To not know what to do? Norovirus, newborn baby and c section

You don't want to risk norovirus if you can help it, someone gave it to my first at 8 weeks old, he was fine after a few days but, of course, I caught it off him and then my milk supply went down as I was dehydrated just as he felt better and wanted more milk🥴 not good and should imagine far worse if you just had c-section. I'm sure the midwives will be extra supportive if you are on your own......to be honest I think I would have preferred to be without my husband a lot of the time😂 I've had three!

No mum friend you could ask? I would happily help someone in a situation like this. a childminder in your area that could take her for the morning? Anyone in your DH’s family?

Your toddler will be fine for a couple of hours. But it would be very sad for DH to miss.

Echoing other posters to say I have had 3 sections. 1 emergency, 2 planned for medical reasons. An elective section is all very calm and gentle and you can't feel pain. I was so calm for my third we just dropped my older two kids at primary school on the way to the hospital that morning like nothing was happening. If you have any questions about what happens please ask them. I think more informed always means calmer.

I can't imagine much worse than norovirus with a c section wound. The pressure on the wound and having to run to the loo would be horrendous.

I don't know if you have a section for your first birth, but if not (or if it was emergency) then let me reassure you that it was honestly a very positive experience. All very chilled. Really wishing you best of luck 🌻

could you ask a neighbour? A mum friend? A babysitter from a reputable agency? A distant cousin? It would be so sad for your DH to miss the birth and for you to be alone.

Hi OP, sorry you've got this stress on top of everything! Echoing what others have said in that noro is a big no no, it's not worth the risk.

In terms of the section, I was TERRIFIED of having one. Had the most straight forward pregnancy known to man, and ended up in an ambulance after a big bleed and had to have an emergency section due to placental abruption.

For me, the worst part about it was the going down to theatre. I got myself in a right state and I was so so scared of the epidural and everything, but it was nowhere near what I had bigged up in my head, I promise ♥️. In terms of recovery, keep on top of the painkillers and try and rest as much as possible (which sounds crazy with a newborn and a toddler and Christmas, but throw noro in too...).

Sending you lots of love and good wishes for Tuesday x

I would have DH look after DC1. Tbh with my second I could have happily had the c section on my own, was chatting to the staff and felt more confident after.

I think I'd go it alone too OP.
I'm so sorry you're stressed. Do be honest with the hospital tho about the circumstances & how you're feeling. I'm sure they'll be lovely with you.

If chatting you through a section in more detail would help in advance feel free to message me I'm happy to answer any qs, but honestly it'll be fine, I love being allocated the elective list

During the c section you feel any pain, all the doctors are always so kind and will talk to you through it all, knowing you don't have your husband with you they'll probably have extra support for you, the health of you and baby is so important xx

The other option could be that they look after toddler longer so toddler is free from nuro before they come home xx

Could you pay someone who works at the nursery to do wrap around care for you? Drop them off at their house early in the morning, then they take your child home after work with them and your husband picks them up at an agreed time. They could then do the same the next day.
Or, do you have a child minder in the area who could do the wrap around care for you and drop off and pick up from nursery for you?

theres lots of companies out there too who provide one-off nanny professionals, they could be at your home for the day?

I made this officially for an autism charity but its identical for all

I don’t think you’re being over cautious, no. It’s so contagious and they won’t be clear of the 48 hours and even then it can still be contagious. You really don’t want to catch it after a c section and you don’t want your newborn to catch it. Giving birth without your DH is a horrible thought but loads do it alone and you will have the hospital staff to help you.

If you're near Surrey I'd happily toddler sit (or booked at redhill or Kings happy to be a birthing partner - the midwifes take the mic out of how many pics I take for the photoshoots I do for parents during their sections

I wouldn’t risk it, new babies are so vulnerable and precious.

I think you will have to have baby without DH.

OP, I am massively health anxious and my section was fine. No complications, very manageable recovery. I did better than most of my friends who had vaginal births, though I think our NCT group may just have been very unlucky!

Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth take deep breaths!
Couldn't first family member who is over have dc ? xx

Could the original family member who had the virus come and look after your DD in your home for a five ir six hours while you have your c-section. If they wear a mask and wash their hands regularly, it would minimise any risk.

Honestly as an obs anaesthetist although not ideal a lot of people have sections alone for childcare. We still make it a lovely experience, I often prefer not to have the dad there as can be a bit dramatic/ faint etc. We wl chat to you throughout we have speakers for your own music to play we can take you lots of pics etc

I'd not want anyone with noro in contact till at least the 48h symptom free. Its awful at the best of times but could be really risky if you end up puking loads with a new csection scar. Is there any nursery mates toddler could go with for half a day?