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Original poster

Screen lowered at CS?

16 replies

WidowWadman · 11/01/2011 21:15

Was anyone here allowed to have the screen lowered to watch their ELCS?

I've asked the consultant today, and he made a note in my notes and said I need to talk to the surgical team who's actually doing the procedure, as it always be their call, which I guess is a fair point.

I'm just not sure whether my request actually was reasonable/normal or whether I now have a "crazy person, avoid!" sticker somewhere on my file.

If you were allowed to watch, how did you feel during it? I'm just eternally curious and rather see what's happening to me.

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pipsy76 · 11/01/2011 21:39

As I lay on the table they asked me whether I wanted the screen lowered as they got DS2 out and I initially said no way I am really squemishBlush

But then during the procedure I had a sudden change of heart and thought there was no way I wanted to miss the birth of my second child as I'd had no choice with DS1. It was great, not low enough to see any gore just a first glimpse of my beautiful baby, it's still imprinted on my mind today!

Em3978 · 11/01/2011 21:43

I watched everything in the reflection in the light overhead... i don't think they realised, but it was fascinating.
Obviously at that distance there wasn't a lot of detail.

NannyState · 11/01/2011 21:45

I didn't request it, but they did it at my second c-section. Apparently it is 'normal procedure' in some hospitals, now. I didn't really see much, to be honest,just my daughter's head popping up and then she was out. Not gory at all.

Porcelain · 11/01/2011 22:00

My hospital refused my request, both the mw at antenatal appointment and in theatre Sad

phoebebouffet · 11/01/2011 22:03

I asked when they told me I needed an emcs, not a 'crash' emcs it was just due to being stuck at 8-9 cms for so long following induction, and they said no, so it might be different for ELCS.

Chynah · 11/01/2011 22:40

I was asked with first if I wanted it but said no as am very sqeemish. Was quite prepared to say yes at #2s birth but wasn't asked so never did (both ELCS). Think it's fair to ask the team on the day as it is with photos - My first ELCS team were more obliging than my second although I got my hands on #2 immediately whereas with #1 they showed me him and then did checks (about 1 min) before I got cuddling him.

1944girl · 11/01/2011 23:25

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

RachelHRD · 11/01/2011 23:42

I had an emergency section with DS so didn't ask or have it suggested but in retrospect I was really sad that I hadn't asked them to lift him up so I could see him as he came out.
With DD I had an elective section and they must have got fed up with me asking, and then reminding them again and again in case they forgot and I am so glad I did - it was magical to have her lifted up as she was born!!
Had no desire to see the gory bits - the amount of pulling and tugging and bouncing up and down as both of mine were a snug fit made me not want to see any of it!!

StartingAfresh · 11/01/2011 23:56

Oh god, - this one...........

It doesn't come up very often but boy does it get me rattled!

Take a large mirror in your hospital bag and get your dh to hold it up. You'll get a better view anyway.

StartingAfresh · 11/01/2011 23:58

OP, Do you want to watch the baby being born or the whole CS?

Original poster
WidowWadman · 12/01/2011 06:05

I'd like to see the procedure, but would be happy to just see the baby being born if that's all I can get. The consultant suggested screen being lowered, or possibly husband taking pictures, mirrors weren't mentioned, but I didn't think to ask about that option.

OP posts:
helenlouisey · 12/01/2011 11:57

I was asked whether I would like the screen lowered to see my DS being born, I declined. However it was an EMCS and i was very ill with pre-eclampsia, and not feeling great. My husband watched the whole thing. I have to say that it's not something I've ever regretted, however if we were to have another a child I really don't know what I would decide the next time, I think to be honest i would just wait and see what my feelings were on the day.

Good luck, what every you decide

AitchTwoOh · 12/01/2011 12:06

dh said he really didn't want to see, so we didn't. i wish i had over-ruled him, as i didn't get to see dd for hours and she was rushed away from me so quickly. Sad i'm not squeamish, though, and he definitely is.

Zimbah · 12/01/2011 13:21

I had an ELCS with DD1 (breech) and the screen wasn't lowered - I didn't think to ask, I foolishly assumed it would be and was really disappointed. I still regret not seeing her all covered in blood and muck! She was checked, cleaned and wrapped up before I got her. If DC2 ends up being a CS as well (hopefully not) I'll ask them to lower the screen a bit - I don't want to see the baby actually being pulled out of me, but do want to see him/her lifted up fresh from my tummy so I know where it's come from Grin

Lovethesea · 13/01/2011 19:49

I wanted them to but they said it wasn't done in my hospital and I decided it was a small thing compared to my prior traumatic birth so I let it go. I also decided I didn't want to do anything that might distract my surgeon!

As it turned out they masking taped a surgical sheet onto two drip stands to block my view so it would have taken some work to 'lower' it! I was expecting there to be a screen used all the time rather than a DIY job! DS was brought round the sheet straight away and calmed at my voice before they took him to the side for his clean and checks.

Stangirl · 13/01/2011 20:09

I had an ELCS and they askde in theatre but I said no. I will be having another ELCS in July and this time will say yes.

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