Thanks lovethesea and gateacre, going to try to do my birth story now while DH sorts out DD1 for bed and DD2 is still sleeping.
We got there at 8 on Tuesday morning. I had been told last week that we were first on the list. We got called through at about 8.10 and I had to put on a gown and the aneasthetist came to see us. I started to feel a bit stressed and not ready as had been expecting a longer wait. Anyway, another couple were behind the curtains in the ward and as they took her medical history it was obvious she was high risk and she ended up going in first which I was glad about.
We finally got called around 11.30 (turns out we went in last out of the 3 couples!) which was good because after a bit of sitting around waiting I was more bored than nervous.
Went in and had the spinal, it was very, very dense, quite a weird sensation but good to know I really wouldn't feel anything. The anaesthetist explained my blood pressure might drop and make me feel sick which did happen while they were doing the initial cutting, I felt sick for a few minutes then fine again. Could feel a lot of pressure but no pain - at one point did womnder if I was having an asthma attack though as found myself a bit breathless, I think my organs may have been being pushed around at that point.
Anyway, next thing the baby was out, cried straight away, apgars of 10 and 10 which was brilliant. She was weighed etc before I even got to see her so was a bit of a wait but not long before she was brought over. DH held her and she stopped crying straight away and just lay there looking over at me.
Being stitched up was quite quick then we got moved into high dependency unit. I would say at the very worst some parts of the delivery were unpleasant - e.g. feeling sick and I personally don't like to not be able to feel my legs. But really I wouldn't use a stronger word than unpleasant, and those parts were quite fleeting.
I was asked a few times about why I was having a section and everyone was very understanding.
In HDU DD2 was given to me for skin to skin, then she fed. She then went to sleep for hours and hours and hours which we totally weren't expecting as DD1 had screamed and screamed for most of the first week.
The spinal started to wear off and there was only one very painful part when I could suddenly feel the scar. They gave me liquid morphine at that point. I was very nearly sick but managed to keep it down and the pain went and was never anywhere near as strong since.
We were supposed to be in HDU for 6-8 hours but I was really keen to get down to the ward before visiting hours ended at 7 so we could see DD1. As I had eaten toast and drunk tea and could feel my legs they let me go down to the ward at about 6. I had to get out of bed into a wheelchair so it involved standing but it was absolutely fine. We had asked for a private room and as the ward was so busy it was the only space left so they let us have it for free which was brilliant!
DD1 came in and was absolutely besotted with her sister from the get-go. The only jealousy is when someone else holds the baby and she wants to be holding her herself.
The baby woke at about 8 and fed on and off til about 3.30 AM! I was kind of expecting it as DD1 fed loads so I was well prepared. About 3.30 she was fussing more than feeding and the midwife offered to take her away for a bit so I could get some sleep. I did do this as by that point I was worried I was going to fall asleep with her in my arms and drop her. The midwife was amazing, took her off, I got 3 hours sleep then went to get her at 6.30 but she was still asleep at 9!
Milk came in on day two, probably as a result of the marathon feeding session the night before. DD2 slept last night from 9.30 til 8 and only woke for feeds twice. Am slightly paranoid about whether she's feeeding enough as DD1 fed loads and still lost too much weight. DD2 seems to be a much more efficient feeder though and has had lots of dirty nappies so think she should be ok.
DH and I can't get over how laid back she is and it's really brought home just how traumatic DD1s delivery was. I'm so, so happy not to have put another baby through that kind of start and absolutely 100% sure we made the right decision.
Recovery-wise, I feel fine. Still taking the painkillers but find it hard to remember to take them on time as the pain really isn't bad. Personally I've found it easier than recovering from forceps/episiotomy/tear - such a relief to be able to go to the toilet without worrying about stitches there.
I think that's everything. Just a wonderful experience all round really. I feel like I finally know what it feels like to bring a contented little baby home and just enjoy it. Makes me a little for DD1s start in life but the best thing we could do for her now is have a straightforward delivery this time round and keep things as happy and normal as possible and we've been able to do that so it's all good.
Sorry for the essay, didn't want to leave everything out! Wanted to reiterate again how brilliant the hospital staff were, every last one of them were lovely, I'm so glad we went there this time