I’m stressing about a potential c-section
I’m stressing about a potential C-Section
OK so I’m 31 weeks pregnant now and baby is still lying transverse and at the last scan the placenta was still partially covering the cervix so unless things start moving in an upwards direction then I need to start accepting that a C-section birth is on the cards. My next scan is on the 17th Feb at 35 weeks when we will know for sure but the worries are starting to creep in now.
I was lucky with Zara, labour started quickly, was very simple (apart from ventouse for the final bit) and over within 4 hours. We didn’t have time for any pain relief apart from gas and air and to be honest after such a nice straightforward birth I felt like supermum. I look back at the whole thing and I think I actually found it quite a satisfying and empowering process. I was actually looking forward to the thought of giving birth naturally again and can’t say I’m particularly worried or stressed about that idea.
The trouble is I may not have that option anymore and I’m going to have to consider that this birth is going to be a whole lot different 
I have huge issues about the idea of a c-section birth so I’m going to list a few and hope you guys can reassure me a little bit.
1) I hate the idea of a spinal / edipural and not being able to feel my legs / lower body. This is probably my worst fear and it’s the one that gives me nightmares. I know if I have to have a c-section then it’s inevitable but I just hate the thought of it.
2) I really don’t like the idea of not being able to sit up, cuddle and breastfeed the new baby as soon as it’s been born. Within minutes of Zara being born we were sat having cuddles and it was lovely, I don’t want the new baby to be wheeled away and I have to lie there being sewn up again etc before I see it again.
3) I really don’t like the idea of having to rely on midwives, nurses etc having to come and help me to lift the baby etc I’m really independent and I want to be capable of going and picking up the baby if it’s crying.
4) I worry about how long it will take to heal afterwards, especially when I will also have a 15 month old toddler aswell to look after, if I can’t lift anything or can’t drive then I’m going to be pretty much useless and it will drive me insane.
I know I should consider myself lucky for two reasons:
1) Some people have only ever had c-sections and would love to have experienced a normal birth and so I will always be thankful for that at least
2) I guess the only thing worse than going for a c-section, is going for a c-section after you’ve spent 15 hours + in labour trying to give birth normally. At least I will know in advance that it’s going to be a c-section and that I can mentally prepare myself for it.
So I guess this is an appeal for advice and reassurance to help me get over some of these fears I have.
Zara and I about 10 minutes after she was born
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1) I was petrified of the epidural, I’m not going to deny that, I would have gladly run out of that hospital had I not had a massive bump on my front to avoid it. But I’ll be honest, once its in and you lost the feelings in your legs you can relax. As soon as its over and you start to feel your legs again the midwives will get you up and moving as quick as they can, they dont want you tking up bedspace longer than you have to
2) With my c-section which was much longer than a standard which is usually 45-60 minutes my mum was sat next to me holding my son the whole time so I was able to see him still and talk to him, some people I know have even been able to breastfeed their babies whilst lying down but I think that depends on the consultant you have and how open they are to that.
3) I’m not going to deny that it hurts, of course it does, and you do need to be careful and take it easy for six weeks but if you give yourself the patience and move slowly you can manage to get there and pick them up and comfort them. You will have your feeling back in your legs quicker than you realise and as soon as that happens the midwives want you active as possible!
4) Its advised that you dont drive for six weeks, but I know women who have had c-sections and within 3 weeks been pain free and more a less back to normal. You have to wait until your 8 week check up before excercising again etc but the most important thing is to rest in the first couple of weeks and let the scar heal properly.
I hope baby moves for you and your able to have the natural delivery you want! Sounds like your first was brilliant!
Hope that helps allay some fears
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OK I can reassure you a lot, as Maxi was 15 months when I had my section with Mini. I didn’t want it, but needs must and all that!
It is odd not being able to feel your legs, but it doesn’t last all that long.
They passed Mini to me and MadDad as soon as he had been born and we held him all the time I was being sewn up.
Ha ha ha, Midwifes and nurses didn’t have the time to help, so I did it all on my own, from feeding, to nappies. I was home the day after my section!
I healed much better with Mini than Maxi, as I knew not to do too much. With Maxi I split my stitches, with mini I took things pretty easy for two weeks and was driving and all that before 6 weeks.Feel free to ask me any questions at all, I will be honest and open with my answers.
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ok here is the deal as someone who’s had 2.
1) The spinal is ok. I could do without it but if there is any pain it’s very short and sharp. Not feeling your legs is a blessing. Delivery without pain is nice. My hubby was comparing it to being in the muppets where they do the surgery scene. I got told off for laughing when they were trying to stitch me up! It wears off in a few hours and you are up and walking around very soon.
2) You do sit up, cuddle and breastfeed as soon as they are born. Not instantly. They do the checks etc. They then lay them down between you and hubby while they stitch you up. I got wheeled to recovery area and had the little one handed to me straight away and fed her shortly after. Sitting up
3) My crib was next to the bed and I didn’t need help to pick her up. Besides I actually had her on me most of the time and didn’t like to put her down!
4) Some insurance companies have restrictions on driving but after my second C-Section I was driving after 2 weeks. I suggest getting a pillow to rest across your middle to protect from Zara. Other than that, yes it is a little restrictive but people who have a difficult natural birth may end up more restricted.
It is only marginally more of a pain than a natural birth. It is quicker in the main too. So instead of spending the time in labor you spend it recovering and being with the baby instead.
Just remember to take it easy when you get home. The more you push the longer it will take you to recover -
I had three c-sections hun, so with two of them I had other children to care for. I agree with The Moiderer, I was feeding with all three straight after birth. In fact the only time there was more of a delay was when I had my first c-sec after 35 hours labour! I got out of bed the same day I had my csection and found that it helped my recovery! Walking required a pillow over your stitches but it is manageable. I was driving straight after I got out of hospital – needs must. I also recommend that mums take into hospital – peppermint tea for any trapped wind, and big granny knickers that don’t scratch your scar. If you need any more reassurance just email me Vix xx
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I have had 4 c-sections and they have all been different but the one thing I will say is that a planned one is so much better than an emergency one. You are a bit more in control, can plan around the date and know when you and baby should be back home. This saves on partners holidays etc and makes organising childcare so much easier. As for your worries then maybe I can help put those to rest too.
1) I can’t say it’s a pleasant experience but it’s not painful. The numb sensation is weird but you’re too busy concentrating on everything to notice it once you’re in there.
2) As for sitting up and having cuddles – yes I had to wait until I was stictched up etc but I cuddled her back to recovery and we had skin to skin in there along with a lovely long 1st feed. If you want you can get your partner to do skin to skin but it took them as long to clean baby up as it did to be stitched back up. Last time I had a bit of a complication so stitching and cleaning took a bit longer for me but C was never alone and I could see her all the time. Oh and the delay in either of my last 2′s first breastfeed didn’t hamper feeding in any way.
3) Apart from when I was in recovery did I ask a mw to pass me my baby. I was up and out of bed after a few hours and this is the best thing to do anyway. Being very gently mobile helps you recover quicker.
4) It took me about 4 weeks this time before I could drive etc. As for picking up your DD then yes you will have to be very careful. Get her to sit at the side of you for cuddles and it might be worth asking someone to come and help if your OH has to go back to work. Take things easy or you will suffer for it. I tried to do a supermarket shop on day 4 or 5 and was in agony half way round. Little and often and no standing for any length of time.
I stressed out about section #3 because I wanted a natural birth but it really wasn’t worth it. I spent too many years after my first section beating myself up to waste more time when I knew that the main thing to focus on was getting baby out safely not how they get out. -
Hi, I thoight you might like to know about The Hydrant – an awesome way to easily stay hydrated post birth and whilst feeding – http://www.hydrateforhealth.co.uk/maternity.html
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Im totally with you here – fingers crossed you don’t need to get a c-section. I used to think I’d prefer it but now I’ll do anything to avoid it.
But you’re right to remember the positive points – you’ve had one birth naturally and if you do need a c-section you’ve got the time to think it over. And these days having a c-section doesn’t preclude you from having a natural birth for subsequent bubs.
All the best and remember to stay focused on the end prize – whatever happens it will be worth it! -
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My 2nd baby was Transverse too, so I ended up with 2 weeks bedrest in hospital and then another c-section.
My first c-section was an emergency one and although at the time I was fine with it, as i’d had so much gas and air I was totally out of it anyway the recovery was much harder than my planned c-section.
When I had the planned one as soon as baby was out, I was holding him and cuddling. Also didn’t have to rely on nurses as was up and out of bed the same day tentatively walking around. I had him at 3.30 on a tuesday and was back home by 10.30 on the thursday.
I was worried and didn’t like having the epidural but it was all over very quickly. My hubby said it was amazing how different it was to our first sons birth, so much calmer.
Basically what I’m trying to say is don’t worry, it’ll all be ok. If you want to ask anything else just email me