C section experiences

[MaryH90]

I’m due to have a c section in around 3 weeks, this will be my second delivery but first CS after a difficult labour with my DD two years ago. Can anyone share their section experiences? When did you go in? Did you have a long wait? How did you feel throughout the process? How did you find caring for your newborn after? Did your partner stay with you overnight? Just trying to mentally prepare as much as possible!

Following this as will be having an ELCS following an emergency 5 years ago x

I’ve had two planned. I had to be in really early for both. Maybe 7.30/8. I think they try to get the planned people out the way with. So both babies were born about 3 hours after going in. They get a doc and the anaesthetist to come talk to you before you go down. To answer any questions and sign the disclaimer form. I was totally and completely terrified. But it was actually all fine. It’s really really really weird but not awful. I was nervous about the pain of the spinal block going in but it was absolutely fine. No worse than a normal injection. And it’s all done so quickly. You’re in and out in less than an hour. And some of that is prepping you with the spinal, sterilising your abdomen etc. Everything was really calm. Partner didn’t stay as they’re not allowed to. My babies were in NICU so didn’t get to care for them as I couldn’t actually walk down to NICU. Had to go in a wheelchair. Tbh that was infinitely worse than the actual section. If have a million c sections over being separated from my babies.

I mean didn’t stay overnight. Your partner can come in to the operating room with you

My 2nd c section was planned. I arrived at the hospital at 8am and I was the only one on the list. You sign the forms, talk to the consultant, get into your stockings etc. I was back out theatre in about an hour - I have a funny spine so most of that was prepping to get the epidural in.

During the operation you feel pressure and you can't see anything. No pain at all. Only annoyance for me was the blood pressure cuff squeezing and releasing. It's weird when they tip you and move you onto/off the board when moving you from theatre to your recover ward. You'll feel like a lioness being wheeled out of theatre with your newborn on your chest after the op.

Caring for a baby after a section is all I know but my husband went home that evening to look after our eldest and I was up and going to the loo etc. I was discharged 25hrs after the birth to go home.

Okay. I had to be at the hospital for 7. They took us round to the ward at 8. There were 3 of us in then and one coming in at 10.

They came round pretty quickly to get bloods done and I hadn't signed consent so I did that then. The team then went away to discuss what order to see us in and came back to let us know.
I was taken first and went to theatre just after 9:30, it would have been earlier but they may have had an emergency. Baby was delivered at 10:02, we had skin to skin in theatre and I was out of theatre some time before 11. I was hooked up to drips and monitors but was helped to hold DS for skin to skin and got him to feed. From there we were kept in recovery. I was there for longer than needed as there wasn't any space in recovery. They moved me up at about 4pm, my catheter came out before 5. They did briefly forget about me so it was 10pm before they helped me get out of bed but I was fine.

I was kept in 2 nights but to help me with feeding. Stopped taking stronger painkillers after a week, stopped needing to take any at all after 3 weeks. Recover has been straightforward with the exception of yeast infection near my incision but a bit of cream sorts that right out.

Is there anything in particular you're wondering about? I only had DS 10 weeks ago so I remember it pretty well.

I'm watching this thread with interest too. How much are you able to do after coming home? I'm just worried I'll be bed-bound and useless. This will be my first section

I left on 3rd day after section and wasn't bed bound at all. I could do everything (albeit a bit slowly) except drive.

I only had paracetamol afterwards as that was protocol at my hospital but actually it was fine.

I had an ELCS 15 months ago with DC4, my first three were vaginal deliveries but 2/3 of them were traumatic and horrible. Anyway the CS was my best and most positive birthing experience out of the bunch, I was so pleased I chose to go down that route.

The surgery isn’t pleasant but compared to agonising back to back contractions, forceps, retained placenta etc it was honestly a walk in the park. The recovery period was probably the toughest part, I needed strong painkillers for the first week and needed my DH to help me get up off the toilet and out of bed which was quite demoralising. Once the first week passed I was fine though.

Oh and I was released from hospital 14 hours after he was born fwiw. I expected they’d keep me in a long time so packed for about three or four days, it surprised me being let out so soon. They do just offer paracetamol which is a joke, I had to ask for something stronger.

I was there for 7:30am. 6 people on the list and I was second so went in around 10am. I'd had an emergency c section 2 years before and this was very different nice and calm. It was scary waiting for the spinal the nurse was lovely though and held my hand but it was absolutely fine - the thought of it was worse than the injection! Then you're laid down straight away and they check for numbness with a spray. Baby is out very quickly and you can have a hold while they stitch you up.
Tbh I found the postnatal care awful. I had to ask for pain relief (oramorph) twice - once in the evening and then during the night. I was a bit out of it and only realised they hadn't started my paracetamol and ibuprofen the next morning. When I questioned it they said I had to ask!! This isn't true because with my first it was started in the evening and they said at pre op I'd be given it. I think they forgot so make sure they're giving you the painkillers you need.
My DH couldn't stay but made sure I had everything to hand for nappy changes during the night. Take earplugs it's noisy. I also used Ikea food bags to put things in like a nappy, nappy sack, change of outfit it minimised faffing to find stuff. Take a pillow for the car journey home to hold your wound over potholes.

I've had one EMCS and one ELCS. My ELCS was such a positive experience compared to the emergency. I was given the date two days before but I'm not sure if that's standard! Because I was 37+4 I had to have a steroid injection the day before and the morning of at 7am. Went back at 11am, got changed into a nightgown. There were 3 of us on the list that day but we weren't told in what order. I ended up being last and DD was delivered just after 5pm. So for almost 6 hours it was mostly magazine reading, browsing on my phone, chatting to DP, and about an hour or so before the anaesthetist came to see me and explained everything that was going to happen. DP was able to come in with me but my hospital do not allow partners to stay overnight. A little while after DD was born we were taken back on to the ward and I was given something to eat as you will have been nil by mouth all day. Had a few visitors, DS came to meet DD. Then DP and DS went home at around 9pm.

Midwives/nurses were very helpful picking DD up for me when she needed feeding. Pain medication topped up and blood pressure taken every few hours throughout the night as well as feeding baby so expect any sleep! Catheter removed 12 hours after delivery. I was then encouraged to get up and walk a bit and try to go for a wee. Couldn't be discharged until I'd wee'd a certain amount in one go. Breakfast at 8am. Visitors allowed from 9am. Was eventually discharged at 4pm. Spent a lot of time waiting around for medication to be sorted so I could go home so that was the only delay.

5 days after delivery I was able to go for a short walk. 3 weeks after I felt fine to drive. Recovery was so quick for me compared to my EMCS. Very positive experience.

Due another ELCS with DC3 in August and I feel very relaxed about it this time.

Thanks for sharing your experiences everyone. It’s reassuring to hear that the majority of people have a very calm experience. Would you all suggest taking paracetamol and ibuprofen with you or not? Also can you still hear the baby with earplugs in? I would worry that he’ll be crying away and I’ll be snoozing soundly!

I had a surprise elcs due to severe pe with my DTs. Got told that we would be getting the babies out in the morning, 5 hours later they were born! It was such a calm environment, and despite being at my most vulnerable I felt like I was in control. I was terrified of still being able to feel it, but they really took the time to quadruple check (mainly for me!) that I was numb, and they explained everything that was happening and it was quite a good giggle at times.

Recovery was fine, I was out after 2 days (think we were kept in longer as DTs were slightly prem and they were monitoring their blood sugars). DH went back to work a week after they were born, and I was back to driving after two weeks. I’d have another section if I have anymore kids.

@MaryH90 I didn't take painkillers but they were pretty on top of it at my hospital so I didn't miss any and if that wasn't strong enough they were quick to give you something stronger when they could.
I've heard a few people recommend ear plugs but I didn't use them myself so can't vouch. I didn't sleep much over night, I slept more when DH came in in the morning to take over.

Hi.

Congrats on baby.

I had my first section 5 months ago.

The experience was positive. Home 24 hours later.

My Husband stayed the night but he only had a chair to sleep on so Take a blow up bed and bedding for him. You will need him to stay with you as you will be bed bound.

Surgery itself was a good experience. Very surreal not being able to feel anything, but it was over very fast. We did wait ALL day though, so i was STARVING!!! And a little shaky, so the meds they gave me made me feel very iccky!

Recovery was fine, I was looked after very well. They come round with meds but if you feel like you need more - ring that bell....! They will always give you more if they can.

Sickness - I felt iccky afterwards, so i had an anti sickness jab which helped loads.

Coughing - ouch!!!!!!! Now that bloody hurts....! Watch out for that..!

You will need to get out of bed the next day, have a shower and pee 3 times before they will let you home- its agony!! But each step really does get easier. The best thing I did was force myself to stand up straight, it will make you cry, but its worth it, once you are up and moving - its not that bad..!

Keep up with your meds and your blood thinning injections!

Rest rest rest - its major surgery.

Help help help - utilise your hubby and friends/family to the max

By 6 weeks by scar and closed up, its almost unnoticeable now! and i was driving. Now at 5 months I'm training for a 10k run and i ride my horse once a week.

It will be different for you with a 2 year old, but you must give yourself time to heal

Breastmilk - it will take a little longer for milk to Come in (5-7 days it took for me!)

Id do it all again a second time round!

Goodluck xx

Mine was emcs so can't answer your first few questions. But during it I felt fine, just some tugging. I was too shaky to hold my son whilst on the table but this didn't affect our bond. Partner didn't stay overnight. I remember it being tough to take my son out of the cot but in terms of holding him to breastfeed, getting up, changing his nappy etc it felt fine. I moved slowly for a few days but then was driving and going about as normal after 2 weeks.

Oh one thing you should keep in mind. You might have really bad trapped gas pain afterwards. I did not have a clue what was going on until I mentioned it to my midwife a week after and she said that air gets in during the procedure! Going on all fours and swaying really helped.

I’m glad I asked there are some great hints and tips here! Especially about sleeping through the day while partner is there it hadn’t even occurred to me and I presumed I would be struggling with exhaustion and coping with night feed alone while I’m in the hospital. I’ve suggested I take earplugs to DH and for him to care for baby while I sleep through the day he’s very keen on this idea. I think he likes the fact he’ll have his own bit of bonding time. Makes me feel more confident that I’ll be okay with the nights if I’ve had a chance to catch up on some sleep!

Thanks for these, I'm hoping to have an elecs c section in May. Can I ask how you all managed to feed whilst on the recovery ward as everything I've read points to you not being able to turn on bed or pick the baby up?!

I had my first planned c section last Thursday also first pregnancy. On the morning of surgery we had to arrive for 7.30am, went upstairs for check over, quick scan to see he was still breech, blood pressure etc. I was 3rd on the list so was sent down to the ward until it was our turn. By 11.15am I was called in, and 11.58am he was born. I was nervous, especially when it came to having the epidural but it honestly wasnt bad. During the surgery no pain whatsoever,just alot of tugging etc.
My partner wasnt allowed to stay over night which was bit of a struggle considering I was still in abit of pain and it was hard getting medication on time due to them being so busy but I managed and if anything j think it made me recovery a whole lot better. A week later my recovery is great, I obvs cant do heavy lifting but have been out for a walk etc today and pain is not to noticable unless I feel as though I done to much throughout the day.
If I were I told I was having a csection again in the future I wouldn't be that phased. You'll be absolutely fine, good luck !

I am having my ELCS today! I have to phone at 6am to check which ward they want me to come into (should be post natal) and I am due to go in at 7am. I know there are 3 of us on the list so hoping I wont have to wait too long.

I signed all the consent forms, got measured for the ted stockings, had bloods etc on Tuesday so it will just be a few observations and pre op meds when I get to hospital.

I am not allowed to eat anything until after surgery now (had to stop at midnight) and no liquids including water from 6am.

My hospital doesnt allow partners to stay overnight but people have just told me to click the buzzer if I need help. We do have the option to be transferred to two other local maternity units post natally where partners can stay and you can stay at the unit for 10 days. This may just be a local thing (i am in mid Essex).

My hospital give us all the pain relief to self-administer after the surgery so I have a notebook packed to write down when I have it. I was going to take my own paracetamol and ibuprofen before I found this out so definitely ask your consultant/midwife what your hospital procedure is.

I am due to be in at least 2 nights as I am having identical twins so will let you know if i have any hints or tips. So far I have been told to:

1. Hold a towel or cushion on my scar when getting out of bed, coughing, sneezing, laughing, out in the car
2. Peppermint tea or capsules help for the trapped wind. I have bought Rennie Deflatine to help with this.
3. Arnica tablets can help with internal bruising so I also have those packed
4. Big knickers (that come above your scar) and loose clothes are essential!
5. Dont sleep laying totally flat afterwards. Prop yourself up with pillows.

I have been told by lots of people that the first few days will be the hardest but then it will get alot easier.

Good luck @Wishing56!

OP you'll be far more mobile than you think. They will get you up on your feet the same day and my hospital force encourage you to have a shower the next morning.

I was given a sheet of paper with levels of things I was allowed to do over the next 12 weeks starting with lifting baby and including things like laundry and exercise. You shouldn't drive for 6 weeks and if you feel ready earlier than that then check with your car insurance to make sure it's okay. You have to feel comfortable that you could do an emergency stop.

In terms of lifting/feeding baby you can do that as soon as the spinal has worn off. I had my DS on me for skin to skin for the three hours I was in recovery.

I'd recommend a plastic bag on the car seat for the next couple of weeks as it helps you to 'spin' round and get out of the car - keep your knees together. Sounds weird but it works!

I meant to say...you will feel 'better' at some point and decide you can do all sorts of things, a longer walk, some laundry etc. Don't do this! It's a trick and you will be very sore the next day.

Take it easy!

For feeding, they’ll help you position baby in recovery- I had to keep my arms still because of the drip and blood pressure monitoring but they put him across my chest and repositioned as necessary.

I had mine in the afternoon so was told to have a light breakfast no later than 0600 and no fluids after 1000. Went to theatre just after 1400 (there was some hanging around) and he was born around 1520.

I was under instructions to stay in bed until the next morning, which was no bad thing as my blood pressure had plummeted and I felt as though I’d been hit by a train. Went DP home once we were settled on the ward but staff were great overnight and would change baby, pass him to me, etc. Mostly changing as he didn’t want to go in the crib! The care overall was really good, though may have been lucky as the ward was quiet.

I was up the next morning and discharged by lunchtime - I could have stayed in longer if I’d wanted to but was keen to get home and medically there was no reason not to.