c-section

[Stitch230204]

I had my first child at 27 weeks and she was delivered by emergency c-section. I am now pregnant with my second child and i have been told that i have to have a c-section again because of the type of cut they did and if i was to give birth naturally than my previous cut would just come apart.

I am very nervous i must admit about having this done, as this time i have to be awake. Last time i was asleep and i dont remember anything about it.

Im just wondering if there is any other mums out there who have had a c-section who could offer some advice or words of comfort for the procedure. Even though i know what to expect after the operation, i feel as i am very much in the dark about them taking my baby out etc.

Thank you :)

I had an emergency cs with my first as she was back to back and big and got stuck, and I was awake for it. I was pretty dosed up on the epidural admittedly but I can remember them taking all my jewellery off, spraying my tummy with water to see if I could feel anything and then the baby was out. I've heard it described that you can feel a 'rummaging' around but I don't remember that!

If you're going in for a planned cs it will be a completely different experience. It will all be calm, organised, quiet and serene! You'll lay there quite peacefully while they get to work and you won't be able to feel a thing, and then someone will lift your new baby up and you'll meet him/her as they're born. It will be lovely!

I did manage to have my second naturally as I decided that I just didn't want the recovery period with a toddler already in tow but if you haven't got any choice then it can't be helped. I have to say though that the docs opinion was just 'well we'll keep an eye on your scar' but it was never a problem. Obviously I didn't have a scar like yours though. Dd2 came out after an hour and a half of labour, really quickly and with absolutely no problem so it can be done!

If you search for some old messages on here about cs I'm sure you'll find some better words of wisdom.

Hope it all goes well. Don't worry too much, it's not that bad. Good luck!

I had a ELCS and it was absolutely fine. The staff in the theatre were lovely, they made me feel very relaxed and there was a laid back, almost 'jokey' atmosphere in the room. The nurse held my hand and chatted to me throughout and my partner was by my side. I didn't feel any pain at all - the baby was out fairly quickly (after about 15 mins as far as I remember) and they probably took about 25 mins after that stitching me back up, in which time they were checking the baby, passed her to me etc.

I have heard that elective sections are much easier and more pleasant than emergency ones - good luck - I'm sure you will be absolutely fine.

ds1 and ds3 were both c - sections and I was awake for both of them.

It really was all rather simple with me although ds1 was an emergency so it was a bit of a blur.

They gave me the spinal block, a small injection first to numb the pain of the second. Nether hurt. You get taken into the theatre with dp or birthing partner and have the screen put up so you can't see anything. dp was given the option of which end to stand. He's done both ends now.

Everyone is chatting to you so you don't really know when they make the initial incision. Then they rummage around and it feels like someone has a bean bag on you and they are pressing different bits of it. You certainly feel the rummaging but there isn't any pain just pushing about.

dc gets lifted up above the screen and screams hopefully. both mine were then wiped down and wrapped up then passed to me before going off again to be weighed and have their toes counted etc. Its the stitching up afterwards that takes forever!

ds1 was taken off to the ward as he was 33 weeks and 3lb 7oz (screamed his head off though so no need for scbu) and I had to stay put so I didn't see him for a bit though they did bring him down to me on day 2. we were in there a month! but ds3 stayed with me I think and came with me when I was transferred to the ward, though it was 12 years ago now and the grey matter is thinning.

Good luck, it is very exciting, you get all the emotions with none of the pain - fab!

I have had 2 ELCS and they were both lovely. The atmosphere in theatre was calm and relaxing and the staff were great. Hubby was right by my side throughout and once baby was out (about 5-10 mins) he/she was wrapped in a towel and passed to me where they stayed til we were wheeled to recovery for checks.
I had no pain with either and a great recovery (back out running in 5 weeks) - no problems bf - fed each in the recovery room.

Thank you for your posts :) Sounds silly i know but when no one you know has gone through the same only 'normal' labours i was starting to feel alone. Silly i know as im sure so many mums have to have c-sections. Its also helped me prepare a lil mentally for the operation, i only have 34 days left its getting close :) Thank you again