I have to get a planned caesarean in a few weeks and I am really nervous! I have had one before but was put to sleep as it was an emergency c section. Please share your stories of what it's like, I'm really scared of it all - the spinal block, the lying there while they pull the baby out, everything! My surgeon has said I can be put to sleep again if it is too much but I want to try to do it awake.
6 Replies
I've had 2 and I was awake for both of them. Had a epidural (spinal block) for both of them. You only feel slight pulling and tugging and the smell of bacon occasionally. Ioved being awake because I could hold my babies straight away while they stitched me back up. Even put my 2nd to the breast while they did it. I couldn't imagine being asleep for it. Seeing and hearing your baby is the most special thing ever.
I was awake with epidural. I can't say it was fun but it's not as traumatic as you think. They have a screen up so you can't see anything and with the epidural you shouldn't feel anything but pressure from your ribs down. I don't think I could do it under a general knowing someone else would get my baby first :) deep breath mumma, you got this x
Why don't you watch some videos of c-sections. Planned are very calm, you can't see anything and the actual birth is way less painful than a vaginal birth. You aren't in labour so it's much easier to get the spinal block in because they aren't trying to do it between contractions.
I've had 3 csections. 2 emergencies 1 planned. I loved my planned csection it was so clam they put a screen up so you can't see anything you can't feel anything but they do tug and pull you a fair bit but it only lasts for a few minutes. Just consentrate on the baby, and you'll do great
Don't go under... You can do this. I am ABSOLUTELY terrified of anything medical. Sweat bullets!! Panic mania. I had a planned c-sect (have 1 child)... in order to be in control of my due date & the process it was better for my mind. I can't even get needles without wigging out I'm so scared. I was packing it but once i got through the first few steps... It was truly beautiful. I'm not going to lie... I was terrified... But it was nothing in terms of pain / weird in the big scheme of things... I was scared I would know I was being cut too... I knew nothing... Music on... People smiling, holding my hands, husband next to me.... Baby! I did it! So proud. You can too... <3
I had the same situation , had a general for my first emergency c sect and then had an elective for my second. It's really normal to be worried about how it will all be and how you will cope . I am particularly bad with needles and any medical stuff so I was really nervous , I even have to lay down when I get a blood test done because I feel faint etc haha. It was fine once it was all happening though . Spinal was ok , legs just felt warm and really heavy , the c sect itself is so quick ! Once they start you have your baby out really quickly and the excitement of seeing your baby takes over and you really don't focus on what's happening behind the sheet. I hardly felt any pushing or pulling when they took my baby out even though they warned me I would I really didn't feel much at all. I was able to hold my baby as soon as she was born and they pretty much left her on my chest the whole time besides wrapping her. Try not to worry too much , worrying about it is actually worse than doing it ! Once you are there the staff look after you and know how to keep your mind off it. Tell them you are anxious and I'm sure you will be pleasantly surprised. I'm so glad I was able to be awake for my daughter's birth, it was well worth the anxiety I had before and it really was not as bad as I had imagined . You will be fine! Focus on meeting your baby :)