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The c-section IS major surgery, so you will need some help the first 2 weeks. Can someone come stay with you? You don't want to overdo it because you can really mess yourself up. I had two c-sections. One went very smoothly and the other had some complications. My first one was due to a breech presentation. I did go for the ECV, but they didn't know she was breech until my 40 week appointment. I didn't have any time to research the ECV because I basically went from my doc's office downstairs to the hospital for the ECV (which was unsuccessful), and then had the c-section that same afternoon. 40 weeks is a bit late to try to turn a baby, and my daughter turned out to be 10 lbs, so it was really a wasted effort. I am not going to sugar coat it --- the ECV hurt like frickin hell! However, I think that at 35 weeks you might have a shot at success turning the baby that way. You are lucky that they detected the breech early. I have never had a 4th degree tear (sounds like total misery though... sorry you had to go thru that!) but from what I hear from friends who have had both ways, a v____al birth is still better than a c-section. About the ECV - can you see if you can have an epidural? I heard about increased success rates for ECV when epidural is administered. My doc gave me an injection to relax my uterus, but it was not an anesthetic.

Well, I don't have anyone that can come and stay. Wish I did. My mom can't leave my dad that long (he had a stroke and is paralyzed/wheelchair bound). My MIL works as well as my sister and SIL. By the time they do my next u/s, I will be 37 weeks. I dont know the success rate for the ECV to work then. I'm a__suming better than 40 weeks. We've actually known for the past few weeks she was breech, just praying that she would turn but hasn't. The 4th degree hurt like heck, but I think I'm more afraid now of the ECV and the c-section. My mid-wife also said the ECV "hurts like hell". She said they give medicine to relax the uterus but nothing for pain (like your case I imagine). My neighbor had one a few years ago and she said the same thing. My theory is she didn't turn for a reason. Let mother nature take it's course. Why do I want to go through that if it doesn't work. Then I think if I don't try would it work. I am scared that I will over do it with a c-section. And I keep reading the "horror" stories on here about c-sections which aren't helping me. I'm absolutely scared to death.

Like Nerdy girls says. You will need someone to come and help you for the first two weeks (Atleast the first week) Maybe if you can have a rotation of family, friends to try and stay a day or two with you. From my experience I wouldn't advise you trying to do it all by yourself. Even if you guys can get a home health aid to help you out during the 1st week that would be good. hope all goes well.

Thank you so much ladies for your responses. Only 5 weeks left and I feel like I'm a wreck now since the c-section was thrown at me. I'm going to try to see if I can do the rotation like tlew said. It is still going to be hard and I know there's no way to cover it all even between all of them. But the more help when I can get it the better. Thank you so much!

I've had three c-sections and dh had to go back to work right away. Everyone else works, so I was on my own from the day after I came home from the hospital- except I had my mom there some evenings after she was done working. I really would have liked to have someone there in the day, as well. But, I didn't have any complications and if I kept up with pain meds. it wasn't too bad. Sometimes I forgot them, though, especially after my third was born and I was too busy, I'd let the pain get really bad and then then the meds. don't work as well. But, I'd say if it does come down to that, try to take it as easy as possible during the day and keep up with your pain meds. I guess you find that if you really have to do it on your own, you find a way...

Hi Lexa, I had my second csection in July and was able to do the basic need to do stuff around the house. Try to stay in the hospital for your full allowed stay. Probably 3 or 4 nights. This will give you more time to heal. I stayed 4 nights and came home to my 14 month old boy and took care of them both with only minimal help. My mom did stop by and my hubby helped when not at work. It wasnt as bad as I thought it would be as I was pretty much in a daze and it sort of went by quickly. I also took medicine home with me which helped take the edge off. good luck to you. Oh- I found a planned csection to be a overal good experiance compared to an emergancy one. It goes slowly and smoothly, no rushing... good luck..

Hi! I am Jessica and 19 years old and I had a gorgeous baby girl last May and I had to have an emergency c-section due to many complications. I was so scared at first but after I had it I wouldn't of done it any different. I had her at 8:17pm and was up the next morning walking and by the time I went home (3 days) I was able to get along by myself. It is not as bad as people make it seem. You will be fine! Good Luck!

I just had a c/s 2 weeks ago, and I stayed in the hospital 4 days 3 nights and when I got home I was able to do most everything I needed to do. I took care of the baby, the pets, showered, even made my own meals when I had too. Just remember to take your pain meds on time!! By one week after, I was doing pretty much everything i always do except of course really heavy stuff! I was driving and I went to the mall by 6 days after. I even shortened my time off from work. Everyone said I would need like 5-6 weeks, (I am a hair stylist), but I am only taking 4 weeks off and that is mostly for my baby, I could have gone back to work at 3 weeks no problem. I hope you get to have your baby the way you want, but for me a c/s was not bad so if you need one I hope you have a good experience too! Good Luck

Hi Lexa-I had an emergency c-section and was very upset, and very scared. I'm glad you at least have time to deal with the idea that you might have one. You definitely are going to need help around the house. In connecticut, where I live, it's state law that a man must get 12 weeks off of work (not necessarily paid, but not losing his job) for paternity leave. See if your state has anything like that. Also, if you have to do work yourself, choose what you must do--take the dog out, eat, etc. but don't bother with cleaning. Try to minimize your work. I overworked myself after my C-section by going to see my son every day for 3 weeks in the NICU at a hospital 45 minutes away. The walk to the NICU was very long. Anyway, I got a urinary tract infection, bled for a long time (too long), got very anemic, and got 2 hematomas, which are TERRIBLE to take care of and take forever to heal. You could also see if you could get a wheelchair, because the less you move, the better. Also see if a visiting nurse is covered by your insurance. Depending on your plan, you might be able to get someone to come to the house for free to at least take the baby off your hands for a half hour while they examine him or her.

Thank you everybody for responding!!! You definitely helped me ease my mind. I feel better (still scared of the c-section though). I'm a huge baby for pain (little late now). Things will work out. I keep picturing myself having the c-section and then going straight home. I guess I'm not thinking I'll have a couple of days in the hospital. Oh sunshine, I will definitely take your advice and not clean (yeay). I'm praying I can handle it as well as you ladies did! I am trying to prepare myself mentally also so hopefully that will help. I'll find out for sure Monday what the "route" of delivery will be. Either way, pain or no pain, it all comes down to a healthy baby:-) Thank you again sooo much!!!

Lexa - my hubby could only get a few days off too. He went to the hosptial with me on the day of the c-section which was sheduled for 8am (we were done by 9am). He stayed with us until noon then went back to work. I stayed in the hosptial for the full 4 days and he went ahead and worked all those days but came up and spent every evening with us at the hospital. That way he could use is 4 day of vacation for when we came home. By the 8th day when he went back to work, I was able to care for myself and the baby. I could even do light house work like dishes and folding laundry. When my hubby got home he would do the things I couldn't do like carry the full laundry baskets, vacuum, and any other lifting that needed to be done. As long as I took my pain meds regularly it really wasn't too bad.