Elective Cesarean Nerves

[CEL91]

Hi all,
I've chosen to have an elective section this time round. I'm so nervous about the whole procedure, can anyone talk me through how it feels etc.
I had an emergency section last time round under GA after failed induction.
I feel wierd being awake this time, just need some honest feedback of what to expect.

Hey

When i had my two i was nervous the first time

All the staff were lovely, very reassuring. I had the epidural and felt Nothing pain wise, i was trying to concentrate on the feelings i was getting, sort of a rummaging not painful at all

I did feel them take the baby out but i think that was because i was really concentrating, so much so that I obviously had a weird expression on my face because they were worried i was upset

Mine was very calm and quick! The worst part for me was thr Apprehension of the spinal, but it genuinely isnt that bad.
They numb you up, check everything is numb and then through to theatre.
They put a screen up, blood pressure cuff and monitors on you.
Then they start and all that you can feel is slight movement sensation from them delivering your baby. From first incision to my baby being born was 3 minutes, and that wasn't an emergency or anything.
Then when babies born they are lifted up to show you then taken over to be wrapped and snuggled back in your arms.
You will have no idea of anything that happens after baby is delivered ( placenta delivered, stitched up) as you will be too mesmerized with your new bundle!

I found having an elective a breeze. Completely different experience to an emergency section.

What sniffy said

My second was ELCS after a fairly traumatic EMCS the first time.
It was lovely and calm (a lot of waiting around in the morning for a slot though!) and actually relaxed. The spinal makes you sort of feel nothing from below your boobs BUT during the op it feels like someone is doing the washing up in your abdomen - that’s the only way to describe it. I felt a lot of pulling and pressure, it was kind of nice as I got to experience the feelings really. Of course it doesn’t hurt at all just feels weird!
Baby is out within a few minutes, you can hold baby for a few mins if you want, then your partner takes baby to recover while you’re stitched up (that’s the bit that takes longer).
While you’re on the table the anaesthetist will be standing at your head checking all your stats.
After a few hours in recovery it’s up to the ward, usually the following morning you’ll be up and about.

Takes baby to recovery* (to wait for you!)

definitely a positive and calm experience! I am needle phobic so if you have any concerns let them know in advance and they'll take good care of you. You'll be kept well informed of what's going on if you are interested and be well distracted if you're not. Good luck!

Oh gosh yes good luck!

I was in exactly the same situation as you, albeit nearly 14 years ago! Being awake was fine and I felt more in control of the situation than when I had an emergency section under ga.
Saw dd as soon as she was out and then she was whisked off with dh and I was stitched up. Recovery was fine, up and about the following day and so much better than the previous time.
Good luck. Trust me, this experience will be so much better!

I mentioned my anxieties in my birth plan. Both the anaesthetist and surgeon discussed it with me before surgery and how it might impact certain decisions, eg exactly when and how far I wanted them to lower the drapes.

For all I know they do this for everyone, but the anaesthetist gave me something that made me feel more calm and relaxed than I have in years (I remember everything and DC was born v alert and active). It was a lovely way to meet my baby.

I loved my c-section. I felt like I was in a manufacturing plant. Everyone was so efficient and there are lots of people focused on their individual jobs.

My dd came out bottom first and got a little stuck so they needed to widen the incision I think. instead of getting to see her straight away she was taken to the side for a minute or so to rub her back to help her breathe. Then she was popped on my chest (more neck really!) while I was stitched up.

I don't feel like I missed out by not having a vaginal birth. It was still a wonderful moment.

I virtually crawled off the table to get to dd

I did have a moment of panic when I couldnt see his willy...then i realised it was a girl

My elective section was fine. The staff were lovely - I particularly remember the anaesthetist as being very kind. I found the spinal block nerve wracking, but at least that's done first. It was all quite chatty and friendly. The babies (twins) were out pretty quickly - as someone else has said the stitching up is the time consuming bit. One of them didn't cry at first, which alarmed us, but it was because she was asleep! It felt strange but not painful. I held both babies straightaway and DH and one of the nurses held them while I got sewn up afterwards. It was all better than I expected. I hope things go well for you - the people I know who've had both all say that an elective is very much easier than an emergency section.