ittybittybit

I recently found out during the (c-section) birth of my daughter that my uterus has a rudimentary right horn. This meant that only the left horn developed and my daughter didn’t have room to turn and so was breech. Mine was an emergency c-section since I did go into preterm labor at 36 weeks and the doctors were unable to detect the situation beforehand. I’m glad yours is planned—I think that will help the experience be less traumatic than mine. Good luck, fellow weird uterus person!

I think it’s basically a unicornate with a small underdeveloped horn.

Yes! The doctor doing my surgery stopped in the middle to have a picture of my insides taken :p

Advice:

Try to have someone with you during the entire surgery. Most likely your partner will go with the baby once he or she is out so see if a doctor or nurse will stay with you and talk to you. My anesthesiologist stayed with me after my husband left and it was a good thing because I felt like I was barely holding on to reality with all the drugs. You may not feel that way as we’re all affected differently, but it would be good to have someone there to reassure you that things are going well.

I guess it depends on what medicines they give you, but I was pretty out of it even a few hours after recovery. I have patchy memories of coming back to my room and going through the birth certificate process. I would suggest having someone record any experiences you want to remember during that time.

Prepare for some serious pain and limitations as you recover, especially once you stop taking the pain meds they give you. It’s hard as a new mom but really try to take it easy and don’t feel bad about asking for help. That would be another thing: get as much help from family or friends as you can. You’ve had major surgery and your body needs time and rest to heal. Don’t try to do everything on your own.

You might not feel immediately bonded with your baby. Whether that’s because you miss out in the flood or hormones that occur with a vagina delivery or because of the trauma of the experience, I don’t know, but I felt this way and I’ve read that it’s pretty common with c sections. It might take a couple of weeks (or fewer or maybe you’ll feel it instantly!) but you will fall in love with your little one so don’t feel like you’ve done something wrong or you’re a bad mom.

Last thing, do not sneeze, cough, or laugh for at least four weeks after your surgery ;)

I do think you will have a better experience than I did because you can prepare beforehand. Try to go into it as positively as you can. Wishing you a happy and healthy baby and speedy recovery!

(Apologies for the book I just wrote...)

Isn't possible that lurkers created accounts to participate in the discussion? (Just a possibility, don't hurt me!)

I think it’s a gloved hand?