Due to my stubborn little baby girl not turning head down it is more than likely I will be having a c-section. I have a small bicornuate uterus and they believe on top of that she has a short cord so it may be why she doesnt turn. With DD1 I had a positive vaginal birth but Im trying to look on the bright side here and come to terms that babies chose their way of passage.
So, with that being said, can you please tell me your positive c-section experiences? Did you recieve spinal or epi? How long was it? Were you scared but found it wasnt as scary as it seems?
I had an 'unplanned' c-section after a failed induction. I had about 14 hours to get used to the idea, which I imagine is more preferable than being rushed into an emergency c/s.
I had a spinal block, which took just under 5 hours to wear off completely. All up I got the spinal about 9.45am, DD was born at 10.05, and then had to go to the nursery with DH as she had a small amount of fluid in her lungs and low blood sugar thanks to my fasting for the c/s combined with my diabetes, but she was fine. I was stitched up then taken to recovery about 10.35 where they put a warming blanket on me to help with the shakes from the spinal block (I so want one of these blankets for winter!!).
I was then back in my room by 11.30am, able to see my daughter and call my family to tell them the good news.
The downsides for me was the needle in the back (hate needles!) and not having DD to cuddle, but I knew that the nursery is where she needed to be.
Funny/positive bits was everyone in the operating room being so fabulous and the nurses in recovery were just excellent, taking the time to laugh and joke with me. Also when DH kept sending down nurses to find out how long I'd be, as he didn't want me to miss out on time with DD.
I was up by 6am the next morning, showing and going to the toilet by myself, and moving around pretty well after that. The strongest painkillers I needed were panadol, so all in all I recovered wonderfully and the experience overall is nowhere near as scary as I might have imagined it.
At the end of the day I came away with positive thoughts, and a very happy and healthy DD!
Good luck with your delivery, whatever happens! Can't believe how close it is getting for you now!!
I've had two c-sections. Last one was planned and much bettrr. I had a spinal and it was heaps better than the epi. Dh was with me as was ds until the last 5 minutes where he and ds went to recovery and waited for me. Then i breastfed ds in recovery. Being planned I was able to make sure the things I wanted were done.
I've had 2 sections, the first was an emergency c-section after 20 hours of induced labour with synto, I had an epidural that didn't work, I could still feel everything around my tummy, so ended up having a spinal block as well. I also had pre-eclampsia and DD1 was in distress. It was a horrible experience and I ended up suffering from PND and PTSD, fortunately my second was the complete opposite.
DD2 was a planned section at 38 + 4 weeks, I had mild anxiety the whole way through my pregnancy although the pre-eclampsia didn't return, I had GD instead. I opted to have a spinal block again for this one because I didn't want to risk the epidural not working again. It wasn't scary but it was definitely uncomfortable. When she was born they cleaned her up and she was placed on my chest (skin-to-skin) and there she stayed while I was being stitched up, waiting in recovery and while being taken back down to the ward. I couldn't have asked for a better experience.
Before I had my babies I had assisted in many caesareans in theatre so knew the procedure and what the inside of a theatre and all it's staff was like. This made it easier for me I think.
I've had 2 sections (an emergency, an unplanned after waters broke and no labour) and am going for a planned one in early Feb.
I've had an epidural and a spinal and for me, the spinal was better. I will be asking for a spinal this time too. I also know what drugs I prefer in it, but that's more an experience thing.
Ask as many questions of your care givers as you can. Ask about not only their current procedures but how much they will customise the experience for you. That way if they are unbending with their 'rules' you can prepare yourself as much as possible.
The longest part of the operation is the stitching at the end. Generally though it's all over in under an hour.
I would love to hear your stories!
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