C-section nerves!!

[Babymumma01]

Any mums that can calm me? Due a c-section and im absolutely terrified... the thought of the needle and also being completely numb from the waist down terrifies me weirdly as I panic when not in control of my body. Not very good with hospitals or theatres regardless. This is my first baby and im scheduled in then next 8 days or so.. sleepless nights due to my anxiety over it. I’m a wimp over this stuff & put myself in extreme panic mode!!!

Deep breaths, I was so worried about my first c-section (planned as DS was breech), I spent ages googling what would happen, recovery, likelihood of further c-sections etc but in the end it was actually a really calm and exciting experience. The surgeon, anaesthetist and nurses were fabulous and seeing my son healthy was worth it.

My DD was delivered by emergency c-section as she got very stuck in labour and although a much more stressful time, it was again a huge relief when she was safely extracted.

I'm so grateful the c-section option exists as it brought both my children safely into the world and I can't imagine life without them.

I recovered really well both times. My top tip is to get mobile as soon as possible, just gentle walks around the ward and once you get home keep it up. Try and stand tall as although you may want to curl up it won't help you long term.

Feel free to PM me if you want for a virtual handhold x

OP I'm booked in for 22/06 for a section.
Feeling same as you!
I'm still awaiting pre op appointment.

This is 3rd DC.
Other 2 where vaginal. Last DC was in fact born without pain relief so this one is going to be different!!

I get you - for me, the worst part was not being able to feel my legs and seeing the doctors/nurses move them. It did, and still does, panic me. But it was a very very brief part of the whole experience and I was able to move around pretty quickly. I made sure that I had lots of nice snacks for the recovery room so I could just hold my baby and be fed cake by my DH and before I realised it, I could stand up. Good luck, I'm so glad I went for a c section as I imagine the whole lack of control in a vagina birth would be a million times worse for me!

OP, I totally get you - was completely freaking out before DS2's section. The things that helped me were talking to a doctor friend who made me realise just how routine the operation is to the surgical team: whilst it's totally new and terrifying to us, the team you see will do around 6 a day. The other thing that calmed me was thinking over my (non) recovery from a disastrous home birth - I know this isn't your situation but honestly, the complications which led to me having to have the section now feel not worth it. Really hope that helps, please feel free to message if you want to know anything or chat! You.l be great!

I had an emergency C-section the first time and it was fab. And the recovery from the C-section was quick and easy. I had plenty of pain drugs for the first 2 weeks or so and by week 6 I was ready to drive again. Until then, I had not really wanted to go anywhere anyways.

It was much better than my second which was a VBAC and nearly fatal and the recovery from the C-section was easier than from the VBAC too.

The C-section was incredibly quick. They found some scrubs for DH. They sorted out my epidural and increased the dosage. The anaesthetist was lovely and gently talked me through the whole process so I knew what to expect and what was happening. Once I was numb - hardly a few minutes, they did the business and the next thing I knew the surgeon was lifting out DD1. While moved her over to the corner to do all the newborn tests, the surgeon closed my incision so we were ready to leave the theatre at the same time.

Admittedly, I don't have any hangups about doctors and hospitals. I see them as people and places devoted to keeping me alive.

I didn't have any special birth plan either. I wanted to be as comfortable as reasonably possible, survive the birth and have a healthy baby. I chose to go to the hospital so the experienced professionals could help me.

Doctors have been doing C-sections for years, 40+ actually - I was one myself! So they have tonnes of experience.

Congratulations!

I had a c section for my first and due another one on Friday (my choice). I am extremely squeamish and not a fan of hospitals. It was not what I thought the first time around. So calm and positive.

You will be fine.

Oh I have packed snacks and drinks for the overnight stay 👍

Thank you all so much . I will definitely be reading through these again the day of my c-section! It’s helped me an awful lot x

If it's possible to see the unit and maternity ward beforehand that might help. I've had two and yes not knowing what to expect is scary, as is the result of a new baby! Caesareans were not covered at all in my antenatal classes. I remember them giving me the anesthesia and it making me feel sick (they said that was due to drop in blood pressure). But after that you are really in such a general state of awe and anxiety but there's nothing you can do and it has to happen so you accept it. My husband collapsed during my second which added extra drama.

I’m booked in for my 3rd section at the end of August.

Even though I’ve had two I’m in the same boat, I’m so scared. This pregnancy has been awful because of the fear. I’ve not had great experiences though.

Hi OP I had a planned one, I was also worried even though it was my choice. It was all very calm and relaxed. A nurse held my hand and we chatted about holidays and weather and basically anything until my son was born, then was too busy focussing one him! Try not to worry it is very calm and they explained what they are doing. Xx

I went in today for covid testing (nothing horrible) and to get my premeds (nothing horrible either).

I was told there is just me and another lady booked in on the day. Possibility of a side room rather than going on a ward after (that would be amazing, but we'll see).

I won't have to wear a mask but partner will.

The main thing she impressed on me is that partner won't be kicked out straight after. She said there have been a lot of horror stories about that happening, but it's never been the case at that hospital, provided they don't show symptoms. He should be able to stay 2-3 hours at least after the operation.

She also said, if you can, get up and about that evening. Apparently wriggling your feet helps the spinal wear off more quickly. There is a minimum 1 night stay, but provided baby is well, we might be able to get out by lunchtime the next day. She said don't be polite and wait for them to suggest discharging you though, or you could be waiting around until teatime. She told me to be pushy if I want to go.

Wish you all luck