The evening before ELCS - psyching up and relaxing.

[Gillian1980]

Hi all,

I'm scheduled to go in for an ELCS on Thursday and I said to my DH that I didn't think I'd sleep a wink on Wednesday night.

He suggested I make a plan for Wednesday evening to make it as enjoyable as possible - choose a film, choose a tasty meal etc.

I don't want to go out as I keep getting tearful - a mixture of hormones and being a bit scared of the operation. But I like the idea of a lovely evening in together.

So I was just wondering what others did the evening before their ELCS? How on earth did you stay relaxed? Did you have a special meal etc?

Thanks :)

[MagicAlwaysLeadsToTrouble]

I had no trouble sleeping! Made the most of my last night without a newborn!

I did stay up late to eat a bowl of porridge though as you have to be nil by mouth from midnight and I didn't want to be hungry the next day.

We went out for lunch the day before and just had a relaxing evening at home.

[Raeside]

We went to the pub and I had two large glasses of wine and it helped me sleep very well! Ob/gyn said far too late for alcohol at that relatively low level to do any harm and it was more important I turned up as rested as possible.....I highly recommend it, as do I ELCS. Bloody lovely, they are.

[Gillian1980]

Thanks guys, interesting to hear people's experiences.

I don't think I'll be having any wine - not that I think it would hurt at this stage, but I'm not a drinker even when I'm not pregnant as I'm just not keen on the taste.

I've had horrific insomnia the past few weeks which I think will only be made worse by any nerves or excitement. So not much chance of enjoying a final night of baby-free sleep sadly.

But will definitely make sure I have a good hearty meal to keep me going once I have to stop eating. I'm just hoping I don't end up waiting all day and being hungry - not that there's anything I can do if that's the case!

[OhahIlostmybra]

I just had my second one last week. We went out for an early dinner - me, DH and 4 year old DD. Was lovely. Once she was in bed spent rest of evening drinking loads and loads of water and getting things all organised at home for next few days. Wound down about 11, watched some tv and went to bed at midnight. Actually slept v v soundly despite the fact I hadn't been recently - I think my body knew I needed it!

Good luck. Feels like ages ago but here I am with a newborn!

[andadietcoke]

We went out for dinner. Mexican food. Wasn't the best idea. Even the industrial strength anti-indigestion stuff they give you didn't help. I had to go back to the hospital at 10pm for my second steroid injection as well. Then we went home and I took lots of bump photos!!

[Gillian1980]

Ah yes, I must get DH to take some bump pics!

Thanks for the reminder.

[StoryOfMyLife]

I've had 2 ELCS and both times we've been out for a really nice meal. We've gone to fish restaurants so it's fairly light on the digestion!

Then home for a long soak in the tub (with lots of bump stroking), then the rest of the night on the sofa continually saying,"I can't believe this time tomorrow..."

Try for an early night to get as much sleep as you can. Good luck, it's an amazing experience and I'm jealous (even though I have my 6 week old snuggled on my lap right now!)