What's an elective like? Had an EMCS first time and am experiencing some fear/anxiety about it all

[CakeInMyFace]

I'm only 16+1 but am having quite alot of anxiety about what will be, my second c-section. I had a truly awful labour first time that ended up being an emcs, was separated from my DD for more than 12 hours and they wouldn't let me see her because I was so poorly. DD was in NICU being treated for infection (they don't know whether it was my group b strep, or just the difficulties in labour). She had to be resuscitated, low sugars, wouldn't feed, I had 2 failed epidurals, was on sytocin drip, endless internal exams, you get the picture.

Anyway, the EMCS was really scary, and at times I felt like I was going to die, I was very aware of feeling dizzy and hearing the beep of my heart get slower and slower.

My next birth will be an elective as I just can't go through that again (it's 4 years on now). I'd really love for someone to take me through the process of what it's like having one and what I can expect to feel physically. Even though this is definitely what I want, I'm still terrified as memories of the first one have been flooding back.

Thank you xx

Calm, easy, organised, quiet, controlled and a lovely experience, truly.

Emc first time round with me too, ending in a general anaesthetic after several hours of trauma for both me & my boy.

This time, I knew the date, organised childcare, sauntered in, radio playing in the corner, relaxed staff, relaxed me, calm and very happy atmosphere, dh with me.
Gorgeous baby boy delivered, cleaned up a bit then given to me for snuggles.
Lovely, just Lovely.

Twill be fine, honestly.

Instead of the agony/stress and upset of the hours before it happens you will be sat in the hospital feeling bored (and hungry) waiting for it all to start- that's got to be a good thing!

You won't be separated from your baby for longer than a few minutes whilst they weigh/dress/do a few checks on him/her and your DH (or whoever is accompanying you) can be with the baby during that time if that's what you want.

I didn't find it the totally relaxed/radio on/jolly experience that some people promise so be aware that you might get that you might not- depends on the hospital/personal involved. BUT it was calm, and clinical for me and I didn't feel like I might die/there was any danger at any time.

You describe feeling dizzy etc... I think this kind of thing is much better controlled in an elective. The anaesthetist is right by your head all the time and I just told him I felt a bit sick (when I did) and he adjusted things and I stopped feeling sick. (Quite an achievement- I had HG throughout pregnancy and someone making me stop feeling sick was like magic- glorious magic!)

It will be a better experience! Good luck

I loved mine. Calm, peaceful, baby straight to me and pretty much uninterrupted skin to skin till we got her weighed and dressed in recovery.

Calm and positive. I felt a bit light headed at one point due to nerves but the anaesthetist gave me some oxygen and I felt fine then.

Honestly try not to worry.

My first one was EMCS my second was elective and they couldn't have been more different experiences.

I went in the night before and I was first on the list. It was lovely have time to plan calmly, wash my hair, etc beforehand.

I got to cuddle DD2 straight away and was skin to skin BFing her in recovery.