Qu for the c/s mummies!!

[C~Q]

I have had a VB, a C/S and a VBAC and to me they are all just "different" ways of giving birth. When I found out I was going to have a Caesar it didn't disapoint me, it was just different. She was born at 12.04am and I was walking around mid morning. As aussienic said, getting up the first time is scary more than painful, you THINK you're going to tear (you won't).

This may sound blunt and I don't mean it to but I think some people over think things. It's one thing to be prepared but another to fill your head with all the scary things about Csecs that can happen when you probably won't even need one.

We're not having anymore children but if I was pregnant I would obviously prefer a VB but if I were told I would have to have a Caesar it would not phase me. I would gather support around me for the first few weeks after I got home then bang - life as normal.

I hope for your sake you don't need one, but please don't worry too much about it

[aussienic]

This may sound blunt and I don't mean it to but I think some people over think things. It's one thing to be prepared but another to fill your head with all the scary things about Csecs that can happen when you probably won't even need one.

I agree,, Sometimes it is easier to go with the flow.. yes be informed of what is going to happen and what to possibly expect afterwards.

[foreva*your*mummy]

wow I think you all said it so well. Be informed but dont over worry. I have had 2 C/S and as scary as they are. It is ok, you will cope better than you probable think you would if you HAD to have one. And i think that is important, like FMN said its not for fun, its to help your baby.
I hope everything goes the way your want

[visitor1]

Thanks heaps ladies....

Another silly question:

Now im sure its not the case...but is an emergency c/s and elective both done the same way?

By that i mean the emergency one is a 'rough job' is it...like they take the same amount of care? I automatically think 'emergency' and it being a rushed 'hurry and get the baby out, miss all the importnant stuff' just to get bub out asap.

Does that make sense?

[Astrid]

The main thing to remember with emergency c-sections is that everyone will be on auto pilot and just do what they normally do. So if you want something a bit different they may forget, so don't be afraid to speak up and say something.

I had it listed in my birth intentions what I would like to have happen if I needed another c-section. My midwife knew what we wanted as I had discussed it all with her and she was their to help follow my wishes where possible. My main thing was getting breastfeeding established quickly and to make sure if bubs and I were separated that someone was to hold bubs till I was ready, no going to the nursery. So glad I thought about it as I had a emergency c-section under a general.

So best to be positive about the possibility and have plans in place in case it does happen, it seems to be easier to handle if you do so.

[Kmn]

There are a couple of differences - putting in a spinal and having it work takes time (10 mins or so), which in a real emergency you may not have. So some emergency CS are under general anaesthetic. If you already have an epidural in from the labour then they will try to use that for the CS as well.
The other difference is that you don't get to choose who performs your emergency CS - you get the obstetric registrar or whatever obstetrician is closest!
If your bub is in distress then the paediatrician gets priority access, regardless of whether it is emergency or planned.
The get-the-baby-out part of an elective CS is over very quickly anyway (my forms list "labor" as 3 mins from cut to placenta out...). Stitching you back together and cleaning up takes some time - which if bub is OK and you are awake you will be able to spend getting to know bub.

[Beach Mama]

Kim

I had an emergency c/s but it wasn't a CODE BLUE CODE BLUE type emergency which I think would be completely different and i don't think happens all that often. From when they told me I had to have a c/s to actually having it was roughly 20-30 mins with lots of prep in between. I had an epidural in but they took that out and gave me a spinal instead.

I was terrified of having one hun, I dearly wanted a natural, drug free surgery free birth but it didn't happen... the end result was a gorgeous girl who is healthy and yes that is important but would I change things along the way if I could? in a flash.
Be prepared for what might happen. Read up and include preferences in your birth plan (although as Astrid mentioned they may not get followed through) and then put it to the back of your mind and focus on having the birth you want. I was lucky and had a midwife with me the entire time so while they stitched me up I didn't even care or notice because Izzy was there with her face next to mine and in recovery the midwife got us having skin to skin and breastfeeding right away.... THIS to me is the most important thing. I can't imagine being in a room with no DH and bub for an hour or so, so I would include what options you have to make sure bubs is with you (providing you are both healthy of course) I'm sure you will be great hun and don't focus on the negatives too much or let fear get in the way. Que sera sera (with alot of research, education and preparation of course )

[Mummatotwo!]

Hi, i thought i would share my experience with you.

Dont get me wrong, i harbour some serious ILL feelings about my c/s so while i am trying to take a bit of fear away from you, i really really am saddened by the fact that i had one.

THE GOOD Fistly, maybe i was lucky, but i was able to hold my DS straight away and as soon as the epidural wore off i was able to shower (slowly) and pick up my ds. By day 3 i was able to walk around the maternity ward and able to even stroll down to the canteen for a snack..

THE BAD I bled for 3.5 months straight, clotting etc. I wasnt able to poop for about 2 weeks, i had issues with bonding, breastfeeding, and suffered extreme PND, PTSD and have alot of fears and anxiety over the birth of this child.

THE UGLY While i cant say the "procedure" its self was a nightmare, i can say that the fact that it was done has hurt my sense of self immensely. Its not a very nice start to parenthood for me.

I would suggest that you write a detailed birth plan, taking into account the trouble that i had and the disasters that i faced to help remedy possible situations that you may face.
I dont want to scare you hun, but also , i dont want to sugar coat and say how wonderful they are, because for me personally they are **** lol.

A wonderful doula recently said to me, they CANNOT take away your rights as a mother, so stand strong in your birth plan, and dont give in to "policy"

hope that helps a little bit

[visitor1]

Mummatotwo im so sorry you had a bad experiance...wow at 3.5 months of bleeding...thats incredible.

I have a great Doula this time and im sure with her help and advice i will make a good birth plan...i had one for my last 2....but they never once came out of my bag for others to see i was lucky that most things were done as i wanted...well 2nd time round anyhow!