Hi all,
This was my 2nd baby and I had been in two minds throughout my pregnancy about whether to have a natural birth or a C section (1st baby was c section at Hospiten due to large size). I found the prenatal care a bit frustrating as I was constantly passed from one doctor to another - they never had enough appts and I was always having to go through Urgencias to get my scans done on time.
Having said that, my main 2 doctors Dr Ramiro and Dra Castillo were both wonderful. In the end, the baby looked like it was going to be another big one so after a long conversation with Dra Castilo I decided to go for the C section as I was not willing to risk rupture or any danger to the baby, however unlikely.
I was booked in for the next day. We turned up and we were shown to our room which was incredible! HUGE corner room with the most amazing sea views you have ever seen!
I must say the whole process was incredibly easy, calm and pain free. I was taken downstairs in my bed and then walked into theatre. My husband was not allowed in with me. Everyone was kind and attentive. They asked me what the baby was going to be called, and used his name as soon as he was born which was lovely.
Of course I was nervous when I got in there and they put the epidural in (which did not even vaguely hurt). It´s a very weird feeling being so quickly unable to feel your legs and I got a bit panicky, but I sooned calmed down. The amazing midwife Olga held my hand the whole way through. Once I relaxed I even quite enjoyed it! It took quite a bit longer than last time as they have to cut through the scar tissue. They asked me whether I would like to see my baby being born. They pulled down the sheet and I saw baby Oscar being pulled out of stomach. Not for the faint-hearted but a truly amazing moment.
They lay him on me and he stopped crying and went all still as he listened to my voice talking quietly to him- it was wonderful.
They took him and cleaned him up and my husband got to see him but they didn´t let him hold him at that point. Unusually they let my husband come into theatre and be with me as they finished stitching me up, which was great if a bit gory for him!
The baby and my husband then went up to the 1st floor, while I was wheeled into recovery. Last time I had a C-section I was shaking a lot so they gave me a mild sedative which I really didn´t like - they offered one this time and I said no which was much better.
After about 45 minutes in recovery, the feeling had come back into my legs and I was wheeled back upstairs. The midwife came into see us and to help me start breastfeeding. I didn´t need it though as he latched right on and I felt an expert after feeding my first one for over a year!
The after care was OK, though I must say not as good as at Hospiten. I often had to wait for quite a while for the nurses to come. But they were always very kind and respectful. They provided nappies, wipes and maternity pads and bathed the baby each day.
The recovery was much much easier 2nd time round - I was really surprised and I was allowed to go home after 3 days.
I would recommend an elective C-section to anyone!
Heather x