Pre elective C Section nerves

Stay calm ! The thought is worse than the experience, listen to what the doctors / surgeon is telling you when it comes to getting in the right position - you may feel really cold and start shaking when the spinal block goes in but it’s nothing to worry about it’s just your body thinking your cold because your numb ( it shocked me ) and before you know you will have your baby on your chest - recovery stay on top of your meds even if you feel you don’t need them ( easier to stay on top than try and get the pain back under control) get up on your feet as soon as you can and small walks with plenty of rest in between 🩷🩷 but you got this and you will do amazing

Practice this breathing technique. You can do it whenever you feel a bit anxious, during your spinal, during the c-section itself; just whenever you feel like you need to calm down. It’s really effective. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FJJazKtH_9I I would also try to get a little aromatherapy rollerball and give it to your birthing partner to bring with you. There’s some weird smells in theatre so you might want something nice to sniff. Lavender can be very relaxing. Also have a think about a playlist. Most hospitals will let you play your own music. Think about the kind of music that relaxes you and makes you feel at peace. And try practicing a little affirmation that you can tell yourself over and over when you feel anxious. Don’t be scared, it’s your baby’s birthday. As soon as you hear those little cries, all the anxiety will melt away. You got this.

I had an elective c section 2 days ago. I actually had an idea of what it might be like as I had surgery with spinal after my 1st 4 years ago. As someone above said - you will most likely shake a lot and it can make you feel anxious. Trying to keep calm by doing breathing exercises honestly did really help. The baby is out SO quick after they've put the curtain up. You'll be surprised. The majority of the surgery is sewing you back up, and you are distracted then with your new baby 😊 good luck!! Xx

The spinal I didn’t even find sore (didn’t expect that!) , I sang to myself and closed my eyes through it all pretty much. That helped, it was super fast. The longest period is after you see baby and obviously baby so distracting. So the operation itself is so fast . I wish I didn’t worry as much. But it’s the unknown of course you do. Best advice I had was stay on top of your medication and ask for it as can take some time for it to come! move when your advised to and go for short walks it helps your recovery! The recovery is hard so it’s good to be prepared, set up as much family and friends as you can to have a helping hand. I’m ten months post partum and looking back it was all fine and doable and complete success!! Xxxxx

Oh also for some reason can take quite a while before your partner comes in they come in after the spinal bit. I wasn’t told that and was a little worried. But that’s normal. Takes a while to get them into their scrubs and in! Xx

@Jordan I expected this as that's what i got told, but actually my husband got changed with me and came in with me. They just got him to sit in the corner out of the way until everything was set up

Oh that’s great! Much better way! I was wondering the whole time oh why is he not here yet is something going on haha but that’s my mind ! Definitely all in the mind. So it’s great to know how it all goes ! Xx

I had a C-section for my son 4 months ago. I had a lot of nerves leading up to it, because I have surgical Trauma from childhood. I definitely recommend talking to your doctor and the nurses on the day of. Honestly the anxiety leading up to it is worse than the actual procedure. Let your doctor and the nurse's know though, they can help keep you calm and help you in whatever way you need. The or nurse that I had was absolutely amazing she held my hand when my husband couldn't she held me for the spinal, she walked me through everything that was going to happen and she helped me with everything that I needed. Honestly I would have been much more freaked out without her.