I went for a scan today and it really upset to learn I have to have a c-section, both babies are breech. I was ok with the idea until the midwife answered all my questions (ahh the bliss of ignorance!).
I'm hoping someone can tell me something good about their personal experiences cos at the moment I feel totally overwhelmed and upset, it really goes against the grain for me.
First there's blood tests, despite knowing all there is to know about my blood, they've taken enough of it for petes sake! And I'm on ferrous sulphate, 'just in case'. How many more 'just in cases' are needed???? I react very badly when having blood tests and normally pass out and do the whole useless,faint, floppy, sick thing for a couple of hours, hardly inspiring when I then have to have major abdominal surgery.
I've already had a gestational diabetes scare and was made to test my blood 7 times a day for months and guess what - I don't have it!
It would appear I have no choice but to be catheterised, which revolts me, the midwife says it's in case they accidentally cut the bladder, the consultant says its more about being able to feel the bladder after surgery so it doesn't get over full and damaged as a result.
The procedure will take around 90 minutes, if without complications, 30 minutes to make sure the spinal is working (I was originally told 5 minutes and I can't cope with the idea of an epidural), 10 minutes from incision to first baby (unless in emergency) and then another 30 minutes to remove the placentas with drug help and stitch me up. Plus an enforced cannula in my hand for fluids and then an hour in recovery and 12-24 hours with a catheter, overnight potentially on morphine (for goodness sake!).
I can't stand the idea of all this interference, catherter, drip, cannula, drug intervention for removing the placentas, morphine for post operative pain and still a catheter for 12-24 hours.
There's also likely to be an anaesthetist, 2 doctors, 2 runners, 2 midwives and 2 paediatricians in the room at the very least. Do they make tickets available to everyone or what?
Furthermore, twin mums are supposed to be put in a room alone but I was told today I'll be in a ward with singleton mums who probably gave birth in a manner of different ways, the only reason for this is because it's closer for the care givers. That really aggravated me though I can't really explain why.
Our babies are well developed and out of premature dangers and at good weights for twins, I'm not worried about them right now. If this was all about them it would seem worth it.
I don't see the point of trying to give birth naturally because they are much more likely to get into trouble, and so am I.
I'm glad we have the NHS and so on but I'm scared and worried about everything connected with it.
Is this really going to be the hell on earth I think it will be?

Have you posted this on www.netmums.co.uk?

Sure they'll be alot more women available on there to answer all your queries and concerns.

I can't comment as I had natural births with both my children but didn't want to read and run.

Take care

C
x

I has a c-section 10ys ago with my daughter has she was breech and also i said i did not want one and because of this my child became very stressed and they had no option but to do one .and i was very very scared and to be honest they nothing to worrie about,All the team in the room was talking to me and made me feal very very calm.also they said i had to rest for 4 days.But i was up and walking the next day at t-time,they dont normaly let you walk for over 2days they told me, but i was wanting to get out and bath my self and that i did.And because of this i was out in 4days and not the 7 they told me i was going to be in.
As for the catherter you dont notice you got it in till they change the bag (well i dint),i was more scared how they going to get it out but all you feel is like a wind motion that all i can explaine it and it does not hurt,the drips too not a problem they do not hurt and did not stop me from feeding my child or sleeping.
My sister had to have one last december and she was scared and all i told her she said was true and that helped her.All you want is your baby to be born safe and well and you just go along with it.As for the scar mine you can not see it unless u rub ur finger over where i was cut as it feels strange like a strech mark but no mark on me it does fade and you be suprise on how small it is when you have it done.

Think of it this way Zebra.....

Would you rather attempt to push two babies out that tiny space feet first.....

OR

Have a C-section!!

I know what I would opt for!!


:hihi:

Originally posted by Shiesh
Think of it this way Zebra.....

Would you rather attempt to push two babies out that tiny space feet first.....

OR

Have a C-section!!

I know what I would opt for!!


:hihi:


And, Zebra, I've heard that the vast majority of women who work in the medical profession elect to have a caesarian rather than a natural birth if they can. They must know something!

And think of those two beautiful babies you'll have at the end of it. :thumbsup:

StarSparkle

Hi Zebra

I think you bought our baby monitors recently! Well I had a C section for our twins just under 2 years ago, presenting twin was breech and at the time was upset that I couldn't deliver naturally - felt I was being robbed of my right of passage and all that. I must admit though I didn't ask many questions - my friend had a section with her twins years before and was really upbeat so I didn't really dwell! I know Jessops is a bit quick on the c-section front - but its a baby safety issue and that's what has to come first doesn't it?

I can't pretend recovery was a breeze, quite sore and a bit limiting but the section itself was painless, trouble-free and really quick.

I too went onto a ward after for 3 days but to be honest you are so spaced at the reality of having two little bundles of joy it doesn't matter a bit that you are! And the staff were absolutely brillaint and so supportive!

Please don't worry too much or analyse it too much, go with the flow, enjoy it if you can relax enough - its all over and in the past before you know it.

Catheter goes in after epidural (whihc is just a bit uncomforatable) and drip is a bit itchy but not painful, I breast fed both about 30 mins after coming out of theatre so it doens't interfere with that!

I'm a member of the twins club if you want to get in touch, want to talk about anything or share experience. It all seems s hazy memory in some respects - I know it seems like the biggest thing in the world before we give birth but the moment they are born, the actual birth seems so insignificant!

;)

my wife had one - which went well. she was up and aound before some of the natural mothers.
and at least all her stitches were visible - if u get my drift.

Hiya Zebra,
I had to have an emergency section, for a singleton, though.

I know what you mean when you say it goes against the grain, I'd planned to have a natural birth if possible, and didn't even contemplate the idea of having a section.

In the end my baby was born as you described, in a room full of doctors and midwives, but it didn't matter, when I saw him for the first time, it was the most emotional moment of my life, and when I remember it now (almost three years later) it still makes me cry.

Obviously the medical interference is a b***er, but the canula isn't a problem, I personally hardley noticed the epidural go in (although I was having bad contractions at the time), the catheter goes in after the epidural so you wont feel it. In my experience the midwives are really good at taking all the tubes out ASAP.

You'll be glad of the morphine, its fantastic, and you'll need to control the pain so that you can get on with getting to know your new babies. If it makes yoou feel dizzy or sick, just ask the midwives fo some anti emetics.

I would question what you've been told about being nursed on a ward with other women and babies, I was told that all post section women are nursed in a private room where possible and this would be especially necassary for you as a new mum of twins.

I guess the worst part for me was the post op recovery, it does seem to take alot longer if you have had a section, family and friends are too busy celebrating the birth to notice how unwell you may feel, if this is the case you need to make sure that everyone knows you need more help than you did last time, and as hard as it is, dont knock yourself out wiyh the housework etc just the basics, insist that anyone who invites themselves round to coo over your babies brings your lunch or dinner with them (if you're brazen you could even suggest they do the washing up, too!).

Start trying to feel a bit more positive about what you're going to experience. It is difficult, but you'll be OK in the end.

I had to have an emergency c - section 4 years ago. I had never anticipated having one and after being in labour for 27 and a half hours, my daughter was getting stressed as I was only 3cm dilated. The epidural was boosted up to full power and I was petrified as from the doctors deciding it was happening to going into theatre only took 5 minutes. The only funny thing was my hubby all togged up in scrubs looking like an extra from Casualty!!
The only sensations I felt were a bit of pulling and tugging, like someone was washing up the pots in my tummy. There were several doctors and the like rushing around and Travis playing on the CD player so all in all it was ok. I was walking around (with the help of morphene) the next day and was driving after 4 weeks and feeling ok. All that mattered was my baby being ok and I would have allowed the dooctors to chop both my legs off as long as she was well and healthy.

You will be fine, don't worry!!!!

I had an emergency c-section with my daughter, but that was quite a while ago and I was put to sleep (no epidural). I'd been in labour for 3 days and then (this wasn't Jessops btw) they realised she was 'brow' and it is apparantly impossible to deliver a brow.

I was so tired coz I'd not slept for 3 days that I slept until the next day. I felt a bit sort of annoyed really that I wasn't the first to see my baby - my mum and my hubby saw her long before I did.

But at the end of the day, she was born safe - so I couldn't really complain.

I was determined to be up and about quite quickly, and I was. There is one bonus though - the babies don't come out all 'wrinkly' because they've not had to squeeze through that dark 'passage'!

As a planned c-section, you'll be awake (with the epidural) so you'll get to see your babies straight away and you'll feel more involved.

Do they think the babies may turn? I remember my daughter was breech at one point but she turned beforehand.

Have they given you a date?

The homoeopathic remedy Pulsatilla 200c can help to turn your babies round. I have a contact number should you wish it.

Get down on your hands and knees and watch TV, read, meditate, whatever, to give them space to turn around. I have a list of other methods to turn a breech, but in the meantime contact Lynda Cook-Sawyer at this email address creations-at-themidwifescottage.com. She is a truly wonderful midwife and will help you if she can. She helped me a TONNE (a metric one) after by C/section. I did a talk on natural birth after caesarian (VBAC) with her this weekend in Weston Super Mare (she's back in the US now) and she is an amazing woman. I am sure she will be able to help you. Funnily enough we were talking about an unassisted homebirth where the second twin came beautifully out feet first : )

I'm sorry to write this and I realise that it will be perceived as unhelpful but I wanted a natural birth, homebirth even, and had a C/s. I did not want it, I hated it and I still hate it, 3.5 yrs later, even though it has led me down an enlightened path I would never have taken if I had birthed naturally. I have since had a natural birth - hooray! I loved the catheter btw as it meant I didn't have to go to the loo, like, for-EVER and hated the morphine as to quote Alannis Morisette, it was makin' me itch. Big time.

There are higher rates of PND after C/s and all sorts of other stuff. Many ladies come through it perfectly well, but it felt like an affront from motehr nature to me. You can read my story in The Mother magazine and please send me your personal email address to pachamamma-at-hotmail.co.uk so I can email you how to turn a breech.

We are changing the nature of the human race by chosing c-sections, babies are not the same as they would be had they been born naturally and the knowledge from our ancestors to birth naturally is passed on from mother to child as the child is born via the birth canal.

Syster Starsparkle, I am amazed! For the first time, we clash my dear! We are meant to be born via the birth canal, all those contractions and massaging with our wombyn bodies wake the little treasures up nice and gently, just the way they should be, and not in violence, bringing the brain into 'outside world' mode, emptying the lungs of their protective fluid, massaging their little digestive systems into action to prepare for all that celestial mothter's milk. That struggle is there for a reason. Just because women in the medical profession choose to deliver via C/s does NOT mean it is a good thing. 'Scowls.'

Babies spend more time away from their mothers after a C/S and that first hour after the birth is vital to the bonding process. This is when the baby picks up all his messages about security and who looks after him. feeds him, etc. I think I've done enough waffling, and I could go on but ttfn.

If you have to have a C/s then of course you babies' wellbeing is primordial but let's see if we can turn the little tinkers round first, huh? Then we'll support you any way we can.

BIG HUGS TO YOU DOWN THE LINE xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Originally posted by lizzmobile
I loved the catheter btw as it meant I didn't have to go to the loo, like, for-EVER and hated the morphine as to quote Alannis Morisette, it was makin' me itch. Big time.


Zebra, If the morphine makes you itch, just ask for some piriton, no problem!

I was born by Caesarean in 1961 'cos I just wouldn't come and my mum, a first (and only time) mother at 40 was getting a bit ill about it.

Mother and baby health must come first - I guess that we change the nature of the human race in any number of ways around conception and birth, though. For example, we know to take Folic Acid to reduce nervous system malformations, we can do tests in the womb to determine whether a baby with genetic defects should be aborted or not, we extend the fertility of couples through various medical techniques.

However....just struck me.....I read somewhere that Western women's bodies are getting more similar to men's in terms of the width of the hips, etc. Will this eventually have an impact on the ability of Western women to deliver babies?

Joe

Thanks for all the replies so far.
Some of your responses have been reassuring, especially Boomboom whom I know has twins herself.
I am the kind of person who avoids medical intervention where possible, I hate blood and suchlike and I am in favour of holistic and natural approaches.
Obviously a caeserean is as unnatural as it gets and requires incredible recovery time compared to natural birth.
The date they've set is a month away and I don't think that having a month to worry about this will help. I desperately hope I go into labour very soon and then the whole thing happens quickly and doesn't allow me to ponder over it. The babies are 34+ weeks and around 5lbs each, that's good going.
I also know about the increased risk of PND as a result of surgery and of having the worst version of birth possible for me.
MRSA doesn't amuse me either.
These babies are very much wanted and twins are a dream come true for me but boy am I scared!

Hi Zebra

I haven't had a section (unfortunately my cancer took away my chances of being a mum) but I did have a radical hysterectomy recently and thought that my experiences of a similar op could answer a few of your questions.

You won't really notice the catheter and it will save you from having to get up and go to the loo when you're tired and it doesn't hurt when it's removed.

I didn't take morphine, or any IV painkillers at all (apparently most people get connected to a morphine PCA just in case, but it makes me so sick I was prepared to just tough it out).

They didn't tell me that I wasn't supposed to be able to turn over or get up unaided on day one until afer I'd done it.

I was back at university (admittedly on a shorter day) 13 days after the op, and started driving again less than 3 weeks after (the advice is you can drive when you can emergency stop safely) although shopping trolleys took another week or two.

I had an allergic reaction to the thrombosis stockings so I called the hospital to discuss taking them off and they said that it wouldn't be safe after only 3 weeks, and to wait until I was getting about a bit. I was shopping in Makro when they called me back on my mobile.

I'm sure that this is a worrying time for you, but in your position I'd be following every bit of medical direction to get your little ones born safely. When you have your babies safely in your arms and you have kissed and hugged them for yourselves, please kiss them off me too. I'll be thinking good thoughts for them and you.

My missus had a C section too. This was in the pipeline from 30 odd weeks as the baby was in the breach position. We had the choice of trying to turn the baby beforehand but she wasn't keen on this.

You should have no worries about this at all. It happened very quickly.

I know at 8AM my wife walked into the theatre and received the epidural (she complained about this the most!) and was connected to the various monitors. I was brought into the room 10 mins later and sat at the top behind the screen talking to my wife. We were then informed that our baby would be with us 5 mins. At several times i askled her if she could feel anything or tell what they were doing and each answer was no. The next we heard was that the baby was almost out before she was pulled out. At no time did my wife feel anything or feel uncofortable in anyway. As others have stated when you have your baby all other thoughts go out of the window.

I know the catheter which my wife was worried of was no problem (she couldn't tell it was there or was p'ing..as i aksed! :hihi: ).

She was up and walking 24 hours later and was given her own private room after 8 housr what they try to do with women who have had a c section.

She reported very little pain after although somtuimes felt uncomfortable. Her main gripe was not being able to get up and help the baby in the first 36 hours.

Dont worry about it and good luck :thumbsup:

Dont worry Zebra - I've had three. The first was because of a long labour (30 hours) and only 5cm dilated and my baby was getting distressed. The second was because my baby was a transverse lie (lying across rather than down) and the third was because the previous two had been delivered that way. The first two I had under general aneasthetic and the last one I had with an epidural block which enabled me to meet my baby straight away. Ceasarian born babies are beautiful as they've not had to go through the physical trauma of being pushed and squeezed through a small hole!

The recovery period takes a bit longer than that of a natural delivery but its well worth all the effort. Hell, who cares how they get here - just as long as they do!!! :thumbsup:

Just wondering while I'm here, if any of you could answer these questions from your experience please?
How long until you could remove the catheter and is it mortifying having it put in?
How was the morphine administered? I was told they'd put a thing in the side of my abdomen, that made me feel sick straight away.
How long until you didn't need morphine or major pain relief?
Could you/did you breastfeed and was it hard because of the cut?
How long did it take for the procedure?
Did the cut heal properly straight away?
Did people consider you and your recovery or just focus on the baby?
At what stage do they remove the epidural/spinal?
Anything else you can tell me would be great. Thanks.

Zebra, I'm happy to answer your questions.

The catheter I think eas removed a few hours after the surgery.

The morphine is given through a sub cutaneous canula, basically a fine plastic tube that sits in the fat on your tummy, you can't feel it (they put it in while you've still got epidural/spinal working) and when you dont need it any more it just slips out.

I had morphine for about 24 hours after that I took paracetamol and volterol by mouth for about ten days.

Breast feeding was no problem after the epidural had worn off, if your wound is making it too painfull to breastfeed you need more pain relief.

I can't remember how long it took I was too emotional to notice the time.

My wound became infected, so probably took longer than normal to heal (months actually). If you get any discharge from your wound or it is red, inflamed or painful, if you get a temperature, see your midwife/doctor, get it swabbed and get some antibiotics.

People (spouse included) will be too busy cooing over the babies to support you much. You will need to be very vocal and assertive about what you need.

The epidural was removed almost immediatly after surgery (make sure they give you some morphine fist, although I think this is routine).

Remember you are not alone, there are people whose job it is to help you, and some who just want to help from the kindness of thei heart. Most importantly if you feel unwell and are struggling, speak up, dont suffer in silence, let these people do their work!

Originally posted by Zebra
Just wondering while I'm here, if any of you could answer these questions from your experience please?
How long until you could remove the catheter and is it mortifying having it put in?
How was the morphine administered? I was told they'd put a thing in the side of my abdomen, that made me feel sick straight away.
How long until you didn't need morphine or major pain relief?
Could you/did you breastfeed and was it hard because of the cut?
How long did it take for the procedure?
Did the cut heal properly straight away?
Did people consider you and your recovery or just focus on the baby?
At what stage do they remove the epidural/spinal?
Anything else you can tell me would be great. Thanks.



The catheter was took out of me the day affter,like i say i did not realize i had it in till they changed the bag.and itis not bad at all havein one in.

the pain relife all i rember was haveing tabletts to stop blood from clotting in the legs and just normal pain relife by liquid.you also got to were white stocking, that's only to stop your legs from blood clotting but it is not bad at all and every woman who has a c-section weres them.

I was in out in 20 min i belive i was it did seem like i was in and out in a flash.

The cut is very very small. you wont belive how thin and small it is.and it does heal in time.it depends on the person.as i was up and walking the next day.i did feel dizzy and very light head but part from that ok.

The people do see both of you but they do check you are ok every day about 3 4 times a days they did me.

I think my epidural was took out not long after i had the operation.i remeber them putting drips in my arm that about it.i dont rember sleeping with it.but i can not rember that far.

Also you not put on a ward with other people when you have one done.( well i was not and so was my sister who had twins by c-section last december) i was told it's so you can have peace and recover.but honest you nothing to worrie about it happens to a lot of woman.

hi, i didn't have a c-section but i can tell you i wish i did! i was in labour for 40 hours before they realised my baby wouldn't come by me pushing alone. i had every drug going but had still been in imense pain. i was rushed to theatre as me and my baby were in danger. they told me that i would have forceps or c section. the forceps finally bought my baby into the world! however because i had that many lots of epidural (3 lots) it spread to above my neck, so i couldn't hold my baby for hours. because of the problems my baby was in special care for two days and it took eight days for me to recover. i was deeply depressed by what happened. i saw mums who had c sections come and go on the ward. so its not always true that it takes longer to recover from a c section. it may be a blessing in disguise that you need one, especially with two!

good luck. whatever happens its a week at the most out of your life in discomfort. its so worth it. i love my boy (milo) to bits. he is my world and i would repeat all of the above five times over to have him. although i would prefer a c section!

You know what, if your babies couldn't be born feet first, they would not be in that position and a breech birth i just another ay of being born. It is the most common way, but it is another natural way of being born.

It might be an idea to lose the fear of what would happen if you had a natural labour with foot presentation, and if you lose the need for them to turn, you might be pleasantly surprised.

You need to surround yourself with people who are like-minded, and identify with your wholesome and natural approach to life. These are the people who will provide you with the love and energy to proceed naturally. Hundreds of babies since the dawn of time have been born feet first, it's all about relaxing and letting it happen.

Big hugs
E xxx

Originally posted by lizzmobile
You know what, if your babies couldn't be born feet first, they would not be in that position and a breech birth i just another ay of being born. It is the most common way, but it is another natural way of being born.

It might be an idea to lose the fear of what would happen if you had a natural labour with foot presentation, and if you lose the need for them to turn, you might be pleasantly surprised.

You need to surround yourself with people who are like-minded, and identify with your wholesome and natural approach to life. These are the people who will provide you with the love and energy to proceed naturally. Hundreds of babies since the dawn of time have been born feet first, it's all about relaxing and letting it happen.

Big hugs
E xxx

Zebra should bide by the advice of her doctors. True, some single babies can be born breech without C-section, as can SOME twins IF only the second baby is breech. However even this is termed a high risk labour and would involve going into theatre with many staff present anyway. There are many factors we are not aware of, such as whether the obstetricians have experience of breech births, whether the twins have one placenta or two (if one a C-section should be undertaken to prevent delivery of the placenta between babies).

To ignore the advice of the professionals and go along with some impossible idea that a natural delivery of twins which are both breech could have extremely serious consequences.

hi there 5 years ago i had a lovely little boy (lewis) after 24 hours of labour and being induced i could not dilate that last half a cm. 1 hour of pushing and still no joy the c sections was going to go ahead.
So off we went to get me ready for my c section, shaved and numb they started he was out safe and sound 12.06am
They say my pelvis was to small for my 9lb 12oz boy . (glad i did not push him out ouch )
Was up and walking by diner time I would say i was worried by my stich being taken out as i had one long one but i healed a treat .
I think the worst is the worrie!
The most horrible bitswas them having to shave and they did it with a dry bic razor ouch that was the worst and aslo the going for a number 2 after (sorry peps ) but its hard to tence them muscles lol

2 and a half year later i had my daugter (toria) by
c section i went in a week early staying in for the night and first thing the next morning i had her weighing 8lb 9 and a half oz
Its really not to bad its just stick i get form mates saying i am to posh to push lol

So all i would say to you is relax and make sure you shave before lol

keep us updated what you get
good luck trina xxxx

Oh yes, organise your own defurring before you go in! I'd recommend going and getting waxed as although it stings to have it done you don't get razor rash or itchy stubble regrowth (within a week, while your wound's still sore!).

I must admit I do have concerns about attempting a natural delivery of two breech babies.
The sports presenter Gabby Logan recently had twins and I believe they were both breech, she insisted on a natural birth and lost an awful lot of blood, resulting in multiple transfusions, or so I read.
Then there was something about one of the babies got their head stuck in her pelvis and had to be pushed back in and then removed by c-section. How awful that must have been.
Maybe with one baby I would risk a breech, with two... their lives are far more at risk.
I'm sure with some determination I can resist some of the standard practice, surely if a cannula is used then there is no need for a subcutaneous morphine whatsit, therefore no need for another tube/needle being inserted and in such a stupid place (twins can be fed together and my abdomen and stomach would be taking baby weight).
I've already argued the catheter and I can see the docs point but I can see how it could be overcome too. I'll see at the time.
Then the blood tests, that one will come down to when it happens, if it's on the booked date they will have the chance to take blood the day before, if I have a natural labour they can stick it where the sun doesn't shine. I would be too poorly after having blood taken for them to safely take me into surgery.
Ladyovmanor - you're the first person to mention shaving, I was told they didn't do that now - I flippin hope not. Talk about adding insult to injury!
The sooner it happens, the less I can fret, come on out babies!
BTW Lady - they are non itdentical girls.

Originally posted by medusa666
Oh yes, organise your own defurring before you go in! I'd recommend going and getting waxed as although it stings to have it done you don't get razor rash or itchy stubble regrowth (within a week, while your wound's still sore!).
What a fantastic idea, the midwives shoul reccomend this to every one having a planned section. Better still invest in a waxing kit to keep handy on the labour ward!

Oh sorry forgot to add
WIth my daugher the put a drip in my tummy so any pain relief could be put though this instead of more needles.
I hated the night jabs to stop the blood from clotting as c sections make you less mobile so have to have these.

I was also left on ward full of other mums so they could keep a close eye on me for 1 night but next day was taken into a room of my own.

Ladyovmanor - you're the first person to mention shaving, I was told they didn't do that now - I flippin hope not. Talk about adding insult to injury!
ahh bless any names ??????

Originally posted by Zebra
surely if a cannula is used then there is no need for a subcutaneous morphine whatsit, therefore no need for another tube/needle being inserted and in such a stupid place (twins can be fed together and my abdomen and stomach would be taking baby weight).

The subcutaneous canula is further down and round the side a bit. No problem for breast feeding.
And also, sorry, they do still shave you with the cheapest, bluntest razor they can find!

I haven't had any children but I have had four major operations: a hysterectomy followed by both ovaries being removed at separate sittings six months and a year later and a laparotomy five years after that, so I am a bit of an expert on the subject of morphine, drips and catheters.

The catheter insertion is weird rather than uncomfortable as they coat it in lignocaine jelly before posting it. For me, more uncomfortable was lying there with my nightie round my neck and the wind whistling where it never ought to, but I suppose if you are expecting, you are getting a bit used to that bit. Removal of said catheter is no problem at all and you don't feel that bit. The only time I can honestly say there was any pain was when I turned over in bed and got the tubing caught! Each time I have been catheterised, it has been because after the operation I could not pass urine (happens every operation for me). It isn't a routine state of affairs although it might be different for caesarians.

I had morphine by jab for the first day and then they switched to Diamorphine and Pethidine tablets straight afterwards. The morphine just makes me sleepy but when I come off them, I am usually rather weepy - withdrawal, I would think.

Drips being inserted are no worse than any other jab or blood sucking that you get, although dragging your catheter in one hand, wheeling your drip stand and clutching your sore belly whilst trying to manoeuver into the loo is interesting.

When you try to sit up in bed, use your arms and legs to lift yourself and when getting off the bed, roll onto your side, drop your legs over the bed and use them as a counterweight to lift yourself up. Try and stand as straight as possible when you walk. You may very well have a lot of wind, which is painful. You just have to put up with that one, I am afraid. It is caused by trapped air in your innards when they sew you up again. It gets absorbed into your gut after a couple of days and you will develop rocket power.

Having the stitches out is again uncomfortable although it depends who is taking them out for you. Some are so good that you don't feel a thing. Other people tug a little but it is definitely not a hitting the roof sort of thing.

One piece of advice is to get moving as quickly as possible, you recover much quicker that way. Press your hand over your stitches if you laugh or cough and if you are taken home by car, get them to bring you a cushion to put over your belly when you put on your seat belt. You will get tired quite quickly in the early days, but again I expect all new mums do anyway. After a couple of weeks though, you will be on the road to recovery and feel much better.

By the way, I am no hero. I go into horizontal mode whenever blood sucking is done, always assuming they can catch me in the first place!

Good luck!

B*ll*cks! How much worse can this situation get?
I'm getting more and more stressed.
How much sodding indignity can these flippin people put you through?
This has gone from something I was looking forward to (meeting my kids) to something I dread with every molecule of my existance.
Yes Lady - got names sorted but I'll post them once they've arrived. I'm reluctant to post them atm.
They will probably hate me by the time I'm done in there, objecting to everything and questioning all practice but to be frank I just don't care. What happened to doing what's needed? If it ain't broke don't flippin fix it!

*Breathing deeply........*

OHHHH we will just have to wait then when they due by the way or shall i say what date they given you for the c section ?

Zebra, try not to get stressed by what Parcher said, I think that her experience is mostly perculiar to her particular type of surgery, and not reflective of what you will experience following a section.

Due November 20th, c-section date 8th November as it stands.
I'm 35 weeks now and as they say 'weebles wobble but they don't fall down'. :)
I'm stressed about the whole thing, not just one persons experience.
The shaving thing has vexed me, I really was told it didn't happen anymore. Methinks I need a word with the hospital again, there's just too much to battle against right now.#
Anyone got any tips to bring on labour, I can't stand this for a month, I'll go insane!

Zebra- I'm sending you a hug and a big bucket of calm.

What you have to keep at the front of your thoughts is that this is done many many times by the surgeons, and whilst it isn't pleasant, neither is any form of giving birth nor any operation. But it IS likely to be the safest way of delivering your babies, and afterwards you'll be able to say 'well, it wasn't the nicest of experiences, but it's over and done with, and everybody's safe and well'.

You may be better off not asking too many questions because the level of honesty in the answers just reinforces that this isn't a nice thing to happen. But then again, you aren't going through it for a nice alternative to going to work, are you?

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Zebra
[B]B][/Anyone got any tips to bring on labour, I can't stand this for a month, I'll go insane! [/TE]

Sha****g and hot food, dont know if it works though, I was booked in for a thai curry the night I went into labour had to ring from labour ward to cancel! Had been too rotund for the other for a while!!

[Sha****g and hot food, dont know if it works though, I was booked in for a thai curry the night I went into labour had to ring from labour ward to cancel! Had been too rotund for the other for a while!! [/B]

LMAO, curry being prepared as I type, and the other hasn't been an option for far too long, don't forget there's twins on this ere ship, rotund is an understatement. :D Pineappple is meant to be good too, that's for dessert.

[QUOTE] You may be better off not asking too many questions because the level of honesty in the answers just reinforces that this isn't a nice thing to happen. But then again, you aren't going through it for a nice alternative to going to work, are you? [QUOTE]

No, I love my job, I'd rather do unpaid overtime for a year than have a c-section!
I sort of think that it will be better to know what's going on rather than object on the operating table and while they are trying to do things. Nurses don't like being questioned about their actions in my experience. Better to tell them in advance.

Zebra, you're going to be fine, just try to look on the positive side.

At the end of the day having twins and managing a toddler was never going to be a breeze was it? All this caesarian lark is just one more hurdle that you're going to have to leap, and you can do it, (You go girl!)

I've done it, a friend of mine has just done it, and at the end of the day you just muddle through each day as it happens, and do the best for your family.

Having a baby is hard, whichever way they emerge, but we're all willing you all the best, in a few weeks time those lovely babies will be here and the biggest ride of your life will commence.

And don't forget, a couple of weeks after that you and Mr. Zebra will be able to get all romantic again, no stitches in arkward places to get in the way! (hurrah, I've just managed to think of an advantage of having a section!!!)

Originally posted by scoop
And don't forget, a couple of weeks after that you and Mr. Zebra will be able to get all romantic again, no stitches in arkward places to get in the way! (hurrah, I've just managed to think of an advantage of having a section!!!)

not quite. 6 weeks before you can have sex after a c secion (i believe) & 6 weeks before you can drive as well.

never had a c section but i did have an op similar, will say good luck. Hope everything goes ok.and take time with your recovery(obv not easy with twins).

Originally posted by scoop


At the end of the day having twins and managing a toddler was never going to be a breeze was it? All this caesarian lark is just one more hurdle that you're going to have to leap, and you can do it, (You go girl!)

And don't forget, a couple of weeks after that you and Mr. Zebra will be able to get all romantic again, no stitches in arkward places to get in the way! (hurrah, I've just managed to think of an advantage of having a section!!!)
Thanks!
Just one puzzlement, I don't have a toddler, these are my first.
As for finding the positive..... hmmmm, you might have done that but aren't all new mums too tired to start practicing again?

Thanks to you all for all the encouragement and wishes of luck, I'm still scared and still worried (and now there's this shaving thing too.... :( ) but, it's going to happen no matter what. They got in there and they have to come out.
(I reckon Mr Z put them in upside down, so it's HIS fault! hehehe)
Curry and pineapple has done precisely nothing except fill me up, think I'll go to bed (only to read remember!)




Pfft... shaving... they kept that one a secret :(

Originally posted by Zebra
Pfft... shaving... they kept that one a secret :(

They probably only insist on the top inch, so the top of the pubic bone is clear (although if you're in full weeble mode, how would you see where you're shaving- better leave it to a professional who can see round your bump!) but it's usual practice even to shave skin that only has downy hair on it.

Seize control- I have the feeling that this is the straw that broke the camel's back for you. Last time for me it was the fact that they were insistent that I was going to have morphine after the op, and I was insistent that I wasn't. So I told them that I was going to get my hubby to bring in my own (prescribed by my palliative care bod) painkilling regime, one dose at a time so there would be nothing to take off him, and I would refuse their pills unless they wrote me up for my normal pills. Miraculously, when the time came for the first batch brought in from home they wrote me up for my drugs and we were all hunkydory from there.

I'm such an old hand at this that I know which antiemetic works for me (and that stemitil doesn't) and I have enough confidence to know that I won't need IV painkillers.

I have no wish for you to get to be a hospital regular like me, but as you get to know which things suit and which don't then you'll get more confidence with the whole business.

Huh! That's interesting.
Yes, control is an issue and the morphine and shaving are two things that got my goat. I hate the fact that I'll just be processed and this is how they do it.
I can't take their recommended painkillers due to sensitivity so they have already offered alternatives.
Morphine all seems a bit too dramatic but I feel I must remain open minded. Although, is morphine an opiate? I better look it up. I dont do well on opiates.
I shall bear your approach in mind!

Edit: great, morphine is an opiate, I cant have it!

Hi darlin' have a look at this. I know it's not what you want but if you are going to choose a c/s, this will help you prepare for it.

http://www.natalhypnotherapy.co.uk/acatalog/Individual_CDs.html

Hope it works. Otherwise, just visit the site by typing in the url and navigate from there.

Blessings
Elizabeth

Ok, latest thoughts (can't sleep so I'm here again!)
The hospital warned me to go in quickly if I went into labour, the reason for this is that twin 1 is a footling breech and likely to try to come out feet first. Since their current weights are below average full term birthweights they could arrive quite quickly, hence the rush to hospital.
Ok, so why not do this on purpose?
35 weeks is good going for twins, 5lbs isn't too hard to give birth to (I hope) and safer for breech babies. So, why not aim for it?
I think legally the hospital would struggle as electives aren't supposed to be offered until 38 weeks, plus it could theoretically compromise the babies. However, as most twins are early anyway - is it a compromise?
Would I be selfish in my actions (don't answer that, it'll probably upset me!)
Perhaps fate could step in at this point,(please oh please oh please) drop me into labour, get me to the hospital and find that the doctor on hand in an expert on breech deliveries and then both babies arrive naturally with excellent lung conditioning and sucking reflexes. Ahh the bliss.
I could really do with that happening right now!

Originally posted by fuzzy
not quite. 6 weeks before you can have sex after a c secion (i believe) & 6 weeks before you can drive as well.

never had a c section but i did have an op similar, will say good luck. Hope everything goes ok.and take time with your recovery(obv not easy with twins).

Well nobody told me and Mr Scoop that!! OMG I hope we haven't done me some permenant damage! Still I think we'd have Known about it by now!

Zebra, sorry I thought I'd read that you have a toddler. Do you want to borrow one for a couple of weeks?!

Originally posted by Zebra
Edit: great, morphine is an opiate, I cant have it!

My problem is with opiates too, but there are alternatives. I did my hysterectomy on oral methadone instead, and although it makes me sleepy, I have none of my usual opiate problems.

I also take amitriptyline, antiepileptic drugs and NSAIDs, all because the normal treatment for nerve damage from a tumour is morphine but it makes me too ill to take it.

There are alternatives, and I think speaking ahead of time to a good anaesthetist will answer all of your questions. I actually believe that my not taking IV painkillers was to my benefit as I was up and about long before other ladies who had similar ops.

BTW, the whole 6 weeks and driving thing is just a guideline. If you can do it, then you can do it. I had an incision that goes down one side of my abdomen, across the bottom and back up the other side, and I was still back to driving 3 weeks after, and I stood in the kitchen and cooked a meal 8 days after the op.

The chances are that you'll be too busy in the house to go out in the car for a few weeks after the birth anyway, so by the time you feel confident that you've got them both at 'full tummy empty nappy' at the same time you'll be healed enough to do it anyway.

I found this interesting reading as my daughter is due soon and the baby is breech. Her partner's mother had read an article that stated more babies are presenting breech nowadays because women dont do tasks like scrubbing kitchen floors, a position in which babies would find it easier to turn. Does anyone know if there is any truth in this?

I was also advised, when I was pregnant with my second, that if you were fed up and wanted to bring on labour, to try having sex. (It was phrased thus: try what put it there in the first place!). And yes I did, and yes it worked. I was about 38/39 weeks though, so no harm done! Also, when I was expecting my first, and I hadn't heard about the sex thing, I found that cleaning the house from top to bottom, including aforementioned scrubbing, and running up and down stairs brought on my labour. An old fashioned, method I know!

Good luck to all you expectant mums, and I hope it all goes well.
:clap:

I would say there is no small amount of truth in that theory Alyson as we dnt spend time in a position that gives the baby room to move into the optimum position, but a breech birth can be done without problems. They key is to relax and let it happen. Chatting around, you will find that a few of your friends, family etc were breech births, this is just another way to be born naturally.

Zebra, try this link for heaps of information.

http://www.ican-online.org/

I had a really postive c-section experience after planning a home birth. The section was an emergency due to a brow presentation and I was terrified. However, the team looking after me in theatre were great - making jokes and being friendly.

I had an epidural first which didn't work effectively enough so then had a spinal.

On the operating table, you may get severe shivers (I did) and you may feel sick. My son was shown to me immediately then whisked off for a couple of minutes and then brought back. We went up to recovery with him on my chest and stayed there for an hour or so. At this point we were transferred to a ward (which was empty). Being transferred from one bed to the other was really painful.
A nurse helped me to shower and brought me breakfast the next morning and we then went to a private room.

With regards to breastfeeding, I fed with the baby down the side of my body rather than across.

The injections to prevent blood clotting are a pain and you will have to take an iron tablet with orange juice.

You are not supposed to carry anything heavier then your baby for six weeks (e.g. baby in a car seat etc).

Taking the long stitch out is quite uncomfortable. I also got an abcess on my scar which fortunately leaked before I needed antibiotics so be really meticulous with cleaning underneath your baby pouch!

Try not to worry (easier said than done). It is not an ideal situation but the people looking after you really know what they are doing.