Preparing for a C/S. What did you have to do?

[Charlotte91]

I've got my C/S on Friday but the Women's won't tell me what time it is. I have to ring up Thursday morning and see what time I have to go in.
I'm so mad! Why can't they just tell me!?

Anyway, what did you have to do in preparation for your C/S?
How early did you have to go in?
How long did it take before going into theatre?

I really don't know how to prepare for this and it's killing me. I like to know everything well in advance. Its just who I am. I don't like leaving things to the last moment.

Thanks!

[feeb]

Normal practice at RWH for you to find out when the day before. (my guess will be that they will do you earlier in day rather than later due to your baby going to NICU and having maximum amount of medical staff around)

Before you go to hospital remove all Jewlerry and piercings, no hair ties with metal on them.
Remove nail polish.
If you are able shave yourself or get a wax of down below (otherwise they will shave you pre theatre)
Fast from what ever time they tell you.

Make sure bag packed including camera and that it is full charged with lots of space on memory card!

I went in at 0630 for an 0800 CS (ended up not getting to theatre till 0830) (not at RWH)

Good luck with everything

[Doodlebug]

Hi, I totally understand your frustration!!! I've had 2 c-sections, both times I've been first up on the list (8am for my hossy), and my ob is a finicky old bugger so I go in the night before (at his request, don't think it's the hospitals policy). They usually start things moving about an hour before the op. I'd say you'll prob need to be there at least a couple of hours before? I'm sure one of the other ladies who has had a c-section could tell you more!

As far as preparation goes, the only thing I had to do was to shave my bits! Well, hubby had to do it coz I couldn't see! hahaha!

Not much preparation you really can do other than making sure you've packed all you want to take. The second time I took my own pillow and my breastfeeding pillow with me! I got a funny look from dh but I was VERY glad to have them! Oh, and a packet of crackers and some apples, I got so hungry in the first couple of days following I really wanted something to munch on.

Good luck!

[~mamaspice~]

I think it depends where you go as to what you need to do. I didn't have to remove nail polish or earrings or my wedding ring. So I'm not much help sorry. Your hospy should really tell you what their guidelines are.

[Just Me]

I had a planned c/section but went into labour beforehand so didn't have to do any of the prep stuff in the end - but the only prep they told me to do was have a shower and wash my hair. After my shower, I wasn't to put on any deodorants or powders, hair products etc. I could wash using soap and shampoo but after I got out of the shower, I couldn't use any kind of product.

I didn't have to shave - they only shaved my tummy a little bit and maybe a cm of the top of down there but I am not a very hairy person and don't have much hair so I don't know if they just didn't need to shave more.

I did have to remove all my piercings once I was in there.

[Emma09]

I had an "elective" CS 10 months ago. Had to be there by 10 and didn't go in until 4!!!!
Very boring.... No prep from me except nil by mouth from midnight, except a piece of dry toast at 7am.


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[*Belle*]

Morning, showered and dressed.
Bag had camera and spare battery for c/s birth


I arrived at hospital at 3pm
Had to get a blood sample taken
3.30pm got given my room
Midwives visited me, signed papers, ordered food for the next day etc
4pm - anethetist came in and briefed me on procedure and discussed any concerns
5pm - wheeled to theatre
5.10pm - given spinal block
5.35pm - Tara born!
6pm - recovery room
7pm - back in room hubby waiting with Tara, first breastfeed
8pm - visit from my mum and inlaws and my first child

[~Kim~]

I know it's frustrating but they can't tell you because they don't write the theatre list until the day before, just in case something needs to be prioritised and then they have to change everything.

[Jennifer13]

Even if they do tell you the time, you can get bumped for emergency surgery. We were told 4pm and didn't go in until around 8pm. That was far too long starving (I mean fasting) for my liking! I was careful to tell my family that it was very likely we would be delayed and not to expect to hear from us until very late that night (also thought we might need some time not to worry about contacting anyone).

We didn't have to go in until a few hours before, I think we arrived around lunch time (which I couldn't eat anyway). We went down to theatre for prep about half an hour before the surgery.

I had a normal morning, not going in until later, which meant I could have a decent breakfast. I also had a brazillian wax a couple of days before so that I didn't need to be shaved (depends on the ob). Bag was packed, car seat installed, house cleaned, leftovers organised for DP, even got the car washed. I like being prepared too. But I sort of let that go on the day of the op. I figured I wouldn't have been able to be as prepared if it wasn't elective, so I may as well just go along for the ride on the day.

GL!

[Charlotte91]

Hahaha, I love my food. When I read that I'd have to fast before the c/s I had to hold back tears.
The thought of not having my morning coffee. :'-(

DP is worried. He's more than happy to tell people that "if she doesn't get her coffee she turns into a dragon!!"

Thanks for all your help, guys.
Its really helping me.