Anybody had two sections?

[upsideyerelephant]

I had an emergency section after a failed induction with my first. I had nightmares and flash backs for months after that induction. It was the most frightening and humiliating experience of my life.

We're TTC our second and after the tunnel of hell that was my first birth, I'm going to have planned section with the second.

Are there any issues associated with doing that? First section was a walk in the park for me as I had GA. Will they do a planned section under GA?

I've had 4 sections. You don't see anything as they will put a sheet up to avoid this. You will have anaesthetist, midwife and your partner by your head so focus on them. An elective section is a calm experience ime. You get the spinal anaesthetic and once that takes effect the procedure starts quickly. Baby is out within minutes - you will feel a tugging sensation but no pain. Once baby is out they might take it to the side to ensure all is well and then bring it to you and your partner. For mine my partner went off with baby and midwife while I was being stitched but you may be able to have them stay. It didn't bother me though. You will be brought to recovery for a while after operation and have your obs and bleeding checked before being brought back to the ward. When you are mid operation just keep chatting to partner to distract yourself. If you feel anyways faint tell the anaesthetist and they can give you more fluids - or something to help. It happened me once but I was grand after a minute or so. Its understandable to be nervous, but after what you went through it will be a much calmer experience for you.

I've had four. My third was slightly complicated as I have scar tissue from the scar being opened so many times, I had to keep the catheter in for 48 hours. I was nervous for my fourth after this, but it was so straightforward. The recovery was slightly more painful for me after each section, but I've had no further complications.

3 here and you won't see a thing.

I’ve had three sections and never seen a thing.

They won’t do a planned section under GA unless it’s really medically required. GA are horrible in general compared to having a spinal and of course getting to hear your baby take his/her first breath or cry :)

I've had 2. Recovery was harder the second time but I was feeling totally fine in about 10 days. You don't see a thing as there is a screen up, you're also a bit high from the lovely drugs they give you so don't worry about that! Lie down, feel some rummaging, someone hands you a baby. Good luck with your decision

I’ve had four one emergency and three elective (due to medical reasons).

My first and second we’re pretty horrendous for various reasons, including a failed induction, but I did hypnobirthing exercises for the last two and they were very calm and quite pleasant experiences.

You can’t see anything and because you’re so numb, the sensations are just a bit weird but nothing to freak out over.

GA carries extra risk and they won’t do it unless clinically indicated.

I had a pretty traumatic EMCS and opted for an ELCS second time round. It honestly was like night and day - calm, relaxed, very little pain afterwards and I was up and about very quickly. My scar looked great, far better than it had before the second section! I was a wreck for months after the first, it was awful. But I couldn't risk the high chance of failed VBAC.

No idea if they'll agree a GA. My friend had two planned sections due to breech babies and both times she just said absolutely no way would she agree to being awake during them. I don't think they argued it much, but each hospital may be different.

I had three. They are easy when you are awake, and you feel nothing. You don't even notice after the baby is out, and getting to that part takes only a few minutes-you'd be surprised how fast.

You physically can't see a thing from the angle, I had the sheet lowered to see dc2 being born and it was a struggle to see even with their help and the sheet down.

They should be willing to do a GA. I had a horrific birth with dc1 (long labour, failed forceps, emcs I hallucinated through. postnatal psychosis etc) and I asked for an elective under GA when I fell pregnant with dc2. They sent me to see a consultant anesthetist who discussed the risks and said it was 100 percent my decision. They put a note in my file and said I could decide and/or change my mind right up until the anesthetic was administered.

As it happened, I went into labour before my planned section date and ended up being talked into trying a spinal on the understanding that the really sweet anesthetist would knock me out the second I started to panic if needed.

Dc2's birth was utterly amazing. I watched (no drape) her come out and I'm totally squeamish but you can't see anything because of the bump. All I saw was dd coming out bit by bit, one shoulder wriggling under my skin as the other emerged from my body just like a butterfly leaving a cocoon.

I found that watching really helped "heal" my issues from the first time because I felt so disassociated from dc1's arrival and had felt he wasn't mine for a long time.