"Caesarean section at Albany Hospital"

We had an elective C section booked for early last month. This came round quickly and my partner and I were so excited (and nervous!) to meet baby. When we arrived at the hospital it had been busy with births and we were concerned we might be delayed but went ahead as planned. Our midwife Jude was wonderful and although the Doctor who was meant to do surgery was replaced last minute due to sickness Dr Suzanne was lovely too. My usual Dr Liz who I'd seen throughout pregnancy was present also. The anaesthetist was Dr James and I had met his partner and son recently at a local playgroup. It felt like a family atmosphere from the start, I was confident and comfortable with everyone taking care of me and baby. 

The positive Caesarean course had given me some tools to stay calm and present whilst the surgery preparations went on. I had had a C section previously with my little boy late 2022 so knew what to expect. We were excited to find out the gender and meet our new baby. The epidural needle took a little time to find the right spot but wasn't painful, more achey as it nudged against bone. Once that was on board I lay down and was set up for surgery before my partner was allowed in. The testing for numbness with ice on my side was a strange feeling as I could feel pressure/touch but not temperature (and therefore no pain).

When the surgery started I could feel a lot of movement and eagerly awaited seeing my baby. I quickly thought they were close to getting baby out but it took longer getting in as my previous C section had left scarring. A lot of the movement was just the surgeon getting to baby and I waited impatiently for updates. It seemed to take a really long time! Once baby was out though the Doctors held them up and I remember not being able to quite see so they had to lower the curtain a bit more and it confirmed I had just given birth to my daughter! So exciting and emotional... I was almost convinced I would have 2 boys and for a moment I was a bit sad that wouldn't happen but quickly so happy I now had one of each gender. I was overwhelmed and full of joy looking at our baby girl.

Baby wasn't happy being woken up and her cries sounded like a little duck! The doctors took her to be checked and weighed and my partner went over to cut the cord. I could hear them all gasp/cheer at the weight and I wasn't surprised that baby was quite large - 4.8kgs exactly!! She was wrapped up and brought onto my chest for skin to skin cuddles. So wonderful! we were also able to try feeding straight away which baby was keen on. This was sooner than my son who I was able to breastfeed in recovery. 

Whilst I was enjoying the cuddles the doctors were busy trying to sew me back up. Due to baby's size and the increased amniotic fluid my uterus was described as 'boggy' and not wanting to retract. I also had some blood loss which concerned the surgeon at the time but was later thought to be overestimated due to fluids. A consultant was brought in to check and help reduce my uterus. I remember a lot of movement and jostling, definitely no pain but it became very tight and uncomfortable. The anaesthetist James and Jude the midwife constantly checked on me. I wanted to stay awake and put up with the feeling but ultimately it became too much and we went for a general anaesthetic. This was a bit frightening but I trusted the caregivers and was glad baby still had my partner even though i missed them both. 

Baby stayed with my partner and luckily as I had already fed her she didn't need any formula. I woke up again in recovery with surgery completed - I also had a tubal ligation which was planned, but didn't need a blood transfusion and my uterus was fine. I had worried it may need to be taken out when the doctors were concerned but even though it wouldn't have been a problem for me I'm glad it didn't come to that. We had more cuddles in recovery and I could carry baby on my chest as I was lying on the bed and wheeled back to my room. A few hours later I got to see my son meet my daughter for the first time and it was just wonderful ❤️ 

I feel so lucky and grateful for the amazing care we received. This C section was more overwhelming and upsetting than my first but I was able to stay relatively calm and stay focussed on the positives. The staff and my partner helped me a lot. Having my beautiful daughter be safe and well was my reward for 9 months of tiring pregnancy and a morning of scary surgery! Recovery is going well and we are loving our complete family of 4.