Hi I had a planned c-section for DS after a horrible emergency c-section experience with DD. The planned one was ever so much better! I think part of it must have been not having the worry of going through a nightmare labour again, but mentally I felt fine!
You get your date, go in for your pre checks and then you're booked in. The process was really simple. I took some tablets to prevent reflux the night before that were prescribed for me. We had to get to the hospital for 7am, I was shown to my cubicle and asked to get ready. There were 3 planned sections per day at the hospital I was at, all in the morning (roughly 9, 10, 11am). I was second in so told to relax. Had a visit from the anaestheologist (sp) and the lady performing the operation and before I knew it we were going up! Be prepared for that to happen dead quick (one minute I was reading, the next going to theatre).
Unlike the emergency everything is really relaxed. You can even take a CD to play if you want! I sat on a stool whilst theatre was prepped with my OH then we went in. OH was there whilst I had the spinal, it was really not bad at all (I don't remember much of my epidural last time and it was topped up through that). He put in the local, then put some local in my hand too before putting in the canula so I didn't even feel that! Didn't feel the spinal at all, but it worked really quickly. I was then laid down and they prepped whilst they waited for it to work (I was more nervous about that this time don't ask me why, I guess because I had more time?) But it was really chilled. The team were laughing and joking with me unlike my last one where there was a kiddy crash team ready and people everywhere looking worried. Baby was out pretty quickly, checks then back to me and her Dad. The sewing up too longer than I remembered but then it was down to recovery where I fed DS then back to the cubicle with him.
Recovery was so much easier. Obviously I hadn't gone through 2 and a half days of labour, pushing etc first. I was up about 3 hours after the operation for a shower, walked to it just fine. OH was allowed to stay even though they usually kick partners out mid afternoon. Recovery wasn't as bad as I thought, I was able to cuddle DD just fine when she visited (about 5 hours post baby so I was clean and showered) and hold her.
I went home after a 2 day stay. Could have stayed three but I asked to go home so DD didn't have to be without me as she was upset. In terms of recovery afterwards I kept on top of pain management, had a bit of an infection (again) which wasn't so pleasant. I was up and about though and it was bearable.
Only difference is this time my entire c-section wound is entirely numb to the touch rather than just a patch of it, and it is a little more tender to the touch still than last time.
All in all I highly recommend the elective c-section. Sorry for the waffle but I thought I'd give a little detail for you. Good luck with it, you'll be fine!
