Experiences with emergency c-section?

Question

Last week I had an emergency cesarean after being diagnosed with HELLP syndrome. They couldn't get a local anesthetic to take, so I had to go general. With all the drugs in my system (including magnesium to prevent seizures), I essentially missed the first two days of my son's life. Now I'm feeling guilty about not being there for him, and essentially cheated out of the labor I had planned. I didn't even have any contractions! Any similar experiences?

Answer 1

Congrats on the new baby boy! First of all of course you are glad you have a healthy baby right! And yes it is the safest thing or they would not have done it...however do not feel guilty about wanting to go through what you were prepared to go through or dissapointed that you couldnt!
My first son was a emergency c-section due to preeclamcia( I have never been able to spell that one right) I was on magnesium sulfate to bring my blood pressure down and do not remember the first 2 days of Trevor's life either. I didn't get to nurse him for 2 days. I understand why and how you feel. I wanted to go through labor and to hold my son as soon as he was born. I have had 3 c-sections total and 2 were emergency...Trevor was born at 34 weeks...Janelle was just a regular section at 37 weeks and Katie was an emergency section at 30 weeks...I am not allowed to labor now since I had a classical incision on my uterus. Up and down not side to side. You need to know what kind they used so you will know for future pregnancies! V-backs are dangerous and you need to make sure you have all the facts before deciding to have a vaginal delivery next time. For me I didn't have a choice. I would not have done it even if I could have.
If you want to chat please feel free to email me at [e-mail]
God Bless

Answer 2

Sounds like me...

I had an emergency c-section at 27 weeks due to severe preeclampsia (and trust me, I know alll about being on magnesium! Bleh!). My situation was so severe that I also couldn't see my daughter for 2 days. And I couldn't even hold her for 3 weeks. I was so bitter in the beginning about not being able to hold her and that everyone else got to touch her and all that and I couldn't for 2 days. And I also feel like I got cheated out of the labor! Which so many women think I'm nuts for feeling like that...but I was so looking forward to the whole experience of pregnancy and delivery.

And that is and will be my only experience ever since my doctors have strongly suggested that I never go through another pregnancy...it's way too risky for me and the baby. =(

My feelings were stronger about this in the beginning...but even now I sometimes feel a little bitter or envious that I didn't get to experience the big huge preggo belly or holding my baby right away or even going through labor.

Then again, I am blessed BEYOND words...so everything works out the way it should. =) My daughter is 13 months now and doing amazingly well.

Answer 3

Well, I wouldn't get to hard on myself if I were you. You are a very lucky woman to have your baby, and everything beiing ok!! I had a c-section with an epidural though, and I did pretty well, I was 28 weeks... and it was in 12/05. My daughter and I were both really sick, and although I didn't have any problems from the surgery where it kept me in bed or knocked out, I did lose my baby after a week. She was very sick, so do not feel bad about not having any contractions or having the birth you planned, sadly it doesn't always work out the way we want... ya know? Just think about what you have now... I cannot tell ya how lucky you are! You are a good mother, and you were there for him... you took take of yourself, and now you can take care of him! I am so happy you are both doing well now, and I hope you let the guilt go... look at what you over-came!!

Answer 4

There is no need to feel guilty.Your son has no clue you were out of it for those first two days. When I had my last son he was taken to another hospital for breathing problems and I remained in the hospital I had him in, and I did not get to see him for the first week of his life.(I had a cesarean) It was hard then, but now I am so grateful that he is healthy and beautiful that I had to put that behind me. As long as you are a loving caring mother to him, thats what matters. Instead of feeling guilty, cherish every moment you have with him, because before you know it, he will be grown. Good Luck and enjoy him.

Answer 5

First off, DO NOT feel guilty. Your son won't even remember this. Just be glad that you had a wonderful healthy baby. Thats all that matters.

About the c-section. You should feel very lucky about not having to go through labor pains. I've had three children, roughly 13 hours of hard labor with each one, and you are definately lucky not to go through that. Lol!

My sister had c-sections with her children, and I'm always telling her that I'm jealous of her because of it. Lol!

My doctor also told me that a c-section is harder to heal from than vaginal birth, so I hope everything goes well for you.

Congrats on the new baby boy. Just wait till he's three. That's a fun year!

Answer 6

I can understand where you coming from, Ihad placenta prevea grade 4 which means that my placenta covered my cervix completely. I had a c-section and had a general i lost 5 litres of blood,i did not see my baby until late the next day, I did feel a little cheated. I spent 3mths in hospital prior to having my baby, during that time i seen so many premi baby born and the pain that the parents went through, some lived some died. I think about that and even though i did not see my son into the world i am very lucky that he is healthy and alive. Please dont feel guilty he knows your his mum. Just enjoy him.

Answer 7

I had a very similar experience. I had a section after being diagnosed with severe pre-eclampsia at 28 weeks...the epidural did not take and I was given some medicine to help me forget the operation (I could feel them cutting), and because my son was so early I was hysterical that I couldn't see him, he was in the NICU and I was in recovery and beacuse I was so sick and still on the mag I couldn't see him until 24 hours later. I felt like I didn't do enough for him and that it was my fault that I didn't get to see him. He is still in the NICU, he knows who I am, turns to my voice and immediately settles when I hold him.....I guess the guilt came from my expectations of what it would be like...ie, honey, its time and rushing to the hospital etc......but now I am just thankful that we are both okay and look forward to bringing him home.

Answer 8

I had an emergency csection after being in labour for 3 days with my son. I understand what your saying but look to the other side, emergency being the word, he arrived safe, healthy and with no harm. I wouldnt trade that for anything in the world. The csection only when they have to when mom or baby is in danger, and i would have that again any day than risk me and him not growing up and old together!

Answer 9

well to be honest child birth is a different experience but and emergancy c-section is another. you had to have it so don't feel guilty.and you can't feel bad you missed 2 days of his life you couldn't help it .they don't usually give them unless they are needed so there were complications right so if you had tryed to give birth you could have done more damage than not as for having a baby naturally well
maybe next time so don't feel bad he is ok you are ok and thats all that matters move on and enjoy what you have

Answer 10

I can understand because I had two c-sections and I was out of it because of the pain medications. I did not have the chance to have my children natuarl and I didn't get to name them but my ex-husband did. Listen even though you missed two days of your sons life does not mean you are going to miss anymore but be thankful you are with him now and will see him everyday and cherish each moment and days with him.