Jayme's Decision for a Planned C-Section
"I always knew I wanted to have a planned C-section. We tried for four years to fall pregnant, including three years of IVF/ICSI due to endometriosis. When we finally fell pregnant with twins on round three after a double embryo transfer, my fertility specialist recommended a planned C-section. Unfortunately, at our eight-week scan, I was told that one twin had stopped growing, and I was diagnosed with vanishing twin syndrome. Still wanting a C-section, I told my OB that this was non-negotiable for me. With mild OCD, the thought of being out of control during a vaginal birth just wasn’t for me."
A Calm Start to a Special Day
"My OB, Dr Warrick Smith, operates out of the Mater Mothers' Private Hospital. I was booked in for my C-section at 38 weeks, although it was recommended I wait until 39 weeks. However, I was very anxious about going into natural labour. On the morning of the procedure, I woke up and did my hair and makeup, and I was the first one in theatre that day. My fiancé and I arrived at the hospital, and as we checked in, it felt like we were checking into a hotel for a holiday.
I was escorted to my room, where we were given our clothing for theatre – my gown and pressure socks, and James his scrubs."
The Big Moment
"We were then walked down to theatre, where we were put in a room. I was seated in a recliner so I could relax. My OB, the anaesthetist, and the head nurse each came in one at a time to run me through the procedure and answer any questions I had. I was then walked through to theatre, where I sat on the bed. The anaesthetist gave me the spinal block, while I held James’s hand on my left and a nurse’s hand on my right. The anaesthetist talked me through every step of the process. I was advised that my legs would start to tingle, and as he said this, I could feel the sensation creeping up my legs and then my body. I was laid down on my back, and I had the anaesthetist and a nurse beside me the entire time, checking in and making sure I was okay, along with my fiancé, James. In that environment though, I felt more comforted by the medical professionals.
My OB and a second surgeon entered the theatre. Warrick checked how I was feeling, and the second surgeon introduced herself to me. I was informed it would take about six minutes to get the baby out and 45 minutes for the procedure to be completed. I was asked to wiggle my toes and lift my legs, which I couldn’t do. Ice cubes were then run up and down my body to see how far down the spinal block was working, which was around my nipples. I was asked if I had any music I wanted to play; I wasn’t prepared for that, so I didn’t have anything in mind. Warrick then told me he was about to start the procedure and talked me through it, explaining that they had cut through all layers and were reaching for the baby, and they were about to pull her out. "Piano Man" by Billy Joel was playing, and all I could hear was the harmonica.
She was pulled out, and I could feel my body being tugged around on the table. Warrick then said, "Congratulations, it’s a girl!" She came out without a sound, and I remember looking around, thinking, "Why isn’t she screaming?" They dropped the surgery sheet, and Warrick said they usually don’t like this as they pinched her feet. Within seconds, she started crying, and so did I! She was taken over to a table to be weighed and checked by the paediatrician. James got to go over, and I was handed a monitor so I could see everything. James cut the cord, and she was checked over. She was then brought back and placed on my chest, where she stayed for quite some time."
When anyone asks me about my birth, I always say with a smile, "It was great!" I could not have asked for a better birth!
Recovery and Reflection
"I remember hearing what sounded like a coffee frother; the nurse advised it was a suction tool used to remove the fluid. The anaesthetist and the nurse continued to check in on me throughout the entire procedure. I started to feel an uncomfortable, but not unbearable, pain in my upper right shoulder, almost like a strained muscle which they called shoulder tip pain. I asked them to take her off my chest, and then both she and James went through to recovery.
The nurse and Warrick continued to explain what was going on, advising me that we were almost done, advising only about 20 minutes left and the number of layers left to stitch up. Before I knew it, it was over, and I was taken into recovery where I reunited with my fiancé and my newborn baby.
We stayed at the Mater for five days. I was up and showering the next day and walking around (very slowly). By day three, I felt back to semi-normal, and three weeks later, I was off all painkillers. When anyone asks me about my birth, I always say with a smile, "It was great!" I could not have asked for a better birth! It was everything I wanted. It is not a word that usually comes to mind when describing a birth but for me it was a fun experience!"
- Jayme Boswell @bedaringjayme
