Making the most of an elective c-section

[Zo?]

I've just been booked in for an elective at Kings in a couple of weeks and was wondering whether anyone had any practical advice for making it as smooth an experience as possible? With my daughter I had to have an emergency section under pretty horrid circumstances and the whole thing is a bit of a blur.

Any useful post-op products or advice on how to explain this to my 4 year old? I don't want to be constantly yelling "Mind mummy's tummy!", that kind of thing.

Thanks everyone.

x

[new mother]

Congrats, it is the best decision you could have made and is vastly different in terms of recovery and procedure from an emergency one.

I was home on the second day after the section Ie day three of the babies' lives in each case. I did too much from the off. I had no pain so I took no painkillers and acted as normal eg carrying the washing upstairs etc. I believed it was best to get back to normal fast but I paid a price for it in terms of lochia continuing for about six weeks. I just felt so well I cldnt bear to be in bed as advised. I also had no issues of picking up the babies etc. Re driving, I never wanted to as everything is handy for me and we had a lot of visitors so I didn't need to cart the babies around very far.

I am extremely excitedfor you. I would love to be having a third. Good luck!

[ClareC]

I had an emergency C Section last year when I had my daughter, and then an elective on Tuesday when I had my son. I had him 11.52 Tuesday morning and was home by 6pm on Wednesday! Kings were fantastic and I really couldn't have asked for better care. I wanted to go home ASAP since my daughter is only 15 months and they were supportive of this despite originally advising a 2 night stay necessary.

This time round was so different! Recovery even seems easier so far....

My tips would be to get mobile ASAP post op! I also cooked loads of food and filled the freezer with home made "heat up" food, organised for my mum to stay for a week to help out with my daughter and generally just been really organised so I could take it fairly easy this week.

It really has been far easier and less painful than I expected! Very diff to an emergency one!!

[new mother]

By the way, they don't have shampoo etc at kings so take your own stuff. Also you do not get your own room so it is very squashed for visitors. It took me a long time to get out after all drs said I could go so make noises in that direction early if you want to get home.

[ClareC]

Second that! Let the Dr's and midwifes know you would like to go home ASAP if it's possible, that way they are able to sort out the paperwork side of things in anticipation- it's the paperwork that holds everything up!!

[bkkmei]

Hi

I also had an elective at King's last year, and I agree, the care was very good. Personally, I didn't mind staying the recommended time bonding with my baby while hubbie looked after the toddler! When I did get home, I got pretty scared of my elder son running at my tummy though. I used to go around with a cushion over my tummy! But after careful explanation and many reminders he did calm down. I think if your elder one is 4 and is already minding your tummy, then hopefully it shouldn't be something to worry about.

I took all the painkillers and asked for more whilst I was there. And although I was up and about the next day, I definitely took it VERY easy when I got home :)

Bring some good quality ear plugs to block out peripheral night time noise, and some flip flops for use in the washroom. My bed in the ward was by a window overlooking the atrium and I think this helped give slightly more privacy than being stuck in the middle or near the corridor.

Best of luck!

[snowboarder]

Are you able to control/request what time the operations is? With my first (elective) the baby was born around midday and this seemed to mean I was stuck immobile with catheter etc all that day and night which was just awful. This time ('emergency'...but not really if you know what I mean) took place v early in the morning so was able to shower and sort self out early evening - which made that first night on own with new baby so much more cope-able with!

I did find that I had to just get going far more quickly with boisterous toddler than first time - but at 4 are they better behaved? I had to hoist mine in and out of cot and do bath etc really quickly - before I should have actually - and my wound has taken much longer to heal and needed course of antibiotics - nice - so be careful!!

Look forward to hearing how it goes - good luck!!

[Zo?]

Thank you, everyone, for your wise words & kindness. Feeling much more bouyed up now!

Zoe

x

[nunheadmum]

I found my elective a much nicer experience than my second 'natural' birth. I took the music I wanted, it was all very calm and friendly. I had a little fight to make sure the baby was delivered onto me (midwives said doctors wouldn't like it, consultant said the midwives didn't like it) but in the end she was and, bar a quick once over a few minutes after she was born, we stayed with me well into the recovery room till she finally wee'd on me and I relented and let the midwife put a nappy on.

I think at 4 you stand a better chance that your daughter's 'big sister' tendencies kick in and she'll want to take care of the baby and you.

Good luck!

[Grotty]

Just read all of the above. I had an emergency C-section at Kings for my first last year. Am now 4 months pregnant and already under pressure from midwives not to opt for an elective C-section for this one. but every part of me intuitively wants to for so many reasons and its good to read all the positive experiences, so thank you