Ask A Nurse
Birth Plans
Birth Stories
Bookstore
Boy or Girl
Cesareans
Chat Room
Complications
Doulas
Educators
Episiotomy
FAQs
Feeding Baby
Fertility
Finding a Class
Health
Interactive
Labor
Message Board
Monitoring
Newborns
Postcards
Postpartum
Pregnancy
Reviews/Awards
Search
VBAC
Week by Week

Ask A Nurse
Questions and Answers

Q. Hello - my name is Kristin and I delivered my second child by c-section on March 17. This was a repeat C-section. I had heard that the body's horomones go a little more "nuts" with a C-section because your body does not have time to prepare, which it normally does during labor. Is this true? My heart rate has slowed way down, and I just do not feel myself at all. I'm a little short of breath, and am ready to cry at the drop of a hat. Is this just normal post-partum? I have been worrying that there's something else wrong with me and I would appreciate any help you could give me. Thank you very much.

A. It does sound like a pretty normal postpartum reaction except for the shortness of breath. Your heartrate has slowed you said, and that would be normal to have a slower rate than when you were pregnant. After the birth of a second child there can be a period of adjustment. It feels very overwhelming to be resposible for another little person sometimes.

If you continue to have breathing difficulties or if other problems develop feel free to contact your Dr. or midwife. You may feel better to know that nothing is wrong and that this rough period will pass.

Cyndi Klausing, RN, ACCE, has been a childbirth educator and breastfeeding counselor for over 18 years. She currently works as a newborn nursery nurse and is the mother of four sons.

Cyndi will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.