Hi Sarah

Ive had 3 c/s (1 emerg & 2 'elective'). My advice (to be taken with pinch of salt :-)) would be;

if you have a spinal and you start feeling sick make sure you tell them - forcefully. I felt really quesy with my 2nd and they gave me some drugs while still operating and i was fine within a few minutes. With my third they just said that was normal and fobbed me off. I started throwing up once i'd got back to my room and it didn't stop for quite a few hours and a fair few different types of drugs they kept trying.

You don't have to have your cathater (sp) in until you have your spinal/epi. They will try and get you to have it in your room and i let them do it with my first elective and really wished i hadn't. With #3 I nicely said they coudl do it in the op theatre and didn't budge and they were fine with that - you just have a bit more of an ordience but as you can't feel it - who cares?

Walk as soon as alowd (after 24 hours) - it's uncomfy at the start but it's really true what the middies say - the more you walk the better it gets and fast!

Can your bf/dh stay with you the night? You can't get up to change nappies or even get your bubs out of the cot for the first few nights so it's nice to have hubby with you. The middies will do it if not but nicer to have someone in your room with you.

Most of all - try to relax. It's not pleasant at the time but it's over so quick and then you get your wonderful bub and you forget it so quickly (hopefully) afterwards. I didn't find it 'painful' just uncomfy so don't worry about it.

metameucil (sp) and a big tin at that :-)

DO NOT FEEL GUILTY ABOUT HAVING A C/S!!!! Even though i didn't have any choice i still manage to feel guilty sometimes and it's silly and annoying and pointless. Some people still look at me funny when i mention that i've had 3 c/s and if i hear 'too posh to push' once more i will not hold back on said person.

Wishing you all the best for a great birthing experience and meeting your little bub

x