ELCS without a birth partner

[Mexicantortilla]

I'm booked for ELSC next Thursday if I don't go into labour, DH is very squeamish so won't be coming in with me, I don't mind this as he would definitely pass out. My only concern is having the spinal block put in but I know birth partner wouldn't be present when this goes in anyway, I am so scared as I had a horrible ELCS last time. Don't know what to do

The spinal block is fine and there are lots of people in the room, so at least one of them will be able to stand with you while they put it in and talk you through it.

My DH was with me the whole time so it isn't necessarily true that your birthing partner wouldn't be there for that bit.

Is there anyone else who could go in with you?

What was the problem last time?

I had CS at 38 weeks, fasted from night before, got to hospital for 07.30, kept getting op put back due to emergencies eventually got to theatre at 17.00 had no water to drink nothing, was bloody starving. Had spinal which shot straight down my leg, DD delivered and and was slow to respond so they took her straight to special care, I had a brief look at her that was all, they said her blood sugars were low, she wasn't weighed so I never knew her birth weight. I was taken back to ward, DH went to see DD and brought me back a photo, eventually got a sarnie and a drink at 10pm, then threw up on flipping photo, cleaned it off but print had run, MW asked if baby had birth marks when looking at photo! I kept asking about DD but got no info other than what do I want to feed her on, I told them I would BF, they said she had to have formula but would give it from a medicine pot so she didn't get a bottle, I asked about a breast pump but didn't get one. Next morning I got out of bed took control and said I would go find my DD, they told me I couldn't walk, I managed to stop short of telling them to fuck off as I'd have walked anywhere at that point, eventually went to see her and she was fine, staff in special care let me feed her and take her back with me.

I hate being out of control and someone else making choices for me.
I think I'm scared.

Poor you that sounds awful is there anyone else who can accompany you for the caesarian? Does you dh realise you're worried?

Poor you, Mexican

Your dh does understand that he doesn't have to actually look at anything to do with the CS? He can remain at head-level with you, where the screen blocks your vision.

Does he also realise how scared you're feeling and that you need his support?

[flowers} Mexican. I can understand why you are worried?

Given you'll be behind a screen how bad is your DH's squeamishness? I mean you both have aspects of this that you don't like, in case case being squeamish and in yours your shocking experience last time. But you can't just leave the room for someone else to do it, so you're cracking on. Can he not, for you?

I think just going nar the theatre doors would make him pass out, he once needed an ambulance from the dentist!! He really does have a phobia.

I will just get on with it, I've had a few days to think and thought of nothing else, at least baby will be term, which I hope will reduce any problems for him, I guess I'm just scared of having to go through it all, the spinal block etc, I'm petrified of something going wrong.

Tell them about it at your Pre-Op, if you can. I told staff how nervous I was in theatre and one of the anaesthetists held my hand, bless him. I'll never forget that. If you make them aware of the situation, you're giving them a chance to prepare and take extra good care of you x

Remember that most ELCSs do go well. You had a horrible experience last time: hopefully this will be a lovely, calm birth where your baby gets a cuddle from you straight away.

Good luck