I wish I could tell you that prepping for a c-section was easier second time around.
Being naïve first time is sometimes better because you don’t psych yourself up.
Even my gynae was talking me down as she saw how anxious I was as I knew what happened next.
Remember every pregnancy and birth is different.
This time around I was admitted the night before my scheduled c-section to administer steroids.
MOVING C-SECTIONS DATES
The c-section date moved three times (25th Oct to 18th Oct to 11th Oct) due to baby’s size and monitoring my glucose levels from week 33 when I was admitted. I tested “borderline” for gestational diabetes as they were searching for answers on why baby grew so much in 3 weeks which wasn’t in line with her “age”.
To minimise risks to baby and me, c-section date was brought forward (again). Because of this I was stressed about the well-being of Elena as we were given every possible scenario that she might have to stay in NICU ward.
A LINE-UP FOR C-SECTIONS
With c-sections, there’s normally a list on who goes first. I was third but was bumped up to first as I was in labour. The contractions hurt as I watched it on the monitor. The pain radiated in my lower back. I quickly called Jarred to tell him while he took Adriana to school.
I had changed into the hospital gown and had a catheter inserted for theatre. (Depending on the hospital, this might happen before going to theatre or after the spinal block is administered). It is uncomfortable! It’s annoying, to the point that I just wanted it out.
Then I was bumped back to third as there were two emergencies. So we had to wait. I was given medication to help ease the pain from the contractions.
When it was time to be wheeled into theatre, a nurse will go through again a list of questions.
A nurse lead hubby to get dressed in scrubs.
In theatre, I was moved onto the operating table for the spinal block to be administered.
The anaesthetist remembered me from my surgeries and ectopics. For all of us, it was like we were finally crossing the finish line of a long marathon.
The spinal block felt like a little prick. An ear piercing or a tattoo feels worse that it. The trick is for you to NOT turn around and look at the tray. Instead you bend slightly over with one leg hanging off the operating table, my gynae was the one cradling my head as the spinal block was administered. This gesture helped calm me a bit.
What do you feel?
It’s weird, as a warm sensation travels from your bum to your legs. In your mind, you think you can move your legs, you think of the angle it’s lying but see that it’s not the same.
The sheet goes up and then it’s down to business.
I kept asking Jarred if they had started. I could smell something weird, and realised it must be the cutting as it is cauterised as they go.
I forgot that it’s not a drive-thru, it’s not slice, dice and here’s your baby. The whole procedure is about 45 minutes generally.
Things sounded a bit different this time and I still asked the anaesthetist if baby was fine. He explained how the doctors were busy with “clamping” for the NetCells Umbilical Cord and Stem Cells Banking which we opted for this. Timing is important when it comes to banking. We were advised to do so for Adriana’s sake.
Once the clamping was done, it was down to baby business. You are numb from your was it down but you may feel tugging for example. Despite being in labour, Elena didn’t want to budge. “Oh she’s so cozy inside,” said the doctor. I felt pressure around my ribs as they shifted Elena down. With this being an IVF pregnancy, I was anxious throughout my pregnancy and just wanted to hear her cry. To know that she’d been delivered safely.
WHAT HAPPENS TO BABY?
It happened at 11:01, Elena Gianna was born. When I heard her cry, I cried tears of joy and relief too that our miracle baby had arrived.
Daddy is called over to see baby. Your baby is then checked and two Apgars tests are performed to check your baby’s vitals. Your baby is then put into the waiting incubator to be wheeled to the nursery with Daddy. At the nursery, baby is weighed and measured. Should there be an issue, baby is taken to the NICU ward. We are grateful that Elena did not need to go to the NICU.
WHAT HAPPENS TO MOMMY?
The doctors work on stitching you up. You do not feel anything, maybe a slight tug here and there. During this time with my first pregnancy I felt terribly nauseous and tried to think about other things to not vomit. Second time around, I did not feel the same nausea as I was stitched up. This part does feel like it takes forever.
Once you are stitched up, the nurse moves you off the operating table and back onto your bed to be wheeled to the observation room to monitor your vitals for 15 to 20 minutes. I did feel cold during this time and the nurse gave me a warm blanket. After giving birth, it is quite common to feel cold.
You are moved back to the maternity ward and back to your room. Baby is soon brought to your room to be breastfed if you choose to do so. Elena was brought to my room and soon afterwards a nurse told us that Home Affairs was in the Maternity Ward so best to register baby. Knowing that formal paperwork needed to filled we had to make a final decision on baby’s name
WHEN CAN YOU WALK AGAIN?
After a couple of hours, the feeling returns to your feet and legs. The nurses will come in and out of your room to check on you. The catheter is removed and it is time to start walking again by walking to the shower.
I am not sure what other moms have experienced, I can only speak from my own two experiences. Both times I felt extremely light-headed standing up but you do not do this alone. The nurses are on hand to assist you. My husband too. The key to it is to walk slowly and do not look down. First time round, I did faint as I lost too much blood post-op when I stood up. I was borderline anaemic and I was given an injection help it. Second time round, I did not experience that amount of bleeding again but did take a slow walk to the shower.
ARE VISITORS ALLOWED?
Depending on the hospital protocol, your baby will be in your room. Visiting hours also are dependent on the hospital. Some allow grandparents only to see the grandchild.
Siblings under 12 years are not always allowed into the maternity ward. It was hard but I did walk out of the ward to see Adriana every day. She was ecstatic to see her baby sister through the glass door.
Mommy, you will feel tender to walk but do not overexert yourself and do not shy away from the medication. It is there to help minimise your pain as much as possible, it does work. So walk down the passage to see visitors, remember to not hunch over as it does not help with the pain or healing.
going home after a c-section
The gynae will give you the green light before heading home. Your cut will be checked on one last time before going home. Aftercare for the c-section incision is important so please do follow the instructions given upon discharge. For six weeks, you will not be allowed to carry anything heavier than your baby, no bathing to submerge the cut under water (shower instead), no exercise or sex either. The stitches are not visible as it will be covered by steri-tape. You will be given your medication too. Take it easy at home and ask for help.
Overall, c-sections may sound daunting at first but remember to follow your gynae’s advice, they are there to assist. C-sections are necessary in high-risk pregnancies. I promise you, it does not make you less of a mother for having a c-section nor does it affect the connection the love for the your child.
I hope this article gives you insight to what happens when having a c-section. If you have any questions of my experience, I will gladly answer them
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