Natural cesarean questions

[Rooandtwo]

So I’m coming to terms with a planned cesarean later this week. So far I get the impression that the hospital will support many elements of a ‘natural cesarean’ including ‘dropping the drape’ when the baby is emerging. I really feel this is important as I can imagine feeling very separated from what’s happening a bit removed from the birth otherwise. That being said, I’m really pretty squeamish generally 😬 I’ve never fainted, but I do look away if I think someone is about to be stabbed on tv or whatever. So my main question is - will this be ok? I’ve heard you generally see quite little over the bump etc. but I’ve not heard so many stories of people who are squeamish but still chose this route and it’s making me wonder if I’m bonkers / deluded to think I can hack it?

Any bonus material about easy(ish) recoveries or generally feeling great, excited, that your ELCS was magical, very much welcomed.

You can’t see anything and anyway you’ll be too focussed on the baby being lifted out, that’s the only thing you’ll be looking at.

Just keep on top of your painkillers, ask for more if you need it. I had Oxynorm, Paracetamol and Diclofenac for the first 4 days and then Patacetamol and Diclofenac for a couple of weeks after which I diligently took. The only time I hurt myself was sitting down too quickly but apart from that it was absolutely fine.

I have very fond memories of my section, it was a very special day, lovely and calm. Good luck with yours.

My planned section was lovely. Walked down to theatre rather than go on a trolley, had the radio on and asked for dh to be the one who told me if it was a girl or boy

The dropped the drape slightly, but not all the way so you see baby come out, but not the cut. Never felt detached from the process, very included
No problems with recovery or breastfeeding either

Ask for an anti sickness med in your drip as the anaesthetic can make you quite queasy sometimes and throwing up straight after a section is not the best feeling!

All the best, hope you have a lovely birth

Is a natural caesarean where after the head is eased out, the baby is left to wriggle out/ be expelled out slowly from your incision?

Have you checked whether you’re obstetrician is prepared to follow your wishes? Are there any disadvantages to this method?
I suppose it would depend on the position your baby is lying in the womb as their head needs to be manipulated out first? And also time constraints in theatre?

Immediate skin to skin is sometimes limited if baby needs any intervention after birth with clearing airways or breathing.

The overwhelming emotion for you is likely to be the excitement and euphoria of meeting your baby.
I suppose like all births, remain open minded about how it will go.

We all have “birth plans” but they rarely go exactly as we envisage! X

Im pretty squeamish I do look away if someone is going to be stabbed on tv

Well CS isn’t quite like a violent stabbing 😂
Would it help to watch some CS deliveries on tv or YouTube? You could prepare yourself for the level of gore and learn more about what to expect?

Even with the curtain lowered and your head raised, I doubt you’d see your incision from that angle, just baby emerging.

If it makes you feel better, all women get nervous before a birth that’s completely normal. I was too.

Dont get too hung up on the birth feeling magical to avoid feeling you’ve failed in anyway. Good luck

I can answer this after being on both sides of the drape.

The incision is made on the underneath of your bump. So as you're looking down the length of your entire body while laying flat, it's really difficult to see. Then there's boobs to get in the way. We can also put a large swab over the incision so you really can't see anything. The drape is also folded down, and that adds an extra layer of things to look over/through before you come close to seeing anything gory. Not that it is particularly bloody. I've seen elective C-sections done with only a little bit more than 100ml blood loss total. I could barely see a thing with my C-section (emergency though). I just saw baby for a few seconds, then the drape went back up. Those few seconds were absolutely magical, and are treasured memories.

Seeing your baby for the first time should help outweigh any squeamishness. Though it is common to experience some nausea as a result of the anaesthesia. Just tell your anaesthetist and they'll give you some of their wonderful drugs which usually help.

Recovery was far easier than expected. I alternated ibuprofen and paracetamol for about a week, took less frequently for about another week, then as needed (which was rarely) from then. I was sore and achey, but I was out of bed within a few hours, and walking around by the end of the day. No problems lifting or caring for baby.

Ah @Dyra that’s so helpful thank you. That’s really reassuring to hear. Not long to go now which feels crazy but this has really helped me to feel less apprehensive. Thank you everyone.

Glad I've helped a little. Always happy to answer questions here or via DM as well.