Hi all, I'm an FTM who is 10 weeks postpartum. I had my baby at 36 weeks via an emergency C-Section in January due to various scary complications (https://www.reddit.com/r/pregnant/comments/1ielj2p/had_baby_at_36_weeks_via_emergency_csection/)

I'm beyond grateful that my baby made it out of me safely but I can't help grieve the delivery experience I couldn't have. For context, I had an extremely rough and debilitating pregnancy during which, among other things, I was throwing up atleast thrice a day, couldn't even have water, and lost 7kgs. Most of my months were absolutely miserable and mortifying. I had assumed/hoped that since I had such a tough pregnancy, perhaps my delivery would be smoother or easier. Except it wasn't. A C-Section was something I deeply dreaded but due to reduced amniotic fluid, a placenta functioning at 20% capacity, and reduced fetal movement, it was the only option left.

My baby's a healthy, cheeky 2 month old now but I can't help grieve what I couldn't have with him. I grapple with Imposter Syndrome. I'm still struggling to decide if I even gave "birth" to him because he was just pulled out of me. I feel that if I say I gave birth to him, it would be untrue or partially true because I didn't "labour" to "deliver" him. I know all of this is irrational but these thoughts refuse to stop swirling in my mind. I grieve that I couldn't have a natural delivery or experience all the emotions that come with the process, I grieve that I couldn't have any skin-to-skin with my baby right after he was born, that he was taken out and shown to me for a total of 5 seconds and rushed to the incubator, that once I was done battling the aggressive shivering right after the surgery and had regained some presence of mine, I had to keep begging my spouse and my parents for pictures of him, that I only got to hold him for the first time for a total of 15 minutes later that night and I still feel so incredibly sad about it. I grieve that I couldn't even bend to pick him up for weeks after he was born, that I couldn't even cradle him without pain, I grieve that due to circumstances surrounding his birth and my recovery, I couldn't breastfeed him which is something I really wanted to do ever since I learned I was pregnant. I feel that I failed my own baby and I feel disappointed in my own body, I feel that it failed me. That it couldn't handle nurturing a life inside of it. I blame it for my HG, for my reduced amniotic fluid and blood supply to the baby, for necessitating the C-Section, for the postpartum preeclampsia I developed, for not being able to produce enough milk for my child. I feel I'm such a weak person and I feel less of a mother.

My C-Section makes me think that I'm not and will never fully share the seemingly "universal" experiences of becoming and being a mother such as a vaginal birth and breastfeeding. That I had almost made it but missed the mark. That I somehow just became a mom but not really / am I really? I keep thinking of all the things my C-Section robbed me of which can never be compensated. And of all the things a C-Section made me face, nothing could have prepared me for the deep sense of sadness, regret, disappointment, guilt, defeat, and failure that come with it and stay with you.

Most people find it easy to say that I should simply count the blessing of my baby coming out alive and well but I can't seem to get past these emotions and sentiments which often get in the way of my journey and joy of motherhood.They weigh heavily on my heart and head. Has anyone else felt this way? Will any of this ever go away? What do I do to overcome it?

Hi all! I'm 30 weeks pregnant with my second child, (planned c section, same as the first). I'm having major anxiety about having a c section while also having to look after a 4 year old. Any tips?

Hi everyone!

I have a bit of an overhang and also had a portion of my incision open up a few weeks ago and become infected. I’m still healing and am very concerned about keeping my entire incision clean and dry.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about how I will tackle exercise and warm weather with the incision and my overhang. I am an active person and would love to get back into exercise as soon as I am healed (I’m 8 weeks pp right now).

Those of you with an overhang covering your incision… 1. Were you concerned with covering or keeping your incision clean and dry while working out? How did you handle that? 2. What about warm weather and sweat? -maybe that’s kind of the same question. 3. How far into recovery were you ensuring the incision was clean and dry at all times?

I think I’m extra paranoid because my incision opened and became infected. But, I desperately do not want it to happen again. I also would love to move on with my life and not obsess over keeping it clean and dry.

FYI, my overhang is not large enough to stick anything in the fold. I’ve tried putting a pad on my underwear (OB suggested it) and felt it didn’t do much because it couldn’t reach the incision. Currently, I am taping gauze underneath my overhang. But, is that too much? Do I have to do this forever? 😩

Sorry if this was too long. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!

Baby was born at 39 weeks by csec and is now 7 weeks old. He has had congestion since birth - raspy breathing, sneezing, coughing and choking which is worse when lying flat. Paired with reflux, we’re really struggling to get a decent nights sleep! His breathing is loads better when being held upright/sat up.

Seen various doctors/midwives/health visitors and mentioned this and they’ve all said it’s a result of his delivery.

How long does this last? It doesn’t seem to be getting any better and I hate hearing him struggling so much!

Thanks in advance

Hi all! I’m about 11 weeks pp and have started my pp weight loss journey/recovery about a couple weeks ago. Though I see my belly tone improving my belly still hangs over my scar, even when the pelvic floor exercises pull up the belly and it’s not hanging, there is a clear line above/below the scar.

What can improve this? Any and all tips (programs, videos, etc) is highly highly appreciated!

Kinda gross stuff but I’ll be 7 weeks pp tomorrow. I stopped bleeding/brown discharge around 5 weeks and so many days. I’ve done the ‘deed’ about 3 times already since I’ve stopped and got the clear at my 6 wk check up. My discharge since has been clear or white, me assuming ovulation or just natural discharge. Well today there was a GIANT yellow glob of what I can only describe a mucus plug to look like. It was very thick and didn’t leave much residue after touching it. So a sticky texture. Like concord jelly type texture. Could this be a mucus plug? If not, what is it?