Hello
I chose to have a C-section as my preferred birth plan, partly due to anxiety and partly because it was just the preferable option for me. I remember looking around for positive stories before I went in so thought it was worth sharing mine here in case anyone else finds it helpful.
I asked for a C section at my 20 week check with the doctor – I was 41 so automatically in the higher risk category. I pre-armed myself with the NICE guidelines on how it is your right to have a C-section if you want to, expecting a bit of a battle to get what I wanted. I told the doctor I was aware of the NICE guidelines and that it was what I wanted and she just said that’s absolutely fine. We discussed the risks but they were absolutely happy to proceed as I wanted. The doctor was very understanding and helpful.
The pre-op was straight-forward, you go into the hospital and they measure you for compression socks which you are to wear just before you go into the op and for a while afterwards. I wore them for about 10 days afterwards but that varies. They provided a few meds to take the night before/the morning of the operation to reduce any sickness and make sure the body has a good amount of energy whilst still on an empty stomach. We discussed what would happen if I went into natural labour before the op date and I decided that I wouldn’t rule out a natural birth but would likely proceed with the op as planned.
My C section was booked for 39+2 so not that long before the due date and I did indeed start going into labour 2 nights before it was booked. I waited 3 hours to call the hospital at 3am and they suggested I take paracetamol and call back if getting worse in the next hour. The contractions were getting more frequent and quite strong so at 4.30am we headed to the hospital and I was hooked up to the machine that measures contractions and checked for dilation, and rescanned as they weren’t sure which was round the baby was (she was head first so all was fine).
I had chats with the doctor who said given that the baby was coming naturally and there were no complications that they thought a natural birth would go well. I gave it some thought but stuck to the original plan and said I still wanted the c-section. They said that was fine and they would fit me in when they could. It ended up being about 11am and the contractions were very strong by this point but I was able to hobble into the theatre with my partner.
The operation itself was amazing. Before it started I was asked a few consent questions to check I knew what was happening. My partner was there all scrubbed up with a camera and my phone so we could have our playlist on. I can’t say enough about how lovely all the staff were – it seemed like there were a lot of them as well. It was all a much bigger production that I expected but also really smoothly run and with a very upbeat mood. I lay on the ‘bed’ (it’s pretty narrow) and the midwife held my hand whilst had the spinal block which barely hurt at all. Once it takes effect it feels very strange as your legs go numb but so long as you know it will feel strange then nothing to worry about. It felt a bit like I’d wet myself – a bit warm!
The op itself didn’t take long. I chose to keep a curtain up at all times – some people like to have it lowered as the baby is extracted but that wasn’t for me. My partner was holding my hand and chatting to me throughout. I didn’t feel sick at any point. You feel some tugging but nothing much and no pain. The doctors kept me updated on each thing they were doing and then we heard the baby cry and they let me know that all looked good and took her for a little clean up before bringing her over. My partner went with her for the clean up so saw her first. Then they brought her over and laid her on my chest so we could say hello and cuddle as a family. Whilst all this was going on they were stitching my back together. This I think is the longest part but by then you have the baby so you don’t really notice.
Once that’s done the baby was given to my partner and I was rolled onto a hospital bed and cleaned up a bit more. Then the baby was placed on my chest and we were wheeled off to the recovery room where tea, coffee and toast was provided and I was able to eat it fine. I was given the all-clear to go home the next day but decided to stay another night as they recommended more support with breast feeding would be useful. I now regret that because there weren’t enough staff at night to provide any support but hey ho. At least when you are in the hospital you feel a bit safer if there were any unexpected issues.
So all in all it was totally fine and really quite enjoyable. I wouldn’t hesitate to have another C section, I hope this helps relieve any worries anyone has!
One more thing, I took paracetamol and ibuprofen after the op and kept doing so for around 10 days. I ended up with really high blood pressure caused by the ibuprofen – I had a monitor at home so was able to check it myself. I recommend having your own blood pressure monitor generally when pregnant but look out for the impact of the ibuprofen.
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Ps. I would kindly suggest people keep their bad c section stories off this thread as the point is to be somewhere anxious folk can use to help them keep positive. Thanks.