mands I got this info from another mums website when I knew I was having a section. I found it really useful on what to expect about most things. I had never stayed overnight in hospital or had surgery so it made me feel alot more relaxed/informed about the whole experience.
Quote:
You should be put in a gown for the surgery - one of those lovely backless numbers You will still need your hospital bag though - there is very little difference in requirements as you still need all the PJ's/nightdresses and dressing gowns, slippers, toiletries etc for yourself after the surgery.
You will still need your disposable / comfy knickers and pads as you will still experience the post birth bleeding and after birth pains.
In fact you might need an extra PJ's / supplies as your stay will likely be a bit longer (usually 5 nights).
You will need all the same stuff for baby!!
I did take off my jewellry for the surgery (although on DS I was wearing my contact lenses! Not sure what they will say about engagement ring! I found them quite relaxed about it - but I would defo say it to them in advance of surgery - I think I remember something in my notes where they recorded whether or not jewellry was off.
Can't remember if I had any nail varnish on at the time - I'd say give a quite call to the hospital and see if you can find out - it would be awful to miss out on your mani and pedi just in case they don't want it! It would be a nice treat before Monday!! Planning hair and nail treats next week!!
Surgery wise it is a little un-nerving walking into the theatre but provided you don't need a general aneastetic then your OH will be allowed in (they always look great in scrubs )
The one thing I would say that freaked me out a bit but was nothing was the noise from all the monitors during surgery - heart beat, blood pressure etc. Having obviously watched too many hospital dramas as they operate naturally your blood pressure will drop and will spark off the alarms on the machine a number of times - nothing to worry about but I thought I was toast So just try and tune those machines out - they really should warn you about the noises and what they mean!!
I had a spinal block both times - takes only minutes and once you are numb they get to work quite quickly - baby will be out within 5-10mins. You will feel a bit of tugging and pressure but no pain.
Once baby is out they will show baby to you and take it away to be cleaned and weighed - this is done in the theatre so you will be able to hear baby crying and moaning away You will need to have brought a nappy, vest and baby gro and anything else you want to dress baby in to the theatre and give to the theatre nurse before hand.
Once baby is dressed the baby will be brough to you as they stitch you up - if you are in a position to hold it they will let you but I found with the drips and lying down I didn't feel comfortable so DH was sitting by my head holding baby as I looked at our new little being.
It takes about 20-30mins to sew you back up and you are then brought to recovery. On DD she stayed with me and DH went outside to make phone calls etc but on DS they sent DH out with DS in his arms so not sure what is standard - I would try to keep babs with you as you are put sitting up on trolley in recovery so while still numb from chest down you will be well able to hold a baby. On DS I ended up in recovery longer than expected (just waiting on a bed) and then there was a mix up so I didn't see him for about 45 mins after initial kisses but once reunited he was starving and I started breastfeeding straight away.
On DD I asked should I start breastfeeding in recovery room but they suggesting waiting until they brought me to my bed - which I did.
You will have a cathether for first 12-24 hours and then you will be encouraged to get up and about as soon as you can. In both cases I had surgery Friday afternoon and by Saturday morning was up on my feet.
I did bring arnica with me and take it - not sure how much use it was but no harm Skipping rope for when at home trying to get out of bed but only really useful in my view if you have something to tie it on - one of those frame beds. Best way to get in and out of bed is just to roll on side, hang legs out of bed and then get up to a sitting on side of bed position.
Laughing or coughing can hurt but just hold onto scar...not that it will burst but the pressure will ease pain!
Take all the drugs you can and make sure you leave hospital with either supplies or a prescription for pain relief.
Once home just remember you have had major abdominal surgery so be kind to yourself and just take it easy! Alot of people say no driving for 6 weeks - my obs is a bit more relaxed and said to drive when I felt comfortable doing so and initially keep it to just local driving so on both I was driving after 3 weeks but if it takes 8 weeks then that is what it takes. Unquote!
My mw was useless at giving pain medication and I have a high pain threshold. My consultant went mental as he said the one thing they can really do in medicine is control pain so make sure you get all you can/want/need.
Fwiw Think it is a super idea not to dress twins the same. My best friend has identical twins and never dressed them the same and it has been great for all ESP the girls. My bil has identical twins and dresses them the same. Already at 4 1/2 they are miffed that people confuse them!
Ds napping. Hurrah. Hopefully he will start to feel better.
Xxxx