Hi All

Been advised that I need a c section due to medical reasons so am having one on 7th August, can anyone give any advise on what to expect or what to pack in my hospital bag, or even what I can expect visiting hours to be like.

Thanks

Hi Love- I had a planned section 2 years ago as my little boy was breech. I will give you a run down of what happened- hope it helps.
Me and my partner went to the hospital at about 8am. Nothing to eat or drink before. There was another woman due to go down to theatre first. If there are any emergency sections they will take precedence. The midwifes/doc/anaestheologist came and had a chat to me and I explained that I was terrified. I was taken down at about 11am. My partner had to put o scrubs so he could come into theatre. They gave me a spinal (they numb your back first) which was not painful and then lay me down. I kept telling them I was terrified of feeling anything (the sensation more than anything) and they did lots of tests (spraying me with water/air) and asking if I could feel it. The 2 anaesthetists were amazing! A real double act trying to keep me busy. By the time I said no I can't feel that they said' good because they have already started and baby will be here shortly!) There was a screen up just by my boobs so we couldn't see anything. my little boy was held up shouting his head off by half 11!!!! They took him to weigh/clean and stitched me up and a couple of mins later gave him to other half to hold by my head so I could see him. They wheeled us into the recovery room just off the theatre and had skin to skin contact while they monitored me to make sure there were no reactions I think. Then they took us back up to the ward (we were lucky enough for it to be quiet so had asked for a private room if one was avail). I was discharged wed morning and was really surprised I was in and out so quick! They keep an eye on you to make sure you wee, I think to make sure everything internal is in working order! The only prob with a section for me was struggling to sit up quickly when the baby cried and trying to breast feed was a nightmare even with all the help from the midwifes- I ended up bottle feeding as got too upset.
~Check with your hospital re visiting hours but I think at mine it was 8/9 till 8 for your partner and 3-8 for anyone else.
For your bag, apart from extra vests and stuff for the baba as you may be in a bit longer I would take your dressing gown, a couple of nighties, big grandma knickers so they don't rub your scar ( I found those disposable knickers were rubbish- cotton ones more comfy and you will prob wear them for a couple of weeks at least) slippers. ALso some body wash- I had a bed bath the day of the op.
Just a last note about the scar- I am REALLY squeamish and when I had to take the dressing off at the hospital after my shower and was squinting in the mirror. I had one of those- oh- is that it? moments. Really not that bad at all.
I hope this helps and sorry if it is really long winded. If there is anything else you want to know please ask and good luck with it! You can look forward to meeting your baba!
Abbie xxx

Hi Abbie

Did your other 1/2 get to stay with you while you had your spinal and was he given option of cutting the cord.

Your experience sounds quite positive thank you for sharing

Susan x

I think so - yes when they gave me the spinal. It is quite funny being sat on a bed with your bum hanging out the back. But as I said- because I kept stressing how terrified I was they were brilliant with me and tried to keep it really light hearted. I did threaten that if I felt anything I could still claw my way out of theatre! I think it depends on how quick your partner can throw on their scrubs.
We weren't given the option about cutting the chord that I remember.
Is there anything in particular you are nervous about?

Bit like you were to be honest nervous about the whole thing, I know loads of women go through it but is quite a daunting prospect.

Knowing me will be like you and say if feel anything will claw way out of theatre.