OK, here I am, reporting back as promised!!!

The anaesthetist put in a local anaesthetic before the spinal, so what I felt was minimal. I felt some pushing/prodding from the needle going in, but that was it. It was a bit uncomfortable and I admit, I too was scared so I was a bit tense as it was going in (plus having a contraction at the same time as I'd actually started going into labour!). I was laying on my side to have it put in.

It took effect very quickly, and then the catheter was put in.

I felt a lot of pulling/tugging, but no pain whatsoever. I felt sick within only a few minutes, but was given drugs to counteract this which worked successfully for a while. I felt a bit funny in terms of my breathing, but it settled down.

After Ruby was born, I started to feel unwell again, and unfortunately started vomiting (the drugs didn't work that time). I was sick 3 times.

All in all, it seemed to take longer than the c/s with Jacob (I guess I was much more aware of what was going on though, compared to last time, plus it was a bit longer as they did an additional procedure called an apronectomy to remove some skin).

Recovery-wise: definitely better this time, although I am bruised and battered from the extra surgery. Yes, there is definitely pain, but not having laboured, I felt much better otherwise IYKWIM? I was up the following day after her birth and I think had pain relief like pethidine, panadeine forte, voltaren suppositories etc as required for a few days.