Apologies in advance for the long post..
I'm 18 weeks with my 3rd baby.
I have to have a C-section under general anaesthetic because of my disability.
My last section was the most brutal and dehumanising experience I've ever had. I had the section at 30 weeks due to preeclampsia, my baby went straight to NICU and I didnt meet her for 3 days.
I was in hospital for 6 weeks altogether, I went home 2 days in between and because I am wheelchair dependant I didnt manage to have a shower while in hospital due to the lack of accessible showers and midwives being too busy.
I discharged myself 3 days post partum because of this.
Although I have a while to go yet there's a high chance I'll have another preterm birth and be unwell again, so I may not have as long as is usually expected.
I just can't do this without the support of my partner.
Because I wont go into labour he won't be with me before my section. He's not allowed in because I'll be under general anaesthetic and for the 30 mins he'll be allowed to see me afterwards I'll be coming round from the anaesthetic and probably wont even remember he was there.
If I have another long stay in hospital I'll be away from my family, including my other children. For possibly weeks on end.
I was traumatised by my last birth and the NICU experience. I just don't know how I'm going to do this if things are still the same.
I need so much help afterwards and I know all too well that as amazing as midwives and nurses are, they dont have the time to help me.
I'm not sure what the point of this post is, but I cant talk to my family about it because they already make their disapproval of this pregnancy very clear.
Anyone who's had a baby with a lot of restrictions going on have any tips on how to get through it?