"Planned C-section"

I had a planned C-section a couple of months ago. I had one previously which was very positive which is why I opted for a planned one this time. I attended the online section school a few weeks before which was incredible- such a useful resource. I told friends who are in different health boards and they were amazed that we had access to this and also thought it was amazing. 

On the day of the C-section we arrived on the ward and were warmly welcomed. Everything was going well but when the anaesthetist came to talk to us I found it difficult to explain the additional care I needed (which my consultant for a long term condition advised me to ask for). I kept telling this person what my consultant told me and they didn't seem to understand and said that I wouldn't need that. Eventually they realised what I meant and agreed I would need that additional care. This felt frustrating because if I hadn't persevered I wouldn't have got that additional care. 

We went down to theatre and I sat up on the bed to get the spinal. It wouldn't go in properly and the local anaesthetic wouldn't work. I was screaming in pain. The midwife/theatre staff member was so kind and reassuring though. She tried to distract me and held my hand. The anaesthetist said that I was sitting twisted slightly so I tried to move how they want me to. Eventually they said that was fine and they eventually got the spinal in. It didn't feel right to me, it felt off centre. I lay down and I could feel the anaesthetist working. I was told that they don't use the cold spray to test for feeling anymore because it's bad for the environment but instead they use cold water. The anaesthetist put some cold water on my tummy and I said I thought I could feel it and they said I was probably just imagining it so we proceeded. I felt them cut and said I could feel that. They said it's normal to feel pressure and I said it was more than just pressure. I said that it felt like the anaesthetic was patchy and hadn't numbed me fully. They said it was probably just nerves and feeling anxious after the difficult spinal placement. I got more uncomfortable and started to experience chest pain. The anaesthetist was good though and asked the surgeons to stop while we tried to resolve this pain. Within a few mins I was put under general anaesthetic. 

I was very sleepy when I woke up but was eager to feed my baby since he'd not been fed since he was born 1.5hrs before. So he was put on me. I fed my first with no issues so felt confident. Unfortunately almost immediately I got nipple trauma which has led to a very different breast feeding journey. I wish I'd been supported more given my circumstances of having all the anaesthetic in my system to get a good latch. 

We were put into 1:1 observation to check for chest pain/issues. A lady with blonde hair came around and offered me a bed bath. She was one of the kindest and compassionate healthcare professionals I've ever met. She made me feel so much better and was extremely kind. She said she usually worked at the DMU but was helping out on labour ward that day. 

We were moved back to the section ward at 4pm. At 8pm I asked if I'd be getting some dinner because nothing had arrived. I was told that dinner was at 5.30 and they just have missed me. 

Overnight I experienced a lot of pain and had to ask for breakthrough pain relief. At 6am I asked for some additional pain relief and the midwife said they'd just be back with some. I buzzed again at 6.30 and they came back and said they'll be as quick as they can. At 7.30am I buzzed again and was told they were doing hand over so they'd get around to me. The breakfast staff came and asked if I wanted cereal. I was crying because I was in pain. They sighed and said they'll get to me. I eventually got normal pain relief at 8.30am. by this point my pain was so out of control. I wanted to get home and they told me that I'd have to go without any breakthrough pain relief if I wanted home. So I only took the minimum so I could get home to ensure I could get pain relief on time and get proper meals.

I then experienced severe pain at home. On day 5 my community midwife  told me to phone the gp because I shouldn't be in this sort of pain. The gp happily gave me additional pain relief! It was only at this point that my pain came under control. I think this should have and could have been put in place before leaving hospital. 

In the ward though before coming home I was visited by a breastfeeding support worker. This lady was very reassuring and helpful. I do wish I could've been supported to get more positions working though because the lying back and letting baby latch themselves is fine when in privacy but isn't appropriate when there are visitors.