Elective C-Section Stories please!

[abbymeg]

I'm getting nervous - I had emergency section with DD. I'm not relishing the thought of having the epidural AND spinal put in cold (without contractions and gas and air to distract me). I've yet to have a pre-op; it's a few weeks away so I don't know much about what they do and when. If anyone has a positive elective section story then I would really appreciate it - although don't cover up any nasty bits as I'd rather know than not.

Also, I don't know whether I'm supposed to do a birth plan?

Thanks for any help. It is really appreciated.

bump (as I can't link this for others who want a look!)

I had an emergency cs with dd and intending to have an elective cs with next one due in March. I was told I had to stay in for minimum 4 nights with the first, is it different with an elective one or is it dependant on the hospital? I would be much happier to be out sooner if possible

They seem to want you out quickly now; though I assume it depends on how you are and the hospital you are in. I've been told I'll be asked after 24 hours if I want to go, and the average stay is 3 nights. Like you, I want out as soon as I know that both of us are well enough to go.

The hospital was lovely and I didnt mind being there the first time but its just that with now having DD, who will be 21 months when the new baby is born, I would rather be at home with her and DP as soon as possible. Its great reading all these positive stories about elective cs, I was a little apprehensive before but now feeling much better about the whole thing. I am sure that I will recover even quicker this time without the stressful and long painful labour which preceded the last one!!!

This thread has made me cry...! I so want a positive birth experience - DD was born em-cs and I'm pg with DD2, due in March. I'm seeing the consultant on Monday to discuss "options" and I'm so scared she's not going to let me have a section....

But thank you ladies, your stories are inspirational and I now have a flicker of hope that there WILL be a happy cs experience to come

aunty I hope you get the section.

Mysoniseatinghis sock Why an elective c/s this time round? My DD's (forceps) birth was terrible and left me with temporary double incontinence and permanent pelvic floor damage from internal and external tearing. After six months of physio my urogynaecology consultant recommended that if I had any more children I have them by c/s to prevent further trauma to the area. (The muscles lose tone naturally for everyone as you get older - but coupled with the scarring and damage I have means a significantly increased risk of permanent faecal incontinence as I get older.)

I'm still scared of the c-section, but I couldn't risk more tearing .

To be honest Verso i am considering an elec cs because i am a wimp and would hate to be left with tears etc. I am very small down below (sorry TMI) and i am concerned that if i dont ask for an elective then i will go into labour and rather than the midwife agreeing to an emergency c section they will let it carry on until i need forceps etc to get the baby out.
I know some MN will not be happy with my opinion but that is just how feel. Not as brave as others!

MySonIsEatingHisSock i sympathise, i had an elective cs with ds.

up to 37 weeks i was planning getting natural water birth, did the perinial massage, followed gentle birth method etc and it turned out so it was a shock consultant suggested an elective but it was 100% the right thing to do as surgeons struggled to get ds out and used forcepts in the end after cutting me hip to hip (sorry tmi!) as i am too small....

anyway, end result, healthy baby and healthy and happy mummy! doing this all again next week, can't say i'm not nervous, but it's only natural!

anyway, talk this over with your midwife and ask to meet the consultant if possible....

good luck! verso sorry you had such a traumatic first birth... you will be fine..

This thread is fab and has made me feel so much better about the elective section I'm facing in February.

Can anyone answer some questions I have about skin to skin & what happens/needs to happen to the baby as soon as they're born. Can skin to skin be done immediately? I know there's no necessity to immediately clean or weigh the baby but what about suction and APGAR test? DS was born by ventouse & wasn't breathing but assuming this one is OK I'd like to hold him straightaway. Any advice?

Oh, I've just found this

thehouseofmirth some people have had skin to skin on the table, others say in recovery. I get the impression it will be recovery for me. Maybe you could ask at pre-op. I'm going to see whether immediate skin to skin would be possible as it's what I would prefer.

MW has agreed that CS was a very sensible choice today. I'm measuring 41 at 34+4 and he's back to back. So, I'm having exactly the same experience as with DD and no way was I having the same labour! I'm so pleased I asked for elective now. Thanks again for all of the fantastic and reassuring stories. I think the posters have all helped a lot of MNetters who are facing an elective.

A lovely article thehouseofmirth.

I have had two elective c-sections and they were wonderful experiences. I have 4 children (1 born by emergency c-section too) and my 2 elective c-sections were the best births by far. Lovely, relaxed and beautiful.

My scar was sore for longer which the midwife told me was normal as it was not my first c-section. However, in terms of general recovery it was very quick.

Wish you the very best for the birth!