Update: staying calm during csection

[Anonymous]

Since I saw so many posts recently about dreading csections, thought I would post an update. I originally posted "tips for remaining calm during csection" and wanted timeshare that I have had a great experience (so far) since my schedules csection on Monday (breeched second baby, had hoped for vbac).

In sum....

- found the responses here very helpful. Thank you to all those who sent tips/encouragement.
- while I had assumed we had wasted out money in a doula since I was headed for unexpected csection, I actually found her incredibly helpful. I'm not one who speaks up easily and she helped me to get my questions answered. Was also great cheerleader/emotional support. Per advice on this colum, I really used her and asked any and all questions even if seemingly silly. DH and I both grateful to have had her help.
- made a really simple birth plan highlighting only those things that were important to me (regular updates about what was going on, what was coming next, how baby was doing). Was so short and sweet that docs actually read it in front of us and that started great convo. By hey seemed even more determiners to helpmate have better experience than last time. Figure out what you need most emotionally / physically to make it more tolerable and ask for it.
- scheduled csection was SO MUCH EASIER than non scheduled. I was well rested, mentally prepared. So was my husband. It literally was almost pain free besides a few pokes and some brief pain relief related nausea. So much better than laboring first.
- I found it really helpful to go to the hospital the day before the operation to do the bloodwork. Got to remind myself where everything was and didn't have to show up quite as early the day of.
- was mentally prepar d to be delayed due to emergency csections (we were delayed 3 hours)

I know I still have a ways to go once we are home but wanted to put it out there that the day of really wasn't that bad!!

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Glad to hear it op! How is your baby doing?

[Anonymous]

Congratulations OP!

[Anonymous]

Excellent, glad to hear it!

[Anonymous]

Thanks, OP, for the update! I followed your original post because I too am expecting a scheduled c-section but due to complete previa. I am nervous about the surgery and I found that having someone else express that anxiety was truly helpful to me. Also, I really appreciate your comments about the use of a doula. We have a doula as well and I have been worried lately that maybe it is not necessary. She has a lot of experience with c-sections -having had one herself and then also permitted as another support person in the OR with a number of her clients. Nonetheless, I appreciate that you still found value and support from her. That is very helpful.

Best of luck and I wish you a speedy recovery and enjoy the little one!

[Anonymous]

What doula did you use?

Congrats OP!!! It is a classy move that you shared this feedback so others could benefit.

[Anonymous]

Congrats!

[Anonymous]

Who was ur OB/hospital this time?

[Anonymous]

Congratulations OP and t hank you for the update. One thing I regret is not insisting upon holding my baby right away, and not insisting on holding her even though they were worried about her temperature. They took her away to sit under the warmer for a long time and it was horrible. I often wonder if that's why breastfeeding was so difficult for us.