C-section experiences (elective)

[Jodie259]

after 11.5 hours of contractions - I had an emergency c/s. My babies back was on my back, and the first few hours were the most painful thing I could ever experience. I had an epidural at 3cm dialated. Then the labour stopped progressing at 7cm, and baby & mum were 'in distress'. (I was 38yo at the time). I also had a large cyst on my ovary which was removed after Shaun was birthed. I am having an elective c/s for my next birth.

what was it like? It was not so bad for me. After the prepping, they got Shaun out so quickly! evern though it was emergency, it was not traumatic for me.
good aspects of the surgery? No pain. Being awake and seeing Shaun pulled out. I will ask if I can have the sheet lowered for baby #2. Having my husband holding my hand and taking photos. And just the atmosphere was calm & quiet.
not-so-good aspects of the surgery? I had 2 epidurals, and as they were wheeling me into surgery the 2nd epidural hadn't taken in a certain spot on my back (I was in agony at that spot) so I needed a spinal block as well.
involvement of your partner/DH? He was terrific. He was taking photos and explaining what was happening.
amount of time between the surgery and holding your baby? Immediately after Shaun was removed, they wrapped him in a blanket and put him on my chest. And the nurses took photos of DH, myself & Shaun. I was able to hold him for quite a while. I guess that was the only time I really welled up and got emotional. He was so beautiful. I didn't get to breastfeed him, as I had to have further surgery to remove the cyst.
recovery issues? I recovered really well. My incision was 'glued' so I never had to return to remove stitches. The scar healed really quickly. I was walking the following day (I gave birth at 9.30pm) - and I didn't have any pain killers as I really didn't feel any pain. Never sufferend any PND, not even baby blues. And I discovered that I was allowed to drive whenever I felt ready - unless the doc said I couldn't . You can check with your insurance company to see if they have any restrictions, but RACV didn't.
tips for good recovery? As someone else said... try to move about.
any issues with breastfeeding? I think I would have had issues regardless of which birth I had. My breast size never increased, and I had some serious stress & illness prior to giving birth - so I don't think milk ever came in. I went to lactation centres and persisted for weeks... but Shaun was on formula from day 3...
tips for getting yourself psychologically ready for a c-section? You've carried your baby inside you for 9 months, and you will take care of that child the rest of your life. Don't feel any guilt or regret for having a c/s. You do what you can for yourself and your child.

I am just going to see if I can have my baby in the recovery room with me. After giving birth, they took Shaun to the maternity ward to get weighed etc. Although it's on a different floor - I hope they will allow #2 to be bought back to me in the recovery room...