Having experienced both a c-section and a VBAC, I can tell you that labor is not only exhausting but also very painful. The two childbirth experiences have been life-changing.
An emergency c-section was the last thing on my mind when I found out I was pregnant. I cried knowing that I couldn’t push my son out into the world, but I never knew I’d be able to do it the second time around.
Recovering From It All
The healing process was a lot smoother with natural birth. Although I did tear during all the pushing, and did need to heal two to three weeks after everything, the second time around was nothing compared to the first.
The pain from my operation meant I needed to hold back from doing certain things. I couldn’t really carry much, except for my newborn.
Everything caused pain, and I had to hold my side to cough, laugh, and even when I needed to use the bathroom.
There was this constant fear that if I made any sudden moments, I’d have to be rushed back to the hospital because I wouldn’t be tore open my incision. Thankfully, that never happened. And I was pretty active during my c- section recovery. Of course, with the help of loved ones. I took Motrin when the pain would get unbearable, but that was two to three times.
And that was the tough part.
Going through the recovery of natural birth was painful because of the tear. But aside from that, it was simple, at least compared to my c-section recovery.
Going to the bathroom made me cry. Urine is acidic, and every time it touched my stitches, it was like someone lit a match. A burning sensation that would last a good two minutes. Thankfully the hospital has given me creams and pain killer sprays to help.
Regardless of how much pain I’ve encountered during both recoveries, I cannot complain about the love I have found in being a mom.
These boys spoil me, and I love it.
How was your childbirth recovery?