I knew I wanted an elective C section when I was around 5 months pregnant. I had been told that because of my age (40) I would be induced at 39 weeks, I did not like the idea of my body being forced to do something it wasn’t ready to do. Anna reminded me I absolutely still had the choice to not accept either but a c section felt right for me as I’d know what was going to happen to me and I had some control. I was aware that recovery may be longer, but I felt as I knew what I would be recovering from, I could get myself ready mentally and physically.

The big day….

We did a quick double check that we had everything, bag for me, bag for my partner Joe, and a bag for our baby boy. Our friend drove us to the hospital, which was lovely as it kept us relaxed and there was a sense of excitement. 

We arrived at the Templar ward at Homerton hospital at 7am, I gave my name and we were shown to our bed straight away, I was given a hospital gown and some support socks, Joe was given scrubs and we were asked to put a hat and nappy into the cot for our baby. We were visited a few times for the usual tests, BP, temperature etc. After about 30 minutes the Anaesthetist came to see us to make sure we were fully aware of what would be happening, we already knew everything we were told and felt prepared but it was reassuring to hear. The surgeon came a little while after that, and we ran through everything, I gave them my birth plan to read through, it wasn’t complicated, but we had a few requests- our own music, the drape lowered when they were lifting him out, optimal cord clamping, and that we wanted Joe to cut the cord. 

We were told that we were third on the list, and that the lady before me would take slightly longer so we would expect to go in at around 11.30. We felt excited and a little anxious.

Eleven thirty came and went, 12pm came and went, then at 12.15 a nurse came in and asked us to follow her. I did not really pay attention on the walk down, Joe and I held hands and the nurse was chatting to us. We were then greeted by another anaesthetist, who made us both feel instantly at ease by chatting and joking with us. We went through the consent forms and a few other bits and given some lovely hats to cover our hair! 

We were then walked through to the theatre, there was a team of about 10 people, plus two students who we were introduced to and asked if we minded that they observe. 

I was asked to sit up on the bed, and a canula was inserted into my right hand, it was inserted on my wrist which was good as I felt I had more movement of my hand and I was given a local anaesthetic beforehand. 

The next bit was my least favourite! The spinal block, it was uncomfortable while she tried to insert it, and it took a while to do, but once it was done, everything after that was pain-free!

They tested that the spinal had worked by spraying me with ice cold spray, I was pretty numb from the waist down so could not feel the cold at all. Once I was in position on the bed (slightly tilted to the left) the amazing team got to work! A catheter was inserted, I was shaved where the incision would be made, all the time the team were chatting to me and to each other, the anaesthetist stayed by my head and was constantly asking if I was comfortable, Joe was sat on my left hand side. Our playlist had been put on and the music that was special to me was surrounding me while all this was going on, it was a wonderful yet surreal feeling. 

Then the surgeon came in, and they did a safety check on all the equipment they had used and would be using, this was reassuring! We had a quick chat, the drape was lifted and they got to work! 

I was told I would feel some pulling and a bit of pressure, I was not aware of any of this, before I knew it the surgeon was asking the team to lower the drape, and our son was being lifted out of my stomach, I instantly recognised him (I still cry when I think about that moment) 

He was wrapped and put on me straight away, it was slightly difficult to do skin to skin as there was lots of things in the way, my mask, the hat was falling down and he was wrapped in a towel, but it was still an extremely special moment. The anaesthetist offered to take a picture of the three of us and everyone was offering congratulations. 

Arthur Bacchus Kelly Rose- born on 13th May 2021 at 12.51 

He was then taken over to the area where they did all the checks, the placenta was still attached and as per our request they left it on until the cord was white and Joe cut it. The surgeon was still working on me and I could hear Arthur screaming his head off!

We were then wheeled to recovery, where I was helped to breastfeed Arthur. Lots of things were going on and it all felt like a bit of a blur. Then we were taken to the ward, being wheeled through the corridor with Arthur on my breast was a bizarre experience, every member of staff that we passed said ‘congratulations’ which was lovely.

I felt very well looked after on the ward, I was constantly visited by midwives with painkillers, checking my blood pressure and helping me with breastfeeding. I was still fairly numb but I was aware of tingling and some feeling coming back to my legs. 

We managed to get a private room, which they let us in once I was able to walk the length of the ward, it was great having our own space so the three of us could get used to each other, it cost us £100 but was well worth it. 

The night was a bit of a blur, I didn’t manage to sleep much, I was trying to feed Arthur but felt unsure about how much he was actually getting! The midwives were checking on us all through the night. 

After various other checks throughout the next day and the removal of the catheter, we were allowed to leave at around 5.30pm. I felt apprehensive leaving the care of the hospital but knowing that a midwife was visiting the next day was very reassuring. 

The pain was worse the day after (I was warned of this) and it was difficult to walk to the car, I knew I had a challenge over the next few weeks to cope with recovery and a new baby, but with Joe’s support and the team from Homerton I knew everything would be ok. 

It is now three weeks after the birth of Arthur, we are doing well, he is feeding and sleeping and so are we! My scar is looking good, I am experiencing some pain but nothing that wouldn’t be expected after a major operation. There have been some ups and downs, and we are expecting many more but I would not change any of it for the world. 

Whenever I think of my experience it makes me cry. It was overwhelming, beautiful, scary and life changing! And now we have Arthur…