AIBU to ask for a handhold while I wait for my c-section…

[TheBerry]

Just at hospital waiting for my section! There were a bunch of emergencies today so it’s been delayed and I’m not even sure it’ll happen today now.

I want to get it over with but I’m also really nervous.

I have autism and I’m so squeamish and don’t always cope with this sort of thing very well.

I had a natural birth with DD a couple years ago, but had a bleed due to retained placenta so a section seemed safer this time. I keep remembering how horrible it was when they were trying to put the cannula in - they had to try about 8 times because my veins kept collapsing. Then for the epidural they had to keep giving me numbing shots because I could feel it every time they tried to put the line into my spine.

I’m just not sure what to expect this time. They’re moving us to the gynae theatre to try to fit us in today and I’m not sure it’ll be fully equipped or have the same staff. I’m meant to have gas and air to keep me calm but I’m not sure I will be able to. I don’t want to start bleeding out again!

It’s now going to be Monday (probably).

There’s been staff sickness and they’ve tried to get bank staff in but haven’t got enough. It’s making me feel more anxious, like there won’t be enough staff or good quality staff.

My colostrum stored in the hospital fridge will also have gone off by Monday.

Thank you everyone for replying so far. Sorry I haven’t directly responded to everyone - I’ve read all the comments and it’s been very helpful.

Sorry to hear it's been delayed OP. I know how frustrating and anxiety inducing it can be

I suppose at least it'll take you over the school year cut off and you'll get an extra year with your precious bubs :)

When I had my elective 6 months ago there were so many people in the theatre I couldn't count them (15 my husband reckons) . You will be taken good care of. Try not to overthink about it afterwards while you are healing. I did a bit, but overall found it a positive experience

Also don't be too freaked out if you can't pee afterwards..it took me until about 14 hours afterwards to be able to (probably due to the anaesthetic)

Awww. Your baby will now be the oldest in the school year. Will be thinking of you tomorrow x

Bless you. Waiting is horrible. You are nearly there though.
The theatre staff will be lovely. I've had two and even with my emergency there was a positive buzz in the room. I had radio 1 on which helped ground me, no time for silly whale music or tinkly "relaxing" tunes.

Still no call. I rang them at midday and they said call back at 3 as if I’ve not heard anything by then it probably won’t be today.

I feel this must be unprecedented?! How can a section be delayed this many times? Like, what’s going on at the hospital? Just makes me feel worried that the hospital must be under so much pressure.

DH rang and spoke to them. I think he was a bit angry.

They said to keep fasting as they’re having a meeting now.

I almost think having the section today wouldn’t even be the best thing now? It’ll be late and won’t all the doctors be tired? End of their shift, I expect. I feel like tomorrow morning would be better. Idek.

Sorry to hear it's being dragged out. Il crossing my fingers for tomorrow.

Aw bless you op that’s tough waiting!
Drs come on and off shifts at all times of day or night. It won’t make a difference.
I’ve had 2 sections, one emergency and one planned. The planned one was over really fast. Just concentrate on doing your deep breathing and keeping as calm as possible.
Good luck and congratulations!! You’re going to meet your baby really soon 🎉🥳🙌👏⭐️⭐️⭐️💛💛💛

We’re going in now. I’m very nervous! Much more so than the first time we went in…

Your baby will be here soon! All the best OP. It is OK we are all thinking of you. Xx

Thank you, I think it will definitely happen today, I’ve been moved into the special ward and just waiting. I keep thinking about the cannula and spinal and then the actual surgery itself and it’s making me feel a bit sick but trying not to dwell on that.

Oh I’m sorry they’ve had you waiting, OP!

Good luck! I’m sure all will be fine and you’ll have your baby in your arms very soon. I’ll be thinking of you!

Went into theatre, I was shaking, had gas and air, they managed to get cannula in (only 2 attempts this time rather than 8 - they decided to go in through elbow vein to make it easier).

Then somebody needed emergency section so I was rushed out again and now back in waiting area 🙃🙃🙃

Good grief. What a carry on. Hang on in there though because you are almost there and your lovely wee newborn will be worth it!

Goodness OP! You are doing so well. Hang in there. You deserve a medal or at least extra tea and toast! I am now nearly as excited for your new arrival as you and your family! Keep us posted OP.

Thank you! Still waiting. I hate the feeling of the cannula in my arm. Whenever I move my arm I can feel it aching. There’s so much swelling around the failed attempt too. I’m just so squeamish about things like that. Not looking forward to the spinal.

No way!!! I’ve literally just come to see if you’ve had your baby yet!
Just breathe, hopefully you’re nearly there. Thinking of you

The idea is worse than the reality. The area is numbed first so you won't feel it. My teeth were chattering and I was shaking too. I was so embarrassed but I couldn't help it. They will all look after you. This is the safest way to deliver a baby.

OP, I had a very similar experience, under resourced hospital, multiple emergencies, made it to theatre to be removed again due to another emergency, it was an absolute nightmare. I remember feeling so sad and scared. I had pre eclampsia, my baby was small and she needed to arrive bang on 37 weeks. The team stayed on to deliver her, I was the last one of the day after many false starts. DC is now 3.amd it's a distant memory. Baby will soon be here, handhold right here.

Little one finally here! Thank you so much everyone for your words of reassurance.

I was an absolute baby for the the cannulation (they had to cannulate again) and the spinal, and not much better during the surgery, so they must have thought I was mental but they were very nice.

Baby is 9lb, which is a pound heavier than last time, and head got stuck last time so I’m glad I had the section this time! Hardly any blood loss as well. Overall much better experience.

Wonderful news @TheBerry . Now take your time to recover and enjoy your new family

Was it a boy or a girl?

Yay! Congratulations! 🎉