Hey there Layla, here's the answer to some of your questions!

Was the spinal block/epidural painful?

No, not at all. Since my caesarean was an emergency one, I had been labouring for some time beforehand and was in extreme pain from that! When I had the epidural put in, I didn't feel a thing (I was madly sucking on gas for the contractions). The spinal block went in the same site when I was in theatre.

When was the catheter inserted, did it hurt?

No, from memory it went in before the epidural too as I lost the ability to go to the toilet myself from all the pressure on my bladder etc! I don't recall it being painful.

Was your partner with you the whole time?

Yes, apart from when he got frocked up for the procedure.

Do they check that you are fully numb before they cut? (Huge fear on that one)

As far as I am aware, yes! I had absolutely no idea that they had actually started mind you!

How long did the birth take and then how much longer to remove the placenta, sew you up etc?

I wish I knew Layla, but I really can't remember exactly. I seem to recall it being around 4.30-ish when I went to theatre, and Jacob was born at 5.04 am. It didn't take long to get stitched back up.

How long were you in recovery for and could your partner and baby there?

I was in recovery for around an hour I think as I had a very bad attack of the shakes. DH and Jacob were both with me.

When were the drip and catheter removed?

24 hours later - I was in bed up until this point.

When were you up and walking?

After the drips, catheter and spinal block etc were removed.

Was the bleeding(lochia) heavy/how long did it last?

Yes it was very heavy for me, but the worst of it was probably the first week. It would come and go in gushes as well.

What pain relief did you have and for how long?

My spinal block was in for 24 hours as I mentioned, but epidural drugs were administered for 24 hours, but gradually reduced over that period of time so I regained feeling in my legs. During this time I was encouraged to do some small exercises with my legs for circulation etc. After the epidural was taken out, I was given panadeine quite regularly.

Hope that answers your questions Layla!