Hi Kelli,
I have had 2 c-sections and both were very different. I'm having my third c-section in November and I am feeling anxious as well. With my first son I was put on an epidural for the last 11 hours of the labour and then had to have an emergency c-section because after 50 odd hours I had only dilated to 7 cms. I had a spinal on top of the epi and I felt nothing throughout the surgery...no pain or movement...it was a peaceful birthing experience. My second sons delivery was a different story. I had just the spinal and felt much tugging and pulling and movement inside. It was very scary for me and I found the birthing experience to be extremely uncomfortable. I felt no pain but I could clearly feel the sensations of things being moved around and lots of pressure here and there. I was so nervous and scared my hands, arms and mouth were shaking like crazy! They had a hard time getting my second son out as he was 9 pound 3 (2 weeks early) and I'm very small so that was why the experience was so full on for me. But he was born safely and I was so very grateful for that. So I dont know if your experience can be different because of the baby's birth weight but i know with my third c-section I will be communicating more with the doctors. The idea of having an epi ready sounds great as this worked so well with my first c-section. Good luck!!
xx Laura