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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

Original poster

Planned C Section

52 replies

Eslteacher06 · 09/05/2019 20:15

I've just been told I have to have a planned c section because of a low lying placenta. I'm devastated. I've had one thing after the other happen since March (two hard falls on my stomach, UTI, thrush, thrombosed piles twice where I can't walk/lie down/sit/sleep without a hot poker up my ass) and this is yet another thing on top of it all.

There is a lot I should be grateful for, I know but this has really knocked me. It's like the final straw. After all these issues, I'm worried I won't love my baby the way I should. I'm worried I can't breastfeed because of the pain. I'm worried I won't be able to cope.

What can I do to make this section less clinical and more natural?

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coffeefee · 10/05/2019 19:48

This is really interesting- am following with interest! I'm having a planned after 2 horrific natural births.

I've heard it's 39 weeks they do an Elective- is this true? I was late with my first two - will they take this into account?

Original poster
Eslteacher06 · 10/05/2019 19:53

@Coffeefee

How far are you? For my situation, they do it at 39 weeks. My friend who couldn't give birth naturally was the same.

I have a friend who was planning on an elective c section and decided herself when she wanted it (at first 39 weeks, then pushed it back to 42 weeks - she ended up giving birth naturally). If you have no medical reason to have it (horrific births are a very good reason why you would!), then I'm pretty sure you can decide when.

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Bobfossil2 · 10/05/2019 19:55

Mm I can’t remember. Definitely regularly for a week and probably less regularly for a fortnight maybe? I don’t think you’re meant to breastfeed and take codeine but you might want to check that yourself just in case.

coffeefee · 10/05/2019 20:03

@Eslteacher06 I'm 32 weeks tomorrow :)

I've got an appointment at 36 weeks to sign forms? My consultant said no worries at all for previous 3rd and 2nd degree tears! My fear becoming incontitnent!

Littleguggi · 10/05/2019 20:04

I'm having a planned section too at 39 weeks and 2 days. Nervous but reading these posts are reasurring. I've known since day one it would be a section so I guess I'm mentally prepared (as much as you can be!)

Bobfossil2 · 10/05/2019 20:05

I have to say though, I had emcs after a very very long induction and labour. It’s not the same kettle of fish as a planned section. My friend recently had one and was feeling better a lot faster than me.

bluechameleon · 10/05/2019 20:11

One thing I wish I'd done is prepare DS1 a bit more for what it would be like visiting me - he was upset by the cannulas, and I'm not sure he knew I was going to be in bed and not able to get up.

FoxtrotSkarloey · 10/05/2019 20:13

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ.

Original poster
Eslteacher06 · 10/05/2019 21:21

@coffeefee urgh...I don't like consultants like that. "Yeah of course you'll be fine nearly ripping in two", clearly not understanding the mental scars from dealing with it!

I was begging for pain relief for the piles as I couldn't walk and she just kept saying paracetamol (went to emergency doc who gave me the strongest co codamol). 🙄

@bluecharmelon how would you prepare DC? I was wondering about this as my DD will want to get on the bed.

The doctor said I'd need to have some machine to suck up the blood, clean it and transfuse it back in...has anyone had that?

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pancakes22 · 10/05/2019 22:08

Can I ask, when you have the drape lowered, how much can you see? I think it may freak me out if I start to see hospital operation stuff and even worse if I see myself open?

Echobelly · 11/05/2019 17:53

I couldn't see anything gory! Remember, you are lying right back, so it's quite easy to keep it out of sight.

Dinosauratemydaffodils · 12/05/2019 20:13

The doctor said I'd need to have some machine to suck up the blood, clean it and transfuse it back in...has anyone had that?

They were going to but only because I wouldn't consent to blood transfusions and I think my consultant fancied playing with the machine. As it happened I only lost 300 ml of blood and it was in the middle of the night so my consultant was in bed (yay).

Can I ask, when you have the drape lowered, how much can you see

Nothing, the bump is in the way of the incision. Although if you are squeamish, don't look at the lights as they are very shiny and thus very reflective.

Recovery really does vary. I didn't need pain killers after either of mine (and both involved labouring before hand, for a very long period with dc1).

Original poster
Eslteacher06 · 21/05/2019 04:25

So I've spoken to a consultant and asked if there was anyway they could put the wires so they didn't impact skin to skin (apparently I'm having two cannulas too). She said no. She also said I could just pull my gown up for skin to skin but I'd rather have some part of my body covered (I know they've seen it all before Yadda Yadda). Am I being unreasonable asking for these?

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Original poster
Eslteacher06 · 21/05/2019 04:29

I also asked if the cannulas could be put somewhere else than my hands and she looked at me as if I lost my senses lol. I have really thin veins and it takes some people AGES to find one, using me as a pin cushion which has made me hate needles (I know I'm a wuss!)

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Original poster
Eslteacher06 · 21/05/2019 07:04

Anyone? :)

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Fridakahlofan · 21/05/2019 07:10

I loved my c section - would actively look forward to having another! Just enjoy the day (personally, I wouldn’t go to crazy with a birth plan as all hospitals do things their own way. Just trust the doctors).
Recovery for planned c sections is generally quick - I was walking my dog within a week.

Good luck!

Fridakahlofan · 21/05/2019 07:14

Honestly the doctors know exactly what they are doing - just go in like it is a normal operation and let them get on with it. It isn’t like a natural birth where at every stage there are lots of different paths to choose between - the team have a system that works for them. You will be awake the whole time with updates and your birth partner right by you for support.

I wore a loose sling thing (which they gave me) and then baby was tucked into it after birth. So boobs vaguely/loosely covered until put on my chest.

I think the best thing is to just trust the doctors to do what is best! You will be fine I promise Flowers

Original poster
Eslteacher06 · 21/05/2019 07:23

Thanks...I guess I'm trying to control some aspects of the situation where I have no control. Trying to get my head around that! I just really want skin to skin but a friend who had placenta previa said she couldn't because of all the wires.

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SockQueen · 21/05/2019 08:33

It's the anaesthetist/anaesthetic assistant you need to ask about placement of monitoring wires etc, not the surgeon. Should be possible to put the ECG leads on your shoulders/back, and if you slip one arm out of the gown but leave it covering you, you can tuck baby in underneath.

For the cannula though, if your veins are tricky you may just have to accept it going wherever they can get it in! Having good IV access for a placenta praevia case is crucial.

Original poster
Eslteacher06 · 21/05/2019 08:39

Ok thanks @SockQueen :) hopefully the anaesthetist will agree!

Looking at ways to make my veins more visible....

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mightymouses · 21/05/2019 09:13

I had an elective at 39 weeks and it was great. I was the only elective out of my ante natal group and my birth story was fab - scheduled, relaxed, controlled, all went to plan. My friends all have awful tales of complications, long labours, rushed emergency sections, forceps, tearing, stitches.. etc etc etc.

I'd have another elective again in a heartbeat.

fluffyjumper · 22/05/2019 04:14

Ecg wires aren't intrusive. As for cannula it's best to avoid the crook of your arm or other joints as everytime you bend your arm the cannula occludes. You could ask for 2 gowns and then use one as a blanket/cover up. Dont worry about catheters they dont hurt, just make sure they use instilla gel before inserting.

Taking paracetamol regularly and adding ibuprofen is the standard on the analgesic ladder. The midwives are so knowledgeable on managing post OP they will look after you, just make sure you tell them how you are feeling.

I would also pack some nice soft drinks or squash to sip on post delivery, nothing worse then not being able to pour yourself a drink. If you have little bottles you can keep them in reach. And snacks. Nice body wash and comfy pyjamas, fluffy socks. A little mirror is good too magazines and tablet. Hope all goes well lively. And dont forget if you donr ask you dont get.

Purpleartichoke · 22/05/2019 04:23

When I was pregnant, I spent a bunch of time in labor and delivery because of some complications. Almost every nurse I encountered there was awful. They were domineering and decidedly unhelpful. Everything was focused on what was easiest for staff and following procedure.

When I showed up for my scheduled c-section, it was night and day. That entire section of the hospital was incredibly calm. The nurses were ridiculously helpful. They even went and tracked down a new kind of tape to try because I have an allergy to even the regular allergen free tape. When we told them we wanted a couple of minor adjustments to procedure (there was a moment where normally DH and baby would get separated while I was still on the surgical table and I asked they be kept together) they just rolled with it. The entire atmosphere was focused on making it the best possible experience for mom and baby.

I would have preferred to avoid surgery, but there were some advantages.

Whatwillhappentomorrow · 22/05/2019 05:27

Well 2 of my 'elective' c-sections didn't up up being that at all. One was an early emergency. The other ended up having to be forceps because baby wanted to come early and was in the wrong position for a section.

Just be prepared that just because you think you know how baby is going to come it doesn't mean that will be the case.

Personally, I would have much preferred elective sections. Recovering from forceps was much much more painful than recovering from a section.

Original poster
Eslteacher06 · 22/05/2019 13:44

Thanks for the advice! I'm worried I could go into early labour but if that happened, it would be pretty serious. Especially as I was so quick with my first.

What position was your baby in for it not to be good for a c section @whatwillhappentomorrow?

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