Scared

I get your fear but you’ll be okay! Surgeons do c sections literally all the time & a planned one is also less risky. I think it’s hard if you’re a worrier but once you’re in the theatre I’m sure the surgeons and the whole team will put you at ease. You’ve got this mama 💪🏻

Happy to answer any questions, if you think of any or just need reassurance. I had a section and loved it so much I’m having my section on Dec 28th. I have low iron and lost 300ml in my surgical report. I didn’t even need to use the blood they got in for me. The staff are so good at these now, I was up walking and showering after a few hours. No trauma, teeny scar, quick recovery and minimal pain xx

I completely get your fears, I had an emergency section and had a haemorrhage BUT that was because I had been induced and contracting a minute a part for 12 hours so my uterus was too tired. Given my history of bleeding, this time my consultant has actually suggested an elective section to reduce the risks of it happening again. When a section is planned, every person in the room knows everything about you medically, they are prepared for all eventualities and they’re also really good at calming you. If you started to panic for example they can put something in the drip to calm you (if you want this). If you’re nauseous, again they can put anti sickness in the drip. Everybody I know who’s had an elective section says it was a beautiful and calm experience and all over in about 40 mins. My consultant also said that the risks associated with a planned section are around the same as natural birth so that made me feel better. Good luck xx

Having had an emergency and planned section, I can honestly say the planned was the most calm and well organised experience. Everyone knew their place and my daughter was in my arms so quickly that the rest of the time in theatre was quick and so lovely. After delivery, my focus was just on my daughter and getting to know her.

Low iron levels can be adjusted before surgery. I was borderline and I was given iron tablets just to be sure, I guess with you they will be more cautious. Ended up losing 750ml of blood and I didn't even feel that. I was scared too about my CS but was lovely and calm I remember it in a positive way (and mine has been double surgery as I had to remove an ovarian cyst as well and the whole thing lasts 3h) and was my first surgery ever. Don't be afraid

I had tearing in first, so had a section 3 weeks ago. I had a bleed in surgery but the team were amazing and did everything to make me feel better and I’m just continuing on my iron now until drs redo my bloods in a few weeks time. It’s easier said than done but try not to freak out about it, baby has to come out one way or another and if this is best option for you and baby, you will do it and boss it :-) x

What was your first birth like? Were you induced etc? There is no evidence to suggest that if you have a significant tear with the first then this will happen with the second especially if you avoid medical intervention and induction. You have a much less chance of tearing if you go into spontaneous labour and decline coached pushing and let your body do what it is designed to do. The consultant simply cannot predict if you will tear or not as every baby and birth is different. However, if YOU want a c-section the please don't worry about haemorrhage as it is a very controlled environment and even if you did have a large blood loss, they can easily control this and replace with blood products if you consent to a transfusion. X

@Saff my first birth was all completely natural and unmedicated. I lost 1 litre of blood and tore bad both externally as well as internally. It's not just tearing again that could cause me incontinence, I have been told even the stretching of pushing another baby out could damage my muscles further. I feel that being incontinent in my early to mid 30s would ruin my life. I think I just need to get my head around having the op. The only time in my life I have been in hospital before was my first birth. X

I am so sorry for your birth experience and injuries. It is hard to get your head around the operation. Are you able to have some control when you are in there eg play the music you like to help you relax, ask for the lights dimmed, scrub up so you can deliver your baby etc. I wonder if this could help prepare you? Also start reading some affirmation cards every day. It can be scary being on the table, especially when awake, but visualising the procedure and taking deep, calming breathes could help prepare you? The surgeons are skilled at what they do, you are in safe hands. ❤️

I had a c section 3 weeks ago. I absolutely loved it and would have it again next time. I am such an anxious person and have suffered a hemmorage during a miscarriage so this was a big fear for me, but the surgeons and everyone there are sooo reassuring ! They helped with all my needs and talked to me all the way through. They had music playing too and it was just such a positive experience from an anxious persons point of view xx