post c-section hospital stay? - Page 2

[MaddieMay]

I stayed for four days with DS, but they were watching out for some potential post-op issues (bleeding) so that's probably why. I asked to go home after 48 hours, but my request was denied. I thought about signing out AMA, but I definitely did not want to wind up back in the hospital so I stayed.

I was SO happy to be home in my own bed that first night!

We had a 45 minute drive home and it wasn't comfortable, but I did okay. I made sure to have a big pillow with me and DH made sure not to do any crazy driving.

[Storm Bride]

Originally Posted by BetsyS

I might stay 72 after the fourth. I really like the time to just be with my baby, without entertaining the olders. No laundry, they bring food to me, and it's just a time to relax. BUT...that's because at the hospital, they've basically always just left me and the baby alone. So, ymmv dramatically.

You have a point. If my previous hospital stays had been more like the one I had with dd2, I wouldn't be quite so hospital averse. Apparently, at the local hospital, once you're a mother of four, and/or have gone through a horrible and tragic birth experience (emergency c-section ending in stillbirth), they're willing to actually listen to some of what you say. I'll take what I can get.

I wouldn't wish my previous stays on anybody. I was always sort of surprised my blood pressure was okay, because I lived in a state of constant frustration.

[aikigypsy]

Thanks for all the replies. I think I will be anxious to get home, but I have no real idea what the hospital there is like. I won't be able to go for a tour of the maternity ward until a week or two before the c-section would be scheduled, but I didn't find the hospital at all restful when DD was born, just because of the constant noise and lights. Nursing also seemed easier once we were home and I didn't have people poking and prodding at me so much.

FWIW, the trip home is actually a 1 1/2 hour drive, followed by a wait and 45 minutes on the ferry and another 20 minutes drive, so if it's timed right, we might not have to stop to nurse... not likely, though, if the same trip with DD at 3 weeks old is any indication.

I am going to talk to the OB about my birth plan at the next appointment. My previous birth plan was more or less ignored, but I'll see what I can do at this place. I'd like to have the baby nurse right away, and not be whisked off for anything, but he'll be small compared to DD (born at almost 43 weeks) and I think that given my placenta issues the post-c-section pitocin is going to be necessary.

I'm still hoping that my placenta will clear the way, but trying to be prepared for the c-section, too!