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Pregnancy

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Original poster

Can I look after baby on my own after C Section?

18 replies

ExcitedMumToBe2018 · 25/02/2018 18:24

Hello,

I am due to have an elective C Section next week because baby is breech. I am ok with this and am getting excited now! I am due to arrive at the hospital at 7am and baby should be out by 11am, I’ve been told. I was wondering how mobile I will be after the C Section and whether I will be able to look after my baby (feed, change, etc) that night? I would rather my partner didn’t stay over as the ward doesn’t have any beds, just really uncomfortable chairs! I also think I will be fine with him going home, emotionally. Obviously, he is happy to stay over if he needs to be there or if I want him to, but it seems to make more sense to me for him to get some rest for when I do come home with the baby. Do you think this is possible? Thanks!

OP posts:

SunshineAfterRain · 25/02/2018 18:32

Hi had 2 c sections.
Dp wasn't allowed to stay over on the ward. He had to leave at 10pm.
I did the night myself and managed fine as I also had a mining c section.
The only part I struggles with a little was changing the baby's bottom in the crib as I am only 4''10
But the nurses where more than happy to help.
Good luck and don't stress. You will do great

SunshineAfterRain · 25/02/2018 18:33

*morning

KadabrasSpoon · 25/02/2018 18:34

Yes it will be possible. The midwives can pass you the baby etc just make sure the call button is within reach!
Sports water bottle in bed is a good idea then you won't have to buzz for water.

seven201 · 25/02/2018 18:37

You'll need midwife help to pass you the baby and stuff. But that's what they're there for. My hospital has individual rooms so my dh Waac allowed to bring in a camp bed. We were in for 5 days and it was great! Definitely would have been different if we were on a ward though. My dd was breech and I loved the c-section!

louise5754 · 25/02/2018 18:38

Loved the c-section

qazxc · 25/02/2018 18:40

I had a section and dp couldn't stay over.
The first night I was still hooked to catheter and drip so nurses would hand me baby for feeds and help me with changes. I remember the woman in the next cubicle being most put out by this (and the fact i was on strong painkillers) and accusing them of preferential treatment.

LML83 · 25/02/2018 18:41

Baby born at 10.20am, first night I had to call nurse if baby cried so she could pass him to me (they told me to do this and happy to help) Had a catheter and was weak/sore. Could hold him and change him on the bed just not pick up/put back in cot. Nurses were lovely and keen to help through the night (dh stayed 12noon - 9pm wasn't an option to stay)

The next morning was a world of difference. Was still low energy but could carefully get in and out of bed and get him in and out of cot. Didn't need much help 2nd night.

PinkyBlunder · 25/02/2018 18:43

That’s what the midwives and HCAs are there for don’t be shy to buzz - they won’t mind, it’s their job!

I was up and about and discharged within 24 hours of my section (3 weeks ago). I was shuffling for the first week but moving around the house and going for short walks by the second week. Keep on top of your painkillers and you’ll be fine.

Good luck and congratulations!

Bear2014 · 25/02/2018 18:46

You might not be able to do a lot, I couldn't after either of mine for various reasons. But the staff should help with it all. The key is you absolutely have to be assertive, ask and keep asking. Don't feel like you're being a pain. You're not - you just had surgery. Good luck!

AmethystRaven · 25/02/2018 18:48

Yep, you buzz for them to pass the baby over! If you take it slowly, you'll be able to do it yourself sooner than you think, it's quite amazing. Good luck!

Carakanjac · 25/02/2018 18:50

the first night with dd I ended up cosleeping with her in the bed next to me. Got a telling off from the midwife but hey ho

Elizabethtailored · 25/02/2018 18:52

Keep asking for help. It might mean a lot of buzzing. I was not able to do anything with my past two c sections. Spinal was still wearing off so no question of heaving self up to get the baby as couldn’t feel half my body.
Don’t feel bad about asking for help.
Long phone charger, squirty water bottle, lip balm, anything else you might need do make sure on table over your bed so can reach.

Quartz2208 · 25/02/2018 18:55

Its hard going (and moving is tough) and you are bedbound (with a cathetar) but the midwives should be able to help (they certainly changed DD nappy in the night and helped get her to sleep).

The next two nights were much easier as I could move around a lot more.

DH was not allowed to stay (left at 9) and it was better for him to get some sleep anyway so he could be more help in the day and I could rest

Shutupanddance1 · 25/02/2018 19:01

Do you know anyone who has had a c section in the particular hospital you are going into? They’d be best asking so you can get a feel for what to expect.

My experience, my DH was allowed to stay as I was in my own room. I wouldn’t have coped on my own at night as I had very strong meds and couldn’t string a coherent sentence together, let alone look after my DD. I couldn’t lift her and had to get the nurses to help latch her on for feeding as I just couldn’t, but that’s what they are there for.

First night babies are suppose to be sleepier as well so you might get lucky! Best of luck!!

FaFoutis · 25/02/2018 19:07

You are expected to do it yourself. It is a ridiculous situation that no other post-surgery patient would be put into.
Keep asking for help if you can't manage. I struggled on alone and should have asked for help much more.

Original poster

ExcitedMumToBe2018 · 25/02/2018 19:11

Thanks all, that is very reassuring! I will absolutely make sure that I keep asking for help if I need it. It seems to make much more sense for DH to be well rested for when we come home and need more help. Thank you!

OP posts:

rubberducker · 25/02/2018 19:36

Also ask your hospital about how they manage their spinal/post op routine. When I had DS1 I was pretty much bed-bound and couldn't move for over 24 hours. I had DS2 at a different hospital and their protocol was to have you up and moving around within 8 hours iirc. He was born at 11am and by the evening I was able to move to get to him if necessary, but midwives are on hand if you need them.

Liefster · 25/02/2018 19:48

I had an emergency section and my husband didn't stay over as he would've had to sleep in a chair. He was allowed to but I thought he would be more useful going home, getting some proper rest and coming back each morning (I was in for 2 nights).

As other posters have said, the midwives will help you as you won't be able to get out of bed on the first night due to the catheter. I pressed the buzzer when my baby needed feeding and they passed him to me, I then pressed it again when he was done so they could put him back in his crib. They also changed all the nappies for me!

Make sure you've got the buzzer to hand all the time - at one point mine slipped down the back of the bed and I couldn't reach it, luckily one of the midwives was on the ward and I managed to shout out from the bed that I needed help.

I agree on taking a water bottle that you can drink from lying down plus lots of snacks and sweets. I'm not sure if this is standard with a c section but I had to wear compression socks which make you incredibly hot (and sweaty - grim!) so keep your fluids up. Also take headphones and an eye mask, it's very noisy and bright on the ward (in my experience anyway).

Hope everything goes well!

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