C-Section imminent...HELP!!!!!!

[Harry2007]

Hello everyone

I've been told this week that due to severe SPD, I will be having a CS at 38 weeks (or sooner if the pain gets worse). The problem is that although over the last couple of days I've got used to the idea of having a CS, I haven't really given much thought to the practicalities.

What actually happens beforehand, during and after? Are there any tips I should be aware of? Do I need to take anything extra into hospital with me?

The more I think about it, the more nervous I'm getting so you help would be very much appreciated.

Thanks

Sorry no offense was meant to student nurses, just the ones with an evil glint in their eye armed with a blunt dry bic.

On the subject of granny pants granny nighties are more suitable too, especially if you don't have a private room, getting out of bed without having your winnie the pooh nightie wedged up your arse is practiced art. You might want a bit more length than your normal novelty ones and not too see thorugh is helpful too, the urge to regain you dignaty does return especially when you are bursting at visiting time and every bed has 4 visitors around it.

I also suggest packing a sense of humour (vital when the drugs start to wear off) and a bolshy take to prisoners attitude, don't be worried about buzzing to get someone to draw your curtain round or help you out of bed etc.

Thanks for the advice everyone!

Not too worried about the itching from the morphine as I am taking it now to deal with the SPD pain along with the occasional dose of pethidine - my thighs now have craters in them from all the needles. Not too keen on the catheter idea though! I know it's probably the last thing I'll worry about when the baby arrives though!

Sorry, but forgot to ask whether I can use nice smellies in the bath after the CS - will they aggravate the scar? Also, what creams/lotions can I use on the actual scar, if anything?

there is no reason I can think of why you can't use nice smellies. I took sanctuary body wash with me (although I didn't know I was having a section) the nice smell made me feel much better and it didn't bother the scar at all. I also found Jackson Reece baby wipes invaluable as no-one would let me shower before the section after a hot sleepless night of stress on the ward or help me wash afterwards. The iodine made me itch and i was uncomfortable and frankly couldn't stand the smell of myself. My DP helped to scrub me down with the baby wipes and the lavendar smell was really soothing and helped me feel more human before I was allowed to go to special care to see DS.

as I said - only used to bathe scar in warm water and tea tree oil - helped wound heal very nicely. Did not use any creams etc. Showering used an organic showergel.

ANother one for the granny nightie - easier than pjs I found... have a big old cotton one - easy to unbutton front to feed and long enough to slide out of bed without exposing all to the ward, easy to lift up to go to the loo rather than worrying about getting pj bottoms down iyswim.

Catheter - I never realised it was there with either one. Also easy to have a nightie with a catheter.