We had to turn up at 7 am to the ward, where we changed into my gown and pressure socks and hubby in scrubs.Hang around a while, as there was a bad emergency csection just before me (thankfully that turned out fine), then we were wheeled down at 10am. The anaesthetist came and had a few words, and put the lure into my hand so they could control my drug levels etc, then we went into the actually op suite. Lots of nurses, couple of doctors, very crowded room! Hubby was shown a chair a bit behind and to the side of me, and had the epidural put in. I didn't react very well to this, so was def the worst part for me! After that they tested to make sure the epidural was working properly, then put up the curtain and started. Was very relieved after they confirmed they had started as I couldn't feel anything - just a bit of tugging (always a bit of a fear!).

Actually delivery was also a bit uncomfy as they pushed hard up top so baby popped out - def felt him emerge with the change in pressure! (no pain, just lots of pressure!!). I got a quick look, then they took him to the side to check he was ok. Hubby cut cord and bub needed some oxygen as he got a bit shocked, but pinked up nicely and was given back to me to hold around 7 mins after birth. I cuddled him (skin on skin) until they finished sewing me up (lost track of what doc was doing at that stage as too busy with bub!). Then hubby took him out to the recovery room while they finished up with me and transferred me back onto the bed (probably worse modestly-moment with male orderlies lifting my under-mat on both sides with me splayed half naked, painted with iodine, and shaved down below lol - just gotta laugh). Was breastfeeding in the recovery room, and while being wheeled back to my shared room later.

Recovery - the first 2 days were def the worst. Hubby changed the nappies as getting up and down from chair was very hard by myself, let alone holding our son. So I'd feed a side, hubby would do nappy change, and I'd feed the other side without having to get up. Also had to hold tummy whenever I laughed or sneezed. After this I managed fine (if somewhat gingerly) by myself. Would advise setting up home so you don't have to lift anything bending over (like use a bassinet that isn't really deep so you have to bend down to pick up bubs). Also, walking normally helps get you back on track too (not bending over oddly).

We transferred up to Warkworth birthing centre the day after birth, which was really, really good - hubby could stay the first night, and had nurses to help that weren't overworked so actually came in a decent time frame!

Hope this helps and isn't TMI! Bit of a brain-dump from me :)

My elective was cos I tore so badly with #1 (massive swollen head and hand on face), and was told at my 6 week check up that further vaginal births could cause worse complications. So I was scared of that, and had gotten used to the idea that it would be an elective.

Now 5 years down the track, I'd like to give a regular birth another crack. Not pregnant with #3 yet but I like to know my options.