Hey Gwen,

I had DH with me the whole time. The midwife who ran our ante-natal class, threatened all the men, saying she did not want to hear of them leaving us at all during the labour. DH even followed me into the toilet, to which he was politely told to wait outside the door at least!

DH was brilliant, he was timing my contractions, getting a cold washer for me, all of that wonderful stuff.

The pain?? For me wasn't all that bad. I found the c-section far worse than contractions, waters being broken and pushing. Mind you, I didn't actually push DD out as she got stuck, so I can't comment on that feeling.

Whats a c-section like? I think it really depends on the circumstances. For me it is something I don't want to do ever again!! I'd had 5 hours sleep, when I was told I was in labour. 43 hours later on, I was told I needed to have a c-section. I'd had no pain relief during labour, so when i got to theatre they gave me some pethidine, then an epidural. I could feel them prepping me for the surgery after I'd been given the epidural, so I then had to have a general anaesthetic!

I felt so sick afterwards. I tried to get out of bed asap, but didnt end up doing that until the next morning after DD was born. I had no energy, I just felt really weak. I'm hoping the next time round will be a more positive experience.

Nic