Scheduled C-section at Inova Fairfax

[Anonymous]

I will most likely have a scheduled c-section at Inova Fairfax. I'm interested in hearing about people's c-section experiences at Inova Fairfax and whether you had a specific anesthesiologist you'd recommend (who has a great bedside manner and would be patient with me and help calm me down if I'm freaking out.) Also, how was your care/experience with the nurses and other staff during recovery. And I understand they typically only allow one person in the OR with you (besides drs, nurses and other med staff). Is there any flexibility on this? Thanks!!

[Anonymous]

it all happens SO fast - I don't know if it would matter who the anesthesiologist was! i do remember liking my guy -- but then another guy came in when we were almost done.... only DH was in the room... and he barely made it in it seems -- I mean, they wheeled me in and as he was walking in the door -- BAM! they started cutting! DS was out (the nurse took our camera and got shots of him literally being pulled from me... very cool althought DH has looked at them once and can't stand the sight/thought of it!) and handed over to DH very quickly. i had a rough recovery - shaking, heavy bleeding, and so stayed in the recovery room much longer than anticipated... didn't get to my room room until hours later... BUT - over all, think nurses were great. liked all the lactation consultants. i would say i had a good experience and certainly feel no hesitation to csection there again if we are lucky enough to be pregnant again!

i would suggest going to their C Section class -- i think it was on a sunday -- DH came too - the talk you through the csection process and then give you a tour of everything so the day of it's a little less intimidating!

[Anonymous]

I had a scheduled CS at Fairfax. I don't remember who my anesthetists were (I actually have had two CS's but only one was planned), but they were both great. My DH was in the room with me, I don't know if they allow others. Some nurses are better than others - for a scheduled CS, I don't think you'll have any problem during the surgery but sometimes you get some average ones during recovery, although others are very nice. Your doctor should make sure you get a single room for recovery, and make sure to go to the breastfeeding class they offer, which was really helpful. During surgery, I made sure that they didn't take my baby out of my sight before things started, and they totally were good about that.

[Anonymous]

I had an unanticipated induction and C-Section at INOVA Fairfax in January. I cannot say enough good things about the nurses. I got excellent care. They are very attentive and will try to make you as comfortable as possible. My only criticism is that some of the night nurses are only so-so.

I don't remember my anesthesiologist's name, but he was very gentle. Your doctor will be there with you too and should be able to provide support. Also, I got the epidural in my labor room before I was moved to surgery. I could have had anyone in the room with me at that time. Once I got to surgery, I was already numb. If you go on the hospital tour, you can ask where you will be prior to the OR and whether you can have additional guests at that time.

I was so nervous about the C-Section, but like a PP said, it all happens so fast. MY DH was in the room with me, and I just remember staring into his eyes the whole time. They will bring your DH (or birth partner) in at the last minute. I would never have wanted anyone else there so not sure about their rules. My DS took lots of great pictures, so tell your DH/birth partner not to forget his/her camera!

I highly recommend paying extra for your own room. It just makes it nicer for getting rest, breastfeeding, and using the restroom. I also had issues with my catheter, so I was glad to have a little extra privacy.

You will do great! Try not to worry. INOVA Fairfax is a top notch hospital, and they deliver the second highest number of babies in the country each year, so they have a lot of experience.

[Anonymous]

I just took the c-section tour/class at Inova Fairfax last night (Sunday, June 8). It was great! I definitely recommend you take it. I think it cost $30 or something for you and another person - offered only on Sunday nights. They only allow one person in the OR with you. Don't know anything about the different anesthesiologists.

[Anonymous]

I just had a c-section there 4 weeks ago. We asked about an extra person in the OR and were told that was not allowed. All care was good as far as c-section was concerned. I would take the class - I didn;t and was surprised at how little patient education there was post partum. I worked in hospitals and have many nurses / MDs in family so knew or learned everything I had to from them. I delivered first child elsewhere (vaginally) and thought the eduction much better at previous hospital...perhpas they assume everyone has taken the class.