Less than a week to go.

[babybumpxox]

I'm having an elcs a week today and I'm so scared. I feel like I'm going to back out. I keep pushing it to the back of my mind. I cried having my first blood test when I found out I was pregnant. I'm absolutely terrified about the whole thing and the recovery. someone please help how can I calm my nerves and get through it

Can you put into words what is scaring you? Is it the surgery, or the fact that you're having a baby?
What support do you have?
Take a breath, consider this a handhold

@Whenwillow I'm scared about the spinal and thing that goes in you hand, I'm scared about the thought of them cutting me open, I'm scared about how it's gonna feel afterwards like pain and some people described it can feel like your guts are falling out. I'm just a really squeamish person and feel like I won't be able to go through with it even though I have to

Honestly, my experience was the most relaxing and stress free time. I was petrified but once I was laid on the bed I was absolutely fine, our midwife was amazing and spoke to me the whole time. She made sure me and dp were okay. It's very daunting but I promise you will be okay! Goodluck op!

Try and focus on what's bothering you. It's natural to be anxious but going in for an ELCS is a positive thing - the surgical team and midwives do this all day, every day. They will look after you and your baby.

I had mine almost 2 years ago and it was still one of the best things for me. I saw my baby and thought 'yes it's you' - you get to meet your baby!

Recovery is manageable. You will be ok. Once you are home you can be comfortable. You will be ok OP.

Just seen your update - I am squeamish and major health anxiety. Never been in hospital before as a patient. Let them look after you. They will guide you through everything.

I was terrified just less than a week before my elcs. I’d had a long long labour ending in an emcs first time. Really wanted to back out of the cs. Baby arrived early and I had an unplanned VBAC. I still don’t know exactly what it was that terrified me
My emcs first time was textbook, easy recovery etc.
Talk to your midwife and try to work out what you are worried about so the midwives can help you.

Just seen your update. Don’t look at the canula, get your oh to cuddle you when they put it in. Ask for an experienced person to put it in so they only have one go.
The spinal going in is fine they give you some local first and anaesthetists are very very skilled. Again hold onto your oh and get the midwives to distract you.
You can feel them taking the baby out but it doesn’t feel like your insides will fall out at anytime during or after.
Take the painkillers regularly afterwards, they should give you a suppository in theatre to kill the pain after the spinal wears off. If you are in pain at all ask for something

Have you spoken to your midwife about your fear? It's natural to be a bit apprehensive but it would be worth telling her how you feel so that the team looking after you can give a bit of extra reassurance.
I had my c-section 26 years ago so probably out of date, but I remember feeling very relaxed and safe (possibly I was sedated - was epidural so was awake-think that's what you're having?)
The team looking after you will know exactly what they are doing.
I honestly don't remember feeling any pain at all, and recovery was straightforward - felt a bit battered for a day or two but better than after my previous vaginal deliveries.
I promise you, you can do this, and it will be so worth it when you meet your baby ♥️
Have you got your bags packed?

Thank you all so much for your replies I really appreciate it xxx and @Whenwillow I've packed baby's bag but not finished doing mine I don't really know what I need to take the internets so confusing on what you actually need

Big granny knickers that will come over the wound.

The Internet can be a pita sometimes @babybumpxox
Does the midwife not give mums to be a list any more?
May I recommend taking slippers though? I forgot (unexpected early delivery) and hospital issue slippers are grim (they won't let you go barefoot)
Best of luck, please keep us posted.
Do you know if you're having a girl or boy?

@Itllbeaninterestingchristmas I've been looking but can't find any anywhere there's only one Tesco near me and when I look at shops online there sold out of my size and @Whenwillow really they don't let you? That's odd haha and I'm having a girl 💞

Awww I bet you can't wait to meet her ♥️

@babybumpxox, please try not to worry.
I had an elective section with my second and it was a lovely calm experience. You will be in good hands. Don't look when they're putting the needle in and just concentrate on your breathing and trying to stay calm.
Be completely honest with the midwives and doctors and they will do everything they can to calm you.
I'm pregnant with my third now and always said i would choose a section over a VBAC because it was such a lovely experience.
I was out with newborn at dd1s nursery fayre a few days later. Recovery was great my scar healed really well. Just keep on top of painkillers for a few days.
For your hospital bag Don't forget some drinks and snacks.
Good luck xxx

@Whenwillow yea that's the only thing really keeping me going 😅 just thinking what I'll have out of it being able to hold my little girl and @FallingStar thank you ❤️💜 can you take any type of food and drink

Sorry for all the questions ftm and really scared

M&S for big pants? I promise it's nowhere near as bad as you think it'll be. My ELCS was such a positive experience.

The spinal wasn't painful, them poking me to find where to place it hurt more but I am very overweight. The cannula was a little uncomfortable but once it's taped on properly it's fine and they take it out as soon as they know they won't need it any more. They also check very thoroughly that the spinal has taken before they start doing anything, it's an odd feeling of pressure when they're getting baby out but you do not feel a single ounce of pain.

I didn't find recovery particularly painful just keep up on your painkillers, ibuprofen and paracetamol even if you think you don't need it.

Keep on chatting here @babybumpxox we're with you. I'll let the more recent mums answer the questions because I'm sure I'm way out of date (agree on big knickers and keeping up with the painkillers though)
As my mum said to me, women have been doing this from the year dot, and medical knowledge is better than it's ever been.
I hope you can have your partner or birthing partner with you x

Oh yes, any food and drink (but no wine!)
You'll be fine! So exciting to be this close. I've a long way to go! You're going to have your beautiful little girl for Christmas 🎄
I got my pants in M & S just the multipack full briefs. Don't forget some breast pads and things like your favourite shower gel as its great when you get to have your first shower. Phone charger too so you can call people if you're lonely.

@scream1 I did go all the way to town to go into m&s to try and get some but I got stopped as I was walking in By a worker asking me what I was looking for, and when I told her knickers she said that they didn't have any. Which couldn't of been true. I would order online but the bank is also closed 🤦‍♀️ all I have is cash At the minute until the 23rd and my op is on the 24th so if I did get some delivered probably wouldn't come in time I'll keep trying Tesco To see when my size will come back in stock.

@Whenwillow thank you x your mum is right. And yes I am aloud my boyfriend with me thank god 😫 I don't know what I'd do if he wasn't aloud I'd be a complete mess

@FallingStar I'd kill for a glass of wine right now ! 😂 haha. Will I need the breast pads even though I'm not breast feeding?

@babybumpxox
I got my full knickers in ASDA I got a pack of five for about a £5 I think.
I have a planned section on the 17/12 but I’m trying to get everything organised now like hospital bag , baby things Christmas presents for my two daughters and food shopping for Christmas.
Oh and we’re decorating as well lol

Just in case your milk comes in when you're in hospital!

How are you feeling this morning @babybumpxox?

Have you heard of box breathing? I use it if ever I need to stay calm (thinking dentist and cervical screening here) Breathe in for count of 3, hold for 3, release breath for 3, hold for 3, breathe for 3 and so it.
The blurb you read generally says a count of 4 but I find 3 easier to maintain. Not a huge deep breath but a long slow one (feeling your abdomen raise, not just your chest)
I find it enormously helpful x