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.
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