Oh dear - tried ecv yesterday. Awful experience and now trying to forget.

Not enough fluid and whole day traumatic. Would have probably worked had I had enough water around bubs, but alas - not to be.

Anyway, c section now booked. Disappointing, but happy now that we know where we are.

Thanks for everyones input re turning the baby and what to expect from ecv. Trouble is I think I have a stubborn little madam and other factors which made changing from breech impossible - hey ho!

On the upside though bubba absolutly fine and dandy

aw hun thats pants!

But at least you know when bubs will be here? What date you got booked?
x

Oh I'm sorry it didn't work out. At least you know when it will be - is it quite soon?

Thanks MrsQ (still think of you as MrsQ2B!!)!!

Yes we know when bubba will be here, but not mentioning it yet. Kinda feel it's the only little bit we have left that is for us. Going into labour whould have been exciting, but that's gone now - so we're probably not going to mention the date to anyone, rather let them know right after. That way we still have the excitement of letting everyone know, PLUS after yesterday the pressure to keep everyone informed was immense. They all knew we were going in, then we were seen late, took longer etc, and by the time we were able to go home everyone had been leaving messages, was calling, getting stressed etc, I don't think we need that come delivery day.

So, as mean as it is I don't think I'll be mentioning date on here, purely because we're not telling anyone else, and that would be unfair.

Once it's done though I'll be letting everyone here know asap!!!

Thanks HattieHippo - yes it will be fairly soon, but still enough time to get stuff done that needs to be done (ironing, shelving, more freezer meals etc etc - makig house invalid friendly ha hah ha ha!!!)

Sorry to hear you went through that discomfort for nothing honey. I think it's a cracking idea to save the date for yourselves - also stops everyone saying "ooh three days to go" etc everytime you see them.

Good luck for a smooth c sec when it comes round, and we look forward to pics of your little one!! Xxx

Hi honey

Just wanted to post to say, although it may not be what you had hoped for, from what I have heard elective C-Sections can be very good. Virtually everyone I have known - who has fed back on them (as opposed to emergency C Sections) have said that they have been a very relaxed, laid back affair and recovery has been very good (with Mums and babies generally looking quite a lot less frazzled and traumatised within about 24 hours of the birth).

So although maybe not what you had hoped for, it could be a very good experience

Plan lots of nice things around it and get the most out of it

Take care
QT

Thanks Buffy - Oh god yes - hadn't even thought of that. A countdown coming from all directions - now that would push me back over the edge!! Another valid reason!!

QTpie - yes - I'm back to being rational now and I've had exactly those same reports from friends, so I'm sure it will all be fine. Had a great long chat with the midwife yesterday, and the consultant (was blubbering for britain) and he delayed his leaving to take time to speak with me. I was worried about stitching, cutting the baby, wanting to be out cold, and being very operation / clinical. Anyway, they both explained that a midwife will be with us from going in to prep, to actual operation, to recovery and to help with breast feeding. Secondly the stitches will be proper, not staples on the outside (said this was a major fear of mine and would really alienate me from wound), general not possible, but feel happier about spinal now, and they assured me they take time when hitting baby layer. So all in, I am looking forward to it (almost) and really aiming to be up and about asap. Shame my planned exercise regime has had to be shelved, but hey ho - nothing I can do!

Have to add that although it didn't work, the hospital were outstanding (Queen Mary's, Sidcup, Kent - don't really want to give too much away - but they were superb and deserve a mention) and rather than my being a sideline thing in the delivery suite, I was treated exceptionally and as an individual case. When they realised I was getting emotional they upped the care and helped both of us (OH was besides himself and I think shocked by seeing me and his little one being putt through so much). They took their time when talking to us, no rushing, and all in all an excellent example of how care can be!

Not surprised - it is a lot to take in...

These days, CSs (ESPECIALLY elective ones - because these are not rushed at all) are VERY safe. Ok it is surgery (and all surgery has risks), BUT it is very well practiced, very quick and very skilled etc.

I know a number of women who have naturally laboured (long and hard) before having a baby - and both baby and mother are absolutely knackered, bruised and beaten when they come out of it. Some of those women have gone on to have emergency CSs after all that trying. One woman I know (who had a long traumatic labour then an emergency C Section), said that she would CHOOSE an elective CS if she did it again .

Your Consultant sounds really fab

There are definitely ways to personalise the birth: your partner should be in there with you, the medical staff will be relaxed and should be chatty (this isn't an emergency CS) and it is worth asking if you can take a CD in of your favourite music. As they said, once baby is checked and airway cleared (if need be), you should be able to breastfeed and "skin to skin" pretty much straight away

Plan the time up to the birth - some nice relaxation, maybe a nice meal out etc: you know when your date is, so start celebrating a bit early and relax . You wont have the rush/panic of a natural birth (the control freak/obsessive planner in me likes that idea... ).

Follow the guidelines (re getting up and getting mobile, but still taking it easy) and look after your wound properly (let it get some air, use Bio Oil once it starts healing, Arnica tablets are supposed to be good to promote healing - check with your MW), avoid lifting etc and you could be back to your old self in NO TIME

Do you have a "nursing pillow" (like this - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sitter-Nursi...4685&sr=8-11)? They are supposed to be particularly good/helpful after a CS... (I have got one).

You and baby are going to be JUST great!

QT