Hi layla

I thought that I would copy and paste some answers for you as I had a c-section nearly 3 weeks ago now...

Was the spinal block/epidural painful? I had a spinal block and it wasn't painful - I was really nervous about it - but it was honestly fine!
When was the catheter inserted, did it hurt? I didn't feel a thing when it was inserted as the spinal block was already taking effect. I didn't feel it coming out either which was good!
Was your partner with you the whole time? Adam didn't leave me for a minute (except when I asked him to go with the baby after he was born so that he could tell me all of what was happening. When they were stitching me up, Adam went to recovery with the baby which is also what I wanted...
Do they check that you are fully numb before they cut? (Huge fear on that one) Oh yes! The spinal block took a little while to take effect and I was determined to feel NOTHING before they started to cut!
How long did the birth take and then how much longer to remove the placenta, sew you up etc? I was in for the surgery at 10.30am and the baby was born at 10.44am. This included all of the time it takes to administer the spinal block etc so it is really quick. It probably took about 20-25 mins to stitch me back up
How long were you in recovery for and could your partner and baby there? Yes - again everyone was there...I was in recovery for about 20mins. I attempted breastfeeding in recovery
When were the drip and catheter removed? The next morning at my request
When were you up and walking? At 6am the following day - I was also really committed to getting up and having a shower. I had physio at 10am the same day also.
Was the bleeding(lochia) heavy/how long did it last? I stopped bleeding by the time I left the hospital - it wasn't heavy for me at all - but I started bleeding again on about day 15 and it is still going!!
What pain relief did you have and for how long? I took tramal (highly recommend this) and voltaren until I left the hospital on day 5. I took a couple of tramal on arriving home as I felt fine and then went and over did it.

I had a great expereince with the c-section. I went into the operation quite fit and totally committed to a good recovery...

All the best Layla - will be thinking of you

Megan