You will be able to breastfeed with no problems. Just remember to take it easy and don't try to be supermom like I tried, just makes the healing process for your major surgery that much longer to heal.





Good Luck!
Reply:NATURAL!!!!!!!
Reply:I may not be a woman but my daughters mother had to have a c section because our daughter was breech. She recovered pretty quickly from it I dont remeber it causing her much grief when it came to being active and she was only in the hospital for a couple days afterwards.
Reply:New job or not, your husband should be able to get maternity leave!
Reply:My sister was in your situation, except she had plenty of help after her c-section. You will not be able to lift your daughter for several weeks after a c-section, or you risk tearing the incision (ouch!)





Have the doctors recommended aversion (I think that's how you spell it). They put you in the hospital, and help change the baby's position.





Either way you'll need some help, but after natural child birth you can do it after 1-2 weeks on your own.





God bless!
Reply:my 1st baby was a vag birth, recovery was pretty easy but as you know labor is the hard part. 2nd and 3rd babies were c-sections. when i had my 3rd baby/c-section my kids were 7 and 2 so i did have a little help when hubby returned to work thanks to my oldest. recovery is harder but it didnt have me flat on my back or anything. i was in the hospital for 3 days and i was sore when i got home but i was able to do what i wanted, of cours ei wasnt up doind any deep cleaning but i felt fine to vaccuum (by the way i wanst supposed to be doing that, my after care nurse told me so but i really felt fine enough to do so) you will be fine, make up some dinners and freeze them so they are ready to just re-heat set up a comfy spot on the couch for you get baby gates up so you dont have to chase the older baby around, make sure the living room or whatever room you and the kids are in is completely child proofed so you wont be having to get up and take things from the older baby often. hubby can help get everything ready the night before he goes to work for you, get a big basket to keep dipaers and wipes and phone, remote, anything else you may need and premake bottles and put in fridge for you. if he does all the prep and makes sure everything you will need for the day is at your finger tips you will be fine.


c-sections are harder but if theres no complications im sure you will be able to get through the day without much problem. i know you said mothe rin law just had a surgery herself but if you dont go into labor for 3 more weeks she may atleast be able to come and stay with you and offer atleast a little help. good luck!!!
Reply:Dont start freaking out just yet. With my twins baby b was breech up until the day I delivered when she flipped and I was able to have them both vag. so there is still time.


A vag. birth is going to be the fastest recovery time. They didnt cut through skin, muscles and uterus to get to the baby that way.


In the event you end up with a c-section, just avoid lifting your 1st child. can he/she walk? if yes that should help with getting him/her places, use a stroller so you can avoid carrying him/her so much, perhaps holding the hand and having him/her step onto a step and help getting into the stroller.
Reply:All I can say is that I'll say a prayer for you. Here's what I think I know: After a c-section, you can't drive for at least 2 weeks, you're not supposed to lift more than 8 pounds, and you might be in the hospital from 3-5 days total depending on how you heal and feel. You're right that your MIL can't help you (my MIL had a hysterectomy too and I know she wouldn't be able to help while healing herself). You won't be able to lift your 10 mo old for a little while so you can change his diapers on the floor instead of lifting him up. I know a few people who had c-sections and recovered quickly (I had natural). You can still breastfeed which will actually help your uterus contract faster which should help. You might want to ask a neighbor (adult or even a teenager) to help you or find out about a mother's helper to come and help you. Good luck!
Reply:I had a natually birth with my first son at 19, he was 10 lbs and had a c-section with my daughter, she was breech but at 39 weeks she actually flipped but ended having a section cause of not dialating over 2. I would pick the natural birth over the c-section anyday, my bf only got one week off off work and i had a newborn and my 4 year old son. It was hard but it got better , with lil help from my family. You will be in the hospital for 4 days, on the lastday they will take out your staples. Yes you can still breastfeed. I would aviod lifting your child for atleast 3 weeks or longer. Sitting on the couch and let your child come to you is easier. Rest as much as you can a in the hospital ! And don't worry too much your baby can still turn! Good Luck to you!
Reply:I had a c-section with twins %26amp; I was in the hospital about 3 days- I was fine when I came home- at the time my son was 2 1/2 %26amp; I still take care of him- you just do what you have to do -


good luck!
Reply:I would highly recommend that you get someone to come and stay with you if you have to have a c-section. I had a c-section and I was in so much pain the first couple of days that I could barely lift my newborn. There is no way I could lift a toddler. Not trying to scare you, just sharing my expericence. If you can;t find a friend or family member who can come then look into hiring a nurse for a few days. I wish you the best of luck and congrats!
Reply:Its obviously easier to recover from a natural birth than a c-section, the only thing I can suggest to to temporarily hire someone to come in and help with the other baby, MIL is obviously out, and so is hubby...
Reply:I am only 14 so obviously i have never had a baby myself but i think that unless ABSOLUTELY necessary you should always go with natural birth . C sections leave huge scars and you can only ever have two c sections because the first time they cut you one way then the next time they cut you the other way then that's it you have a big x shaped scar . so if it is possible go with the natural birth.