C section anxiety, can I ask for diazepam?

[August21yellowbaby]

I am having a section next week and I'm an absolute anxious mess over it

I've had a section 2 years ago but this was after a 3 day labour and I was under a lot of drugs at the time and didn't even know what day it was

I suffer badly with anxiety and also suffered postpartum psychosis after my first was born

I can honestly see myself having a major meltdown 😔

assuming you’re under a perinatal MH team - they are the people to discuss this with. It would be v unusual to have it, but you have my genuine sympathy x

I would be surprised if they would give you medication (but happy to stand corrected) but have you talked to your midwife about how anxious you are? I got a great midwife at the pre-op who understood I was a complete anxious mess after a traumatic first birth and EMCS and she was brilliant. She talked me through everything, and even made sure I got a tour of the theatre and recovery area so I didn’t freak out when down there for real. All the staff were aware and couldn’t have been kinder.

So I would try to focus on birth preferences, and making the staff aware just how anxious you are. Do you have a DH/DP/birth partner who can advocate for you?

Oh, and I also found some breathing exercises quite good for calming in the moment - not sure if you’ve ever tried any but might be worth a go?

I put on my birth plan that I'd had/was having major issues with anxiety. I dunno wtf they gave me but I felt utterly invincible. It was brilliant.

Yes they'll give you something- I had the same and they gave me something - i dont know the name of it but they said it would make me feel "like [I'd had] a g&t"
And it did. Good luck OP- they will definitely take your mental health seriously especially with a history of pp psychosis

When the anaesthetist came round pre-op to talk it through, I mentioned my anxiety and her response was very much "anything you feel or need, just tell me, we can fix it quickly" and that was really referring to calming me down if I became anxious. The anaesthetist is your friend! They sit next to you the whole time and are always the kindest, friendliest people.