Everyone else is excited - 18hours till CS- why am I so numb?

[notbloodybranston]

Did anyone else feel like this?

I am having an elective C-section tomorrow morning (due at hospital at 8am).

Had lots of lovely phonecalls and visits for the last two days from all the womenfolk in my life. They are now reaching the high peaks of baby excitement (family, friends, neighbours and workmates). Even the men in my life (whose emotion is usual kept for footballing events) are now also joining in and my little girl is beside herself.

I don't feel anything except a sense of impending doom. I really want to be happy and excited - this baby is planned and very much wanted. But I feel surreal and a bit "outside myself" - can't really explain it. I am not scared (this is my second c-section) although I do get emotional thinking about my husband going home and leaving me to the mercy of the night staff (didn't have a great time with them last time). I want to feel like everyone else but it's like I have switched off. I don't really feel like I am having the baby tomorrow. Just that I am going to be pregnant for ever.

ramble ramble ramble

It sounds totally normal to me, I am expecting my second in about 8 weeks and I'm quite apprehensive, really hoping that I don't have to stay inhospital for long, although I think with your first baby you feel quite overwhelmed esp being left alone at night, but I thin this time will be better as you kind of know what to do ( or I'm hoping I'll remember!)

Don't expect to be excited at the moment, don't be so hard on yourself. Take each moment as it comes, and I'm sure you'll have a much better time than you expect.

Big hugs and kisses for you.

xxx

sounds normal to me, I've been induced 4 times and it's the same sort of thing, it's going to happen but being in denial about it?

I have to say I found my subsequent hospital stays much better because I was more confident in asking for the help I needed etc.

Sounds very normal to me, in fact I feel the same way - my "elective" c/s is in 7 weeks and I dread it so much it's keeping me up at night. It's my third and I hate the fact that I am having a c/s that I can't even look forward to a most wanted/planned baby.

I feel for you, and hopefully as you know what to expect now that you will be more prepared and have a better experience. I know once that lovely baby is in arms all else won't matter.

Best wishes for tomorrow and beyond

Yes I felt like this... the thing is, everyone else is excited about getting to hold a tiny little baby for a few minutes. It's not the same when you are the mother! You are the one who has to go into hospital, give birth, establish feeding, cope with the sleep deprivation! It's completely understandable that you are apprehensive - and a good way of dealing with it just not to think about it for now. Relax while you can, forget about everyone else. I'm sure it will be easier this time round as you know what to expect. Good luck!

Thanks very much - good to know I am not an emotionless witch!

Absolutely normal. Even though you've had a CS before, they're not fun, and you're stressed about it.

I felt the same. I think it was a shut down mechanism!

Best wishes for tomorrow!

I'm sure by this time tomorrow you will be feeling v differently . Good luck.