thread: how to find out if the hosp/anesthesiologist will give pre-op calmative before C/S

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  1. #1
    Registered User

    Oct 2008
    1,572

    I found out about them by asking... I had bad PND with DD1 and when I recognised the warning signs when I was 6 months pregnant I told my middy that I needed help and she got in contact with them. It made a huge difference and so far, fingers crossed I haven't got PND.

    I guess if the midwives don't work in delivery often they may not know about the options available. I spoke to the head of the delivery ward about my options. I was really really proactive due to my first birth experience and I think they appreciated me asking lots of questions and making sure I got help when I needed it. Keep asking, it doesn't hurt and it may make all the difference when you go in to have your baby.

    Feel free to PM me if you want to know more or just want a chat!

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Mar 2006
    7,046

    Largely it is going to depend on the anethetist on the day and also how you yourself are coping. You can ask for one when you see them (or if you're on the ward, start asking the nurses/midwives). You can also start talking about it with your caregivers now and gt them to make a notation in your history about your concerns and needs.

    The problem with asking which anethetist will be on duty for then now is that rosters change, anethetists get moved from list to list depending on complexity of patients and surgeries happening in other theatres, also on sick leave. So it is very variable. But, like Bron said, anethetists do tend to be happy to dish out drugs

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Aug 2006
    On the other side of this screen!!!
    11,129

    You should have a pre-surgical appt several days before your CS is booked. On that day you should expect to see someone from the obstetric team (probably a registrar) AND someone from the anaesthetists team. Ask them about it then (you can ask to see the consultant - who is the head anaesthetist doctor) and use this opportunity to discuss your fears as well as a plan on what can be done. They may also schedule you earlier on the list so you don't have to wait as long on the day. Good luck.

  4. #4
    Registered User

    May 2009
    343

    Hi Marydean, my hospy doesn't do a consult days before the c-section, but you do see the anaesthetist an hour or two before going in for the actual c/s.

    I really want to find out before the actual day.. rather than stressing about it for the next month or finding out at the last minute that there's no possible option for anxiety relief and having a panic attack or freaking out. I don't have any further consults with anyone who is actually connected to the hospital, so I'm going to get in contact with the hospital advocate or social worker to see how I can find out what the hospital policy is or who I should ask.

    Thanks for your advice

  5. #5
    BellyBelly Life Subscriber
    Add Schmickers on Facebook

    Jan 2006
    Port Macquarie, NSW
    1,443

    Maybe try asking if you can see the registrar / consultant at your next antenatal appointment, and discuss it with them? If they order it, the anaesthetist (or the midwives if it is ordered preop) will give it.

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Oct 2007
    Middle Victoria
    8,924

    I had an appointment with one of the anaesthetists prior to getting pregnant to assess my medications, medical history and how this would affect pregnancy and birth (either labour or CS). The person i spoke to was prob not the dude i will see on the day, but the plan talked about went in my file.

    This was at a public hospital in Melbourne.

    Is it possible to get an anaesthetic assessment at your hospital? A patient advocate or social worker may be able to help you get the info.

    take care

  7. #7
    Registered User

    May 2009
    343

    Hi everyone, I just spoke to a middy from the birth unit, and she called theatre and spoke to an anaesthetist, and he said there is definitely an option for a pre-op calmative before the c/s, I just have to ask for it when I first arrive. Thanks everyone for your advice.