In my experience, they take took DS straight away after birth (after showing me and DP over the screen) for a few minutes while they checked his airways and cleaned him up a bit and then we got to hold him. DP went with DS while he was being checked. DS was with us in recovery and thats when we had our first breastfeed.
I wasn't really aware of the time but I had laboured for a long time so probably wasn't completely 'with it'. Just let the staff know what you want when you get in there. Unless there is a medical problem with you or your baby, you shouldn't be separated for long and they would have no need to 'kick' your partner out either.
With both of my emergency c/s I have held the baby while they stitched me up with DP sitting next to me. The spinal has blocked out any feeling so you don't need anything else while they stitch you up. It went really quickly - being alone in recovery waiting to get feeling back is longer!
If you are awake for your c/s then your partner should be allowed to be with you. I didn't hold my baby while I was stitched up, but I was kind of groggy from the pethadine I had not long before the emergency c/s so I wasn't too bothered by that.
Did you find you had issues with feeding and bonding after your first c/s? If not then you probably won't this time around. Tell the hospital that you would like to hold your baby straight away though, hopefully they will be able to accommodate your request. Also let them know about your anxieties, I'm sure there is something they can give you to calm you down if you feel you need it.
Also, is another c/s necessary for this birth? I don't know when you are due but if you are really anxious about the surgery and possible separation maybe a natural delivery is an option.
Berrme, I had no problem bonding with baby after the first C-section, we were reunited as soon as the general wore off, and had our first breastfeed with no problems (about 2 hours after he was born). From my perspective, it didn't affect my bonding experience because I was unconscious during the time we were apart, rather than being awake and feeling negative emotions about being separated. I don't know how it affected him but he's certainly fine now - he fed great from day one and he's now 2 years old and we have a great bond.
I think I will cope ok if I do get to hold him/feed him before they take him away, and I'll certainly fight not to be separated at all. I tried to call the hospital's maternity ward today to ask them what the policy is and see what I can do about it, but their line was engaged all morning.
I could try for a VBAC but I've settled on another c-section (the hosp. I'm going to only has a 40% VBAC success rate so I'd just rather cut to the chase). I'm not fussed how he's born, as long as we both survive.
Fair enough. There is just so much to think about, isn't there?
I hope the hospital comes to the party for you as far as immediate bonding. Even though I don't think my first son has been negatively effected by the c/s and the separation, it was really amazing to hold DS2 straight away. Such a rush of emotions.
I had an emergency c/section and I was on such a high when they were stitching me up, I couldn't take the smile off my face (not sure if it was the epi as it was the first pain relief I had had while labouring or the thought of meeting DS ) while in recovery I just kept thinking of DS and I got the shakes really bad so was glad DS wasn't there as I probably couldn't have held him.
A friend of mine also had a c/section and freaked out cause she couldn't feel her legs, She knew she wouldn't feel any pain but I think she expected to still be able to feel her legs and was confused that no-one told her she wouldn't feel them.
I haven't revisited this thread for a while... at the time I was very reassured that everyone seemed to have an OK experience and had hubby & baby there for distraction.
However, I have just had my 'preparing for birth' appt with the middy at the hospital and found out that Hubby and baby won't be able to stay with me while I'm being stitched up - they'll be sent upstairs after a 5 minute cuddle and I'll be left alone on the table
Last edited by skeetaboat; January 23rd, 2010 at 02:38 PM.
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) while in recovery I just kept thinking of DS and I got the shakes really bad so was glad DS wasn't there as I probably couldn't have held him.
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