C section panic

[Mumsyxxx]

Im having a planned c section and am absolutly terrified...i suffer anxiety and am really worried

OK take a deep breathe. Keep in mind that gorgeous baby that you will hold in your arms...

And remember these surgeons do this day in and day out. They know what they're doing. Tell them how you're feeling and make sure they do whatever you need then to do to relax. Have music you like playing in headphones to distract you, make sure your partner is there to hold your hand, anything else you need. Do you want them to tell you what's happening or not say a word. Just say it.

You will be fine xx

I've had 3 and was nervous before the 2 planned ones (the first I was totally off my face/emergency situation). At moments I was breathing very quickly/panicked etc and obviously appeared quite anxious.

The staff has been amazing each and every time, the kindness and professionalism was out of this world. They will reassure you the whole time and will take anything they find in their stride. The fact it's planned means they know what they are dealing with and will be expecting particular things so they'll be fine. It's just another day at work for them, they'll probably do 3 others that day!

My top tips would be get constipation, diarrhea and gas relief tablets stockpiled for the recovery - your bowels can really misbehave afterwards as they recover and my god it hurts like hell. For me, that was way worse than the surgery! Have lots of big pants and loose trousers as you won't want anything tight on your tummy. Have your partner primed for lifting/carrying things for as long as possible. Get them to wear a shirt they can open so they can have skin to skin while you get sorted out afterwards.

Finally - it is truly amazing going into theatre without a baby and coming out with a little person in your life. I'll never forget the moments I first saw them and heard them cry and they lifted a beautiful mess over the curtain for me to see 😄

Hi OP, I think its normal to be nervous, have you been reading or having people tell you horror stories of their experiences? I was due a planned section but ended up with emergency due to circumstances. It was a calm and lovely birth. I didn't even feel the spinal block, perhaps that was the adrenaline but honestly had no discomfort. The staff were lovely and made sure I was comfortable and I felt in control of the situation. I found my recovery really easy, just get up and get moving as soon as you can. I also recomend cantaloop c section knickers, these really helped with my wound and pain. I only needed ibuprofen after mine. I am due another section in two weeks for low placenta.

Just to reassure you, everything PP said. I have one emergency CS and three planned. The surgeons do this many many times and as long as you listen to the medical advice afterwards, you will be fine.

It's also a good excuse to let people run around after you a little bit longer .

I wasn't in the UK, but I stayed in hospital for as long as my insurance would allow after the birth. I also managed to BF all four, so if that is something you want to do, it is possible.

Good luck. Let us know the good news when it's time!

Good luck, you will be absolutely fine and soon be holding your lovely baby 😊

Thank u so much hunni xxx

I could explain the whole procedure but I'm gonna just say - deep breaths, have faith in the medics, go with the flow, take it moment by moment. And I say this as someone with awful anxiety who also ended up with a C-section with a couple of days notice

thank u so much for your kind words..i really appreciate it xxx

@ihatebojo thank u am a wreck lol had an awful pregnancy so far am so exhausted and severe sickness xxx

@121gigawatts thank u xxx

@miraveile thank u my anxiety is terrible xxx