Planned c section!

Hypnobirthing: Practical Ways to... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0349419388?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share Buy this book. You may even decide you don’t want a c section. You always have a choice.

I needed one last time and honestly loved it. I've booked another even though I don't need it this time. I loved knowing when baby was coming and had an Asda order the day before. Full fridge, baked, batch-cooked 😆 On the day, download something to watch, to distract yourself. I had to be at the hospital for 7am but didn't go to surgery until 11:30. The staff were all very lovely and my husband was with me the whole day. Remember that it's everyday surgery for the staff. They even let me choose what music I wanted to have on in theatre 😊 Midwife took my husband's phone and took the most beautiful photos and videos 🥰 Just bare in mind that most people with bad experiences had an emergency section. It's a very different situation. I'm sure you'll be fine xx

I’ve had two elective and one emergency section, each one was very calm the staff are very upbeat and as Anna said this is every day for them so they are chilled and confident they chat to you and keep you informed of what’s happening every stage, the anaesthetist sits behind you and talks to you so if you start worrying you can ask them anything, if you have a partner or anyone with you they are right next to your head so you can see them and talk to them… you can choose your music and ask them to take photos and videos for you, it’s your choice if you want them to drop the screen so you can see baby as they are lifted out, you can request skin to skin… honestly it is much more chilled than you are probably imagining ❤️ I was more scared when I was in labour attempting a vaginal birth with me second… I had an elective with my first so I hadn’t experienced it and I cried with relief when they said I needed a section. Don’t stress honestly xxx

I had to have a section at 34 weeks last pregnancy and like you I was hugely anxious and scared! I'm very squeamish! Speak to them about it, I was put first on the list and that really helped as I wouldn't have been able to sit waiting! Perhaps they could do the same for you, if there are no urgent ones? Also I asked them to not talk me through the procedure as it would have freaked me out and I made my other half just keep talking to me the whole time! It is super quick and def not as scary as I'd imagined, but I feel for you, I had the same worries and it was hard initially x

I’ve requested an elective due to previous complications with my last pregnancy. I’m so glad you asked this as I’m quite nervous myself, although more nervous about the recovery than the process and also nervous about what happens if he comes early, can I still have the section or will they make me do it naturally again. Love the positive stories above and the advice, especially the batch cooking etc the day before. I’m sure we will both be fine, we are not alone! Good luck mama x

@Hannah, last year one of my friends went into labour 3 days before her planned section. She still had her section, just a bit earlier than planned 😊. They always try to keep to your birth plan xx

@Josie 🩵 second this! loved this book!

I was absolutely crapping myself for my elective with my son, I’m also terrified of needles so was very scared of the spinal tap as well, I had an emergency with my first so I did not have a great perception on how it was going to go- but honestly it was an absolute dream. The surgical staff are monitoring you constantly, reassuring you and keeping you calm/talking, making you smile, I did get the shakes a bit as I felt sick but they can top up anti emetics that get to work very quickly, I had the radio playing, I didn’t even realise when the surgery had started, it was so much more relaxed than I could have anticipated, and before I knew it my son was plonked on my chest! When they’re getting baby out it feels a little strange, almost like someone’s doing the dishes in your stomach but there’s no pain at all, and it really doesn’t last long! Takes longer to stitch you up than get the baby out but you won’t even be thinking about it when you’re holding your baby. Good luck xx

Thank you so much everyone! I feel a weight off my shoulders knowing there’s good experiences! I feel a lot better in what to expect now ❤️