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Conference moira::parenting_v3

Title:Parenting
Notice:READ 1.27 BEFORE WRITING
Moderator:CSC32::DUBOIS
Created:Wed May 30 1990
Last Modified:Tue May 27 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:1364
Total number of notes:23848

1086.0. "C-section questions" by SUPER::WTHOMAS () Fri Aug 16 1991 12:56

    	This topic follows our childbirth class that we had last night. For
    those of you who have had C-sections, I have the following questions:

    	What kind of anesthesia did you use?
    	Has anyone used general?
    	Did you watch the procedure?
    	Was your husband (or SO) there in the OR?
    	Did you feel that you missed out on some kind of a bonding
    experience with your baby because of this?

    	In the mini discussion that followed a short movie on C-sections,
    there were some people in my class that if they had to have this, 
    wanted to watch the entire procedure (one woman, for God's sake wanted
    to just about do the C-section for herself).

    	I on the other hand, don't think that I could deal with it and have
    even requested general should this situation arise (to which they have
    tentatively agreed). Even watching the movie last night brought out a
    cold sweat in me, not because of the blood and guts but because of the
    noises (even muffled through a sound track) in the operating room, it
    just brings back too much. The tour of the hospital also did this for
    me, it's just too Pavlovian for me, HOSPITALS = NOT A GOOD TIME
    (understatement here).

    	They've been telling me that my baby "feels" big all along and
    because of two operations to my pelvis, a C-section looms as a
    possibility. I'd like to know how others handled this.

    On a related note, I realize that "they" want to inform us of all the
    complications and interventions that could happen with a birth, but it
    seems that "they" have turned what is completely natural into some sort
    of disease that must be treated, I really question the use of some of
    these interventions (the incredible "vac-u-suck" for example) and
    whether or not they are truly necessary or are just "more fun" for the
    physician to use.

    			Wendy
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1086.1TLE::STOCKSPDSCheryl StocksFri Aug 16 1991 13:2945
Wendy,

    I have had 2 C-sections.  I was prepared for the possibility of a C-section
    with my first son, for reasons similar to yours.  After 24 hours of labor,
    the doctors concluded that the baby just wasn't going to be able to
    fit out (his head wasn't descending at all), so they did the C-section.
    For my second, they said "you'll need a C-section", period.

    Both times, I had a local (epidural??  they injected the anesthetic through
    a needle inserted in my spine).  I couldn't see what was happening,
    because they hung a sheet up between my head and abdomen.  My husband sat
    next to my head (so he couldn't see the actual surgery either).  The
    anesthetist was also next to my head, and talked to me the whole time,
    partly to explain what was going on and answer my questions, partly to
    verify that I was fine (especially the first time, when I had gotten into
    sort of bad shape, had been on oxygen for a couple of hours, etc.).

    Delivering the baby was very quick (under 10 minutes, I'd say) - closing
    up the incision took a little longer (maybe half an hour?), but that part
    didn't matter to me, because I was so elated to have "met" my baby!  I
    absolutely don't feel any lack of bonding with my kids.  I think that the
    important thing is not to get so emotionally committed to the idea of
    having a natural childbirth that your response to the necessity of a
    C-section is to feel cheated or inadequate or whatever.  The goal is
    a healthy baby and mother, not use of some specific pre-planned
    technique.

    If I were you, with the conditioned reflex of "hospital - panic!", one
    thing I'd ask the doctor about would be the use of a local anesthetic
    *plus* a "calm-you-down" drug - I have no idea whether this is feasible,
    but I'd think it might mean you could get through it with a shorter
    and easier recovery than with a general.  If just being in the hospital
    is anxiety-inducing for you, how are you going to deal with the time you
    spend there during labor, even if everything goes smoothly?  Anything
    that interferes with your ability to relax will make your labor more
    difficult.  I would definitely talk to the doc about this, if you
    haven't already.  I don't mean to scare you - I just think it's
    something that you might be able to plan for a solution to ahead of time.
    Being in labor does mean that you get very self-absorbed, so it may well
    be that the hospital won't bother you the way it normally does, because
    you'll be somewhat oblivious to it.

    If you'd like to talk more about this, send me mail.

				cheryl
1086.2Hope this is reassuringTNPUBS::STEINHARTPixillatedFri Aug 16 1991 14:11110
    Wendy,
    
    Please try to take it easy.  I know it is very anxiety-provoking to be
    facing a c-section, which is BOTH abdominal surgery AND childbirth, AND
    becoming a parent (if its your first).  Whew!
    
    I went through this myself and survived just fine.  Granted, I was
    incredibly anxious until the baby was born.  It turned out well.
    
    Here are some answers to your questions:
    
    a. What kind of anesthesia did you use?
    
       They use a sort of spinal.  I was extremely anxious about having
       this done.  I haven't had surgery since I was little, and the
       thought of having something stuck and injected in my spine made
       me crazy.  While the anesthesiologist was doing it, my heart rate
       shot up.  The good news is, it didn't hurt, and was minimally
       uncomfortable.  It's just the thought if it that drove me nuts.
    
       They left the little connector in place until I recovered, which let 
       them put the pain-killer in through a little tube.  It was
       uncomfortable, but not nearly as much as the one in my wrist.
    
       The nurse inserted a urinary catheter which was also minimally
       uncomfortable, and I was real glad later to not have to get up,
       or even think about peeing.
    
       I was pretty unhappy about all these hookups once I started
       recovering, and I do HATE hospitals.  The more motivation to get
       up, walk around, and get out real fast.
    
    b. Anesthesia.
    
       They gave me a sedative.  After the prep work was done, and the
       sedative kicked in, I was positively mellow.
    
    c. Did you watch the procedure?
    
       No.  Are you kidding?  I even told the staff to not describe what
       was happening until the baby was born and they started stitching me
       up.    Even with the sedative, I didn't want to be grossed out.
    
    d. Was your husband present?
    
       Yes.  He was fine about the whole thing.  I had to very clearly tell
       him how he could support me through it.  He was curious about
       everything going on, and the C-section didn't  bother him at all.
    
       Since I was down for the count (so to speak), I insisted to the
       staff and to him that he hold the baby from the moment it was born.
       Except for when they weighed, measured, wiped, suctioned, and wrapped
       her, he held her and gave her the first bath.  He proudly walked her
       down the hall and showed her off.  
    
    e. Bonding
    
       I was very "druggy" for several hours after the birth.  I just
       wanted to know that the baby was perfect and the stitching-up went
       fine.  I held her briefly in the recovery room, but I was too weak
       to hold her long.  In awhile, I started nursing her.  
    
       I did feel kind of strange that I didn't have her vaginally.  In a
       way, I couldn't quite feel she was "mine".  It didn't prevent me
       from cuddling, nursing, and caring for her, but it took awhile to
       feel that I loved her.  I guess this can happen after a vaginal
       birth, too.  
    
    f. Everything has its tradeoffs.  Look at it this way, if you go for
       a vaginal birth, you get to have all the "pleasures" of labor.  I 
       had more discomfort afterward, I guess, or maybe just different.
       Either way, you and the baby pull through just fine and it doesn't
       affect your relationship at all.
    
    g. The scar healed up okay.   I never had a scar before, so it has
       taken awhile to accept my body the way it is now.  My husband,
       as usual, is fine about it.
    
    h. If I need to have another planned c-section, I will be calmer 
       about the procedure, having been through it before.  I had a
       very severe emotional postpartum 2 days later.  This is the only
       thing I am afraid of.  I will discuss it with the doctor, and expect
       her to tell me that it was a result of particular circumstances and
       not likely to recur.
    
    i. I decided not to be concerned about other people's opinions, and not
       to discuss my medical history unless I really wanted to.  Some
       things are just too private.  If necessary, I said, "I don't want to
       discuss it."   It's hard enough delivering and raising a child,
       without being concerned with other people's opinions about birth
       methods, nursing, potty training, clothes, daycare, and every other
       darn thing right up to your child's choice of college, spouse, and
       career.  I decided, starting with her birth, to do the best I could
       and not feel I had to justify everything to everyone.  As long as
       we are well, the devil take the hindmost, I say.
    
    On the light side, I laughed hysterically when the anesthesiologist
    walked into the prep room with his cart full of tools and supplies.  It
    was the same Sears brand tool cabinet my husband uses.  Sounds stupid,
    but when I saw that, I somehow knew everything would be okay and we'd
    be back home in a few days with our new baby.  The anesthesiologist
    said he liked the Sears brand better than the medical suppliers'.
    
    Well, just enjoy the small things and the real big one - your new baby. 
    Tell your husband to splurge on flowers and balloons for your room.  
    Let the nurses wait on you.   Bring a nice nightgown and robe to wear
    when you feel well enough to shower (a major event), and a new pair of
    slippers.  You'll be home in no time.
    
    Laura  
1086.3Worth it to be awake..FSOA::EFINIZIOFri Aug 16 1991 14:4566
    
    	Hi Wendy,
    
    	Guess I'll throw in my adventure of C-Section land.  I went into
    	labor with Matthew on a Thursday a.m.  I went into the hospital,
    	and they sent me home.  Friday night I went back into the hospital,
    	after going through labor all day, they kept me all night.  
    
    	Sat. a.m. they induced after being about 2cm dialated...I
    	progressed very slowly...although my contractions were very intense.  
    	I think they put me on the Pitocin around 8a.m.  I requested an epidoral
    	around 2 p.m.  At 11:00, I was still on between 7-8 cm dialated...
    	and the Dr. said a natural delivery didn't look good.  At this
    	point he gave me and my husband the choice ...to continue, or have
    	a C....biggest decision in my life.  The problem was, every time
    	they'd increase the Pitocin, Matt's heartbeat would go down...real
    	scarry..and they were monitoring his heartbeat vaginally, and
    	monitoring his oxygen intake through his head.
    
    	I had everything plugged into me...I was exhausted and couldn't
    	continue.  So wasn't my husband.  So we made the decision of the
    	C...  They increased the epidoral dosage..and prepped me.  Now that
    	I think back on it...I was so tired..all I wanted was for it to
    	be over.  I don't think I ever had the time to be nervous about it.
    
    	The funniest thing was when I was in the operating room, and my
    	husband walked in with his cap and gown....he has such big feet
    	that they made him put caps on his feet...it was the funniest
    	sight.
    
    	I didn't want to miss out on seeing my child born...They won't
    	let you watch the procedure, but they were great about everything
    	(I had him at Memorial).  They actually took pictures of him
    	coming out (which I never thought I'd want)..  Then Bob was
    	snapping away with our camera.  He walked Matt down to the
    	nursery after he was all cleaned up.
    
    	I didn't see Matthew again (it was 12:45 a.m) until around 3:00
    	or so...hard to remember I was so drugged up.  I was to exhausted
    	in the recovery room to see him.  One thing about a planned C-	
    	is that you definately have more time to bond in the recovery
    	room.  I really never missed the fact though that I didn't get to hold
    	him until later.  Sometimes I think the bonding issue can be
    	overly exerted.  It takes awhile to really get to know your 
    	child...and vice-versa.  It's the time afterward that really
    	makes it special.  Like one of the other noters mentioned..
    	flowers..candy, visitors...and just seeing that little baby,
    	after nurturing him in you for 9 months.
    
    	I know I missed a lot from having him naturally.  I guess the
    	biggest thing here is really never seeing him born (vaginally). 
    	I always think...he really came out of me?  It a strange feeling
    	from one moment having him in you..and the next he's lying
    	in your arms.  
    
    	Now I'm nervous about having another one.  I fear having him
    	vaginally.  
    
    	Anyway...Wendy..if you really can get through the initial
    	C-section, it really is worth it to be awake.  It's a miracle
    	to see that little one when they hold it up...
    
    	Good luck!
    
    	Ellen    
                                                     
1086.4NAVIER::SAISIFri Aug 16 1991 15:153
    This may be a stupid question, but is the afterbirth expelled
    vaginally?  How do you push to do this part with the abdominal cut?
    	Linda
1086.5Laura's right about this partTLE::RANDALLFri Aug 16 1991 15:1713
>       I did feel kind of strange that I didn't have her vaginally.  In a
>       way, I couldn't quite feel she was "mine".  It didn't prevent me
>       from cuddling, nursing, and caring for her, but it took awhile to
>       feel that I loved her.  I guess this can happen after a vaginal
>       birth, too.  
    
    Yes, it took a while for me to feel attached to two of my three. 
    If you find yourself feeling that way, don't blame it on the
    surgery (or on anything else that happened during the delivery or
    pregnancy) and don't think it means you're a bad mother. 
    Sometimes it just takes longer to fall in love.  
    
    --bonnie
1086.6I had a generalJAWS::TRIPPFri Aug 16 1991 15:5131
    first, as for .4, don't feel like you're the first one to ask this
    quesiton....I did too.  I asked my doctor if I'd even have vaginal
    bleeding after.  He sort of chuckled and assured me that even though
    they'd take the afterbirth out , well after the birth, I would still
    have bleeding.  But maybe not as much.
    
    For me I had a general anesthesia.  I had had 2 spinal surgeries and my
    epidural was "spotty"  I still had feeling in some abdominal sections.
    
    From the begining I was very disapointed not to be able to labor.  Our
    first birth, (our stilborn daughter) was a lovely labor. I literally
    slept for 10 hours, after being induced, pushed twice and gave birth,
    no meds, no stitches. I wanted another experience like this.
    
    I hated the urinary catheter, I hated three people coming at me at
    once, one to take blood, one to insert an IV, on inserting the catheter
    and shave my privates.  Fortunately for me, the catheter was removed
    before I left the OR, and I was up and walking to the bathroom within 8
    hours of the section.  (I DON"T do Bedpans!!)  They also never knocked
    me out that deeply, I do remember hearing his first cry, and a couple
    comments between my OB and husband.  My OB made some comment that the
    stapler was made by "craftsman", (this is for the one who commented on
    the anesthesiologist's craftsman cart)
    
    I was given pain shots in the recovery room, and medicated anytime I
    needed, unfortunately due to his birth defect and knowing he needed
    surgery very soon, I didn't get to see him for 15 hours.  
    
    Relax and enjoy...this CAN NOT be said enough.
    
    Lyn
1086.7MoreTNPUBS::STEINHARTPixillatedFri Aug 16 1991 15:5928
    In answer to the earlier question:
    
    The doctor removes the placenta through the incision.
    
    You still have a red to brown to pink discharge after the birth, same
    as if you had a vaginal delivery. 
    
    The nurses made us be very hygienic even though we had C-sections.  I
    thought this was strange since my cervix hadn't opened or even thinned.  
    
    Because of the painkillers afterward, I felt no pain in my abdomen.  I
    was very weak, though, and had trouble moving around.  This was
    better within a couple of days.  The nurses help you with everything
    until you feel better.  The scar was itchy for a long time.  But that's
    about it.
    
    For me the biggest thing was setting my mind on how to answer people's
    questions, as  I described earlier.  It's worth your time to 
      a.  Set your own mind to rest on the correctness of your decisions
          before and during labor - you made the best decision you could
      b.  Think about how you want to handle this with inquisitive people.
    I discussed it fully with only a few close family members and friends.
    For others, I said "The doctor said it was the best thing for the
    baby."  If they pressed me, I said "I don't want to discuss it."  I was
    fully prepared to say, "It's none of your business, so butt out." 
    Fortunately, I never had to do that.
    
    Laura
1086.8what matters now may not matter _then_TIPTOE::STOLICNYFri Aug 16 1991 16:0117
    
    Not specifically on the subject because I haven't had a C-section,
    but I want to add something anyways! :-)
    
    I almost fainted when our childbirth class was brought up to the Labor&
    Delivery wing of the hospital; particularly when we toured the delivery
    /operating room.   I was determined NOT to have to give birth in
    that sterile, disgusting room.  Well, when the time came, you could
    have wheeled me out into the middle of the street and it wouldn't
    have really bothered me!   Modesty is kind of  left at the door
    during childbirth.
    
    What's my point?  Just that, although it seems overwhelming and
    somewhat "unnatural" and frightening, it may not seem so awful at
    the time and.... you will get through it!
    
    Carol 
1086.9How true it isJUPITR::MAHONEYFri Aug 16 1991 16:1819
    
    I too did not have a section. But I almost had to. After 15 hrs of hard
    labor the baby had faced in the wrong direction  and the Dr. told me I
    had to start pushing in all kinds of poitions to try to turn her or he
    would have to perform the C-Section. Well, I was at the point that I
    didn't care because I was in so much pain I just wanted it to be over.
    I don't think I had too much time to think of being scared. 
    To make a long story short, I pushed for 4 hours and she turned and I
    delivered vaginally. I was so tired from being awake 22 hrs that I
    would have welcomed the surgery, but I gave it a shot and had the
    experience of delivering the way I had expected.
    
    It's true what the other noters said about being afraid of having a
    section,when you are in that state of mind. You don't think twice
    about the possiblilities.
    
    
    
    sandy
1086.10hope this helpsNAC::KNOXDonna KnoxFri Aug 16 1991 16:3791
    Wendy,
    
    	I also have had 2 sections - first unplanned, second definitely
    planned.
    
    	With the first, we had no reason to suspect a possible section.
    Until I was in labor for almost 2 days and still only dialated to 7
    centimeters. Similar to Ellen in .3, we got the choices to 1)continue 
    like we were (no way!), 2) start pitocin (non-choice really because my 
    contractions had been at 2 minutes apart, lasting to 90 seconds, for
    over 6 hours with no progress in the last 4 hours), or 3) take the
    baby by section.  I really didn't care at that point, was ready to beg
    the doctor for a section in order to get that baby out of me.  I had
    been on an oxygen for I guess 12 hours or so by that point because the
    baby's heart rate went way down during contractions without it.
    So they put in a catheter (minor discomfort compared to contractions),
    inserted an IV tube in my hand and wheeled me off to surgery.
    
    For anesthesia, I had a spinal.  As I understand it, they insert a
    needle between the disks and vertebrae and inject the anesthetic.  I
    also had a small amount of time release pain killer to help with the
    surgical discomfort after the spinal wore off.  With my spinal (as
    opposed to an epidural) no taps or tubes or anything were left in the
    spine after the injection.  The warm feeling spreading down my torso
    and legs was so relaxing.  To watch my belly contract without feeling
    any pain was incredible.   Anyway, the anesthesiologist stayed with me
    on one side of my head until I was wheeled into recovery afterwards.
    She was wonderful and explained how I was going to feel at each step
    and why and kept giving me/doctor updates on my vitals which was
    reassuring.  
    
    Once I was numb, the nurses set me up as a sterile area with those blue 
    sheets and cleansers.  My husband came in with the doctor in his hospital 
    blues and settled by my head opposite the anesthesiologist, instamatic 
    camera at the ready.  They set up a blue sheet at my chin so I wouldn't 
    get 'splashed', so I couldn't see what was going on.  However the doctor 
    gave me a blow-by-blow commentary all the way which really helped.  My 
    husband stood up and watched everything after the initial cut into my 
    abdomen and took pictures of my daughter coming out of me.  I really 
    liked having the pics to put an image to the words in my head.   
    
    They unstrapped one arm so that I could hold her after she was cleaned/
    measured/printed but before she went to the nursery.  That made me feel 
    so good about the whole thing that even now, 4 1/2 years later, sitting 
    here typing this in, I've got a big grin on my face and this wonderful warm
    feeling in my chest just thinking about it.  I guess that started the
    bonding.  I've never felt strange because I didn't deliver vaginally or
    that I was missing out on something.  I was just so releived to have
    her out and healthy and labor over and done with!
    
    After I was stitched up inside and out, I spent about 4 hours in 
    recovery where I slept the whole time.  I held Jessica again when
    she was 5 1/2 hours old and started the first of many creative nursing
    sessions trying to find the best position for not straining my 
    incision.
    
    	Second time around, my doctor and I planned a section for a few
    different reasons.  I had no qualms about it and was quite relaxed 
    that morning, taking a shower, playing with 2 year old Jessica,
    and getting a ride to the hospital.  The same routines as the 
    first time, except I only slept 2 hours after because I was not as
    tired. 
    
    	If I have any adivse to give it is for you to relax. I know it's
    easier said than done, but it is important.  As long as the baby and
    you are healthy in the end, what does it matter how s/he got out.
    
    RE: vac-u-suck
     
    	My cousin had this used for her first child because the baby was
    'stuck' at the crowning point, pushing was not helping like it is
    supposed to.  Her doctor put on the little suction cup and, timed with
    the next contraction, pulled out his head.  My cousin pushed the rest
    of him out on her own.  IMO, I wouldn't call it 'more fun for the doctor'.
    I'd call it 'do what you have to do to get a healthy baby and mother'.
    
    RE: .4 the placenta
    
    The placenta was removed by the doctor before stitching the uterus
    back up.  Basically, he located it using the umbilical cord, then just
    reached in and scooped it out.  After examining it closely, he also
    removed the rest of the ambiotic sac and suctioned out my uterus 
    somewhat before closing it up.
    
    Well, I hope this helps you somewhat to understand one c-section
    experience and to alleviate some of your fears about it.
    
    Call or send mail if you want to talk more off-line.
    
    Donna
    
1086.11SUPER::WTHOMASFri Aug 16 1991 17:0740
    	Thank you for the responses, as many of you have picked up from
    this note and from previous notes, hospitals are not my favorite place
    to be and I have a lot of outstanding issues with them (one of which is
    that I've had previous surgery at the hospital in which I am to deliver
    and the nursing staff almost crippled me (literally) from their lack of
    knowledge and neglect, they wouldn't listen to me when I complained
    (for 36 hours) about a complication that I was having from the surgery
    and kept telling me that I was being a baby and just wanted more
    medication, no one got the Doctor until I called his office from the
    hospital directly and got him to help me (by that time the help had to
    come in the form of STAT emergency treatment in order to save my leg)
    I don't know that I have ever forgiven or been able to trust that
    hospital since).

    	Knowing that I have to go back to that place, even *rationally*
    understanding that it is a different department and for a different
    reason and outcome is certainly causing it's own little anxieties.

    	Aren't phobias just grand?

    	As far as me ranting and raving about physicians having "fun" with
    all of their "toys", understand the position of fear and bitterness
    that I am coming from and please try to accept it for what it is, I am
    in no way trying to insinuate that any one method of birth is better
    than another or that any necessary tool used in order to get to a birth
    is in any way "bad". If it becomes necessary to use such items during
    my labor, then they shall be used (however, I reserve the right to be
    grouchy about it).

    	I think that I just need to stop thinking about this for awhile
    (I'm always like this the day after our childbirth classes) and try to
    concentrate on something else for now. All of this is really beyond any
    kind of control that I have anyway and I seem to be wasting lots of
    energy on what "could happen".

    	Maybe I'll stop off and buy some flowers for the house on my way
    home from work instead.

    				Wendy
1086.12KAOFS::S_BROOKLost at CFri Aug 16 1991 19:2444
    My wife had all 3 of our girls by C-Section.  The first was a general
    and I wasn't allowed in the o/r but took the baby to the nursery.
    
    The second and third were by epidural.  Suffice it to say that not
    all epidurals and not all generals are the same.
    
    Jane was "out of it" with the general for several hours and really
    only "met" our daughter several houurs afer delivery.  She experienced
    a definite "this can't be ours reaction".  The recovery from the
    general was not easy with nausea and all the other symptoms ...
    Longer term recovery from the surgery really took all of 10 days.
    
    The second child (first epidural) was either not positioned quite
    right, or not allowed long enough to work, because she suffered
    a lot of pain.  Post-op recovery was quicker in spite of some post-op
    shock and long-term recovery was about 5 days.
    
    The third child was much better altogether ... no shock ... post-op
    was a matter of a couple hours ... and long term recovery was only
    a few days.
    
    In each of the epidurals, I was present ... Jane couldn't see a thing
    with the draping, and could hear everything clearly.  I could see
    plenty ... all if I wanted ...  but I must admit that the cooking
    flesh smell from the scalpels got to me more than any amount of spilled
    blood!  I was very perturbed the first time that the conversation in
    the o/r was about golf and houses and things rather than about my
    wife in pain on the table!  The second time was much more business
    like and there was far more concentration on the task in hand.
    
    Talk to the Doctors and if you can, the likely anaesthetist.
    
    Beware though whether you deliver vaginally or by section, that you
    can meet over-worked nurses that you have to tell what you need.
    Remember after a day you'll be mobile and because you are vertical
    you'll have much more power over the nursing staff than if you are
    horizontal!!!
    
    In spite of all the horror stories, most experiences are not that
    bad ...
    
    Stuart
    
    
1086.13could you change hospitals?TLE::RANDALLFri Aug 16 1991 19:2816
    Wendy, 
    
    I think the flowers are an excellent idea :)
    
    Are there reasons you have to deliver at this hospital and can't
    look for a different one?  
    
    If I'd had an experience like that at a particular place, you
    couldn't get me inside it again if I was conscious.  No way.  And
    I don't think that's anything irrational.  A C-section is major
    surgery and you want competent people.  If you can't trust the
    people you get, you should look elsewhere if at all possible.  I
    know that with insurance and medical plans and whatnot the way
    they are today, we sometimes don't get a choice. . .
    
    --bonnie
1086.14PERFCT::WOOLNERPhotographer is fuzzy, underdeveloped and denseFri Aug 16 1991 20:0364
    
    
    
    
    My labor was very erratic and never got to a steady "every 5 minutes"
    -- it was more like 17 min, 6 min., 22 min., 8 min... all over the map. 
    Finally most of the intervals seemed to be getting shorter, so I went
    to the hospital (5:00am), whereupon the contractions stopped.  After
    about 1/2 hour of this non-labor, I was told to walk around to get it
    going again; after a couple of minutes I felt something wet, decided it
    must be my water breaking, though I was afraid it was incontinence (!). 
    I scurried back to my assigned birthing room, went in the lav and
    discovered that it was *blood*.  All bets were now off as far as
    "natural" childbirth went; the doctor broke the sac and determined that
    the bleeding was probably only a minor blood vessel rupturing.  Labor
    progressed to 8cm (why do they say "SOHN-ti-MEETERS"--either prounounce
    it all in French or all in English, not half-and-half!), then stalled
    at 8cm for 2 hours.  When my doctor returned from lunch (grrr!), he
    decided a c-sec was in order, due to "failure to progress".  I had
    snuck in a few pushes, which felt GREAT!, but I mostly acquiesced about
    not pushing/having the section because 1) the blood had really gotten my 
    attention, and it hadn't been resolved yet; and 2) labor was getting 
    really OLD... I felt like saying "just gimme a rusty saw*, I'll do it
    myself."  Other noters are absolutely correct in saying the
    surroundings are NOT going to matter to you.  You leave your modesty at
    the maternity ward door, and you can even lose sight of the object
    (baby) in the throes of labor.  To answer your questions:   	
    
    > What kind of anesthesia did you use?
    
    A spinal, adminstered during a contraction!  It's really ludicrous
    trying to curl up in a fetal position "around" your belly so the
    vertebrae separate enough for the needle.  But it is possible, and for
    me the relief was INSTANTANEOUS.
    
    > Did you watch the procedure?
    
    BAHahahahahaha!  Beforehand, I wanted to have a mirror ready in the
    birthing room or whereever I would be.  I didn't count on the pain of
    labor making me nauseated enough to toss cookies with pretty good
    regularity.  They put up "the drape" and a nurse narrated the whole
    procedure; a detatched part of me was very interested (and wishing I
    had a tape recorder on), but the other part of me was getting TOO vivid
    mental pictures of it all.
    
    > Was your husband (or SO) there in the OR?
    
    Elective single parent here.  Biodad saw her later; my coach was in the
    OR and took still pictures of us immediately after Alexandra was born
    (but not pictures of the procedure).
    	
    > Did you feel that you missed out on some kind of a bonding
    > experience with your baby because of this?
    
    Absolutely not.  They put Alex on a little cart next to me while doing
    the APGAR and I kept saying "Happy Birthday, Sweetheart!"--and she
    would stop crying every time she heard my voice.  She was in the
    recovery room with me too, under the "bilirubin lights," which she
    HATED (she still hates bright lights and complains that the sun gives
    her headaches).  She was born at 2:30pm and we were nursing at around
    8:00pm back in my room.
    
    Leslie
    
1086.15Here's 2 ....BCSE::WEIERPatty, DTN 381-0877Sat Aug 17 1991 00:5683
Wendy,
    
    Don't have time to read all the replies ... I have had 2 C.sections,
    one in 1985, one in 1988.
    
    
    	What kind of anesthesia did you use?
    The first I had a spinal.  Not bad - a little uncomfortable when
    injecting because you have to bring your knees to your chest while
    laying on your side.  You want me to do WHAT?!?!?????  That was about
    2-3 mins of discomfort.  After that the numbness set right in.
    
    The second I had an epidural, and would never ever ever ever ever ever
    recommend this to anyone - not even my worst enemy.  It was a little
    more than 'no' anesthesia, and I've never experienced any kind of pain
    like it.  WOW!!!  To this day it brings tears to my eyes thinking about
    it.
    
    	Has anyone used general?
    No.  That was not an option as these were planned c.sections, with
    'high risk' pregnancies, and it was thought best not to subject the
    babies to anything else.
    
    	Did you watch the procedure?
    EEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!  NO WAY!  I was draped from the chest
    down - couldn't have seen if I wanted to.  I wouldn't have wanted to!!! 
    For the first, when the baby was delivered, there was a loud gush of
    various fluids hitting the floor.  That was more than enough to start
    me going.
    
    	Was your husband (or SO) there in the OR?
    My husband was there for both of them and watched both of them.  He was
    not allowed in the OR until after the initial incision for the first
    one.  Apparantly some men REALLY freak out when they see someone going
    for their wife/SO with a large knife.  He thought it was really cool
    and none of it bothered him a bit.
    
    	Did you feel that you missed out on some kind of a bonding
    experience with your baby because of this?
    I do because with my first I was not given the chance to hold him.  He
    was born at 8:32p.m., and I didn't get to hold or see him till almost
    12 hours later.  Part because of the spinal and I couldn't move.  Part
    because he was 5-6 weeks early and tiny (but healthy!!).  Both babies
    got 10s on their apgars and were absolutely beautiful - perfectly
    shaped, no conehead.  The second one I was allowed to hold him close as
    soon as he was born and I don't feel I lost anything.  Make SURE they
    let you hold the baby!!!
    
>  noises (even muffled through a sound track) in the operating room, it
	I will say, for noises, that everytime I hear a finger-nail
    clippers it's identical to the sound of them cutting for the second one
    (yech!).  I don't remember hearing anything w/ the first, but I was
    pretty groggy anyway.
    
    
    If I had to do it all over again, I'd have another c.section, with a
    spinal.  It's not that bad really, and the worst of it is afterwards
    recovering, and even that's just a week of discomfort (GAWD, don't
    sneeze or cough!!), and pretty much back to normal.  The scar is
    incidental.  It was funny because w/ my spinal, I was laying there all
    numbed up, and the Dr.s were doing something, and suddenly Dan appeared
    in the room, and I thought to myself "Hmmmm, that's strange - they said
    they weren't going to let him in until after the initial incision. 
    They must've changed their minds!".  And he sat down and we kinda
    talked for a while, and about 10 mins later I asked him if they were
    going to start soon.  Everyone broke up laughing .... 2 minutes later
    Chris was born.  I never felt a thing!!  For the epidural they actually
    stopped twice to administer more anesthesia, and in the end you could
    tell they just said to hell with it, and went for it.  After they
    closed, they asked me to slide my hand down my stomach, as far as I
    could still feel it - they had to stop me from touching the incision. 
    Think twice about this one for surgery, ladies!!
    
    It's been 3 1/2 years since my youngest was born.  Having the c. never
    bothered me at all, until I was talking to a friend of mine.  His wife
    was just having a baby and we were talking about the delivery, and he
    was saying how really neat and awesome it was to see all the effort and
    pain end in something so wonderful and beautiful ... only then did I
    regret never having had a natural birth.  So, I think it'll always nag
    a little, but not a lot.
    
    Good Luck!!
    Patty
1086.16BUNYIP::QUODLINGI'll have some of what Marketing is Smoking...Sat Aug 17 1991 19:5412
    Our OB/Gyn advised against a Spinal as he and several of his colleagues
    had seen persistent followon back pain in the area of the injection... 
    
    Barbara had a full aneasthetic, For which the doctor insisted I wait
    outside (Spouses get panicky seeing their SO's out of it...). He said
    back in 15 minutes. Sure enough out was wheened Andrew 15 minutes
    later, and after about 20 minutes helping with the weighing/measuring
    etc with him, we wnet to Barbara's room where she was just coming to...
    
    
    q
    
1086.17What are the stats?BCSE::WEIERPatty, DTN 381-0877Sun Aug 18 1991 15:3138
    On the note of Spinals  .... I'd really be interested to find out the
    exact stats. for possible spinal-complications.  I know a handful of
    people who've had spinal headaches, and everyone else I know never had
    a problem.  And it's more than a few people.  The basic possible
    complications that I've heard of are;
    
    Spinal headache - Almost always eliminated by laying flat for 24 hours.
          I got up after 12 hours and was fine.
    
    Backache in the area of injection - Usually caused by anesthesiologist
    	(what I was told) who's new to spinals - get a more experienced
      	anesthesiologist!!  My injection site felt bruised for a few days,
        but that was it. (of course so did everything else! (-;)
    
    Leaking spinal fluid, causing on-going headaches - This was one of the
    	more severe side effects, and I believe required surgery to repair
    	since it was from the injection site not closing, causing spinal
      	fluid to continuously leak into the system, which causes INTENSE 
    	spinal headaches.
    
    Paralysis - Caused from anesthesiologist hitting the nerves during
    	injection.  Never heard of this happening to anyone - get a GOOD
     	anesthesiologist, and LAY STILL when they tell you!!!
    
    Again, I'd be interested to see how often these things happened.  And
    after having an ineffective epidural, I'd gladly suffer through any of
    the above (except the paralysis!), if I had another c.section.  
    
    .16 said "several of his colleagues had seen persistent followon back
     pain in the area of injection..." ... but how many PATIENTS??  Just
    because several Dr.s have seen something doesn't mean that it's
    something that the majority of PATIENTS experience.  I try to keep in
    mind that most Dr.'s these days are very afraid of malpractice suits
    and are taking the safest possible route, with the least possible
    long-term effects.  Ask lots of questions, and lots of WHYs? and How
    Often? questions.
    
    Patty
1086.18my experienceMARX::FLEURYMon Aug 19 1991 11:1527
Wendy,

I think it's great that you are thinking ahead about all the possibilities
for childbirth.  As I recall, my pregnancy was so easy (except the 
all-day-sickness), that I certainly wasn't going to need a C-section.  Well -
you guessed it - Michelle began showing signs of distress after I had been in
labor for about 36 hours, so they took her by section.

They gave me an epidural with a little bit of morphine in it (in addition to
whatever else it is they use).  The morphine took about two days to wear off
completely, so I was spared most of the pain people complain about after 
childbirth and surgery.

As far as bonding is conderned - we bonded WONDERFULLY!  But not until after
I had gotten a good night sleep.  I was so exhausted after being in labor for
a day and a half, all I could think about was sleep.  The fact that I had 
a C-section had no bearing on when I got to hold my baby for the first time.

I did, and do still feel disappointed, and somewhat a "failure" for not 
"succeeding" at natural childbirth.  But I think those negative feelings are
largely a result of my inflated expectations about the birth process.  If I 
had taken the time, as you are, to prepare myself for all the possibilities,
I probably would not feel like I "failed".

Good luck - the best is yet to come.

-Carol
1086.19The headache was the pitsJUPITR::MAHONEYMon Aug 19 1991 11:4516
    
    My spinal headache lastest a week. The only way I got rid of it was to
    go back to the hospital and get what they call a Blood Patch done.
    
    They take blood from your arm and insert it in the hole where your
    epidural was to stop the spinal fluid from leaking into your spine. It
    was like having an epidural all over again. In my case they had to do
    this in two holes because the Anesthesiologist had to take two tries to
    give me the epidural during labor. After the Blood Patch I had to lay
    on my back for several hours and the next day it was as if nothing had
    happened, the headache was gone.   I have to say that the Epidural was
    fantastic at the time, but you neve know what the outcome will be after
    it wears off.
    
    
    Sandy
1086.20General...and husband watchedJURAN::WATSONMon Aug 19 1991 12:5843
1086.21c-section-questionNODEX::DAVILATue Aug 20 1991 12:5955
Dear Wendy,

I had one c-section and two vaginal births.

 	What kind of anesthesia did you use?

I had an epidural, of which I was terrified, but it went just fine.  And the
relief from the contractions ( I was in labor already) was immediate.

	Did you watch the procedure?

No, because of the screen that they put in front of you.  My husband sat next
to me and didn't watch either.  We brought a midwife in with us, and she watched
and she told us what was going on.

 	Did you feel that you missed out on some kind of a bonding
    experience with your baby because of this?

Back then I thought I did, but after having the other two children, I realized
I had the same reaction every time!  The babies didn't really become "mine" 
until after a few days later.  They felt like strangers for a few days.  So it
wasn't the C-section.

I understand all too well how you feel about keeping procedures to a minimum.
I was veeeeery late for my first delivery, and we still kept ourselves out of 
the hospital as long as we could.  When the time for the C-section came, we felt
we had done everything we could to prevent it.

We belong to an HMO, and we did switch centers so I could give birth at Beth
Israel in Boston rather than Brigham and Womens.  6 years ago (I don't know
the numbers now), Beth Israel had half the Cesarean rate of Brigham and Women's.
I wouldn't rule out trying to switch centers or doctors if you're in an HMO.

The doctors do like to inform you of all the problems they can run into.  If
something goes wrong, they feel they can tell you "we told you about it".  
My doctor made me sign forms stating that I was giving them permission to
do what they thought was best, and I signed another form before the anesthesia
that basically said "we might make mistakes".  Yes, they can make mistakes,
but signing these forms doesn't mean that you agree with everything they will
do and doesn't mean they can't be sued later (of course this is besides the
point, since what you whant is a healthy you and a healthy baby.)

Ask questions.  They'll make you feel like you're pestering them.  They did that
to us also.  Perhaps hiring a midwife to go with you to the appointments and
delivery is not a bad idea, she can ask the questions for you, and she doesn't 
feel threatened by the "authority" of the doctor.

I had very good experiences at Beth Israel, not so good at Emerson (gall bladder
operation).  At Beth Israel they seemed to listen to me a good deal and they
provided as many answers as I requested.

Good luck.  Hope any of this helps.

Mari

1086.22SUPER::WTHOMASWed Aug 21 1991 12:2428
    
    	After thinking (obsessing) about this topic long enough, I've
    decided to try to implement the lesson of the rabbit (learned from some
    North American Indian Animal cards that I use for guidance on
    occassion). 
    
    	Apparently the rabbit was cursed so that he would be so afraid of
    things that he would call his fears to him. For example, he would stand
    out in the woods and cry up to the hawk how afraid he was and how he
    worried that the hawk would catch him. The hawk, of course, was able to
    locate the rabbit by the noise he was making and ended up catching him,
    thus bringing to the rabbit his own fears by the calling of them.
    
    	Although I'm NOT going to deny that the possibility of a C-section
    is there, and I AM going to find out information and have prior
    knowledge so that (hopefully) I can make some deliberate decisions, I
    am going to try not to call the fears to me. (I know of one woman who
    was so worried about the actual labor that she swears "she" couldn't
    relax and that was why she didn't dialate any further, She had been
    doing fine and then heard a woman screaming down the hall and stopped
    all dialation from then on, she required a c-section).
    
    	Me, I've got enough other things to worry about right now (Like is
    the house ever going to be in order enough for the baby to come home
    to?)
    
    				Wendy
    
1086.23KAOFS::S_BROOKWed Aug 21 1991 13:3928
Wendy,

>    
>        Me, I've got enough other things to worry about right now (Like is
>    the house ever going to be in order enough for the baby to come home
>    to?)
>    

In a word ... NO!

If you don't believe it's in sufficient order now, it won't really ever
be ... and just wait till you get the baby home, you'll then be too
exhausted to really even CARE if the house is in order enough.  So,
relax and stop worrying about that too!  In fact STOP WORRYING!

We got my wife a Tee Shirt a couple years ago while she was depressed
that said "Don't Worry -- Be Happy"!  Kind of simplistic but still a
good idea.  Also, remember the so-called Serenity prayer ... the one
about being granted the serenity to accept the things you cannot change,
the strength to change the things you can and the wisdom to know the
difference!

So, when you find yourself worrying, stop, relax and ask yourself what good
you are doing by worrying about anything!

Take care,

Stuart
1086.24what would i do if i didn't worry?CNTROL::STOLICNYWed Aug 21 1991 13:404
    
    But Stuart, some folks thrive on worry!  :-)  
    
    carol
1086.25KAOFS::S_BROOKWed Aug 21 1991 14:475
When my wife puts on this tee-shirt, and starts worrying about something
or another, I tell her to "Don't Happy -- Be Worried!".

Yeah, there are some people who worry abouut worrying, and worry about
not worrying at the same time!  What a way to live ...  it worries me ! :-)
1086.26SUPER::WTHOMASWed Aug 21 1991 15:0725
    True, obsessing about things will not get you (or me) anywhere, but
    telling a pregnant woman not to worry is kind of like trying to hold
    back the night with a match, no?

    I understand that whatever will be will be, but on the other hand, I
    also understand (perhaps too well) the complications and difficulties
    that can arise. I also know of the success stories that can happen.

    I think that taking precautions and thus preparing yourself is a way of
    taking care of YOUR SELF. I'm not entirely sure that worrying about
    things related to a pregnancy is completely without merit (or can be
    stopped by the admonition of "hey, just don't think about it")

    How can pregnant women NOT worry? We are directly responsible for a new
    life until that life leaves us, the "what ifs" are many.

    Stuart, I know you mean well and I know from mail and this notes file
    that you are a very caring person, but telling me not to worry?

    	Geesh, that makes me worry a little bit about you. ;-)

    			Wendy

                                                
1086.27no matter what...you will get through itJUPITR::MAHONEYWed Aug 21 1991 15:2113
    
    Wendy, I agree that every pregnant woman worries. But, as you've heard
    from many of the previous noters we all overcome these worries. If you
    were to have a c-section you will get through that too. We all have
    had fears of that procedure, and it's ok to worry about it, just don't 
    make yourself crazy over the "what if's", your body is under enough
    stress just being pregnant. Take it one day at a time, and "if" it were
    to happen just think of it as it is being done for the health of mother
    and baby!!
    
    Take care, and try to relax a little. ( I know that's not easy though)
    
    Sandy
1086.28constructive worryingMARX::FLEURYWed Aug 21 1991 15:4934
>    How can pregnant women NOT worry? We are directly responsible for a new
>    life until that life leaves us, the "what ifs" are many.
          ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

    I just had to chuckle when I read this.  I am sure you probably didn't 
    mean this the way I read it - but I just had to laugh at the though of
    someone thinking the worry ends after the baby is born.  THIS IS JUST
    PRACTICE!  The true olympic class worrying is yet to come.

    Now that I've had my little chuckle...

    Wendy, you are right.  It is impossible to just tell yourself not
    to worry - especially when you have all those extra hormones helping
    you out.  And there are plenty of things that can go wrong during
    labor and delivery.  For years many children and women actually died
    during childbirth.  But in these modern times with modern knowlege
    and technology, there are very few problems that cannot be correctd
    or at least handled safely and quickly.  Try to remember you are not
    doing this alone.  Your husband, a nurse, and a midwife or doctor will
    all be there to help you.  They will do everything in their power to 
    prevent any harm from coming to either you or your baby. 

    One thing that helped me as to concentrate my worrying one things that
    I had control over (lets face it - I was one of those people who wasn't
    going to be happy unless I could worry about something).  For example:
    worry over the health of the baby was pointless and destructive since I 
    couldn't do anything about that.  But worrying about having all the right 
    baby equipment was fun because I got to go out shopping and buy lots of 
    baby stuff.

    Good luck.  I've said this before but I will say it again.  The best part
    really is to come.

    -Carol
1086.29My story is a bit differentTRACTR::MAZURWed Aug 21 1991 16:2157
    Hi Wendy,
    
    	My C-Section story is a bit different than most of the previous
    entries.  My water broke (no one knows why) almost 5 weeks before
    my due date.  I went to the hospital thinking they were going to
    send me home.  (I remember saying to my husband on the way "they'll
    send me home and I'll pack then"!)
    
    	Well, when I arrived they tested me to see if in fact, my water
    did break and it had.  Then they tested the baby's lungs to see
    if they were mature--they were.  I don't know why they let me lay
    there for 40 hours, but they did.  After the 40 hours I began to 
    show signs of fever, I began vomiting and was terribly achey and
    week.   It is a long story, but they finally took me into the
    labor room 4 hours later with a temp of 102 -- with absolutely
    no strength left in my body!  I was not dilated, but they had
    "no choice" but to use Pitocin.  Well, they "upped" the dosage
    twice in the 4 1/2 hours of hard back labor and then checked me and
    I was 1 1/2 centimeters dilated...so my husband followed the doctor
    out of the room and ordered him to do a c-section because we were
    so worried about the baby.
    
    	Well, I guess I began apologizing to everyone (I don't remember
    too much about this)...it was late and I guess I felt like I was
    putting everyone out.  I had general anest. and my husband was
    not allowed in the operating room -- the doctors knew they had
    to move fast.  I was amazed to learn that it only took about
    5 minutes to take Alexa "out".  
    
    	It turns out that I had "picked up" the Beta Strep virus
    from laying around the hospital for 40 hours with my water
    broken.  Alexa got the bacteria from me and had to have many
    tests including a spinal tap on her first day of life.  I 
    didn't get out of recovery until 11:30 p.m. so I didn't get
    to see Alexa until the next morning.  I bonded with her
    immediately and when she heard my voice--no kidding--she
    opened her eyes and smiled at me--even though she was
    still groggy from the antibiotics.
    
    	The doctor said "God only knows what would have happened
    to the baby if you hadn't demanded a C-Section".  The spinal
    tap was negative which means that the bacteria had not yet
    traveled to her spine.  The doctor actually said to me "you
    saved your baby, you know"  -- well, since then I feel like
    C-sections are my friend!
    
    	The recovery was not bad at all, and I would have another
    C-section in a second if it was best for my baby.  The first
    step is the toughest and it gets easier from there!  It's really
    no big deal as long as it is the best thing for the baby!
    
    
    Well, I've babbled on long enough,
    Best of luck to you,
    
    Sheryl
    
1086.30PROSE::BLACHEKWed Aug 21 1991 16:3721
    I worried about a c-section too.  I had a spinal fusion done for
    scoliosis done when I was 15 and wondered about them doing a spinal. 
    So I asked my OB about it, and they set me up with an appointment with
    the anesthesiologist.
    
    He asked me a lot of questions about back pain and the like. 
    Basically, at the end he said that he would not be willing to do a
    spinal at all because he didn't want me to sue him afterwards, if I
    then had more back pain.  And an epidural wouldn't work, due to the
    location of my fusion.  
    
    So I resigned myself to having to undergo general anesthesia if
    necessary.  However, I also knew that I wasn't going to allow a
    c-section until I felt it absolutely necessary.
    
    Luckily, it was never an issue.  I do think though, it is best to know
    all your options, and think about them in advance.  Plan for the worst,
    but expect the best is something I live by.
    
    judy
    
1086.31Worrying used to be my middle name!KAOFS::S_BROOKWed Aug 21 1991 16:4518
    I know as well as anyone that trying to tell anyone who is worrying
    not to worry in the literal sense is like telling the Niagara Falls
    Commission to turn off Niagara Falls!  I ought to know for I spent
    a good many years of my life worrying about worrying!
    
    Others have expressed probably better than I that it is good that
    you are concerned and trying to learn about all the things you can,
    but it is just my concern that from the sound of some of your notes
    that you are burning a lot of nervous energy and living with a lot
    of stress which isn't good for you or your unborn.
    
    Rather than literally "Don't Worry"  what I'm really trying to say is
    take some time to relax and try to put aside your worries and fears
    temprorarily, perhaps making it easier to cope with these mental and
    physical demands on you.
    
    Stuart (who possibly worried more about the birth of our first child
    than his wife!)
1086.32KAOFS::S_BROOKWed Aug 21 1991 16:492
    p.s.  Ever heard of sympathetic pregnancies ?  I had 'em!  Nausea,
    sleeplessness etc.  Doctor told me to stop worrying!
1086.33our experience with a C-sectionCRONIC::ORTHThu Aug 22 1991 15:0165
    Our last one (#4) was born by C-section, since he was "positionally
    unstabel", and in a very unusual breech position. The doctor was leary
    of attempting an external version for 2 reasons. One...the drug they
    give you prior to a version to relax the muscles, tends to skyrocket
    blood sugar, and since Wendy was gest. diabetic, he didn't feel good
    about this. Second, the baby had been in at least 3 different positions
    (transverse, vertex and breech) whithin the last 48 hours, and he held
    little hope that he'd stay vertex if he could manage to turn him. So we
    agreed to a section. We went into it rested and prepared. Wendy had an
    epidural, which (sorry, Patty!) was no big deal at all. She'd had them
    with 2 of the previous pregnancies, and they were no problem then
    either. She did say that after the second epidural she'd had (with
    child #3), that she had some soreness over the epidural site, sort of
    like bruising. They do give a larger dose of medication with an
    epidural for a section than just as pain relief for labor. She said
    there was less pain from them putting in this epidural than from the
    previous two, but that was possibly cause she wasn't in labor this
    time! By the way, she's had an epidural two different ways...once lying
    on her side curled into a ball (incredibly awful!) and twice sitting
    ont he edge of the bed, bent forward (much more tolerable). See if your
    anesthesiologist would allow you to sit if necessary.
    
    Bonding was not an issue. She knew the baby came from her. She said
    that the feeling of release fo pressure when they removed him during
    the section was almost identical to the feeling when they baby finally
    emerges vaginally. I held him and fussed over him immediately, but she
    didn't hold him right away, as she had the shakes very badly and was
    afraid she'd drop him. She got to hold him and nurse him about 2-3
    hours later when back in her room. Never any problem with loving this
    little one immediatley. I think that th issue of bonding immediately at
    birth is greatly overated...bonding is a process, not a moment in time.
    
    As far as recovery from the sectiuon, it went remarkably quickly! Wendy
    has had 4 different birth experiences. First was natural, no pain meds,
    no episiotomy, up and about hours after the birth. Second was natural,
    with an epidural, no episiotomy, still upa nd about in several hours.
    Third was natural with an epidural, but Daniel thrust his arm up over
    his head just as he emerged, so that it wasn't just his head which had
    to squeeze through, but his elbow, too. To that end, Wendy had an
    extremely severe fourth degree tear, which took over on hour to stitch
    up. She was in *extreme* pain and discomfort for one week, and moderate
    pain and discomfort for approx 2 more weeks. It was a nightmare for
    her. Comparitively speaking, the C-section was a picnic! One nice thing
    they used as far as pain meds for her (at Memorial hosp. in Worcester),
    was something called a "pump". this was a small device that you wear
    like a bracelet that hooks into your IV. It contains morphine, and it
    drips slowly into a small chamber in the bracelet. When you push a
    little button on the bracelet, it releases this into the IV. You
    control how often you push it, but you can't get too much, because it
    only fills up the chamber at a fixed rate, and it takes (I think) 6
    minutes for it to refill. So if you push it at 6 minutes, you get a
    "full" dose, if you push it a 3 miunutes, you get a half dose, if you
    pushed it every couple of seconds you'd only get a drop or two. Also,
    if you waitred 10 minutes, you'd get no more than if you pushed it in
    6. They explained to her, that the dose was small enough so she
    wouldn't get "hooked" plus she'd only be allowed to have it for 2 days.
    She needed it quite a bit the first night, but not so much the next
    day, and by the second nite, hardly at all. She then went on Percoset
    for the pain, which was not all that severe.
    
    All in all, not a bad experience! She said she'd take a section any day
    over what she went through with Daniel, but recovery from the natural
    uncomplicated first two births was definitley the easiest.
    
    --dave--
1086.34A good experienceASABET::MACGILLIVARYFri Aug 23 1991 21:5826
    Wendy,
    
    My daughter was born C-Section on August 2nd.  I had been prepared for
    a section because I had developed gestational diabetes and even though
    it was controlled through diet,  the baby was getting very big.  I had
    gone though 2 days of induction with little success when the C-Section
    was done. 
    
    I had a spinal, which I did not even feel the needle.  I did not watch
    the operation,  but my husband did.  I had absolutley no discomfort at
    all.  I could not hold the baby right after, but when the nurse brought
    her to me, she was crying and when I spoke to her to opened her eyes
    and stopped crying. That memory is one that i will never forget.  My
    husband went with her for the weighing, etc.  They then brought her to 
    me about 1 hour later.  I may not have been able to do a lot of the
    things, such as change her diapers for the first couple of days in the 
    hospital,  but my husband took very goos care of her and I have to say
    it was a wonderful chance for them to bond together.
    
    If I had to do it again, I would choose a C-Section.  I was very
    concerned that something might go wrong during a vaginal delivery
    given the babies size and so the C-Section eased my fears.  
    
    I hope you have as good an experience as I did if you do have to have a 
    Section.  Even the recovery afterwards was not as difficult                
    as I was expecting.
1086.35I would choose a Section Again!!ODDONE::AMBLER_J100,000 lemmings can't be wrong.....Fri Sep 20 1991 06:1940
    Wendy,
    
    I had a section last May (four months ago now!) it had been likely that
    I would need some sort of intervention from the moment they found I was
    carrying twins, and then when I reached 34 weeks and they were both
    breech the odds began to narrow in favour of a section... In the
    end there wasn't any choice as I had developed severe toxemia (at 36
    weeks) and the Consultant wanted the babies out quickly (mostly for my
    safety as the babies weren't distressed). I was asked what anaesthetic
    I would prefer and I said which ever was safer for the babies - they
    opted for epidural.
    
    It was nerve racking (a bit like at the dentist when you expect it to
    hurt but it doesn't) but exciting as well. I didn't feel a thing, my
    husband, Tony, was with me the whole time, hiding behind the screen
    with me (though I could see nothing because theyed taken my glasses
    away to allow oygen masks etc. When the babies were about to be born
    one of the midwives told him to look and he actually saw both of them
    delivered. He didn't feel at all queasy - though he had expected to!!
    When we got back to my room afterwards I cuddled both of them and Tony
    fed them both from a bottle. (Subsequently I breast fed both with no
    difficulty - one on each side).
    
    The next day I was drowsy but OK. The day after I was up and about
    carrying my bits with me! I seemed to be in less pain than some of the
    ladies who had had "normal" births, but pain is very subjective thing
    so that probably counts for nought.
    
    The scar had healed to a discrete line within a month, and now is
    barely visible (it's actually below the hairline).
    
    If I have the choice next time (and if there is a next time - something
    to think about with the high probability of a second set of twins) I
    would definately opt for another section.
    
    Hope this helps.
    
    All the best,
    
    Judith