Positive elective c/s stories??

[PumpkinZulu]

Jandals, I just wanted to say a big good on you for reading, researching, discussing, and making an informed decision that favours you and your baby the most. Many people will tell you that elective c/s are bad, I think it is just lovely to read about tour decision. I hope the birth of your baby is everything you wish it to be and more; empowering, beautiful, joyous

[Jandals]

Oh thanks PumpkinZulu Although I'm very content with my decision, and those that frown on elective c/s don't upset me, it's always nice to have others let me know they are understanding and supportive of my choice. I'm totally going in to the experience with a positive and informed attitude; believing it will be an amazing experience for me and DH but knowing there are risks that may not be able to be avoided (as there are with a VB too).

melbel - your story sounds great! And wow to being able to cut your toenails

That makes me think of another question I had. The info pack I was given said I have to remove all nail polish Do they realise how long it's been since I've had naked toenails?! Does anyone know why they don't like painted nails in surgery?

Kim - thanks for the pain relief info. I'm hoping that I will have an anaesthetist that I know - just have to ask him if he can be available for me on the day. I had a few probs with an epidural when I had DD so it's something I'm a little nervous about and I'd feel much more relaxed if he could be there. I demand fed DD and didn't have any trouble with milk coming in or feeding but I know it can be a little slower for some women after a c/s so I'll be sure to have the boobies ready to go anytime!

It seems one of the best things to do to help recovery is to get up and moving as soon as you can after. Did you all find that? I can't imagine wanting to stay in bed for too long anyway. I'll be wanting to do as much for the baby as I can and I'm guessing I'll probably also want a shower as soon as possible?

You guys are great! So much help

[melbel]

They don't like painted nails in surgery because they can't get accurate readings through the O2 monitor that they clip to your finger if there is nail polish in the way....even clear nail polish affects the reception. Also if there is chipping of the nail poilish etc it can pose a hypothetical infection risk ......

Fingernails definitely need to be polish free.....toes can possibly be negotiated depending on who is doing the operation etc....

[Jandals]

Thanks melbel! I think I'll just suck it up and have naked toenails. Don't want the medical team to flip out over my bright red toenails And all going well I'll be able to reach to paint them again soon after. Oh how novel that will be after all these months!

[aussienic]

I have had 3 very positive C/S. One tip. When you go to recovery ask them to semi sit you up and put oxygen on. With my last c/s the recovery nurse did this and explained it helps the epidural go out of your system faster and it did. I had feeling back in under 2 hours and was able to stand after 5 hours.

If you have any other question feel free to ask..

[rufalina]

The BT that the hospital will do are, I think, for blood type and cross match must be done within 24hrs of the surgery, by the hospital. You cant get them sooner, cause I asked. They are different to what your OB will test for.

I had a spinal, with an epidural. They put in the epidural jic there was an issue with the spinal. And remember that you will be out of pocket a bit for the anesthetics...

I think that we need to remember that while we have had positive section experiences, some people find themselves faced with a section that they were not expecting and it can be quite traumatic for them. I still try to be a bit sensitive when discussing them...

[maz]

Ive had 4 so have had both good and bad.

My best c/s was with Mini me...c/s number 3. I was booked in but went into early labour a week early. 2 hours later a very groggy maz was ringing family in recovery to tel them that a little girl had entered the world

I had a GA as my spine wont allow an epi or spinal needle in. I# hours after her birth I was up, showered and ready to go . I had absolutely NO PAIN!!!! I felt like I had gone to sleep and woken up and all of a sudden there was this baby. I never had any pain in my tummy area at all. No pain relief was needed. I was on a high to say the least.

With my other 3 c/s I have been awake and back up walking around within 3 hours of having my babies. Ive never really needed pain relief after that 3 hour mark and I was fully mobile again. I remember bathing Mario (ds2) 4 hours after having him.

I think a great team and doctors who listen to you help. Not all c/s end up happy ....no even if we go into them thinking the best. Its wondeful to hear such positive stories about fantastic and enpowering c/s's...but please dont think that if yourve had one that your next one will be just as fantastic. As every birth is different so to are c/s and peoples reactions to their c/s is also the same. Ruf said it perfect.....you still need to be sensitive to others births. Dont be affraid to tell your 'team' what you want...even though its a c/s make a birth plan that you'll be happy with.

OH an for the nail polish thing..I ahve gel over the top of my toe nails (like gel finger nails) and I could leave it on as its only an emergency I was told that the beeper thing gets put on your toe's.

Blood tests for any op are done 24 hours prior to surgery so you'll more then likely get your referral soon.

Good luck hon

[Jandals]

aussienic - thanks for the tips for recovery. It's all the little details that can make a big difference aye?

rufalina - I didn't intend any of what I've written to be insensitive to those women that have had a traumatic c/s experience. After a very traumatic VB I do understand that things don't always go to plan and I feel that I have prepared myself (as much as it's possible to) for the fact that this c/s may not be the positive experience I'm hoping for. However, as I stated in my first post the whole purpose of me asking for positive c/s stories was to get some balance as I have read and heard about many negative c/s births. I guess I thought this was the place to discuss such things, and why I was careful to put 'positive c/s stories' as the title. Out of curiosity, what was it I said that you read as being insensitive?

To any ladies out there that have had an unexpected/unwanted/traumatic c/s please don't think I'm not sensitive to your experiences. The truth is in fact the very opposite which is why I requested some positive stories to help me reduce the anxiety factor for me going in to a c/s.

In my humble opinion we need to be very careful not to keep certain topics almost as a 'taboo' because of the risk of upsetting others. I would be horrified to think that someone that had had a wonderful and empowering VB felt she could not share her experience for fear of being insensitive to someone like me that had a very traumatic VB. And in my mind, the same goes for c/s. I know this can be a very controversial topic as emotions are raw for many women surrounding disappointing births. Something I have first-hand experience with.

maz - I hope to be up and moving as quickly afterwards as you were! That's pretty remarkable considering you have to have GAs. And maybe I'll ask about the toenails at my next appt

I'm going through the public system so maybe things are done differently with the blood tests? I'll check with the midwife at my next appt.

Thanks for all your comments. And keep the stories coming!