I have had two c-sections. The first one was unplanned, and after 20+ hours of labor. My second was planned. And SO SO SO much easier. My body wasnt fatigued, and I was mentally prepared for it.
Since you know you will have a section, you are already ahead of the game.
The nurses will prep you, and possible shave you, if they think its necessary. You'll walk to the OR, and that is where you will have your epidural. Its a pinch. The tough part is you have to hold perfectly still while they do it. And you are hunched over which isnt easy because you have an 8 lb baby in your rib cage. Usually your husband isnt allowed in the room while you get the epidural.
After that is over you get to lay back and try to relax. They will put warm towels on you and your legs will start to feel heavy. They dont numb your entire body. Just from the waist down.
When you are in labor they give you a running epidural. Its on a drip they can increase or decrease.
With a scheduled section you get a one shot deal. And by the time they finish you can start to get some sensation back. Not pain, just some feeling. I know it sounds weird, but its really okay.
After you are numb the nurses with give you a catheter. You wont feel anything, so dont worry about that.
There will be an anesthesiologist hovering by your head talking to you the entire time. You will probably feel queezy. If you do, COMPLAIN about it, because they will give you something in your IV to make you feel better. And it does make you feel 100% better. Throwing up while laying on your back isnt pleasant. So, dont be a hero, if you start to feel sick, SPEAK UP!
FINALLY, your husband will be allowed to sit with you and hold your hand. The curtain goes up and you'll hear the drs talking.
You'll feel some tugging and pulling. Kinda like one of your kids hopping around all over your tummy. And in a matter of a few minutes you'll feel a huge pull and you'll hear a cry.
The drs always held up the baby over the curtain so I could see them in their bloody mess. Tell you husband to keep the camera on standby to get some shots.
The nurses will wrap up baby and bring her over for a quick visit and some kisses. Normally c-section babies will go to the NICU for observation. Because they arent born vaginally their chests dont get squeezed, so they have extra fluid in their lungs to get rid of.
I always told my husband to go and be with the baby, but its your choice whether you want him to stay with you or go to the nursery.
Stitching you up takes about 30 minutes.
You legs will feel VERY heavy, but you'll be able to start feeling them more. They will wheel you into recovery, check your vitals and bring in your bundle of joy.
The very next day after your section you'll get the catheter removed and you'll get up to take a shower. And they will want you to walk around. Oh, and you'll be on super duty pain killers. Enjoy those. :)
I wont lie, walking is tough. Moving is tough. Keeping a pillow pressed against your incision while you walk around is very helpful. I'm sure the nurses will show you, and they will help you.
Bring a robe with you to the hospital. They will make you walk the halls to get you to pass gas. Its less humiliating, and revealing if you have your comfy robe on. The hospital night gowns never did it for me. :) At my hospital they let me push around the plastic crib with the baby in it while I walked the halls. I got to show him off, and get my bowels moving all at the same time.
Its most hospital's policy they will NOT leave the newborn in the room with you while you are alone. Only because you cant jump up in case the baby is choking or needs assistance. So, if your visitors leave, the baby will have to go the nursery. However, I had fantastic nurses that would stay in the room with me and the baby while I nursed or did whatever. After the first couple days you are more mobile and they will let the baby stay with you alone.
Take my advice and TAKE IT EASY AFTER YOU GET HOME. I didnt listen and tried to be super mom and my c-section incision actually opened and it was nightmare. I had to have a nurse come everyday to my house and pack my incision. And I saw the OB in the office more after my c-section than while I was pregnant.
A c-section is major surgery. Its routine, but its major. Allow your body a chance to heal.
With my second section I took it easy and followed drs orders. I was fine.
I hope that answered some of your questions. Without scaring you, too much. :)
Best of luck on your new little one!!!!