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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to feel very apprehensive about tomorrow’s elective C-section

81 replies

chillidoritto · 21/03/2021 19:06

Currently have DD (10) DS1 (4) and DS2 (2) all of whom were straightforward natural deliveries and both boys were born at home.

I am due to have my twins by elective C-section tomorrow and I am petrified. One of the twins is breech and also due to my age I was persuaded that it was safer all round to have an elective.

I am scared of the operation but also the length of time I will be in hospital with no visitors and unable to see my other children.

Any positive stories would be gratefully listened to!!

OP posts:
Oneweekleft · 21/03/2021 22:20

Ive had 3 c sections. 2 planned. It is nerve wracking i think you'll be fine. Mine were overall positive experiences. Had a general anaesthetic the last two as well but that was fine too. Good luck !

Quit4me · 21/03/2021 22:20

I was in exactly the same situation as you- twins and one breech.
It was all very straight forward and calm. I focused on seeing the babies and listening for their cries.
Is your partner able to stay with you afterwards in the hospital or is he looking after your other children?
I stayed 3 nights - they said I could leave after 2 but I didn’t feel ready as was breastfeeding and also quite sore still.
Good luck- not long now, and this crazy twin pregnancy will be over, you will have your lungs back and not be out of breath all the time! You can stretch out on your back and after the wound has healed, you will be able to walk unhindered.
You are about to start the most amazing journey with twins. It’s different to singletons and many amazing moment.

EnglishRain · 21/03/2021 22:20

I had an elective section in July, it was amazing! Calm, serene, felt very safe. Recovery was good too, I would have another one tomorrow. I didn't like the cold spray they use to see how far up you are numb, that was probably the worst bit for me, tickly cold, makes me shudder remembering it. I didn't even feel any tugging in my belly that I remember. Some women say it's like someone doing the washing up in your belly but I don't remember feeling anything at all.

Tomorrow will be a special day x

Norwaydidnthappen · 21/03/2021 22:30

I have had two elective c-sections now and both were absolutely fine. I was terrified before both of them but they went without any hitch at all, much calmer than my vaginal deliveries.

You will be absolutely fine, I promise. Good luck and enjoy your beautiful twins Smile.

alphabetQ · 21/03/2021 23:28

I had an ELCS with my twins last year and it was an amazing, positive experience—the atmosphere in the theatre was so relaxed and cheerful.

By late afternoon I was up and walking about with no problems, stayed that night and we all went home at lunchtime the next day.

Recovery was really straightforward too—never needed more than an ibuprofen and not even that after 2 days. I stuck to the guidelines about not lifting anything heavy etc, but I did feel as though I could have carried on like normal really. Much better than I felt when pregnant! Honestly I'd do it again any day.

Good luck. I'll be thinking of you!

Summerdayshaze · 21/03/2021 23:31

I absolutely loved my elective section. Such a calm, happy experience. And I was healing up and back on my feet so much faster than my emergency section.

I’m sure it will be absolutely fine and lovely. Wishing you a safe delivery. Xx

adrien · 21/03/2021 23:38

@CycleWoman in my c section I will also be alone as Dh minding dd. Can I ask, when the baby comes out, if no-one else is there then do the midwives put the baby down in the crib like how does it work?

I am looking forward to a day and night alone though haha!

summerisler · 21/03/2021 23:44

You’ll be absolutely fine OP, you’ll see. I had my second baby by c-section in the summer last year due to growth concerns. My first baby was born after 30+ hours of labour so this was a blessed relief and such a calm, lovely, positive experience. I was first on the list so went to bed nice and early the night before (I was already in hospital) and woke up early to listen to some music and call my husband and mum. Staff were incredibly calm and kind. I stayed in for 4 days after just due to the effects of some of the pain relief after (morphine does not agree with me!) but recovered well at home.

CycleWoman · 22/03/2021 06:38

@adrien

They placed my baby directly on my chest for skin to skin. Mine was there for ages and then they took hold of him while they transferred me back to the ward. Once we were back they put him back on my chest.

Good luck x

BriarsHollow · 22/03/2021 08:40

Mine was put straight on my chest, all slimy, they did delayed cord clamping, then the midwife took him for weighing on the Resuscitaire and a bit of a rub down, and then he came back to me all wrapped up in a fluffy towel with his new hat on, though I expect they’d be happy to facilitate skin to skin then. You hold him and are wheeled back to the ward/room. Smile

Original poster
chillidoritto · 22/03/2021 18:10

Thank you so much for all your lovely comments. I was v nervous and the epidural made me shake really badly. However there was no pain, just pressure and I must say that I’m not in any real pain now.

Anyway the happy news is that I have 2 healthy babies. Both boys. 5 lb 6 and 6 lb 1!!

So I now have DD (10) followed by 4 boys all under the age of 5!!!!

OP posts:
MommytoA · 22/03/2021 18:24

Congratulations OP how lovely!!! Rest up and all the best x

dotoallasyouwouldbedoneby · 22/03/2021 18:27

Congratulations Flowers and good luck with your brood.

110APiccadilly · 22/03/2021 18:27

Congratulations!

Flyonawalk · 22/03/2021 18:43

What a wonderful update OP! Many congratulations.

TabithaTeacake · 22/03/2021 18:52

Congratulations 👣 👣

DownWhichOfLate · 22/03/2021 19:01

That’s fantastic! Congratulations! Do you have names for them yet?

TheRabbitOfCaerbannog · 22/03/2021 19:05

Congratulations OP, lovely news! 💐

millymoo1202 · 22/03/2021 19:07

Hopefully by now you’ll have 2 lovely babies! I’ve had an emergency and an elective absolutely no comparison, elective was a breeze. X

professionalnomad · 22/03/2021 19:52

I had mine last week.
First time mum as well.

It was absolutely fine and I feel I'm 90% healed already. You are uncomfortable for the first few days but nothing the painkillers can't handle.

It will be okay - and congratulations!

user1471604848 · 22/03/2021 23:09

I had a c- section last year with my twins.
I was utterly PETRIFIED before it. During my whole pregnancy was terrified to even think of the c-section.

But it was fine. Actually a lovely peaceful magical experience. I'd have no problem having a second one.

The operation was completely painless and calm. Didn't feel a thing. Was lovely to see them holding up the babies.
The next day I took it easy and didn't lift anything heavy.
By day 3, I was back to normal. Going up and down the corridors pushing the babies in their trolly. No pain at all (since I kept on top of the painkillers).
Day 4, was completely back to normal - going up and down stairs etc. I was alone at home with two babies once I left hospital, and that was fine.

My mum (who is a nurse) reminded me that it's different to any other surgery - you're not going into it ill, so your recovery is much quicker.

Best of luck with your new twins. X

user1471604848 · 22/03/2021 23:14

Just remembered, I had a bit of nausea after the operation. But that was the only slight negative. Apart from that, it was a breeze.

Powerplant · 22/03/2021 23:17

Congratulations what lovely news💐💐

montysma1 · 23/03/2021 00:47

I was scheduled for a c section for twins at 34 weeks and ended up with an emergency section at 32 weeks.

Having never had a natural birth, I have nothing to compare it to.
But I have to say, given that it was an emergency, it really was the most calm and civilised thing!

In and out of theatre in an hour, home after 3 days. Again I can't compare but I was relatively dapper. It was uncomfortable but I was able to get about as well as the mums non section mums, who looked to be in atvleast as much pain as me.
I ran a half marathon 6 weeks after which was probably insane, but I felt fine.
All in all I have nothing negative to say about it.

Bythemillpond · 23/03/2021 00:58

I have had an elected CS and it was really very calm.
Stayed 48 hours in hospital.