hi im sam and back in march my baby girl died whilst i was giving birth. Everything was normal and it sadly happened 2 mins before she was born. I am now expecting again and i am really nervous because i am having an elective c section.

i am just wondering what it feels like and the epidural/spinal block when that is being done, i am just really scared about the whole process.

as anyone suffered with a stillbirth and gone through this? if you have will you give me a sort of understanding about the emotions i may feel.
thanks

Hya sweetheart, i am so so so sorry to hear about your awful loss.

I had an emergency section under spinal block with my little girl 14 weeks ago after a 40 hour labour, i was very nervous but it was nothing like the bad reputation it has.
It was a bit rushed due to the emergency bit but i didnt really feel my spinal go in and i didnt even know i had been cut, i had suffered with severe cholestasis durin gmy pregnancy so they induced me just before 37 weeks and my baby was too big and had got stuck, i heard the pop as they pulled her out but i can honestly say my section was a lovely and positive experience babe. I know it is hard but do try not too worry about the operation and just think of holding your beautiful baby.

xxxxx

I've had a couple of epidiurals and they are fine, the first was horrible as i had to try and sit still through contractions (ended in emergency section with a general) but the second was after my second birth for stitches and was fine, they can take a while to get in the right place but are not painful as you have a jab first to numb the area. Your little girl is gorgeous, i cannot begin to understand what it must be like for you, i wish you all the luck on the world x

hi sam!

i am also really sorry to hear what happened to your gorgeous baby back in March, but glad that you are able to share her with us! what did you call her?

i have never had a still birth, but i am a mum to 3 children all born by C/S (all spinals), and although you may be nervous, there really is nothing to worry about at all. i have looked after a number of mums who have lost their baby, and too be honest, i dont think you can ever imagine what it feels like, and until you see the new baby, and make sure for yourself that they are here and well, that you can even start to relax.

Spinals are the safest way to anaesthetise a pregnant woman, although - like EmmaLou, not always possible for one reason or another. i found the worst part the drip being put in the back of my hand, as it burns. you'll feel them pushing about in the small of your back to find the right space, then the tiny prick of the needle that numbs your skin on your back. you again feel a bit of pushing whilst the spinal needle goes in - you may get a brief "electric shock feeling in your leg, then a warm feeling, then they lie you down!!! the anaesthetist then checks to make sure it is working, then when it is, they get on with it, and your baby will usually be born about 5 mins after the surgeon starting!

theatre's are not like they are depicted on TV with the tall handsome Dr shouting "scalpel" etc! it is usually a very chilled place, with music, and everyone laughing, talking about X-Factor / Corrie etc (believe me, tall Handsome Dr's are either a myth or very few and far between!!). i is really relaxing, so dont be too worried!

if you want, ask if it possible that you can have a trip to theatre before the day of your C/S so you can see what it is like - not to see an operation, just to look. you couls also ask to see an anaesthetist before hand to ask any questions you have - many Ante Natal Clinics or Ante Natal Day Units can organise this for you.

it isnt uncommon for girls who have had still born baby to have an elective C/S, so you are not on your own here. there is a forum on Baby Expert that you may find helpful for mum's who can give you tips on what the next birth is like emotionally etc.

wishing you all the best

xxxxxxxxxxxx

hi again sam

i think i'll have to apologise as i was convinced i'd seen a still birth group on here. i can t find it now tho' so i think i must have dreamt it!

sorry!

love nicki

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thanks for your comments i feel slightly calmer now. I called her alexis and thanks for saying she was beautiful. Had my 1st scan yesterday so i feel much at ease now and cant wait to find out the sex of baby on 23rd december, just b4 xmas which will be nice.
everythings fine at mo and they sed they guna give me scans at 28,32 and 36 weeks just to keep my mind at rest. 40 hour labour bloody hell woman you need a medal!!!!! lol, i was in labour for 13 hours and thought it was bad. Thanks for telling me your experiences it has really helped me.

There is just no justice in this life is there. I am in knots reading your post. I hrst baby had a C-Sec at 34 weeks with my first baby who had been diagnosed with a rare chromosome abnormality, she was 'better out than in' the doctors said. The theatre staff were wonderful, they played Robbie Williams (but take a CD of your choice) and made me feel very much at ease.
I had a spinal and felt them prodding around my lower spine but I did not feel the needle, and in fact I thought when the injection fluid went in that someone was pouring warm water down my back and that it was trickeling down between my bum cheeks!.
The Op itself was ok, and I am nervous person around medical stuff. I did feel them inside my tummy but in no way was it painful. Its a remarkable experience, but please don't fear the Op, your baby will be born within a few minutes and that will be a distraction for you while they stich you up.

I suffered a misscarriage last October and am now 36 weeks pregnant, C-Section booked for Nov28th. x

Good Luck to you, you sound like a woman of enormous strength.x

awww congratulations to you and good luck with the baby. Thanks for your comments and i am so sorry to hear about the struggle you had with your first baby and also for your loss in oct last year. Bet you was bit scared this time round. Not long now till the birth and i wish you and your family all the best.
sam x x x x x x