I'm not in Aus ... but my DH sat in with my first c/s and it was an rushed emergency c/s under GA. We did not even have to ask if DH would like to sit in ... the dr just told him to get scrubed and get his butt in there. It really was reasuring to know that he was with me the whole time.

So maybe if you explain your feelings to your OB ... they might give in and have your DH sit in for the c/s. TBH I can't see how it would be a problem, because if you have a c/s with a spinal .. your DH will be sitting in, so WHY could he not sit quietly by your side when you are under GA.

Just a note: IF you get permission for your DH to sit in under GA, please, please let him know that there will be no barrier to keep him from seeing how they operate. My DH is not squimish (worked as manager in a abbittoir for 5 years) and he was a bit freaked out after the operation. I think it's because they worked on his WIFE He is sitting in with this c/s too, but requested that we can't view the actually cutting and stuff. So maybe get him to view a c/s video with you, so that he can be prepared for what he will be seeing.