2Nd C-section & Scared - Chicago,IL

tell them what happened the first time and ask what they recommend to do the second time.

I itched terribly after my first C, told them about that and they gave me something to make the morphine not make me itch.

Really since you are going in for a scheduled you won't have as many, if any, issues at all. It will be fine. I had my second by scheduled and it was very nice!

It looks like lots of other moms have said the same thing, but I had a c-section for my first after a long and exhausting labor and handled the surgery pretty badly. Not as bad as it was for you though! It's sad to have such a traumatic experience with your first birth, I think. But our second was a scheduled c-section and it was SO much better. Everyone said that a scheduled c-section is nothing like an emergency c-section, and that I would be amazed at how smoothly it went. I didn't believe them, but it was absolutely true. The spinal block was very quick and controlled and less painful than the epidural. It's also a much different type of anesthesia.

And, the recovery from the surgery was so much faster. I was able to nurse our daughter as soon as we got to the recovery room, whereas I wasn't able to hold our son until he was about 4 hours old because I was shaking, vomiting, in extreme pain and couldn't move my arms. The scheduled c-section was the birth that I had always hoped for and I'm very glad I did it.

Don't worry! It will be much, much better. Good luck and congratulations!

Don't have much to offer, but wondered if it would be a good idea for you to get a doula or nursemid-wife who may be able to talk to you before and speak in "their" language? Perhaps s/he could also make sure your needs are advocated for?

I would definitely talk to the anesthesiologist, even if your OB doesn't think it's a good idea. This is your birth experience not the OB!!!! Xanax also sounds like a good idea.

I wish you lived in the S. Suburbs. I delivered at Silver Cross and the (male) anesthesiologist sat talked to me 2x before the medication, did a great job inserting the (spinal this time) and sat by my head the whole C-section. He was so great!!

You are not a wimp of a woman, infact you are quite brave and loving to go through the birthing process again. Best wishes to you.

First of all, I am so sorry that you had such a bad first experience. That is a tough way to begin and anyone in their right mind would be scared to repeat it.

I had a c-section and also had the shaking - apparently it is a common thing with the drugs they use. When my husband came into the room and saw me spread out and practically convulsing he nearly died! We laugh about it now... My shoulders and neck hurt more than anything else in the days after because they were so strained from clenching and shaking. I also felt the nausea and had been warned about it as well as the shaking. Everything else was wonderful about the experience.

I feel it really helped to be prepared about what exactly happens, which you are. I practiced a lot of deep breathing, I had my husband stay by my head and massage my neck and talk to me to distract me. There were some intense moments when I just felt so uncomfortable, but I was never in pain. If you throw up, you throw up. That happens even with vaginal births. I think the big thing for you is to be sure you feel comfortable with your doctors and know that they are going to do everything they can to make this a better experience. Coming up with some strategies with your husband to engage and support you can be really helpful to. Having my husband put his head near mine and talk about this amazing thing that was going on helped me focus on the big picture and not every sensation my body was going through.

Best of luck to you. I hope this is a fantastic experience for you. Scary as it is, it's a really fantastic thing - a "celebration, a birthday" as my doctor said while I wimpered. That was a good thing to keep in mind!

I have had three c-sections. The first was an emergency and went relatively well. The shaking is COMPLETELY normal. Part of that is nerves and anxiety, part of that is also just from a chill. It's cold as all get out in that operating room. You are there stark naked except for the warming blankets. Shivering is to be expected. My second was a planned c-section and for planned c-sections they give you a spinal, not an epidural. The spinal will numb you from the chest down, as opposed to the epidural which is from roughly the lower half of your rib cage down. When you have a planned c-section it is still a little scary, and there is always going to be some anxiety and emotions, but it is a totally different experience. You aren't dealing with the pain of contractions and labor. You aren't dealing with the frenzy of hurrying and the worry of something being wrong with you or especially the baby. It is slow and methodical and the doctor administering is able to really take their time (not that they aren't already being careful) but the stress of hurrying because of extenuating circumstances is gone. You'll be fine. You can do it. You'll see. Good luck to you. (My third pregancy was c-section also - twins and they were 7 weeks early so I had an epidural. But have never had any back or leg issues - it's all about the doctor and your comfort level. You really do have to be calm and relax as best as possible.)

Hi there!
I had 2 c-sections and the first one I had a REALLY bad experience with the anesthesia (it wore off right after they delivered my son) and was scared out of my mind that it would happen again for the 2nd one. I spoke to the anestheologist about my fears before the surgery and she was great. She was able to give me a little something to take the edge off before surgery so I wasn't shaking or nervous. Then I had a spinal and everything was ok. But, I have to be honest and tell you that after I was in my room, I started dry-heaving and iching from the pain meds. but they were able to give me more meds to get rid of that feeling. So, bottom line is...you have to tell them your fears and when you feel sick or ichy so they can help you.

I hope this helps! Good luck!
D. L.

While I have not had a second c-section, my first was planned due to placenta previa. Even though the c-section was technically an "emergency" since I was 35 weeks pregnant, the fact that I didn't labor first made a big difference. Also, I got a spinal, not an epidural (not that there's a huge difference). My advice would be to talk with your doctor about this to minimize your anxiety, but not laboring first I think will make a big difference. See if there are any medications that will not harm the baby that can help you relax enough to have them get the spinal or epidural in successfully. Good luck.

Tyr not to think about the first so much. This is a new pregnacy your and things can go a lot better. I had a horrible first. I was in full labor from the start and then they induced to speed things up because my daughters heart beat kept dropping. I was terrified about having another baby. My second daughter I was induced from the start and everything went so much better. The only problem was she got stuck (big head & 10lbs) and the anesthesia was wearing off. Even with that it was still more enjoyable then the first. Tell everyone when you go in to have your baby how the first went so they will be there for you and remember it can be totally different.

Hi My name is K....I know you have alot of responses. But I did want to respond to you. I have had 2 c-sections. The 1st went really well. The 2nd one they had trouble they had trouble getting the epidural in. After several attempts in trying to get it in.(because i have back problems) I asked for someone else to try. You have that right. And remember you do have that right. Everyone is scared it is just not you! Try to be strong and remember at the end you will have this precouis gift in your arms. Congrats.

Sorry for your bad experience on such a momentous occasion for your first birth. If I were you I would get a second opinion. There is no reason why you would "have" to have an epidural even if there is a need for emergency surgery. If that should happen, they would put you under and you wouldn't have to worry about the shaking anyways. It does sound like you had a bad or inexperienced pain doc. They should have explained that the shaking can occur from the meds and all the other potential side effects. They should also make sure you are not feeling anything prior to starting your surgery. I've had both a c-section (with an epidural) and a vbac with no meds. Please PM me if you want to discuss anything further. Good luck and congrats!

I had a last minute c-sec with my son. My epidural did not work and they had to knock me out. But I think they cal aslo do a Spinal, instead of the Epidural. Talk with your doctor and see what other options are avialble.

I had an emergency C with my first at 32 weeks. It was hectic, but thankfully they did a great job. However, I was much more scared/nervous with the second. I was really shakey when they wanted to do the epi too. I will tell you what helped me. I had one of the nurses hold me when they have you bend over to put in the needle and I told them just how nervous I was before hand. My doc knew I was scared and he was VERY understanding and helpful. When they went to insert the needle, the nurse held me and talked into my ear to keep my mind on something else. Even my doctor came over and was very calming. It went better than I could have wanted. When the went to start they gave me a little extra in there to make sure there was no pain. I did get a little queasy near the end, which can be normal, but they put something right into the epi that made it go away instantly.

I had a much faster recovery and felt pretty darn good after considering the surgery.

Talk to you doctor about your concerns and fear. He/She should be understanding and compassionate and they should let the staff know how you are feeling.

Think of that baby. It totally helped me.

Good luck!

I just wanted to tell you that I had a bad experience with my first child and a perfect experience with my 2nd. I also shook uncontrolably with the first (I had a spinal and a c-section). During the c-section, I started throwing up, so they had to stop and wait for me to finish before they could go on. I was shaking so badly that I couldn't hold onto my baby after he was born. I also had a great deal of pain during the procedure, which they kept telling me was normal. They kept saying "it's just the pressure" but it was so intense that I felt like I couldn't breathe.

When I was in the hospital waiting to go to surgery for my 2nd baby (planned c-section) I was really scared. The anesthesiologist came in to talk to me. I told him about my concerns. He assured me that it would be better this time and not to dwell on what happened before since it was unlikely that 2 birth experiences would be the same. He also said "The more you think about throwing up, the more likely you are to throw up." The 2nd one was so much better. I felt some pressure, but no pain. I was relaxed. I didn't shake. I recovered a lot faster.

That's just my experience, but I hope that it helps you feel more secure!

Just a suggestion. Maybe go to the hospital, and meet with the anestheologist, and discuss your concerns. I know your nervous, and I feel for you. I feel if you meet with the anesteologist, it might calm your nerves. He or she can talk to you, and answer your questions. I will hold you in my prayers! I am sure, that if you have your concerns and questions validated, it will calm you, and make you feel confident that everything is going to be okay! The Best of Luck!!!!!!

All I can say is the second time around, it will be planned and you'll know what is going on. So, it won't be as bad. Warn the anesthesiologist about your shaking and have a nurse or your husband help hold you still so that you can get the shot, if possible.
I can't believe that the anesthesiologist shot you in the nerve. I wonder if there is anything you can do to get recourse.
Maybe taking some yoga breathing classes or something will help with the shaking, or they can give you vallium or something. (don't really know if that's a good idea, but who knows). Ask your doctor. You are NOT a wimp of a woman! I feel for you.
But, like I said, this next one will be planned, you've done it before and are aware of what to expect. It will be much easier and faster and a lot less painful this time.

S

Hi, I read several of the responses, but not all, but the one thing that one of the Mom's said was "try not to think about your first experience since it obviously wsn't the best"! Your doctor knows what your went through, and am sure they would not want you to again. I am sure this has been discussed with him!

I had an Emergency C-Section with my 1st one and had problems with the 2nd Epideral to, blah, blah, and I had a scheduled C-Section with my second, and it was an AWESOME experience. No problems, nothing!!! It was wonderful. I

Think great thoughts. No sense worrying about something that hasn't happened yet (in regards to the 2nd)!!!!

The best of luck to you and your family.

Well of coarse you are scared! I have heard of people who have had bad experiences with epidurals not taking. That would really stink!
I have had 2 epidurals and both were good so I can't say at all that I know how you feel but I do think that there is something your doctor can do for you to help with your nerves on delivery day since you know that you are having a c-section. Perhaps you can discuss your fears with him and on the day you go in for your delivery, perhaps they'll give you a Xanax which will help keep you calm. In the meantime there are things you can do to teach yourself how to relax without medication. Try a calming pregnancy yoga class or video. My husband is so good when it comes to helping me stay calm in any given situation, by talking to me or giving me a massage or rubbing my face while we're laying down.
I would be so scared to have a c-section because I've never had any kind of surgery but it's like people have them every day so they are safe and it's probably pretty rare to have experienced what you did with your first, right? They say every pregancy and every delivery is different so this time it's gotta be better!!! Good luck!

Couldn't they just put you under and skip the spinal? I had an emgency c-section with my first and they put me under. I know that you will miss the whole birth experience, but it sounds like yours was horrible anyway, and the goal here is a healthy baby and a healthy mom.

I would also discuss with your doctor if they could give you something for nerves that will relax you and help you deal with the spinal, if you have to have that.

Praying for you,
B.

It sounds like you may have had a bad anesthesiologist. I too had a bad experience with an epidural that did not take for an emergency c-section. Had to be knocked out because it did not take. When I elected to have a c-section for the next child I spoke with the anesthesiologist quite frankly and explained my last experience. He was very comfoting and let me know my options and what I could do. They would not start the c-section unless I felt completely numb. It was a much better experience. My advice is to talk very clearly with your anesthesiologist about your last experience and clearly let him know that if you are not numb they cannot proceed. Good luck and remember each birth is different even with c-sections. I had 3.

From my experience with Labor, the shaking you had wasn't from nerves, but its because of all the changes your body is going thru at that moment. With both my births, I had an epidural and I had the "shivers" or "shakes" and I think that is just what happens to your body.

I am not sure that you have to have an epidural. They can give you a general anesthetic. I would go for an anesthesiology consult. I have had my spine fused and so there was some question as to whether I could have an epidural at all. I am pretty sure there are a variety of options that don't involve epidurals.

Have you discussed this with your doctor? Maybe he/she can refer you to a counselor or psychologist to help deal with your fears and anxieties so that when the time comes you are better able to manage the issues and feel more 'in control' of the situation.

You might also be able to check with the hospital where you will be delivering and contact their labor/delivery/post-partum department to find out what kinds of classes they might have. Of course they will have childbirthing and baby basics classes but they might also have something on managing fear/anxiety or at least be able to steer you toward someone who can help.

Best wishes for a happy and healthy pregnancy - I'm sure everything will work out well for you!

Hi LM,
You've gotten a lot of wonderful advise so I I'll try not to repeat some things....
If you are already stressing about the epi, it's only going to get worse as your date gets closer. This isn't good for you and your baby. Maybe think about not being awake for the c section. My first birth was an emergency last minute c section (18 hrs hard labor,12 hrs back labor,induced to try to speed up process-my son was not making any progress and I never dialated past 7) I asked my Dr to be awake and my husband in, my Dr said there wasn't the time for the epi/spinal. I was very disappointed of course but everything was better for my son and myself in the long run. I had a planned 2nd c section with my daughter 2 years later with epi. I had 2 shots also and it was very hard getting the 2nd one - I was shaking so bad from nerves, BUT I was determined to be awake and be able to share it with my husband. Since you've had the wonderful experience with your husband sharing the birth with your first baby, maybe think about being out this time. It may be a more relaxing decision for you to make now so you won't have the stress of worry for the rest of your pregnancy.
Good luck and try not to worry!!!!

Hello there: I had a similar situation. I also felt all the pain. It was terrible. When I got pregnant for the second time, I was so scared that I almost did no enjoy it. But I prayed a lot, and everything went so smooth. I had a spinal instead this time. My baby daughter healed my soul. You will see, after you have your baby, this situation will not bother you anymore. And when is planned, everybody is there only for you, doctors, nurses. It is so much better. Good Luck!!!

Hi my name is JC, I have had 3 c-sections, the last 2 i had to have teh epidural. the easiest way for me was to bend over witha pillow in front of me, i had a midwife to help me breath very slowly and with deep breaths and i had to be very still. i too felt a stinging sensation but it went away very quickly. My doctor told me it was better foro me and the baby becuase we would both be alert and that's very important. so you are not a wimp i was nervous both times but it was great to be alert and knowing that my babies had a better chance. just remain positive and know that the most precious person will be arriving soon! you can do it!

Talk to the anesthesiologist. Ask to speak to one now and talk to the one who will be doing your surgery that day. I was terrified of the epidural, I don't numb well with lidocaine, novacaine, of benzocaine and was worried that it just wouldn't work. I talked to my anesthesiologist about all of it and he looked up info and came back to me with a plan of what we'd do if the standard drugs didn't work. The epi was fine, ended up having a C after 23 hours and he made sure that went fine too. They can tell you what your options really are and help you find a solution that will work, whether that's a spinal, epi, or general.

Hi! I am an anesthesia tech by trade and am also looking at a 2nd C-section due to complications with the first. First, your fear is Ok! Please do discuss it with your OB/GYN it is a legitimate concern and they should be open to your questions. Second, just like any other doctor you can and should screen your anesthetist, so they are aware of your unique circumstances and prior health concerns. It is your healthcare and your body, you should feel comfortable with the team of doctors and nurses there to help you. So if you are going to do a scheduled Cesaerean then you should be able to plan on whom is going to participate in that special moment, ie working out schedules to get the doctors in there at the same time working together for you. It can be a daunting task interviewing doctors, so start with someone you already trust your OB see whom they recommend. Check your insurance company who will they work with? And look online at the doctors Bio's can usually be found on a hospital's website or a particular practices' website. And write down questions you have for them so you don't forget while chatting with them, they are busy and can cut you off, but it's not intentional. (yes, it is) So be certain that you are comfortable with the responses and make a decision.

Hi I am so sorry you had that experience with your first child. I had a similar experience - I labored 24 hrs with no progress then had a c-section with an epidural. They had to do two to numb me and I too had the uncontrollable shakes. I also had no sensation of breathing which again is common. The scary part was I did not know what to expect so was unprepared. However, be comforted my second c-section was so much better. I talked at length with my doctor about my nerves and apprehension so they knew what they were dealing with and really comforted me. I decided to have a spinal since the epidural was so miserable. It was a much better experience with no side effects. I know everyone react and responds differently but I did like the spinal. Also being able to schedule the time and day helps prepare for it and just knowing tha it is 30 minutes in the large scheme of things for the surgery and really doing relaxed controlled breathing during the procedure really seemed to help me out. I wish you much luck and it really helps to talk through everything with friends or people that have gone thru something similar. Please email me if you want to chat further.

Talk to yur OB & make sure she schedules a really experienced Anesthesiologist. You should also meet with the Anesthesiologist before the c-section & tell him/her your fears & past bad experience.

Oh my gosh I remember the shaking and it didn't help that my husband at the time (notice at the time) found it more interesting to watch me get sliced open then to support me. So never knew his name but some handsome anesthesiologist was supportive. Ah, but I digress. That was eighteen something years ago. You can't stop it, that is the body's natural reaction. Just remember it will pass and you will have yourself a new wonderful buddy love in your life. I am sure the other moms can suggest breathing techniques and ask the various people involved in this whole process for advice. It will be over eventually as you know and you will never forget but it will not be as important. Prayers headed your way and congratulations. Just know God will help you through this.
S.

I don't blame you for being worried and scared. Try to remember, though, that one reason the first experience was so traumatic is that you were already in an emergency situation and worried about the baby and I'm sure the doctors and nurses had a heightened sense of urgency too. You were probably thinking "OMG this is not how I wanted it to be...this doesn't feel right". THis time you will be approaching the whole situation differently and you will feel more in control.

Try to take as much control beforehand as you can. You should repeatedly talk to your OBGYN about your concerns. Make sure your chart reflects the decisions you make in case your doctor is unavailable for some reason. Also, arrange to speak to the anesthesiologist about your previous experience. Ask both doctors about getting a low dose of anxiety medicine like Xanax or Ativan to help you get through things. Continue to harp on these things throughout. You should be able to make an appt with the anesthesiologist - don't let them tell you no.

I had an emergency C the first time and had an epidural that didn't work THe second (planned) C was a spinal. The third C was an epidural b/c I hated the spinal so much! I had a great experience the third time - really wonderful. But I had to really advocate for my decision to have an epi instead of the spinal - right up to the time I was getting prepped for the procedure (spinals are easier for the doctors). They told me "oh you'll be in pain b/c of scar tissue with the epi" blah, blah, blah.....but none of it panned out. I didn't feel like I was paralyzed for hours after the baby was born like I did with the spinal. ( Talk about anxiety!) So the bottom line is educate yourself, decide what you want, and then be prepared to demand it right up to the end. In my opinion, if you get the epidural under calm circumstances, you will be happy with your experience thereafter.

Good luck to you - I hope you have the kind of birth experience you deserve.

Here is my story and what I did. I had an emeregency csection ,with a spinal, with my first child, who later passed away do to not having kidneys. Very scared with second, only had epidural andonce they cut into me I could feel everything. They ended up putting me under after she was born. Third child had a spinal, refused a epidural and everything went great. Fourth and last, they wanted to give me an epidural and I fought them. I would recommend a spinal. Some say you can get a spinal headache, but I have never had that and I have had easier recovery's with the spinal. Make your decision and stay strong. Good luck.

Hi. I experienced a horrible time with my first c-section related to recovery and was also scared and extremely anxious the second time around as I knew it would be c-section. I told my doctor and she was able to give me a very low dosage of meds (Xanax)to calm me just prior to going into the operating room. She assured me it was safe and it was just enough to take the edge off. Just a thought. Hope this helps. Good luck and I'm sure everything will be ok. My 2nd was very smooth.

After thirty four hours of induced labor, dialting only to a three and a bad reaction to the epidural (nurse didn't tell the anistheologist that I had stadol in my system... had epidural 20 minutes laters, BP dropped to 76/60 and babies heartrate was in the 90's)... extreme nausea, etc.) , I had an emergency c-section. Due to my first experience and the size of my children, VBAC was not an option. With my second, I had a spinal and the world's easiest birth. Honestly, I had no reaction to spinal. In fact, I didn't even know that they had made the incision until I heard the baby cry. Good luck!

my anesthesiologist for my second was
Rama Kuchipudi, MD

Specialty
Anesthesiology
Pain Management

Offices
Lake County Anesthesia Associates
1880 W Winchester Rd, Suite 101
Libertyville, IL 60048
###-###-####

He is amazing.

Dear momma i feel for you, 5 years ago i had an er c sec at 33 weeks as well, i am now preg 5 month along and am tring to figure out what to do also. I was put to sleep and did not get the apidural, but i do know the shaking i was so scared i shook even after being passed out. I can have c sec or vbac and am not sure what i want to do yet, but either way because of what i went through i am scared either way it goes. I am not sure but if you are anything like me you may not stop being scared no matter what advice you get. I watched my best friend get her epidural and everything went fine and i know alot of people that that have had them, it may have been the person doing yours was not able to handle the er situation you were in, things will be fine this time. As far as the anesthesia just make sure your husband holds you and and reminds you that it will be over soon and you will be holding your beautiful new baby. Also pray God is always there to help even when we think he has done nothing he has a reason for everything and through him everything has a way of working its way. Always remember to breath that will help with the shaking and you can always find out if they can give you something for your nervous before they do anything to help you control shaking so you could be still for it...Good luck and i hope and pray things go well for you.....Jenn

I had an epideral w/ my first and felt the tugging and pulling. W/ my second.. I had a spinal and I didn't feel a thing. they would tell me.. okay you are going to feel some pressure... nope.. I didn't. The only thing that I felt right after the spinal..was nausia. They gave me something immediately and it went right away. I was so nervous w/ my first that I asked them to knock me out. I was shaking, etc. I didn't want to miss my second..this time I knew that I was having a C and was more relaxed..even if they told me I need to slow down my breathing. =) Good luck.. and relax.

Well if it helos at all, you were most likely not shaking because of nerves. You were shaking because of the drugs in the anesthesia. I did the exact same thing with two of my three births, but my third epidural didn't take so that is why I didn't shake that time. I think you have done it once and you are probably stronger than you think!!! Good luck to you and your little one.

When you have a planned C-section they put in the epidural and then check to make sure it's working before they continue with the surgery. I have had 3 vaginal births and 1 C-section. 2 of my vaginal births were VBac. I didn't have any anesthesia with my first child and it was my worst delivery. I then had epidurals with the other 3 and never had a problem with any of them. My body did shake after I had my CSection but I don't remember that happening after the 2 Vbac's. Ask for the best anasthesiologist in the hospital. Tell the doctors/nurses what happen to you the first time with the epidural and then wait for them to send you the best Dr. they have. When I had my last child I wanted the epidural put in before they started giving me pitocin and the nurses told me NO....well I just kept kindly, gently insisting that I was only going to do it in that order. And they sent the anestesiologist to tell me that I couldn't do it that way....I kindly told him that's the way I wanted it and they did it my way. They put in the epidural but I knew the medication would slow down my labor so I waited till the labor was really unbearable before I asked them to turn the medication on. I didn't want to be sitting on the side of the bed in horrible pain while they tried to get the epidural in....so I just insisted they do it my way....YOU are the one that is paying them....they work for you. Don't let them push you around. Good luck, I know I was terrified to have my 2nd child cuz my first experience was so bad...and then it was a wonderful experience. I'm so sorry that your epidural was bad, all my epidurals have been wonderful experiences!!!

I might add also that I went to Silver Cross In Joliet for my last 3 births and they have wonderful CRNA's there!!!

Try not to focus so much on your previous experience. Almost every mpm that has had 2 babies will tell you their experiences were totally different. Ask to speak in depth with the Anesthesiologist before you go in for your C Sect. Sometime certain medications can cause shivering and maybe they can try to avoid what they used last time. Although I have worked with many great CRNAs (nurse anthesists, not MD's) if it was difficult to put in your epidural or spinal, insist the Anestheiologist (MD) does it. Good luck!

I have no personal experience other than I had an epidural too. I think the shaking is quite common.You're not a wimp!!! PLease, giving birth is THE biggest thing ever!!
The needle in the back really scared me too and still does. It hurt a bit too. The only thing that helped me was slow breathing. It didn't help that I'd seen the procedure done on tv a hundred times so I knew exactly what was happening.
Slow, even breathing....you can do it!! All to help you have a healthy baby! Concentrate only on that, your beautiful baby.

I feel your pain! The EXACT same thing happened to me and it was so traumatic for me. I actually requested that another anesthesiologist do the second epidural, but was told that she was the only one who was on staff that night. She was terrible and uncaring and I felt the c-section and had to be knocked out, too. I didn't see my son until he was two hours old and was so drugged up and out of it, I wasn't physically able to hold him until the next day. You are not alone and your fear is absolutely justified. I shook terribly, as well. I can't offer any advice except to just try to relax and have confidence that you've been through this and are more informed. Have faith in your instincts and do what's best for both you and the little one. Good luck and best wishes!!

Just want to say I feel for you and be encouraged that my experience was somewhat similar and the second c-section was EXCELLENT with no problems as there were with the first. The needle in the spine the first c-section was quite painful and took 45 minutes for them to do...my poor husband thought they forgot about him and they did the surgery without him, but they just had a hard time getting the anesthesia in. I was worried they never would be able to! Mine wasn't as bad it sounds like as yours since they did get it in eventually and it worked...though I was still SOOO nervous the second time around. I psyched myself up for it that what happened is unusual so it likely would go smooth the second time. That worked up until it came time for the IV and I knew the spine was next and had a nervous breakdown. It didn't help that they had trouble getting ready for the IV, but really my concern was more about the spine. We got through it and the spine needle that time went SOOO quick and smooth as they kept reassuring me it would. Also with the second c-section, recovery was night and day difference from the first. I felt "recovered" (though still slow of course) by the time I left the hospital. My son was born on a Monday and from Wednesday on it felt like a pleasant hotel stay til I left the hospital on Friday feeling like I could move furniture. BIG difference...and from what I understand, the recovery the second time is TYPICALLY easier...thankfully, because at that time there's also a sibling to take care of. :) Congrats and best wishes to you!!!

Hi LM,
I had the same experience in terms of shaking with my first birth, my jaws were spasming uncontrollably and it freaked me out completly. I had nightmares for weeks and swore I would never have another child.So when I was going to deliver my second I too was scared and asked my doc about the spasming, he said I wouldn't be likely to experience that again because it was due to the amount of time I'd spent in labor before getting to that point (26 hours). Gratefully, the second time was a cinch, no spasming, no problems. I haven't experienced the epidural problems you mentioned but I know tons of women who've had problem-free epidurals and you know the saying "lightning doesn't usually strike twice". Also, talk it over with your doc about how he can assure you that he will not begin the operation this time until he thoroughly tests your response to a needle stick to make sure you're completely numb. That's what they did with me both times was poke around all parts of my abdomen and ask if I could feel it. Best of luck and I hope you have the same experience as me -- first birth experience -- traumatic and dreadful-- second one a piece of cake!

I had a similiar, although somewhat less traumatic, experience. My first son was an emergency c-section, which had no complications, but the recovery for me was just horrible! It was like 6 months before I felt normal again. It was tough. My second child was born last summer and I had to decide whether to be induced (again) or to just opt for another c-section. After much consideration given my circumstances, I opted for the c-section. It was a breeze! I was terrified and my OB assured me that it would be smooth-sailing since it wouldn't be an emergency situation. She was so right. I was out of the hospital in 2 days and up walking around the morning after the c-section. I was so glad that I had made that choice because as it turned out, when she was doing the surgery, she said that my uterus was super thin and if I had tried to do a VBAC I most likely would have ended up with another emergency c-section anyway. I had no problem with the anesthesia. I was also at IL Masonic, which is one of the best hospitals around...

Maybe you can ask to have general anesthesia, if you're that worried about it. I know it sucks. I never had any anesthesia during my L&Ds but I've had surgery twice in the last year and I know how scary anesthesia can be. Maybe it wold help you to relax more. If you want to be awake though, maybe you can just ask if you can have the most experienced anesthesiologist available.