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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Elective Section birth plans

14 replies

Jblack · 23/04/2025 16:04

Hi all, I'm getting an elective section next month, and my midwife suggest I go away and have a think about the specifics and to jot them down in a plan to make sure I get the most out of the experience. Until now, the only thing I knew I wanted was skin to skin post birth, but she has said there are pros and cons as to the timing of when this is carried out. She would recommend skin to skin after the quick checks have been completed and then staff can hand the baby over as some women find the actual birth stage the most uncomfortable and nauseous, so this gives 5/10 mins to get comfortable, get any anti sickness meds if needed, and then be able to hold baby for the remainder of the procedure.
She also said to think about how we want to be told the gender, if we want to wait and find out ourselves post checks, or if we want medical staff to announce it at the time of birth.
I'm keen to hear others experiences of the specifics of their previous planned sections, what you requested/didn't want, or if there's anything you would have changed about it in hindsight. Many thanks!

OP posts:
Surroundedbyfools · 23/04/2025 16:15

I had an elective section booked first time round and went into labour myself and ended up with a shit show of an emergency section . Second time round all I wanted was for my spinal to be fully working and hoped not to have a pph so my plans and expectations were minimal. I did hold baby 2 in theatre but it’s quite uncomfortable as they r placed very high up almost at ur neck and they are still tugging and doing things so I only held him a wee while then my husband held him. I held him skin to skin in recovery no bother tho, I’ve heard ppl making playlists and asking for drapes to be lowered when they pull the baby out etc! My elective section was very well managed and calm

Greybeardy · 23/04/2025 19:45

few thoughts from an obs anaesthetist... MW sounds like she perhaps doesn't go to many elective section lists!

Re. announcing the baby's sex - have never seen it done after the MW checks. Most often the surgeon holds the baby up immediately after delivery so either partner/patient can see or they can tell you if you'd prefer just to be told. Most often we're able to drop the drapes (you won't see anything except the baby!) so you can see if you want to. If there's a particular reason you don't want to know until after the baby's been give a once over by the MW then that's fine, but it'd be unusual.

Re skin to skin, all being well with both mum and baby, then it's pretty routine...if you want it. Obviously if the baby needs some medical perking-up then that's the priority (but the routine checks by the MW can be done later). It can feel uncomfortable having a 3-ish kg lump plonked on your chest when you're lying flat and numb up to mid chest level, but a lot of women are keen to at least give it a go. Equally, if you'd rather the baby's wrapped up and held by your birth partner until you're back on a comfortable bed then that's fine too (or you can see how you feel with skin to skin and if it's too much then change plan & partner hold them). It isn't uncommon to feel nausea intraoperatively or even vomit and that can make skin to skin less practical, but again, you might feel fine and not need to worry about it.

If you want photos then bring a phone/camera - often if all is going smoothly there'll be someone in the team who can take photos. Lots of places have bluetooth speakers these days, so if you have a music playlist you want then put one together (we will judge...especially if there's Ed Sheeran!). If your birth partner's keen to trim the cord then that's often an option (surgeons have to do the initial cut but can leave it longer so that it can be 'trimmed'). Some women have strong feelings about the placenta - you need to let them know in advance if you're planning to keep it (it's a relatively unusual request but is an option).

It is important to remember that while it is 'an experience' it is also a major operation (for some women/babies it's a more major procedure than others depending on the reason for doing the section). There are some things that have to be done for safety reasons and if there's 'medicine' that needs doing then that takes priority over the 'fluffy' stuff, although we always try to make it as nice as possible.

It may be helpful to look a the labourpains.org website if you've not found it already. There's a section about anaesthesia for c-sections and IIRC a video that shows a fairly standard set-up. HTH.

(edit to say: also worth knowing that even if you end up with an emergency section (eg. if you go into labour ahead of the date etc), then actually quite a lot of the above still applies, but there will just be a bit more time pressure on staff to get things done a bit quicker to keep you/the baby safe.)

Jblack · 23/04/2025 21:19

Greybeardy · 23/04/2025 19:45

few thoughts from an obs anaesthetist... MW sounds like she perhaps doesn't go to many elective section lists!

Re. announcing the baby's sex - have never seen it done after the MW checks. Most often the surgeon holds the baby up immediately after delivery so either partner/patient can see or they can tell you if you'd prefer just to be told. Most often we're able to drop the drapes (you won't see anything except the baby!) so you can see if you want to. If there's a particular reason you don't want to know until after the baby's been give a once over by the MW then that's fine, but it'd be unusual.

Re skin to skin, all being well with both mum and baby, then it's pretty routine...if you want it. Obviously if the baby needs some medical perking-up then that's the priority (but the routine checks by the MW can be done later). It can feel uncomfortable having a 3-ish kg lump plonked on your chest when you're lying flat and numb up to mid chest level, but a lot of women are keen to at least give it a go. Equally, if you'd rather the baby's wrapped up and held by your birth partner until you're back on a comfortable bed then that's fine too (or you can see how you feel with skin to skin and if it's too much then change plan & partner hold them). It isn't uncommon to feel nausea intraoperatively or even vomit and that can make skin to skin less practical, but again, you might feel fine and not need to worry about it.

If you want photos then bring a phone/camera - often if all is going smoothly there'll be someone in the team who can take photos. Lots of places have bluetooth speakers these days, so if you have a music playlist you want then put one together (we will judge...especially if there's Ed Sheeran!). If your birth partner's keen to trim the cord then that's often an option (surgeons have to do the initial cut but can leave it longer so that it can be 'trimmed'). Some women have strong feelings about the placenta - you need to let them know in advance if you're planning to keep it (it's a relatively unusual request but is an option).

It is important to remember that while it is 'an experience' it is also a major operation (for some women/babies it's a more major procedure than others depending on the reason for doing the section). There are some things that have to be done for safety reasons and if there's 'medicine' that needs doing then that takes priority over the 'fluffy' stuff, although we always try to make it as nice as possible.

It may be helpful to look a the labourpains.org website if you've not found it already. There's a section about anaesthesia for c-sections and IIRC a video that shows a fairly standard set-up. HTH.

(edit to say: also worth knowing that even if you end up with an emergency section (eg. if you go into labour ahead of the date etc), then actually quite a lot of the above still applies, but there will just be a bit more time pressure on staff to get things done a bit quicker to keep you/the baby safe.)

Edited

So she said depending on the chord length etc it can sometimes be quite tricky to see the gender over the drapes even when they've been dropped, so some people have it announced to them instead, I don't know if maybe the drapes at my local hospital are higher than others?

Yeah I think that's what she was getting at with it being uncomfortable, obviously I'd love to have skin to skin straight away, but equally if it's too uncomfortable holding baby whilst the procedure is still ongoing then maybe going to my partner first of all might make sense, I can have a further think about it.

I'll be sure to stay away from any Ed Sheeran requests though lol. Thanks for all the info though, I'll look that site up and see if I can get some more info!

OP posts:
Jblack · 23/04/2025 21:21

Surroundedbyfools · 23/04/2025 16:15

I had an elective section booked first time round and went into labour myself and ended up with a shit show of an emergency section . Second time round all I wanted was for my spinal to be fully working and hoped not to have a pph so my plans and expectations were minimal. I did hold baby 2 in theatre but it’s quite uncomfortable as they r placed very high up almost at ur neck and they are still tugging and doing things so I only held him a wee while then my husband held him. I held him skin to skin in recovery no bother tho, I’ve heard ppl making playlists and asking for drapes to be lowered when they pull the baby out etc! My elective section was very well managed and calm

Edited

Thanks for your reply! Was baby wrapped up before you held him? I'm thinking it might be easier doing it this way incase my partner needs to take baby as you've said, and then can get skin to skin time in recovery

OP posts:
misskddwh · 23/04/2025 21:26

I’ve had two electives and will be having my third in September! My first baby was stillborn so I didn’t have any requirements other than for my birthing partner to be there for the full duration of the op. Second time round my baby was brought at 34 weeks so straight after delivery she needed to go and have some oxygen etc. Butt even during those circumstances the whole team made it such a pleasant experience, it was very relaxed and calm. I didn’t have a specific playlist but I did say it would be nice to have radio on just for a bit of background noise. In September I will again be requesting my partner to be in the room from start to finish, I want the drapes lowering so I can see baby coming out, delayed cord clamping (although think this is a standard practice at most hospitals now) partner to trim cord, and would love skin to skin! But as long as baby is born safely I’m happy if things need to change. Once you’re in theatre you will be that excited to meet baby you won’t take much notice of a lot of stuff. Exciting times! X

oustedbymymate · 23/04/2025 21:32

I had ELCS for my second birth.

I request if safe and possible for delayed cord clamping and immediate skin to skin. I already knew he was a boy.

They did both. They waited for cord to stop pulsing before clamping (standard practice in my hospital) and baby was lifted straight to my chest.

My core temp was a little cool due to anaesthetic so then they wrap us both in heated blankets. I look a bit like Mary on the pic as I have a heated blanket wrapped overtop of my head Grin

Jblack · 23/04/2025 21:54

misskddwh · 23/04/2025 21:26

I’ve had two electives and will be having my third in September! My first baby was stillborn so I didn’t have any requirements other than for my birthing partner to be there for the full duration of the op. Second time round my baby was brought at 34 weeks so straight after delivery she needed to go and have some oxygen etc. Butt even during those circumstances the whole team made it such a pleasant experience, it was very relaxed and calm. I didn’t have a specific playlist but I did say it would be nice to have radio on just for a bit of background noise. In September I will again be requesting my partner to be in the room from start to finish, I want the drapes lowering so I can see baby coming out, delayed cord clamping (although think this is a standard practice at most hospitals now) partner to trim cord, and would love skin to skin! But as long as baby is born safely I’m happy if things need to change. Once you’re in theatre you will be that excited to meet baby you won’t take much notice of a lot of stuff. Exciting times! X

Yes I agree, a safe delivery is all that matters at the end of the day. I'm more than happy to follow the advice of the medical team if things need to change at the last minute, but the conversation with my midwife just got me thinking about what others may have requested, and what my ideal scenario options would look like :)

OP posts:
Jblack · 23/04/2025 21:55

oustedbymymate · 23/04/2025 21:32

I had ELCS for my second birth.

I request if safe and possible for delayed cord clamping and immediate skin to skin. I already knew he was a boy.

They did both. They waited for cord to stop pulsing before clamping (standard practice in my hospital) and baby was lifted straight to my chest.

My core temp was a little cool due to anaesthetic so then they wrap us both in heated blankets. I look a bit like Mary on the pic as I have a heated blanket wrapped overtop of my head Grin

I think my midwife mentioned they do delayed clamping anyways, but it was just her comments about the logistics of immediate skin to skin might not be the most practical for an elective, so it's nice to hear that you had such a positive experience with this as my initial thoughts were skin to skin as early as possible

OP posts:
Lavenderandlemons · 23/04/2025 23:01

I had an unplanned section. It was important to me for DH and I to see the sex of baby ourselves (I don't know why, just imagined it that way😅) so asked for baby to be held up. We could then see he was a lovely baby boy! No issues with doing this so maybe have a think about what way you imagine it all happening and what you'd like best.

I was happy for paeds to do their initial checks first as sometimes c section babies need a little assistance to come round. I requested for him not to be fully wrapped in blankets so I could do some skin to skin. I did for maybe 10 mins. No nausea to warrant delaying skin to skin for me but everyone's different. My epidural block had gone a little awry and it meant I got to the point I couldn't feel my chest/arms and needed baby moved. DH took over skin to skin then which he enjoyed.

Definitely nice to think about what your preferences are but things can feel very different in the moment. A lot may be out of your control when it comes to it so just be prepared for that too. In hindsight, I think I would have liked some music as a distraction. Oh and almost forgot, I got a lovely video of DS being born which I adore having, but I know it's not everyone's cup of tea!

Jblack · 24/04/2025 00:42

Lavenderandlemons · 23/04/2025 23:01

I had an unplanned section. It was important to me for DH and I to see the sex of baby ourselves (I don't know why, just imagined it that way😅) so asked for baby to be held up. We could then see he was a lovely baby boy! No issues with doing this so maybe have a think about what way you imagine it all happening and what you'd like best.

I was happy for paeds to do their initial checks first as sometimes c section babies need a little assistance to come round. I requested for him not to be fully wrapped in blankets so I could do some skin to skin. I did for maybe 10 mins. No nausea to warrant delaying skin to skin for me but everyone's different. My epidural block had gone a little awry and it meant I got to the point I couldn't feel my chest/arms and needed baby moved. DH took over skin to skin then which he enjoyed.

Definitely nice to think about what your preferences are but things can feel very different in the moment. A lot may be out of your control when it comes to it so just be prepared for that too. In hindsight, I think I would have liked some music as a distraction. Oh and almost forgot, I got a lovely video of DS being born which I adore having, but I know it's not everyone's cup of tea!

Thanks for sharing your experiences, even though it wasn't planned it does sound like you've still managed to have a pretty positive experience. I love that you have a film of your DS being born too!

OP posts:
Blue2020 · 24/04/2025 07:24

I just had an elective csection last week following a calm emcs (so similar to an elective because I wasn’t in labour but both myself and DS were not well due to preeclampsia). I didn’t really get to experience a normal process afterwards, DS came at 35 weeks and was whisked off to scbu/nicu for 12 days. Obviously we spent a lot of time there but it’s not the same as having your baby with you the whole time.

This time I didn’t have any nausea during the surgery, I guess no food plus omeprazole worked. Asked if we wanted delayed cord clamping, and if DH wanted to cut the cord. They lowered the sheet when DD was born so I could see her. Then did the necessary checks. I didn’t do skin to skin in the theatre because I didn’t really have space to hold her. However as soon as they were finished I held her as we went to recovery and then as soon as I was in recovery we did skin to skin and also the first feed. She was a natural.

I found elec csection much better. I feel like I have recovered quicker too. Well I was until I overdid it on day 6 and possibly stretched a bit too much trying to reach an object behind the sofa, and tried to lift something too. So now I’m still tender again.

Surroundedbyfools · 25/04/2025 14:45

Jblack · 23/04/2025 21:21

Thanks for your reply! Was baby wrapped up before you held him? I'm thinking it might be easier doing it this way incase my partner needs to take baby as you've said, and then can get skin to skin time in recovery

He was wrapped up as theatre is actually quite cold so they have to keep him warm. Once out in recovery tho he was unwrapped to have skin to skin with me. His breathing was quite grunty so they were really keen for him to be on me to try to regulate him a bit !

Greybeardy · 25/04/2025 15:44

obstetric theatres are generally kept warmer than other operating theatres to help prevent neonatal hypothermia. Skin to skin is often a good way to keep babies warm in theatre unless they're particularly small or unwell/vulnerable. When having s-t-s in theatre the baby will usually have a blanket laid over the top of them as well to reduce heat loss from the side not in contact with the mother (or if it's the partner having s-t-s, ditto).

Re the idea that the cord could get in the way of telling what sex the baby is - nonsense! Babies are quite easy to move so this shouldn't be an issue.

Lavenderandlemons · 25/04/2025 15:55

Greybeardy · 25/04/2025 15:44

obstetric theatres are generally kept warmer than other operating theatres to help prevent neonatal hypothermia. Skin to skin is often a good way to keep babies warm in theatre unless they're particularly small or unwell/vulnerable. When having s-t-s in theatre the baby will usually have a blanket laid over the top of them as well to reduce heat loss from the side not in contact with the mother (or if it's the partner having s-t-s, ditto).

Re the idea that the cord could get in the way of telling what sex the baby is - nonsense! Babies are quite easy to move so this shouldn't be an issue.

Not so much get in the way but short cords can cause an issue as occasionally aren't long enough to lift baby up to show parents. In that case, they'll just show after delayed cord clamping (if it's done).

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