Elective c section booked- tell me your stories....

[angelpuffs]

I've got a date for my elective c- section when I'll be 38+6. Did anyone go into labour before their c section date? Any advice/dos and donts? I had a ventouse delivery with DD1 so would like to hear people's experiences of the op itself, post natal care and recovery- and anything else you can think of. Thanks in advance!

They booked me in for my due date as an ELCS. I didn't ask for delayed clamping, but they did it as a matter of routine, I heard them saying that they were just waiting for the cord to stop pulsing before cutting the cord.

cloud we can be elcs date buddies! Counting down the days inpatiently

11 hours and counting Til I meet my dd2. Very excited. Have had a section before (EL) and it was brilliant!!! I'm totally excited and not nervous at all. I just wanna be in that theatre right now having the spinal- which btw you cannot feel at all!! People say about having a painful injection in the spine, I didn't even know she had done it, not even a 'scratch' was felt.

Ooooh how exciting-I'm jealous!

I'm massively jealous! But so pleased for you hully! Hope all goes well!

bakedpotato oh yay, nice to have a cs date buddy have you packed your bag? Dh thinks I've packed too much
Good luck today hully! So lovely to read that you've had a great experience!

Oh also I have a slightly stupid question.. Midwife said to shave a week beforehand so there wasn't broken skin in the area (risk of infection).. I didn't ask if we can use hair removal cream rather than shaving and do it closer to the date.. Can we??

I'd just be careful with that-your skin can be a lot more sensitive when pg. I didn't shave/hair remove at all -I think the surgical team did a little bit. One pp on mumsnet recently gave themselves a nasty chemical burn from hair remover while pg-not good at all!!!

Good luck Hully!
Re the shaving, surely if you shaved a week before the hair would have grown back by the time you had your op? I'm getting a full wax the week before mine- mainly so I don't have to deal with ingrown hair during the recovery....

My 'bag' is packed but it's turned into a suitcase! Not really a way to condense it when I'll likely be in for 3 days, that's a lot of maternity pads, black pants, formula and Nappies! Lying here thinking a week today I will hopefully have my baby

Best of luck Hully can't wait to see your birth announcement!
5 days to go for me

I've already been using the veet throughout the pregnancy anyway so burns etc probably wouldn't be a problem.. I thought the same about hair growing back if you shave a week beforehand. Meh!
bakedpotato eek I cant believe it's a week today!!! I could have my baby this time next week too as I'm first on the list (I know it could be delayed) so exciting though.
I have a hold-all for me and small carry-on size suitcase for baby, plus my feeding pillow..I agree it can't be condensed with all the nappies, a blanket, towels, dressing gown.. Dh thinks he can just bring stuff in for me but that would be so much hassle & he's bound to bring the wrong things!

They don't like you to be freshly shaved or waxed before a c section as it increases risk of infection. They used to routinely shave etc but evidence based practise shows that's not necessary. I tend to just keep my public hair trimmed short as that's how I prefer it so will just do that.

Best to check your hospitals policy I guess but in my research that's what I have found, it came up on another thread recently where that info was confirmed as well. I would do what you are most comfortable with but be aware shaving and waxing increases infection risk, open pores I guess? Not sure about hair removal creams.

hully good luck hope you are getting newborn snuggles asap!

It seems all hospitals differ on this as I was asked to shave the night before - and duly did so - only to be annoyed now that my section didn't happen as the regrowth is so itchy and I usually just get waxed Another downside to this kid having decided to flip last minute! I love him really

Even if asked to shave I won't be, a as evidence shows its not best practice and b because I have eczema and hideously sensitive skin and it would be a nightmare.

two when is baby actually due? I saw that they scanned and baby had flipped, fingers crossed all goes smoothly for you and baby puts in an appearance soon. Mentally and emotionally ro be all geared up to meet your baby and have a c section for it then not to happen must be really hard xxx

5madthings He was due on Monday so I'm now 3 days over and getting very impatient!

What can I say. Being from ear to ear. At 10:50 this morning Florence was born. Will fill everyone in on details very do just thought I'd check in. Another ELCS that went incredibly well, no pain at all and nothing for any of you first time EL to be worried about. I'm currently on a ward with natural birthing mothers and EL-CS, put it this way, I feel guilty. What a wonderful day!

Congratulations hully Florence looks scrumptious! Glad all went smoothly for you, enjoy those newborn snuggles :)

two all of the madthings were two weeks or more late, so if I have c section this time it will be odd to have a baby at 40 wks!

Fingers crossed your little one doesn't keep you waiting too long.

Congrats hully! What a gorgeous girl!!

Congrats hully! And 5madthings thank you that makes me feel better!

What a gorgeous little girl! Congratulations Hully!

Congratulations hully

Congratulations!! What a beautiful baby, hopefully you are feeling ok today and can get back home soon with your lovely snuggly little baby

Beautiful pic Hully