Talk to me about what happens with a cesarean

[Allibear]

I'm booked in to have my cesarean on the 27th and super excited to meet my little one! It's a bit of an adjustment though, the whole way through my pregnancy I thought I was having a natural birth but baby seems to have other plans, shes full breech.

I just wondered what it would be like, especially in hospital afterwards? Where do they put my baby, will she be beside me on the ward while I'm recovering? When will people be able to come and see me? What's it like, are there other women in the same recovery room or do I get my own area? Thanks!

Allibear In most people's experience, it's usually 48 hours from time of birth to discharge provided there are no problems with yourself or the baby. Some hosp now do 24 hour. It's definitely not 3-4 days as standard if both you and the baby have passed all the checks at 48 hours.

Oh and take a roomy but light dressing gown because there are usually lots of visitors, partners etc in maternity wards and it's good to have some coverage. Not a heavy dressing gown tho as maternity wards are generally quite warm because of the babies.

Oh and I didn't wear a nightie once I was up and about, yoga type trousers were fine. I hate having my legs out!

5mins I don't like having legs out either but did find the act of bending over to put pyjama pants on then pulling them up without standing on the ends quite awkward with the immediate CS scar. It was bad enough getting knickers on

I'm so glad it's not that long diamonds! Did think it sounded a bit crazy but assumed it must be a long recovery.
I'll take night shirts and pants then thanks!! I hate having my legs out and am dreading it a bit but I guess that's silly aha!

Re nighties, primark do a knee length short sleeved nightie which buttons down to below boob height. It's great for feeding in. I still use mine now ds is 14 months and feed at night.

I didn't get any pain relief afterwards because I didn't know you had to ask for it. I would ask for it, as it is a bit painful!

I had my twins at 8am and had the catheter taken out at 1pm, after which I got up and walked (well, hobbled) around.

How exciting for you to be so close to meeting your little baby .

I've had 2 EMCS. The most recent one last year was fine. They;

Took me into theatre, DP all dressed in scrubs, after about 20 mins baby was out & once checked over, given to my DP to hold & bring him up to me.

Another 20 minutes or so of stitching etc & moved to a little room just me DP & baby. I was sat up a little & holding him but was a little sleepy.

Then after a couple of hours we were put on the wars with 5 other mothers & babies.

My family were able to see him very quickly before visiting hrs were up. Think it was 30 mins till closing but it was lovely.

He slept in the cot next to me & DP slept in the chair the other side of me.

Now not sure if this is everywhere, but at my hospital they like you to be up & about ASAP. So about 2 hrs after family left, 8 hrs after surgery I was up & walking to the shower. Had a lovely shower just next door to my bed whilst a lovely midwife kept an eye on my sleeping bubba. DP helped me in the shower & I felt so much better.

Take meds & ask for them as soon as you start feeling uncomfortable. My little man had to be taken for antibiotics every morning & night & without taking meds on time I was crawling to scubu.

If you keep on top of pain & rest well that first night, then your allowed to go home the next day. They like to make sure you can poo & wee without discomfort.

Pain from wind can be bad. So try n bring peppermint tea for your bag & drink that.

I too had the injections I had to give myself for about a week afterwards.

Goodluck OP. Xx

I had an emergency cs with my DS and had a general anaesthetic so wasn't really with it until we were moved to the ward. Everyone's experience is different, I never had much pain from the surgery that couldn't be solved with paracetamol and ibuprofen. However the trapped wind pain was unbearable. Make sure you have plenty of peppermint tea/cordial around and massive knickers!! You may also have to continue anti blood clotting injections at home, I did for 5 days after leaving hospital. These are fun! DO NOT rub the skin on your thigh after you've injected otherwise it bruises!! Honest to god never seen bruises like it!

My family and DH were fantastic too as they knew I had to take it easy and struggled for a few weeks (other issues too) so I got lots of time in bed or on the sofa having baby cuddles while they did all the house work etc!! Good luck with your section, you will be fine!!