C section - what to expect during the actual op?

[Willow4987]

I’m booked to have a c section in 6 weeks but I’m unsure as to what to actually expect during the op itself...

I’m not seeing my midwife or consultant for another 4 weeks so just wondered what others experiences were?

Will I be able to have skin to skin and breastfeed straight away/while being stitched up etc? This is my main concern as I don’t really want the baby taking away from me unless he’s unwell obviously...

[GAW19]

Hey op. My dd is 6 months old and was born at 38 weeks by Csection.
They showed me her straight away, got her cleaned up, came to me to give kisses etc, partner cut cord, got her dressed. He was sent back to room, I got to cuddle her all the way back to room, then had lots of skin to skin and breastfeeding.
Honestly it was so relaxed, all the staff was lovely and the midwife made sure all my wishes were met.
Before we went to surgery we asked midwife if she would take photos etc which she did.
Make sure you discuss everything with her on the day.
Good luck op!

[elliejjtiny]

I didn't get skin to skin. The surgeon cut the cord and passed him to the midwife. Midwife took him over to the trolley thing, weighed him, measured him, put a hat on him, wrapped him in a towel and gave him to dh.

[Peony99]

From very recent experience...

The actual op was so much less horrible than I feared. It wasn't a nice process, but wasn't scary or painful.

As soon as she was out they showed her to me, then took her off to be cleaned up and checked over. This only took a couple of minutes, and DH went with her. I didn't mind not being with her as it was reassuring to hear her cry (odd as that sounds) and I was a bit out of it.

DH gave her to me which was a really special moment, and then we had hours of skin to skin.

[Weathergirl1]

Similar to Peony for me (8 weeks ago yesterday!). Had skin to skin but didn't feed until we were in recovery as DS was a bit dopey in theatre. The worst part for me was having to walk into theatre and seeing the operating table in the middle of the room - I don't like hospitals and medical procedures at the best of times and that was bloody scary, though DH was holding my hand and supported me when they put the spinal in (also up breathing from hypnobirthing really helped keep me calm, so would recommend 👍).

Good luck OP 🤞