Have had 6 vaginal births, first c - cection.

Hi ladies,

I'm really scared about being awake while they do the c - section. I'm scared that I'm going to feel the operation.

Cathie :)

Hi Cathie,

I am sure that the anethetist will ensure you cannot feel anything. I know mine did. He squeezed my tummy hard to make sure I couldn't feel anything & to prove it I ended up with a bruise on my tummy. Have you called the hospital to ask to have a chat to the anethetist?

Mine used a big icypole thing to make sure I was numb everywhere - I think it is actually better to be awake because you can say if you are uncomfy and they can do something about it.
You do sense a little bit - I felt pressure and a bit of movement and a big slurpy feeling when my waters were broken, but no discomfort or pain. They tell you what is coming next ("this is going to feel a bit strange because I have to find his hips to pull him out" for example). The vast majority of your CS time in theatre is actually stitching you back together - so you have some time to have a chat to your baby while they do that.

Can I ask why you are having a c/s this time??

My c/s was really good, it sounds weird to say that I enjoyed it. The guy who did the drip and spinal talked the whole time, I had a great little midwife who chatted to us pre-theater.
The main thing people are scared of is the spinal block. But, they put a local in first and you only feel a slight sting.
The thing I hated was the warmth going down my legs and then the numbness. Also, they didn't wait very long before they put the catheter in and it hurt just a little bit.
They rubbed ice on my body to make sure I couldn't feel anything.
Put the curtain up, DH finally came in and we just talked and the surgeons let me know where they were up to and answered any questions that I had.

I got out of bed after 20 hours (I had no reason to get out of bed, seeing how DD was at the Children's) and that was the worst bit.
But once I worked out how to move without pain it was great. DH helped me shower the first 2 times which was the best feeling ever. That first shower!!

I was off all pain relief after 44 hours.

After charlie I ended up with a prolapsed cervix, Ob Dosen't want me to push out another baby. Also Charlie was a big baby and he got stuck not the best delivery.

Cathie :)

What do YOU want?

I had a prolapsed cervix after #4
Do you want a c/s? If not I would seek a 2nd opinion :)
Good luck

I want a c - section as the last delivery was a nightmare. I couldn't walk properly for 2 -3 weeks. I was brusied and teared really bad as the midwife just put her hands in and pulled him out not the best idea. After this bubba I have to have an operation on my prolapsed cervix, I've had to have a little help this pregnancy just to keep eveything where it's sUppose to be. That's why this is my last bubba.

Cathie :)

i understand you wanting to avoid that again. :hug: I haven't had a c section but hope others can help allay your fears of feeling the operation. Let the anaesthetisist know your concerns and keep talking to them to make sure the spinal / epi is working before they start. best wishes.

The anaesthetisists I have met are all awesome. You should have a pre admission appointment. Discuss your fears with them and they will validate you and explain thoroughly how everything works. They will continue to ask you through the surgery too. That was my experience anyway. Good luck :hug: