Cesarean Section

Posted by Fluery (349 days ago)

I've just been told at Queen Mary that my baby is breech and they've scheduled me for a C-section in 2 weeks. I was pretty upset with the news and even got a very expensive second opinion, which confirmed QMH's decision.

The issue is that I've been spending the past 9 months preparing for a natural delivery and now am completely at loss with the imminent surgery. Has anyone had a C-section at QMH? Can you please share your experience or give me some tips? I know my husband can be with me during the surgery, but can he stay after? Or is he subject to the same visiting hours? Do I stay in the general ward with the other mothers or do I go to a different area? Thanks a lot!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Find what you are after in our Hong Kong A-Z Directory

Posted by cara (349 days ago)

ok... take a breath!

i've had two c-sections at qmh. your hubby can accompany, under most circumstances. i was unlucky twice however, due to serious complications, mine was not allowed either time.

after you are finished in recovery, you will most likely be wheeled into the general ward. your hubby can help get you settled in, then he is subject to the same visiting hours as all other hubbies.

the nursing staff are VERY overworked, but wonderful! i really got to know them through my 13 hospitalisations.

c-sections aren't bad and you will still be a great mother even if you didn't do it "naturally"!

good luck!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Fluery (348 days ago)

Thanks, Cara! How long did you stay in the recovery room? Will they allow my hubby keep me company in the recovery room? Did you get general anesthesia or were you awake throughout. I know most women prefer to stay awake but somehow I just think I'll be scared to death and maybe I should ask for general anesthesia...

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by cara (348 days ago)

for the first, i had an epi. for ME, it wasn't a good experience at all. BUT, everyone else that i know that had the same thing thought it was great!

for the second, i was completely under.

if i had it to do over again, i would take the second. HOWEVER, there is more risk to YOU AND THE BABY.

you are right, having any operation is scary, and a c-section is no different. the best thing to do is to talk to your drs very openly and honestly about your fears. i went in with a list of about 25 questions and asked each one in turn. i had my hubby accompany me into the consultation room so that if i couldn't remember what an answer was later, that he would.

as for your husband staying with you in recovery, i don't think they are allowed. i was wheeled into a delivery suite after recovery because i had EXTREMELY, dangerously high blood pressure. my hubby was allowed to be with me in the delivery suite as well. but they don't do this(send you to a delivery suite) for everyone. they needed me to be closely monitored so that's why i had to go there.

also, make sure that you take the anti-histamine that they offer afterwards. i got VERY itchy. it's a common side-effect of anesthesia.

i was TERRIFIED before my first c-section. that's completely normal. i actually cried through the entire proceedure! the anesthesiologist's assistant spent much of the time drying my eyes and wiping my nose!!!

besides, you never know, baby may turn itself before a c-section is necessary. you've got 2 weeks, right?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Fluery (347 days ago)

Thank you so much Cara for this! I've already been crying since I found out I had to have a C-section. Yes, I will have a list of questions before the surgery. I don't think the chance of the baby turning in the next 2 weeks is very high given both of her legs are extended and my anmiotic fluid level is quite low... I guess I'll just have to be brave now...

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by hkexpat2007 (347 days ago)

Fluery, there was a posting on this site some time ago about turning a breech baby through manual manipulation through massage (by someone qualified of course). Would this be something you might be interested in trying?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by PDNS (346 days ago)

My baby was breech till birth and Princess Margaret did a last minute U/S for me b4 pushing me to the operation room, baby's head was still up so C has to perform. I find it great although I was having bearable pain for 2 days. I took pain killers and breastfed my baby without much problem. Nurses and caretakers were very helpful and all the C mothers were very supportive. Get off bed the next day and washed myself clean. To tell the truth, when i was waiting at the operation office, I can hear a mother who gave birth naturally screaming so hysterically that I told myself i will be 'sleeping' soon and when i am awake, my baby is there :). Nothing to be afraid and once you see your little one, nothing matter - be it C or natural.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Ruth in Canada (345 days ago)

Try to find a practitioner who can turn your baby. Moxibustion...a traditional Chinese medicine therapy...can be used to turn the baby.

Good luck honey!
cheers from Ruth

(I am based in Unspecified)

Posted by Fluery (343 days ago)

Thanks everyone for the support and advice. I did ask about turning the baby, but 2 doctors told me based on 2 U/S that my anmiotic fluid level is quite low and also my baby's legs are extended not curled up. As a result, turning the baby could potentially cause fetal distress and may not be worth the risk. I have one last check up this afternoon before my C-section next Friday...

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Ruth in Canada (343 days ago)

Do a google about turning a breech baby. There might be something interesting for you there.
Good luck, hon!

(I am based in Unspecified)

Posted by STAR&sHINE (343 days ago)

just relax- I had an emergency c-section and the experience was not bad at all. I had an epidural which I didn't feel at all......they played nice music and I was talking to the doctors all the way through.....they handed me my baby 5 minutes after she was delivered....! Everything was calm, peaceful and very relaxing.......no labour pain, no screaming, no anxiety.........baby was also very calm..........you can make this a good experience.......! I would never try to turn the baby that late- I'm not a doctor- but there must be a reason why babies don't turn.....mine was breech as well - so what......with little room in your belly imagine what could happen if you turn the baby- my gyno totally refuses to do that and I agree! All the best !

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Babeez (342 days ago)

Fluery,
My baby is also in breech and i will have my C-section in 2 weeks. Due to back problems i have to go completely under for the op, epi is too dangerous. I was scared to death just at the thought to start with but now i think about it, everything happens for a reason and i agree with STAR&sHINE, trying to turn the baby at this late stage worries me more. I trust my doc and i try to look beyond the op and try to focus on holding our little one in our arms. :)

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by cara (342 days ago)

hi babeez... so sorry that we haven't been able to get together! Christmas has been crazy with hubby's business! not a moment to ourselves. my thoughts will be with you, though. I'm sure everything will go well and you will be, hopefully, out of pain soon with a little bundle of joy in your arms!

to fleury, try to relax. it's not the mode of delivery that is important in the long run. it is the fact that your little one will arrive safe and sound and that your health will not be compromised either.

i wish you both the best with your deliveries. you are both in my thoughts and prayers.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Fluery (342 days ago)

I do feel more comfortable with the idea of C-section now and both my hubby and I are very much looking forward to meeting our baby! I think I'll opt for epi so my hubby can be there with me and also to welcome our baby. I'll be brave

Babeez, best of luck with the delivery.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by axptguy38 (339 days ago)

While c-sections are not risk free, you're not having a heart transplant. As surgery goes it's pretty routine. Heck, a lot of US women choose to have c-sections so they can know the exact date of delivery. Not sure I agree with that attitude but it does indicate the low risk level.

The worst thing about c-sections is having to recover from surgery as well as having a new baby. Have good support "staff" at home in form of husband, (mother), helper...


"Fluery, there was a posting on this site some time ago about turning a breech baby through manual manipulation through massage (by someone qualified of course). Would this be something you might be interested in trying?"

My friend's wife did this. Painful! Anyway doesn't seem to be an option for you.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Babeez (335 days ago)

Fluery,

Wishing you the best and hoping that you will have a safe delivery. i will be in your shoes next Friday. Let's hope we will both have healthy and happy babies!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by cara (335 days ago)

GOOD LUCK TO BOTH OF YOU!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by Babeez (335 days ago)

Oh yes and Cara, no worries, we can meet later maybe. When things settle maybe i can see your Centre. We went for an ultrasound today and the baby's head is engaged (she turned around into non-breech baby!) My placenta is not very efficient anymore and i get weird sugar cravings and lightheadedness if i don't get sugar. Quite a few changes, like sudden rashes that come and go and feeling very hot. Baby is very active still. My mum thinks labour is making my body go haywire so maybe she will come before next Friday...would be nice!

(I am based in Hong Kong)