Your C/sec experience

[becca74]

I'd like to be able to give mums about to have babies/another c/sec a bit of perspective on the c/sec experience.

I dont want this to be a debate thread, I just want to get a realistic idea from this microcosm of Aussie women who've had c/secs, and some feedback about their experiences.

I hope I cover most styles of c/sec reactions....but please add yours if I have missed anything!

[Buddha Bubbas]

i chose c/s as unwanted and caused trauma to myself.

i was scared, bullied (whatever you want to call it) into having a c/s.

my DD was born VB, induced, posterior, 3rd degree tear, 8p9. With my son i was told i would tear again, best if you have a c/s, this baby is alot bigger than your last :rolleyes: oh and he is breech!! you want whats best for your baby dont you??

Turns out he wasnt big (8p1), he wasnt breech (but they dont bother to check that once you are booked in) and it was unnecessary.

When he was born i was left in recovery for 4 hours without him. 4 BLOODY HOURS :banghead: and ended up with a transfusion.

This has put me off having children ever agin. Im terrified. if only i had known about bub hub, that i shouldnt doubt myself. maybe, just maybe i would have had the birth that i had wanted. :(

[Lila]

i double voted, also i should have tripel voted ...

i had 2 em/cs- necessary- but with trauma

AND

1 WONDERFUL and HEALing (for my inner self) ele. cs (well not really ele...but necessary.....)

[SassyDiva]

Both my c/sections were postive experiences.. First one was an emergancy, and even tho it was a stressful situation as my bubs was in distress and I developed an infection 4 days later...my baby was born and was healthy.

2nd time round was an elective and this was a great experience..I felt in control and DF was there with me the whole time and he got to cut the cord.

[annb]

my first one was great and im having my 2nd one next week, im sure that will be great as well!
both elective, through personal choice no other reasons, maybe that is why they where so positive

[Briannabear]

I did a multi vote!
My first emergency c/section was neccessary, but I definately felt that it was a traumatic experience.
My second c/s was planned (not my ideal birth though), and it was a very positive experience!
Two very different births thats for sure!

[nats]

BUDDHA BUBBAS!!!!!!:eek:
What an aweful sham!!!! I am hearing ssooo many stories like this! No wonder you don't want anymore children birthrites.com can offer great support for you!
I hope you will see a way in the future to get past the trauma. Best of luck.

My c/s was partly my fault for having a epi.
but since all the problem was was an anterior cervical lip the damn doc should have probably helped me to push past it. I know! It happened to a girl in my birth thread and she VB'ed
So I kick myself.
However I voted unessesary and positive cause it was still MY BIRTH EXPERIENCE.
Never forget that little grey/blue ball (my son) sail past to get cleaned up before they brang him over *sigh* how wonderful.
thumbs down to the pain it causes my poor back though. :-(

Hello BTW to Becca74, our VBAC thread doula, look forward to chatting with you some time.:thumbsup:

[Pixie]

I voted other :D

I had planned/hoped for a natural birth no intervention, but after 3 weeks of pre-labour and swelling I was in agony and asked to be induced still confident it would go well, my midwife was also confident it would go well and I would still birth in the birth centre.

Not to be :(
After 10 internals I said yes to students, kept thinking they have to learn some how:rolleyes: I was told my baby was coming brow presentation I had never ever heard this no idea what it meant. The explanation is the baby is coming face first you could feel her nose and eyes at my cervix which was kinda freaky, the OB told me with much regret I was to have a c.section and she knew how much I didn't want one. I stayed very composed while I read the paper work I didn't want to miss a thing. It came to the part about hysterectomy's and bleeding and I asked for stats the DR explained they were low etc. I agreed what else could I do I hadn't prepared to have a c/section, I had never heard of "brow presentation" as soon as they left the room I broke down I cried without sound I just sat there crying, like I am as I type this, I was just so utterly disappointed in myself thinking I should of waited for things to come naturally and it was my impatience nature to get induced the OB walked back in, she was amazing and just sat there and held me while I cried and cried and my DP stroked me hair. I was in labour I was contracting I was in pain at 1pm I was already 6cms but she was still coming face first at 3pm I was booked for surgery and taken down I was given to much spinal block and started to feel like I was suffocating I had saliva dribbling down my face and started to cry again, this made it worse as I couldn't swallow I truly thought I was going to suffocate, they did another internal and announced.

"This baby is not brow"

After a little chat to hubby I was taken back to the labour ward and laboured for another 14 hours at 6am I was told I was fully dilated and could push and I did for two hours, I knew she wasn't coming I asked how many other women had, had their babies they told me 7 my hope dwindled and I kept pushing the midwife left and a DR came in he told me my daughter was getting tired from labour and so was I and her HB was dropping so again I was taken to have a cesarean .

they got her out but due to a long labour pushing and spinal block/epidural I was exhausted as was my uterus as they lifted Eliza out my uterus tore down the right hand side and then the left. it was weak from contractions so I had a huge hemorrhage lost close too half my blood volume. My DP was taken away and left with our DD for 2 hours on HIS OWN they told him nothing, he kept asking where I was how was I etc, they just said she'll be up soon. I came that close to dying I had 3 DR's working on me the head of OB's told me I was lucky to still be here. It was that bad.

I also ended up with fluid on my lungs as they pushed so much extra fluid into me.

I actually wasn't that traumatise by it, but my DP was deeply affected he didn't want much to do with his daughter he blamed her for my hemorrhage he was upset as he said the DR's/midwifes should of picked up on it already she wasn't head down. it took 3 months 3 LONG months and so many tears from both of us before he could/would talk about it I had a de-briefing with the hospital for answers and got all my notes.

To this day my DP struggles when you mention the birth of our daughter he says can we change the subject. He is the most amazing father now and loves his little girl to bits he has finally bonded which happened around her 9 week mark.

He struggles when he hears of womens powerful birth experiences because I didn't get that and he feels for me, he gets upset when our friends talk about "what an amazing time" when for him he was face with the prospect of being single father.

But we are more wise, more educated people because of it and we know that our next baby will be born via VBAC and maybe at home and we are in control. I am not a stupid person and I may very well need an elective but by god I will be in control!!!!

sorry to go on a bit:o

[SassyMummy]

Ah, another opportunity to talk about my caesarean... :laughing:

As many of you will probably know, my caesarean was unwanted, and what I feel to be un-necessary. I had a "just in case" c-section. The kind where a doctor says to you, "You're overdue...you need a caesarean just in case your baby dies" even though there's no real evidence (other than dates) to suggest that my baby was in any sort of danger.

It was traumatic, because it was highly unwanted. There were no complications at all - it went very well (as far as surgery can), but it was awful because I felt like I was being surgically raped. I wasn't held down, but I was injected with all sorts of things to make sure I couldn't move or feel it... and then sliced open, when I didn't want to be. If I had said, "NO! STOP!" in the middle of it all, then I have no doubt they would have just ignored me and kept on going (they didn't really pay any attention to me during surgery as it was).

It was traumatic emotionally, moreso than physically. Sure, it hurt after my c-sec, but no more than any other c-sec hurts any other woman.... the physical pain wasn't all THAT awful. The fact that I felt violated and ashamed was worse than that.

My power had been taken away. I lay there, and was hacked open. What part did I have in the birth? I just lay there while strangers extracted my baby. I couldn't see what was going on...I could mainly see DP's face (which had a look of pity on it, pity for me), and a sheet in front of my face. It didn't feel like I was a part of the birthing process... because I couldn't FEEL anything, couldn't SEE anything and didn't DO anything.

I was also ashamed that I hadn't been strong enough to say, "You know what, I'm NOT having a caesarean." I knew that there was no real reason for it, and I knew I didn't want it. But I just let them do it because I didn't have the guts to stand up for myself. I didn't have the knowledge to back up my claims that the c-sec was unnecessary. So I just let it go ahead, despite my instincts telling me to not do it (I seriously considering not going to the hospital the morning I was booked in...I thought about just staying home and waiting. If I hadn't have had my mother and DP with me, coaxing me to go in, I think I would have just stayed at home).

I hated that other women "put in the hard yards" and that I was just going to lay there while some surgeon did the work for me. Why did my body not do it's job? Why couldn't I go into labour? Why could I not birth a baby the "right" way?

It was more traumatic because of the way I felt, emotionally, than physically.

ETA: Having my unwanted caesarean is somewhat of a blessing because, as with Pixie, it has made me more aware of birth in general. If my birth had been the way I wanted it to be... I would have had a VB by fluke - not because I knew anything about it. I wanted to "wing it." Because of my unwanted c-section, and my disappointment at not having a VB, I've looked in SO MUCH MORE about VB, natural induction, VBAC, pain relief methods...etc etc. I've learnt far more than I believe I would have if everything had run smoothly last time... so I'm far more prepared for the whole ordeal when next time comes along.

[oleander]

Mine was a positive experience but next time (if there is a next time!) I'll try for a VBAC.

[phineas]

I voted: My emergency c/sec was necessary, but ended with physical/emotional trauma to either me or my baby

But who really knows? By the time I was wheeled off to surgery it was neccessary.........but maybe them articificially rupturing my membranes stuffed it all up and I would have birthed with no problems had they left me alone :shame:

[MrsMiggins]

Very interesting thread becca! :thumbsup:

I voted My elective c/sec was not what I wanted, but was a positive experience

I was very disappointed to learn that I would need a c/s, although by the time it was all booked in, I think I had come to terms with it more than my carers! :laughing: I think I had realised that it was not going to happen naturally, although I give great credit to my OB & hospital who fought to the last to allow me to birth my baby vaginally.

I think because I was resolved to the fact, it did make it easier, and it was also a good experience because all went well during the op. OK, a couple of things went wrong, but it was nothing major - certainly nothing that could quell the excitement for me at finally being able to meet my precious little one that I'd waited years for!

I'm hoping for a VBAC this time, all things going well, but I have my open-minded hat on for the possibility I will need another c/s.

The only thing that gets me about this one is that my chances of having a VBAC in future would be even slimmer if I end up needing a c/s this time (purely due to my circumstances).

[danielle13]

I voted: My emergency c/sec was necessary, but ended with physical/emotional trauma to either me or my baby

But who really knows? By the time I was wheeled off to surgery it was neccessary.........but maybe them articificially rupturing my membranes stuffed it all up and I would have birthed with no problems had they left me alone :shame:

Ditto.

[natasha]

Positive and elective c section here.

I went in at 7am, booked in for 8.30am. Waited and waited. 2 emergency c sections got rushed into theatre so I had to wait for my turn. Lol sounds funny doesnt it.

Anyway, they put the drip into me, which caused me to freak out more than i ever have in my life. I am petrified of needles and the stupid woman kept missing my vein, well prob wasnt her fault because i was dehydrated because i wasn't allowed to eat or drink for 16 hours before surgery for some reason. odd number i know. Plus by the time my turn came around it was close to 1pm.:rolleyes:

Anyway, she finally got all that sorted, i walked into the operating room which i was bummed about, I thought i was gonna be wheeled in or something.....:laughing:
They told me to jump up onto the table and they will do the spinal.
I was so glad the drip was finally in that i didnt even feel the spinal. Everythign was calm and relaxed at this point. Dh was by my side.
They did the spinal and helped me lie down because i instantly couldnt feel my legs whivh was hillarious.

Then!!!! The guy (surgeon i guess), flopped my legs open and proceded to shave my 'area'!!!:eek:

I was NOT expecting that!!! I hadnt really read up about what would happen as i knew a c section was the only way to go for me and didnt want to be scared or put off if i knew what was coming.
So they did the whole ice thing. Put up the curtain and it was defo a 'can you tell me when you are in' and they were like 'um we have been in for a few mins now 'hehe. Everyone smiling and chatting to me, amongst themselves.

I knwo some women hate that, but it made me feel so at ease that they were chatting amongst themselves, very peaceful and calm.

I felt so much tugging and pulling, i found it all so funny, i kept asking DH if he was okay as he hates hospitals. And then they pulled her out, i cried and felt silly for crying because im a tough chick hehe.

I saw her briefly and then she went with DH while i got stitched up. I would have liked to have kissed her or something before she left but it all happened so fast. I dont dwell on it, im not too bothered about it now.

15 mins later i was in recovery with my new family. I loved my stay in hospital and loved my c section.

[my_lot]

great thread becca!

i always felt my feelings about my c-sect was because id had two VB first and then the em c-sect. i felt like id failed something i knew for a fact i could do.

i had this strange feeling of "not giving birth". not being able to hold that baby didnt help this feeling. but feeling so "intact" down there, but in so much pain was really strange.

i felt like i couldnt talk to anyone about this -people saw my tiny prem baby and an outcome most in my situation would pray for... he was alive and healthy. i saw a baby who had been removed from me- taken before his time- taken before my 40 weeks of preg was done. not birthed through me, no "ring of fire" not to be placed on my chest, to open his lungs and cry that first cry with me crying tears of joy. i got none of this and felt so robbed of it all.

i knew my baby HAD to be born this way (waters broke at 32+weeks and one foot came out my cervix, the other was up behind his back) and everyone around me kept saying how "lucky" i was. what a great outcome bla bla bla..

i have one friend that also had 2 vb then an em c-sect. she is the only one i could talk to about this...i have many friends who had only had v/b who didnt understand OR friends whod only had c-sect and were happy with them and didnt feel the "need" to v/b.

it took me a few years to think about having another baby. just knowing it could end in a c-sect was a great contraception! since i have joined bubhub i know im not alone in these feelings around my c-sect. it has opened my eyes to the ones who feel like me but have never had a v/b. i can feel their want and hear their reasons.

on the other hand reading other peoples great c-sect birth experiences has helped me get over my fear of being cut open again with this baby..

as much as id love to have a v/b with this baby i know if it doesnt happen (hes breech) i want to make "good" memories of my sons birth- like the ones i have of my v/bs...

[MummyCharmzy]

I voted for my first experience

#1 emerg csect - possibly uncessesary - ending in trauma for me

#2 emerg csect - neccesary - ended in trauma for me at failure to have a VBAC

#3 SCHEDULED (not elective) csect - necessary - ending in trauma for me once again at failure to have VBAC although this was my most positive csect experience as bub was fullterm and not taken away from me

[OopsieDaisy]

My emergency c/sec was necessary, but ended with physical/emotional trauma to either me or my baby.

[popchex]

Mine was needed for a transverse lie bub, and he was big so they couldn't turn him (4+kg/9lbs). The surgery itself was great, the people with me were wonderful. The AFTER care was horrible and it really affected me negatively and I think it really contributed to my PPD (which I was predisposed to already but since I had changed hospitals late in pregnancy nobody really gave a **** about me.)

[TinyStar]

Mine was emergency due to undiagnosed breech.

The actual c/sec procedure was a positive experience, we have some beautiful memories of that half hour, and after 9 hours of labour the spinal was SSSOOOOO good.

I was very upset (I wont say traumatised, cos looking back it wasn't as bad as all that, but I was very very unhappy at the time) with my experiences during labour with "my" midwife. I feel if she had listened to me she may have come earlier, found that dd was breech earlier and we could have made a go at having a vb, rather than the panic that happened because I was ready to push when she rocked up. (in hindsight I should've just pushed anyway, but I didn't fancy giving birth on my bathroom floor)

I also had a wound infection, and was quite ill for a few weeks, combined with a bub who refused to sleep, mad for an unhappy me.

Funnily enough it was after my 2nd birth I was having a nice chat with the middie on the ward who gave me a bit of insite into why middie number 1 wasn't too keen on the whole "lets vb a breech in your bathroom senario".

anyway I'm rambling. I had a vbac for ds, as I couldn't face having an infected wound again.

[OJandMe]

The boys were head down from 24 weeks and everyone on my birthing team were very excited for me to have a natural birth. Everything was going really well, they were good weights and relaxed but active babies. I developed pre-eclampsia at 29 weeks and ended up spending the next 6 weeks in hospital while they monitored my progress and tried to speed up the boys lung development with steroids.

At 35 weeks to the day they decided to induce me (which I was VERY happy about as my body was stretched to the max, and still hasn't recovered, my stomach is permanantly stretched out of shape now :() The labour was progressing well and I was fully dialated after 4 hours. I decided to have an epidural (I'd told this to the Ob the day before) as I knew there was a fairly high chance of needing to go in for an emergency c-section) Everything was going well until it was time to push.

DS1 started to stress and his heartrate raised to dangerous levels. he was positioned akwardly and coudln't bend his neck properly to come through the birth canal. After about 40 mins they decided to give me an emergency c-section and I had the best team in the hospital (I think). The doctor I had was one who had been attending to me for my whole stay in the hospital and the nurses and aneasthegoligst (sp?) were very attending and positive. I'm really pleased that they acted so quickly, and I'm pleased I had the epidural before, as it made the c-section able to take place a lot sooner.

DS1 was born not breathing and very weak, DS2 had the cord around his neck. I'm eternally thankful for the brilliant team I had, and the way they acted so quickly. I believe it saved the life of one if not both of the boys. I didn't get to see them for half an hour, DS1 was in critical condition, and DS2 was in special care. But I was wheeled in on the bed to see and hold them both. I'm really pleased with the experience I had... but I am hoping for a VBAC with 'Freckle".