starting to freak out :(

so my c/s is booked for 3rd April and i'm now starting to freak out. When I had my c/s with ds, it was an emergency after being in intense labour for 3 days, he was in distress and I didn't have time to even think about the things that can go wrong. Now i have all the time in the world to think of all of the worse case scenarios and its doing my head in :(

I'm scared of getting the spinal, i'm scared of getting cut open while i'm awake, i'm scared that something might go wrong and I will start to have a panic attack or something.

any ideas of how to ease my mind? i'm secretly hoping I go into labour and birth this baby via VBAC, but thats a whole other story of what if's etc that do my head in :doh:

The spinal was the thing that freaked me out the most. But i can honestly say that it didn't hurt. I had no discomfort or anything.
I understand why you are getting nervous. I was too, I knew for 10 days when my c/s was going to be. I didn't sleep the night before.
I was able to take a few deep breaths and hold my m/ws hand while the spinal was put in. That helps alot considering DH wasn't able to be with me until all that was done.

I wish I could help more.

All very understandable that you would be nervous about all of the things you mentioned. You have the time to have different scenarios playing in your mind. How about trying to end every scenario with a positive thought. In your mind turn your fears into a positive outcome. Alsodto you have any relaxation music? Try listening to some music and just breathing, focus on your breathing and count each breath as your inhale and exhale. When it comes time to have your C-Section focus on your breathing again. I used this technique through my labour and emergency C-Section and it really helped me.

Looking forward to reading your upcoming birth announcement.

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: No advice hun, just lot's of understanding :hug: :hug: hug: :hug:

Firstly :hug:

All of those things are indeed scary. My c/s was unplanned, so I had the epidural whilst in full blown labour. Despite being freaked out by the size of the needle, and terrified of the pain, I made it. The hardest part was sitting still through contractions whilst they fiddled around endlessly. The thing that helped me get through was knowing the pain would stop soon! So there's one hurdle for you done- you can sit still just perfectly, right? Of course you can. They will give you a local before inserting any kind of needles into your spine, I promise. You won't feel it.

Once that's done, (and this might sound obvious and silly) start your deep breathing. Visualise whatever you need to. But focus on your breathing. Even if you do feel panicky, a slower breath means a slower heartrate. Slower heartrate means more control over your anxiety. You've got further to go before you reach boiling point, and start to freak out, ITMS. Being cut open while awake is scary. I can't find a way around that one, that's just how it is. But you are strong, and you can do this! Your DH will be there to hold your hand and give you strength for this part. I will suggest asking for anti-nausea meds BEFORE they start though, if you got sick after your last c/s. (I did.)

As for things going wrong, well................ there isn't much anyone can do or say to help that. I could go on and on and still never be able to explain your fears away. That's natural. Just go with it, hun. Try to keep yourself occupied, and challenge those negative thoughts as best you can. I think every woman has a certain amount of fear before birth, whether it's c/s or not.

Sending you strength and calm birthing vibes :) You'll be alright, I know it.

thanks everyone, I will try and think positive thoughts, so hard for me though :( just want this over and done with so I can get on with being a mum instead of cranky pants mummy who is worried! I think once this baby is in my arms, all of my fears will melt away.

Oh yes, the relief will wash over you as soon as you see/hold your little one. I promise.

and :hug: for your 2nd angelversary for tiny angel #2 in your sig. :heartbeat: