All things elected CSection please!

[mamablondie2]

Hi
I’ve decided to have a CSection with my second child, having posted a lot on here I feel happy with my decision.

It would be great to get as many tips as possible - prep, the procedure, hospital stay, recovery, breastfeeding, having a toddler, visitors ... you name it I would like to hear it! Just all those little nuggets of info no one tells you etc

Thanks in advance

Make sure you have plenty of massive pants so it’s comfy over the wound. Be mentally prepared to wait, and wait, and wait again if lots of emergencies come in- we had to come back the next day and at one point got walked out of the operating theatre when we had just gone in 😂 but most importantly be excited because it is a lovely, peaceful and calm experience. Oh and you can still ask to hold baby ASAP for skin to skin, I did and it was incredible (obviously all being well). Good luck, it will be amazing!!

I had an emergency section first time, planned second time and they were worlds apart. I felt so peaceful and just closed my eyes and waited to meet my son. I was well rested, there was ABBA on the radio and I had a really nice butty and a brew while daddy cuddled the baby. It's just so lovely. I was more up to visitors and every visiting period was used by my family. I even managed a poo that night!

Also I was ravenous because of being nil by mouth for 12 hours (midnight until the following lunchtime when I had him) so make sure you've got tons of nice snacks in the bag.

And yes to skin to skin, my face hurt from grinning so much! My husband even got to cut the cord (the bit that was left on)

Yes to big pants, properly high so they don’t roll down into your scar. Take something to read and plenty of small snacks. Then obviously things like sanitary towels, a bra with clips for breastfeeding, a couple of nighties or pyjamas, slippers, your wash bag. Clothes for your baby and a stretchy little cotton blanket for swaddling as that can help when starting to breastfeed.
You can’t predict how long you will be in for, so plan for two nights minimum. You can’t shower for a little while, so some wipes and a flannel are good so that you can wash and freshen up.

I had an emergency section 12 days ago (was scheduled for an elective but baby decided to come 5 days early).

The procedure was very relaxed and straight forward. The spinal was painless, as was the cannula and catheter ( I was pleasantly surprised). Baby was out in 3 minutes from first incision and it took approx. 30 mins to sew me back up. DH cut the cord.

DH was present for the birth and whilst I was in recovery (1hr) but had to leave when I was taken to the ward where no visitors were permitted.

I had skin to skin whilst in theatre and breastfed baby as soon as I was in recovery. However, I got really badly cracked nipples which made feeding very painful for a few days. I used lansinoh nipple cream religiously and it really helped. I'm struggling with BF at the moment due to cluster feeding so have been combination feeding which has taken the pressure off a bit.

Baby was born just after 6.30am and I had full feeling back in my legs by 12. I got up for the first time at 6pm(ish) and went for a shower and a pee.

Was given morphine 8hrs after surgery and 12hrs after that, I just had paracetamol and ibuprofen in between which was fine. I was offered oramorph to take home but refused it as didn't feel I needed any heavy duty painkillers.

I was discharged at 3pm the following afternoon with Fragmin injections (blood thinners) to self administer for 10 days post-surgery.

All in all, I had a great experience and have had no issues in my recovery (so far). Post birth bleeding isn't anywhere as heavy as I'd imagined either.

I took a massive bag with changes of clothes, snacks, electronics, etc. And didn't wear/eat/use any of them! High waisted pants and leggings are a must. Also, a nightie, not pj's as you'll have a catheter in and the midwife will check your blood loss regularly so it's easier not wearing bottoms.

All the best x

Following, got my elcs tomorrow !

I absolutely loved both of my planned C sections, they were calm, happy and just perfect. I healed very quickly both times with no complications.

When I went into theatre, I gave my camera to one of the nurses both times (this was in the days before phones had cameras!) and they took the most amazing photos of the births from the moment DS and DD were lifted out, when they were weighed, wrapped and handed to DH and then to me. I have about 15 photos of each birth and they are such a lovely, special thing to have as I missed a lot of it at the time with the big screen in the way! I know it's very vain but both times I did my hair and makeup in the morning before I went into hospital so the photos with me after the birth would look nice :) I went into hospital at 8am with both babies. DS was born at noon and DD at 12.01pm so there was a four hour wait each time.

I knew I was going to combination feed and had no intention of breast feeding in hospital, so I ordered lots of the tiny glass bottles of SMA formula with disposable teats from my local pharmacy and brought them in with me so I didn't have to worry about sterilising anything. It was so easy and unstressful. I started breastfeeding at home a few days later when my milk came in and I didn't have any problems with combination feeding for the three months I did it each time.

The other thing I would recommend is to wear a long nightie as they will need to take the catheter out and it's also easier to change your pads with a nightie on. You'll need lots of big sanitary towels as the bleeding was worse than I thought it would be. And baby wipes and nappies and at least 3 babygrows as you might have to stay a couple of nights. I was also really glad I brought shampoo, conditioner, my make up and some fresh clothes for the next morning, so I looked nice when everyone visited as I didn't want to be seen in a nightie :) I stayed two nights with DS and one night with DD (although I didn't leave until the evening). Don't forget your phone charger too!

Good luck and I hope your experience is as lovely as my two were