Only 1 week left until C-Section...?

I have had three vaginal births. this is going to be my first c-section and of course as it gets closer I become more scared. I am really scared because when I get really anxious or nervous, I pass out. I am worried about passing out while they are doing the spinal. Any last minute advice for me? If you have had a c-section how did you stay calm during the surgery? What will recovery be like? Any advice or tips would really help me out and be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Only 1 week left until C-Section...?
I had my first c-section and first child 8 months ago. And Yes I was extremely nervous the day of so much so that I was actually shaking! I too was scared to death over the spinal, but honestly it was nothing! It took like a minute if that and it wasn't painful at all just a funny feeling. I thought the most uncomfortable part of the surgery was being strapped down, they had both of my arms stretched out to each side and strapped down, but my husband was there to talk to me the whole time, and one of the nurses stooded right beside me also asking if everything was okay. Which helped out a lot. The whole procedure went REALLY fast it felt like I just got in there and the next thing i knew I could hear a baby crying, and my son was already out and being wiped off. I got to see him for a few mintues before he got taken back up to the nursery. My doctor stitched me back up I was in recovery for about 20-30 min. (extremely cold, but I hear its that way with anyway you deliver) As far as recovery goes, I didn't think the pain was bad at all, I mean don't get me wrong getting out of bed for the first week hurt like nothing else, but I def. think the sooner you get yourself moving the better off you are! But honestly hun don't worry I know its hard but if I am blessed enough to have another child i'm def. going to have another C-section! So it couldn't of been that bad if thats the way I want to do it again haha. Take care and Good Luck!
Reply:I've had 2. They can give you a mild sedative before you go in. It was just enough to help me not freak about the spinal. I had the most wonderful doctors. ( She actually held me while they did it.) Remember to take deep breathes. Prepare yourself... it's not like a labor and delivery room. You will be walking into a bright white surgery room. It was very intimidating for me the first time, but not the second. It doesn't hurt. My second child was so far in my ribs it took four hands and a suction cup to get her out! It is a wierd feeling but there is no pain. As far as recovery goes, with my first it was a breeze. Seriously. I was fine. A little sore but had no issues. The second time, having a four yr old to take care of as well, I had less time to take care of myself and rest so it was bad. My advise...Don't do anything you don't have to. Even walking. The more rest those first few days, the faster the recovery. Best of luck to you and your family :)
Reply:I have only had vaginal, but I would talk with your OBGYN. They see this all the time and can help calm your fears.
Reply:hi honey, try to calm down, i have had a c-section before, and i was only 15 and it was my first baby, so if i can do it, then i know you can do it. you will be fine. it's less work when it comes to delivery, the recovery is a little harder than the recovery from vaginal birth, but as long as you take it easy and give yourself time to heal, take your pain meds., and try your best to find someone that can either come stay with you or you can stay with them for awhile, until you are able to care for yourself and baby and other kids by yourself. i will say a little prayer for you tonight, that god will calm you and ease your fear, and make you strong on the big day. god bless you.
Reply:I did not have a planned C section, I was induced first (planning one this time). Everyone has different experiences. The spinal hurt, I cried and squeezed the nurse's hand. But I have no tolerance for pain, if you've had 3 vaginal births you'll be fine. I also had an incisional hemotoma, and bleed for about 6 weeks after. I don't think this happens to alot of people, I'd never heard of it before. Don't overstrain yourself when you go home, and don't lift anything heavier than your baby. Good luck
Reply:my first birth was c section and it was a great nothing to it they give you a spinal it feels like a bee sting over in no time re covery was ok no heavy lifting let air get to you area were they cut you take the meds and you will be fine my friends said its very easyer then nature you wake through it all just lying down thats all no pain just a lot of tugging and pulling feeling in your belly on pain good luck
Reply:Recovery is different for everyone...Most will tell you it is much more difficult than a vaginal recovery...My recovery was terrible...I have heard if you get up and moving as soon as possible that helps speed things along.





I stayed calm mostly because I was too tired to panic...My c-section came after a 19 hour labor including 2 hours of pushing.





Have a birth plan...Even though you are cesarean you can specify what you do and don't want and negociate with your doc.





I am planning a vginal birth this time, but shoudl i end up a c-section I have a birth plan written up for that as well.





I am asking that my arms not be strapped down, so long as I keep them out of the sterile field.





I am asking for a certain type of material be used for the stiches.





I want to see my baby naked and covered in goo.


(I didn't get to see him right away last time)





I want to hold my baby, with help from my husband.


(I didn't get to hold him until he was 2 hours old...I was the last one to hold him)





Etc...You can look up birth plans online or ask what others have put in theirs.





Check out ICAN International Cesarean Awarness Network


http://ican-online.net/ They have a Yahoo!Group with tons of women who can offer all kinds of advice.





Good luck. I hope you have a safe birth. Oh and congrats!!!
Reply:There is absolutely nothing to worry about. Just think of the beautiful new baby you will be bringing into the world.


Once you are in there you will be so pre-occupied with having the baby that you wont even be thinking about the c-section...





Your recovery may be slow but the quicker you are up and about the quicker you heal. WIth my first it took me weeks to feel right again but with the second one I was fine after a week as I was ready for it.





Good Luck