C Section from start to finish

[JE1234]

A few threads recently have opened my eyes to a few things I didn't realise would be part of a C Section. I am due to have mine in 2 weeks and wondered if anyone would mind talking me through what happens from when you arrive at hospital to when you are all done and back on a ward? Thanks. Also, does anything happen before the day of the section?

I was given a time to arrive which was great as I needed to sort childcare older ds.
Arrived, details taken, spoke to anaethatist, all good, gown on, in I went.
Radio on in the theatre, lots of smiling faces.
Spinal went in quick & easy, legs numb (strange feeling)
Section started & finished quickly.
Baby gorgeous, skin to skin.
Recovery area for 20 minutes then ward.
Tea and toast with real butter. Hubby with me throughout..

Calm, relaxed, fast, all together a lovely experience.

Day before the section we went out for tea, had an early night, excited.
Pre op is done about a week before, bloods taken, past medical history etc.

On the ward they check your blood pressure and blood loss regularly, help with breast feeding etc.
Feeling comes back to the legs within a few hours so catheter out, up to the loo, shower later, own pjs, visitors, food, drinks and snuggles with gorgeous new born.

Jim- sounds wonderful. Hope mine goes that well!
OP- when are you booked for? I'm booked for Friday 22nd and hoping I last that long!

Thanks all its good to hear other people's experiences. angel I'm booked for 24th. I hope yours goes well.

I read on another thread about an internal clean up that takes place after the c section. Is there anything internal before it? I know about them citing the catheter but is there anything else? Also, do you need to shave the area of the incision? Sorry for the grim questions!

JE1234- you're booked for a Sunday ? I had no idea they did that!

25th, sorry! That's what I get for Mumsnetting at work! It was meant to be 28th but was moved forward.

Aaah- makes sense How many weeks +days will you be?

I shall let you know how mine goes, it a tomorrow!!!
Nothing special is happening today, just like a regular day. I had my pre op on Saturday and the mw said that the catheter will stay for 24 hours, which seems like a long time to me! That didn't mention anything about shaving x

They will insert a pessary up your bottom at some point in theatre but no vaginal inspections other than catheter.

Shaving depends on hospital policy and also how much hair you have. I have had 3 sections in 2 different hospitals and have never been shaved.

Thanks everyone, I know they're silly questions but I just have this odd desire now to just know what is going to happen. I think it's because it's so close and real now. I really appreciate the answers. Amazing, that's fantastic turkeys, I hope it goes well. Enjoy your newborn snuggles

Good luck Turkey!
JE1234- the midwife might shave you before the op. I'm getting a full wax later this week in preparation for mine next week. The hospital said waxing was fine.

Shave at home. I did for my first Csection. For my second (an emergency) they shaved me. With a dry Bic single blade razor - bleugh!!!

Spinal is a little nerve wracking.
Catheter in once you're numb.
Pain killers up the bum after it's all done.
Lots of tugging during the birth - it feels weird and no one can prepare you for it.
Legs 'wake up' - feels like pins n needles then it's time for a walk to the bathroom and a nice warm bath. I found peeing afterwards really difficult as I was still very numb 'down there'. You'll be fine though.

Take it easy after the operation. For at least a couple of weeks. It's a huge trauma for your body and you've got a newborn and you'll be dealing with not much sleep. Eat lots, rest lots, drink lots (to keep your poo soft, as the first poo after a Csection is not your best moment!)

Good luck on the day!!! xxx