C-Section & Not A Stork In Sight!!! (Caesarean Section)

Member Name: cheekycheeks

Product:	Caesarean Section
Date:	17/12/08 (220 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Quick Delivery of a Distressed Baby

Disadvantages: Longer Recovery Time....but manageable

After reading and hearing so many caesarean section stories, I thought I would write about my own experience. I, myself have three beautiful children - all born by caesarean section - and, I have to say, would not change this for the world.
Of course, expecting my first baby, I was all prepared for a natural birth. I had everything prepared, my childbirth plan, breathing techniques etc. However, I was to be very surprised by the end result!

My first baby, unfortunately, could not tolerate labour and was distressed. I had been so hopeful that I would give birth on my own and getting to 7 cm dilated (after almost 23 hours of labour) made me realise I would be giving birth soon!! However, soon afterwards I was rushed into theatre under general anaesthetic and had an emergency caesarean section carried out. On arrival at theatre, I was introduced to the medical and nursing staff (at the time hardly paying much attention as I was in so much pain) whilst a mouth piece was placed on my face with the anaesthesia. Within seconds, I was out for the count. I was not even awake when I gave birth which was disappointing. When I finally woke up my husband was there to tell me about our new baby and asked the midwife to bring him along. The relief I felt that my new baby was well was so overwhelming I have to admit, I burst into tears! He had been looked after in the hospital nursery and checked over since he had been in distress during labour. To our relief, he was fine and well.

Our midwife was very nice and helpful and informed us that our precious baby had been very stressed during labour and that his little heartbeat was slowing down very rapidly with each contraction. My birth was known as a "crash delivery" as staff became increasingly concerned for our little one as my labour progressed. If he had not been delivered so quickly, we were not sure what would have happened.

I have to admit I was not in a lot of pain when I woke. The anaesthesia, however, was starting to lose its effect and my midwife gave me painkillers - two types of painkillers. Paracetamol and Diclofenac. I found the painkillers were effective for the pain. However, I felt quite dizzy taking both painkillers together. I was able to stop the second painkiller and continue with the Paracetamol. I was lucky that the pain was not too bad. My tummy wound had been closed using staples. I was informed that on day five the staples would be removed. During surgery, a catheter had been put in place which would be there for the next 24 hours. The midwife regularly checked the amount of urine produced. I have to say that standing up properly, laughing, coughing and even sneezing was difficult to do. To give extra support if I had to sneeze or cough I had to use a pillow round my tummy which did help!
Surprisingly, only a few hours after surgery, the midwives suggested I go take a shower and get up and about. I was quite scared at first, thinking for some bizarre reason that my tummy wound would open and all my organs would fall out!! In fact, I am glad I did take the step to get up and go for a shower. It certainly made me feel better after several hours lying in the hospital bed. I was also able to tend to my brand new baby and hold him for the first time!
After my shower, I had the amazing experience of breastfeeding my precious. The midwife was very patient with me and my baby and showed me what to do. Of course, it was not easy in the beginning with breastfeeding being new to me but we eventually got the hang of it!

I have to say, that having a caesarean section is major surgery. However, I have to admit I was able to tend to my baby, breastfeed and get up and about a few hours after the caesarean. I know that a caesarean is not the best choice for everyone. However, due to the circumstances that our baby was finding labour difficult it was the best option for us.
I would also say that thanks to the nursing and medical staff in the ward that day, our little baby was born safe and sound. A lot of people have asked me if I was disappointed not having given birth myself. I am certainly not disappointed since by not having the surgery quickly, I'm not sure if my baby would have been brought into the world safely. He had been in so much distress that he would have found labour too much. Throughout my stay in hospital, the midwives regularly checked my wound which was healing nicely and by the time the staples were removed, lovely fresh new skin was actually starting to grow over the wound. This was, as I said earlier, five days post surgery.

I have since had two elective caesarean sections which were planned and performed routinely. I am very lucky I have not experienced any problems with two further elective caesareans. I, personally feel that no matter what kind of birth I endured, whether it be natural or planned surgery, all my concerns where on the health and well-being of my precious new baby, and not the kind of birth I had.

Summary: In My Case....No Other Option!