For C-section moms to be

RachelG1016

What are some things that you are planning to as the hospital to accomodate to make the c-section a better experience?

I had an emergency c-section the first time and I was strapped down to a table with my arms spread out wide and was terrified and felt totally alone. My mother was there but she is a nurse and was on the other side of the room watching the procedure while I was left completely alone except for the anesthesiologist (who was wonderful). I remember tears rolling down the sides of my face into my ears and hair and being so scared.

The only thing they did was pop him up over the green divider for about 1 second and then I didn't see him again for 15 minutes. It wasn't the best experience and I don't want to repeat something that was so difficult emotionally.

Kie310

I am/was hoping for a VBAC but as the weeks fly by and the Previa doesn't clear up that dream is slowly dying.

My first was an emergency c/s but it still went great. I already had an epi in place, I was wheeled in and put on the table. my husband was at my side 2.5 seconds later. I was not straped down. They would have delayed the clamping, but couldn't because my son was a little distressed. I will ask for it this time assuming everything is okay. They brought me my son while I was still being closed up, and I got to hold him for about 5 minutes before he had to do a 2 hour stint in the NICU.

This time, assuming again no issues and need for NICU time, I will ask for him to be with me in recovery. That is really the only 2 things I would change.

sbevmc09

I'm planning a VBAC, but I will be writing a C/S birth plan as well in case I end up with another C/S.  I didn't realize I had any choices last time (but then again, I wasn't really planning on a C/S so I don't know that I would have taken the time to make a plan).  I'm going to do things like ask for my arms not to be strapped down, delayed clamping/cutting of the cord, immediate skin to skin contact with baby (or as immediate as possible), and the biggest thing is I do not want to be separated from baby post-partum unless baby is in some sort of distress.  Last time they took DS (MH went with him) to be bathed and observed and I didn't even really get to see him until nearly 2 hours post-birth.  At the time they acted like this was something I had to comply with, but now I know that as long as baby is not in distress there's no need to be separated.

TexasMom7137

I had a pretty good experience with my first c-section. I was not strapped down and I was allowed to hold DS as soon as they cleaned him off. The only issue I had was that I almost panicked until DH came into the room. Since I am changing hospitals, I will be asking for the following...

1. DH will come in before spinal is given (this is doctor preference so I will talk to my OB at some appointment).

2. LO be given to me asap, not after we are back in recovery. Holding DS while they finished my c-section really helped calm me and him down.

3. That I not be strapped down. I totally do not understand this practice at all.

TofuMama7

Thanks for posting this, I am curious to read the replies. I had a natural/unmedicated birth with DS but due to a medical issue will be having a C-section this time and am really nervous about it.

htuzzi324

Hoping for a VBAC but I have also written a birth plan for a c/s just in case. It was an emergency last time so I had no clue what was going on and was hyperventilating. Though I was never strapped down. But I am going to ask for no oxygen in my nose unless I need it ( I was stuffy for 8 hours afterward, and laying on your back lik that? Not fun.) If baby is not in distress (obviously, DS was), I want the baby to stay with us. Oh, and if my ob could NOT crack jokes while he;s cutting in to me, that would be GREAT.

 

mest1215

i too had an emergency csection with my first. And i have to say, it was MUCH MUCH different with my scheduled csection with my second. All the dr's and nurses were much more laid back and relaxed and communicated with me a lot about what was going on and if i was ready for baby to come out, and they even let my DH watch as baby emerged from my belly. but its basically the same right after baby is out, they show you baby, and then take baby away to get weighed/measured/shots/cleaned, and then they will give baby to your DH or SO to bring over and see you while they finish getting you cleaned up and sewed up. IMO, i had a very enjoyable experience with my second C/S and hoping its the same for #3!!

saradobens88

I want to do v-back, but doubtful because I have a really narrow cervix.I had to have an emergency c-section, I literally freaked out so I am hoping this time is a lot better.