Worried about C Section

[Trillian]

Charlotte, the only tip I can give you is to sit down today and write out all the questions you want to ask - keep it in a little notepad and keep it with you so if something pops into your head you can write it down straight away before you forget. When you get into the Dr's appointment, it will be easy to forget half the questions you want to ask so it's important that you write them down and take them with you because this is the type of situation where you need to know everything you can about the birth, the condition you can expect him to be born in (will he be a bit poorly etc) so not only do you know what to expect, but also prepare yourself for how you are going to deal with it kwim, and also what will happen after the birth with his surgery and his stay in hospital etc. Perhaps even try to find out who the surgeon will be that will do the op so you can talk to them and find out what happens. If it were me, I'd want to know all of this now so I can be fully informed because once you have the c/s, you won't be very mobile and you may not feel mentally up for having a detail conversation about medical things like this.

Good luck and I'm sure that both you and your little boy will be just fine And make sure you keep us up to date with how you are going.

[thecolourbrown]

Hi Charlotte,
I'm having a scheduled cs at the Royal Womens' in 4 weeks time and so far I have found that the doctors have been fantastic in explaining every step of the process, right down to what my partner has to do (hold my hand, tell someone if he is going to faint and go with baby while I get sewn up). As I understand it skin to skin contact is not allowed in theatre as it is too cold for the baby, but they do bring them up to you to touch and cuddle if possible. They have been so happy to answer any questions we have had and it has all been very reassuring. I had a meeting with an anaesthetist where you can discuss any fears about having a spinal and what happens on the day. I agree with the others to take along a list of questions, but if you are seeing the same team we did for our baby's complications (MFM unit) we found they offered a lot of support.
Best of luck to you.
Andrea

[samaraxx]

Hi Charlotte,
I had a scheduled c/s with my daughter due to her being in a breech position. It was 2 months before my 18th birthday, so I can Imagine how you feel!
I had an epidural/spinal and stayed awake for the procedure and my partner was right by my side the whole time. It only takes about 15mins for bub to be out then the rest of the prcedure may take up to about 30mins. After they pulled her from my stomach she was taken to a table at the side to make sure her throat was clear and wiped her, etc. After that they laid her on my chest while I was still being operated on for me to have a hold. I was a bit shaky (freaking out) and numb at the time so I didn't enjoy it as much as I should have, but I was able to hold her straight away. They then handed her to my husband and wheeled me off to recovery room, and soon brought the baby into me where I breastfeed and cuddled with her for the first time.
C/s isn't the best thing to go through for mother and baby, and this time I am really pushing for a VBAC (vaginal birth after c/s), but they are sometimes the safest thing for the both of you. I'm sure the doctors and midwives present at your op will do everything they possibly can to make it the safest and best experience that it can be for you and your baby. I wish you all the best luck for a healthy and beautiful baby, which I'm sure you will have!
I have watched a doco where a baby was delivered (by c/s i think?) who had gastrochisis, where the whole bowel was on the outside of the body, and they wrapped it in plastic as the baby can out and they allowed the mother to have a quick hold and cuddle before the bub was took for his op. So hopefully you may be able to as well.
*Also don't be surprised if your baby turns around from a breech position, my first was breech and due to me having a bicornuate uterus or 'heart-shaped' uterus, which makes it hard for a breech baby to turn around, and at 34-35 weeks into this pregnancy my baby turned around!! So have faith! Good Luck xx