Anyone have a c-section under general anesthesia?

wntrbride05

We are scheduled to have our first baby in 3 weeks under general anesthesia due to the fact that I have spina bifida and cannot have a spinal or epidural.  I've been disappointed and sad about it, but have come to terms with it. It is what is safest for both of us.  I'm wondering what other's experiences have been with a c-section under general anesthesia. 

krissymoves

I did with my DS, but the circumstances were very different. I did not know going in that I was going to have a c-section, much less one under general anesthesia. Medically, everything went just fine. Emotionally it was difficult, but I think it's mainly because I wasn't prepared and the decision was made quickly due to complications during labor.

Since you have time to prepare and you know upfront that it's the safest decision for you and your baby, I think you'll have a much different experience than I did.

A few things to ask your doctor / think about: Can your DH be in the OR during the birth? Do you want other family members to see the baby before you wake up from the anesthesia? Can they bring the baby into recovery so that you can see him/her right when you wake up? Do you know the sex of the baby? If not, do you want it announced to other family members before you wake up?

My hospital didn't allow DH in the OR and the baby spent time with my DH and our families while I was still in recovery. I knew he was a boy and I'm so glad that I at least knew that before everyone else. It was hard for me to process that so many people got to "meet" my baby before me, but I know he was with people who love him so much and were anticipating his arrival almost as much as I was.

I know this is long, but I hope it helps. Feel free to let me know if you have other questions.

shiloh17

Mine was emergent bc the baby's heart beat kept dropping, and they didnt have time for a spinal. It was actually relaxing-- just felt like i had a couple glasses of wine and fell asleep. Dh wasnt allowed in, but as soon as they took ds out, they poked him out the door, so dh cpuld see him. They checked him out and the nurses brought him outside the OR, and took pics w dh, and he got to hold him while they closed me. They woke me up and the baby was in the nursery. I got to my room and got settled, and they brpught him to me. It wasnt bad-- bc it gave me time to wake up. My family and in laws, got to see the baby thru the nursery window, but didnt get to hold him til after I did. It was a scary experience, but turned out to be fine. Dont stress, the hospital staff is very accommadating. All will go well

jlw2505

My SIL did years ago (my niece is now 12) and it was an emergency one.  My BIl could not be in the room but he saw the baby 1st and then she was put in the nursery until my SIL was awake and was able to see her.  We were able to see her through the nursery window.

I agree w/PP and set with your DH 1st what you what to happen as far as once she is born.  I had a planned C-Section with a tubal with my 2nd and knew my DH would be back in the room before I was out of surgery.  He had strick instructions that no one was to hold her until after I did.  I was awake so I saw her and DH held her but I didn't want any other family to hold her before me.  Talk through the day with your DH and put it all in writing for the staff.  Good luck