which option

[bronny-jane]

is it better to be awake or asleep during your c/section?

im scared that if i get put under i'll never wake up:(

what do you really have to go through though when having a c/section awake.

[Pixie]

BJ be awake you see your baby straight away....:D

I could tell you now though I pray I never have to have another the feeling of them lifting the baby out and all that is horrible, but I'd still rather be awake!

[Chickadee]

I was awake during mine and would opt for it again. It was a very calm, relaxed atmosphere and I loved being able to cuddle DD while being stitched and in recovery.

There is a thread somewhere on positive c-section experiences that you might want to have a look through. And also a few on how to make a c-section exactly what you want it to be. There is no reason you can't write a "birth plan" for a c-section, and have everything you want.

When reading through about c-sections, be aware that there is often a huge difference between emergency c-sections (ie after labour has started) and planned c-sections. The later seem to be calmer and possibly fewer complications with the epidural going in.

[bronny-jane]

what can you feel, :eek:

im scared of c/sections but might have to get one for medical reasons:(

[PMS]

Well I have had both options and I definately preffered being awake. Even though you can"feel" what they are doing there is a much shorter recovery time(the time where they sew you up ect) and you get to see your beautiful bub sooner.:smiliedance:

[Chickadee]

BJ, I felt an initial needle into my back to deliver a local anaesthetic, and that was painful. The epidural going in after that was just a feeling of sharp pressure, not really pain. After that I felt no pain at all. I could feel my legs being moved but had no real sensation in them. I didn't feel the catheter going in. I had to be told when they were starting to make an incision, I didn't feel a thing (in fact they had started a few minutes before I asked!). I could feel a tugging or pulling sensation when they started to pull DD out, and the anaesthesiologist pushed down on the top of my uterus to help, so I could see & feel him do that. But that was all. No pain. A sheet was raised between me and my tummy so I couldn't see the operation. However, I think i've read where some women watch and even help to pull bub out. It's up to you and what your ob will approve I think.

[bronny-jane]

im scared of the needle in my back:(
im just scared of everything about c/sections, i know that most go well, im still very paranoid:(

[Mamaduke]

I've had 2 c/sections...one awake and one asleep (under general).
It wasn't meant to be that way but at the last moment/cut I felt everything so was quickly put under.
Awake I could 'feel' the sensation of tugging, pulling etc but there was no pain...it was just weird, and because it was an emergency c/section I was very very scared, anxious and felt totally out of control. This all subsided as soon as I was able to see/hold Jesse.
With Lucas (under general), it was like I literally blinked and he was there. I don't feel as though I've missed out on anything, because honestly, if I wasn't there, he wouldn't be here!
If...and that's a big IF...I have another child, I would most likely go under again. The obstetrician has said with my previous track history of epidurals & spinal blocks - I can't stand them and they really hurt me and as history has proved don't work for me, he would suggest a general which is fine with me. I know there's a risk (as there is with any surgery), but look at the end result!!!;)

[SassyMummy]

My needle didn't hurt.

I had a spinal morpheine...it still went in my back, but it certainly wasn't as scary as epidural's sound. In fact, I think that getting the cathetar put in was worse...because it felt so uncomfortable (it was okay AFTER the c-section...in fact, it was brilliant! lol). Getting the drip put in was painstaking as well...they took FOREVER to put it in (and I had 5 shots of stinging pethadine first...all in different parts of my arms and hands...). They couldn't find any decent veins.

I was awake for my c-section, and the main thing I remember is feeling like my stomach was being stretched across the room. You feel SO MUCH tugging and pulling...it's very strange.

I also felt the moment when they pulled DD out...my stomach collapsed and made a squelching noise. That was the strangest sensation of all.

I also didn't get to see DD very much...(she had to be suctioned and was taken away to special care "just in case"...she was fine)...but it didn't bother me that much because in recovery, all I did was throw up so I felt pretty sorry for myself and wouldn't have held her much anyway.

I also had a planned c-section...but I got told approx 12 hours before I had it that I was GOING to have it...so I didn't get to plan very much.

[Tisme]

My first c-sect I was petrified, I was shaking and crying and wreaking havoc on anyone that I could find ... my mum had 3 c-sect and I was STILL Scared to death.

I asked to be put under as I felt that I couldn't cope and my aneathesist showed me the gas mask and told me to try to be awake it would give me the best chance for recovery and that if any stage I wanted to go to sleep he wuld give me the mask and I would be under in 2 counts. I stuck it out and talked with the docs whilst they were operating and being able to watch my partners face as he watched the procedure I knew I was going to be ok. But I was already on an epidural.

My 2nd was elective and I had a spinal block ... the Drip scared me to start with but then again I've always hated drips but he put it in half way between my wrist and elbow so after the initial shock I was fine, then I got the shakes again outside of theatre and seriously the aneathesist told me the spinal would take 12 minutes and I thought "yeah right" but it did. Firtsly a local, then the spinal needle in and out, then instant wrmth and loss of sensation from the toes. It was COOL!!! LOL

I agree with the others about the tugging and pulling, and I also had a popping sensation as Declan was "hanging onto my ribs" so to speak.

[Pixie]

OK I'll be honest, but remember I am just one person who had a bad time plently of good stories out there,

Mine was an emergency C/section I was already apprehensive I felt the scapel cut me open no pain just the sensation weird feeling, I felt them tugging at me holding me open, pulling Eliza out, then after they had stopped my bleeding I had a huge hemorrage (sp) I felt tremendous tugging it felt like my head was going to be pulled out of my butt lol I was screaming for them to stop I was vomitting badly as well.

4 weeks ago I had a debriefing as to what went wrong, anyway the tugging is basically where they are stitching your uterus back together.

Lots of women vomit apparently.

It was a truly scary experience but next time should I need one I am going to write a plan of action, be more informed and it will be an elective if that is what happens, they won't let me go past 38 weeks.

I hope that doesn't scare the poo out of you but you did ask, and I am an honest person lol

[natasha]

I had a great c section. I had a spinal block and didn't feel a thing, and I am PETRIFIED of needles. The drip they put in my hand was the worst bit. I did the 'can you tell me when your'e in' thing, and they said 'we have been in for a couple of mins now'!:rolleyes: Couldn't feel a thing!! I was watching them from then on in the big globe looking light above me, i could see my reflection. That was cool.

The tugging was wierd, felt kinda nice though. They really go for it don't they!!:laughing:

I would defo go for the c section again. Honestly Bron, you wont be worrying about needles when you get there!!:D

[CarolineF]

My c/section was OK. The spinal block and epidural were fine, and the op.....well, it felt just like someone was washing up in my stomach.:eek: Odd but more than OK.

I have to have another one this time cos I had a classic caesar last time and I am ok about it.

[clarebear1983]

Once the spinal block has gone in how long to you stay numb for? I might have to have a spinal block if i want to be awake for this c-section because i had two epidurals fail on me for #1.........the dr told me yesterday that they will do a spinal tap and I just want to know what to expect before, during and recovery wise.

[munchkin05]

just like everyone else said its just a really weird kind of feeling with a little tugging and pulling

i was awake and i watched as ben was being pulled out (next time i want to help pull him out )
but the weird thing is even though i watched him come out i dont even remember seeing any blood lol


i had a epi and i was up and about by 4 pm ben was born at 914 am
i wanted up alot earlier but they wouldnt let me
but i had no problems it was fairly straight forward
i wasnt expecting a c section (it was a emergancy csection ) so next time if i had to have one i would be alot more prepared

good luck :thumbsup:

[Mamaduke]

I had a few spinal blocks with Lucas (& like I said before, they didn't work) but I still developed a spinal headache afterwards. I could not lift my head of the pillow and the pain was absolutely excrutiating (and I've done labour!)
I had to go back to surgery and have a blood patch done...where they take blood out of my arm and then inject it into my spine to get rid of the spinal headache (I think it's caused from air pockets...I didn't really care at the time how it got there, I just wanted it fixed). I then had to lay still on the trolley for what seemed like 8 hours (although it would have been around 1) and when I got up...instant relief, spinal headache gone!

[TinyStar]

I had an emergancy c-sec. With a spinal block (this was my choice based on the question I asked to the OB and anesthesist, "what is medically considered safer epi or spinal?)

Spinal didn't hurt going in, but then again I was having a contraction at the time, but as soon as it went in there was instant relief, it was heaven!

I could feel the pulling, and a lightness when DD was pulled out. I couldn't feel a thing being stiched up, (too busy paying attention to my new daughter!)

The spinal took 2-3 hours to wear off. The middies put my legs in a comfy position, my reccommendation is the yoga position "flapping fish" the bottom leg is straight and the top leg is bent with your top foot just at your bottom knee. Good for side lying feeding too as your body is supported by your top leg so you cant roll onto bub.

After that I could move around a bit, but didn't get out of bed until the next day when I had to transfer hospitals.

[angcaltam]

I'm really scared of needles and that's an understatement. But I had to have 2 c-sections and was awake for both and wouldn't have it any other way. You get to see the baby straight away. Yes you can feel what they are doing but it isn't painful, it just feels weird.

If I can do it anyone can.

[Tisme]

Once the spinal block has gone in how long to you stay numb for? I might have to have a spinal block if i want to be awake for this c-section because i had two epidurals fail on me for #1.........the dr told me yesterday that they will do a spinal tap and I just want to know what to expect before, during and recovery wise.

Mine lasted four hours to the minute. It was the weirdest sensation to start feeling my toes and being able to wiggle them again but not be able to move my legs.

[Tisme]

I had a few spinal blocks with Lucas (& like I said before, they didn't work) but I still developed a spinal headache afterwards. I could not lift my head of the pillow and the pain was absolutely excrutiating (and I've done labour!)
I had to go back to surgery and have a blood patch done...where they take blood out of my arm and then inject it into my spine to get rid of the spinal headache (I think it's caused from air pockets...I didn't really care at the time how it got there, I just wanted it fixed). I then had to lay still on the trolley for what seemed like 8 hours (although it would have been around 1) and when I got up...instant relief, spinal headache gone!

I had two of these procedures (unfortuantely my epidural punctured three holes.) and the aneathesist had an uni student in on my first one (after I gave permission) so I got the FULL run down on what it was ... if you want to know exactly why Pm me. I was really interested but don't know if others would be!

[*butterflykisses*]

BJ as you know ive always been asleep and one of my fears is not ever waking back up it haunts me as they are giving me the stuff to go to sleep
this time i am tryin so hard to be awake but thanks to my panic attacks im scared i wont be able to

i beleive it is better to be awake mainly because you get to see bubs and you know whats going on

im hoping i can find the strength to be awake this time

[bronny-jane]

this time i am tryin so hard to be awake but thanks to my panic attacks im scared i wont be able to



i think i would have panick attacks as well, i get really paranoid about my body.

[Sarie]

I don't get a choice, epi's and spinal blocks don't work on me so I would have to be out cold. So I really hope I don't need one cause DH wouldn't be able to be in there.

[Seekrit]

I won't want to be awake, because the thought of them cutting me while I'm awake scares the bejesus out of me.
But being knocked out is more risky, so I think - if it's needed - I'll just suck it up and be awake.

[anna&oli]

Hi i also was awake. I was given the option and chose to be awake for it. I wanted to see my baby as soon as he was born. Also my partner was able to be there. He watched the whole thing. I was in a bit of a different situation though. I have a previous injury from breaking my back in a MVA 5 yrs ago and have lots of bone fragments around the L1 area, where the epidural was to be inserted. My anaethatist had to insert the needle lower than normal and as a result i could feel quiet a bit more tugging and pulling than others. So much so that i was given few locals to numb the area. Yes there was pain, but it was so short and quick and compared to many hour of pushing that comes with labour i feel i took the easy option. for bubs number two - i will have to be asleep unfortunately, but it was a little risky for bubs having to wait for the local to wear in whilst already cut open!! Mine is a totally different situation to most!!!!

As for the needle - i honestly didnt feel any pain!!! it was slightly uncomfortable



All in all if you do experience any pain you will forget it as soon as you see your little bundle

Anna

[Pixie]

They gave me to much of the spinal block I ended up with saliva dribbling down my face and crying as I couldn't talk/swallow...And you get these terrible shakes like you are cold but you're not...eghh I hated every minute!!!

[bronny-jane]

They gave me to much of the spinal block I ended up with saliva dribbling down my face and crying as I couldn't talk/swallow...And you get these terrible shakes like you are cold but you're not...eghh I hated every minute!!!

:eek: im going to do a vb if i can:D

[SassyMummy]

I would have thought being awake would be a scary experience...but it really wasn't. I think I was so stressed out (and scared) that I was kind of high-ish (either that, or they put something into my oxygen mask!:eek: )...I ASKED lots of questions...wanting to know IN DETAIL what was going on. The midwife kept her descriptions very tame though...kind of disappointing.

I NEVER wanted a c-section, but having the actual procedure was not a scary experience. The BEFORE was, and the AFTER was pretty shocking too...but the actual operation was perfectly fine IMO.

[diamonds22]

Initially I wanted to be under general...but I changed my mind, the recovery time is a lot longer and you miss out on hearing your babies first cry:(

I'm going to have a Epi and my hubby will be holding me though out the delivery, so hopefully that will calm my nerves!! :fingerscrossed:

[Mala]

Hi bronny-jane,
I had an emergency c/s, with a spinal block.
DD went into foetal distress.
I could see the reflection of EVERYTHING, incision and all, in the big shiny theatre lights. None of that worried me. I had asked that DD be born very slowly, almost that she be 'sat up' inside of me, left for a few seconds, then pulled out.
They were very accomodating - doing just that for me.
The screen came down, I saw the Dr reach inside of me and pull out my baby's head, I could see my baby looking around the room. Then, her whole body was gently lifted out of me, and the Drs and Midwives were asking, "What have you got Mala?" I was in pure awe - "A girl!? - And she's got hair?" (No baby in my family has EVER had hair! - If I'd have been under a general, I wouldn't have believed this child was mine, LOL!!)
Bub was placed straight up to my face, and we got our first good look at one another.
After about 30 seconds, they took her away, sucked her out and wrapped her up (a total of about 90 seconds - time for DH and I to congratulate each other!). Then they brought her straight back to me, and DH and I got to hold her while I was stitched up. Of course, I wouldn't know how long this took - could have been 2 minutes or 5hrs for all I know! I was otherwise pre-occupied!!
My mum was in there with us, and she had a cuddle, then DD was put in my arms to be wheeled back to my room.
There, she was put to the boob straight away - with the help of my Midwife, and latched on perfectly (for the next 19 mths, lol).

Work out exactly what frightens you the most - the thought of not waking up, the incision, the pullying/tugging sensation, the time apart (which like I said, was non-existant for my c/s), or the recovery. My recovery was about 2wks, compared to months with the VBAC.

Another thing, the Dr asked me to push while he was lifting DD out.
Not many other c/s mums have ever heard of this?!?

My next bub (due Dec) will be an elective c/s. #2 was a VBAC with forceps/ventouse delivery and 3rd degree tear, followed by a LONG recovery.

[suemp]

ive voted to be awake. im going back for c/s number 2. the needle , to me, felt no worse than any other needle. short quick prick. i was so scared id feel being cut open, my greatest fear, the anethesist said dont be scared we will tell you everything thats going on. i said i dont want to know and he said well if its any consilation your e open. once i knew it was all happening and i felt nothing i was fine.

[PSorbello]

Hi,
I didn't want an epidural and didn't even contemplate the possibility of a c-section, however ended up having an emergency c-section. I was awake and while I do recall the pulling sensation, it didn't hurt. The only other thing was I was shaking from the drugs - but that was it. I was awake for Nicholas's arrival, saw him and once he left with Dad I threw up and then felt on top of the world.

It is easy to say "don't be scared" however there really isn't anything to worry unnecessarily about. Go with the flow and trust your obstetrician and that he/she knows what is best medically! Enjoy the experience and be informed but not scared!

[melbournemum]

I've had both experiences, the 1st I was under a general due to an emergency c-section and that was not something I wanted second time around. With ds2, I had an elective c-section and it was as lovely as major surgery can be! It was calm, painless (the epidural was just a sharp scratch then no pain just pushing) and the medical staff were wonderful, positive and sensitive. I loved being awake to see our beautiful son, to see the joy and excitement on my dh's face and watch them weighing him and checking him etc. I loved being able to hold him straight after he was born. All of those precious moments were not possible first time around and for me it was wonderful.