Has anyone had a section without a birth partner?

[Tara100]

Just wondering if anyone has experienced a c-section alone?
I'm really scared about going it alone, but it's looking more and more like my boyfriend will not make it due to working abroad. I'm dreading someone asking me where he is and me have a break down moment. Who will hold the baby while I'm being sewn up? Will I be ok in recovery/back on the ward without any help? I want to be home asap as I have other children. Do you think they will let me leave in a taxi? I will have no-one to drive me home. Our new car seat is in my boyfriends car all ready in case of an emergency and I don't have the keys to his car!
Arrgghh I'm all in a panic about doing this on my own, worried about my other children and have no idea how I will get home ... I think I need some reassurance it WILL be ok ... C-section is scheduled for next Thursday.

(Edited to say I have no family who are able to go in with me or help out and the only friend I could ask is kindly having my children to stay with them while I'm in hospital)

 

[Shezza84uk]

I was alone, and I was ok I am a single mum and my mum had DD and their dad was overseas with work (not that he would have chosen to be there).. The medical team found it odd but after being asked a few times if there was anyone I wanted to be there I said no they then got me to sign all paper work and told me they informed the midwife who would be by my side until I was in recovery. She was great, she took pictures and everything and didn't leave me until I was on the ward.. I took a taxi home but I had a carseat which the porter helped me ake down they wont allow you to leave with the baby without one, my DD is autistic and had a breakdown from not being with me so I asked to be discharged the following day and they checked me over and agreed I could go.. Dont worry hun xx

Edit.
I held my son immediately the midwife got him to latch for a feed and once he latched she took him cleaned and dressed him and popped him back on my chest, while the team continued to finish up with stitching etc

 

[Tara100]

Thank-you so much for taking the time to reply.
It's reassuring to know that you did it and you were ok. I think I'm more worried about what people would think of me and how I will cope alone, rather than the operation itself!
It's good that you got home so quickly and thank-you for the advice about the car seat.

 

[Shezza84uk]

I was also worried about what others would think but I dismissed it and reassured myself that it wasn't about anyone else just myself and my son.

I embraced it as a special moment between me and him and I didn't need to share him at that time, bonding was so important I found it surreal I had to spend that time admiring him and falling in love with him I was also convincing myself he was mine lol I think that happen because DD was a natural birth so I had the transition of contractions pushing etc where as this time it was quick lol I had a great team, great experience and overal very positive, joyous birth.. Enjoy every moment xx

 

[Tara100]

What a lovely way of looking at it ... Thank-you x

 

[_Lexi_]

Just explain the situation to them, and hopefully they won't keep asking!! At my local hospital, they require you to stay in for a minimum of 3 days, I was actually in for 4. So be prepared to stay in for a day or two at least. They won't allow you to leave the hospital without a car seat though, as you can't have a baby in a car without one. Once Joshua was checked over and weighed, I was allowed skin to skin whilst they stitched me up. I started to get quite shaky, and had to pass him to my mum before they took him to the nicu. There should be a midwife with you throughout the procedure though. Once back on the ward, don't be afraid to ring the buzzer and ask for help when you need it. Don't over do it, as it can lead to a longer recovery. They're there to help you. Hope all goes well x

 

[lil lovey]

I was alone. At first it bothered me before I had the section but once I got there that was the last thing I could think of. All I could think of is when will they cut me cuz I was afriad it was going to hurt and it didn't. When baby was born the nurse showed me the baby I was also able to kiSs the baby and she took the baby up stairs to the baby room. Once i got to the recovery room the nurse came with the baby..they took him later to get him washed.. I'm the room that you'll be there is a buzzer so you can tell the nurse that you want the baby..I stayed in hospital for 3 days...

 

[helena]

I nearly did. At my third, 3 weeks ago, my husband only made it there with 5 minutes to spare. I was literally on the table, numb from the waste down, splayed out and ready to go when he got there. So I did have a few staff ask me "are you alone?" . Several times. But you know it was ok. I guess it was easier since I had had two sections before so kind of knew the drill, but although I desperately wanted DH to hurry up and get there (he was dropping our eldest two kids at friends, this was an unplanned c section day, little madam decided to come early) I didn't mind being on my own. I was just super excited to meet the baby, that overwhelmed everything. Mostly I wanted DH there so he would experience the birth of our daughter, but not for me. For me the main event was exciting enough for me to be able to go it alone if I had to.
If you are anything like me you will be so very excited you won't do any crying. Except with joy. Just focus on how close you will be to meeting baby!!! Xxxx enjoy xxx

 

[Tara100]

Awww thanks everyone for your comments.
This is my third section, so I'm ok with the actual op ... just worried about how I will feel when I'm on the table and I've just got the doctors for company!

I've arranged for a friend to come and collect me. She had a baby a couple of months ago, so has a car seat in her car.

I had my pre-op appointment and the consultant said they are very busy at the hospital. This means that if I'm early on the list I could be out the next evening or at the latest 48 hours after op. He said that they would not keep a third time mum in for any longer as they needed the bed ... charming!

Thanks again for all your stories and support x

 

[emma2013]

Hi i had my first baby via c section and was an emergancy to get her out as had complications the dad was overseas with work and probs wouldnt of bohered if he was in town so it was just me and the docs.

It was scary as hell i will admit but the docs and nurses were fab and made me feel really comfortable and talked me through the whole thing and didnt leave my side for 1 second during the operation.
If you talk to them about your concerns and ask for your midwife to be present with you that may make you feel more comfortable.

I jut kept thinking of holding my beautiful little girl at the end of it all and that was enough to get me through the op

Good luck xxx

 

[Tara100]

Thank you to everyone who replied.

Everything went really well and I now have a gorgeous baby girl.

Many thanks for all your support xx