I second the suggestion that you ask midwife/consultant to walk you through the process in as much detail as possible beforehand. I had vv complicated pregnancy and was under care of a hospital psychologist (twin pregnancy, one baby died at 29 weeks) so before my ELC at 37 weeks she actually took me on a tour of the hospital so I would know exactly what would happen on the day. And she was bang on - everything happened the way she said, so in my experience they really do have the process nailed.
As you say different hospitals will be slightly different but this is my experience;
do the anaesthetist and surgeon meet you on the ward before the procedure? Didn't meet anaesthetist till I got to the OR. I did see surgeon visiting patients before they went in, but wasn't necessary for me. The consultant who cared for me through whole pregancy specifically arranged to do my surgery and I'd met her for a long chat the day before, so I didn't need an intro.
Do you walk to theatre? Yep
Where does the midwife prep you? I was prepped in theatre after spinal so I really had no idea what was going on... I suspect I was prepped either before or after catheter. No idea who prepped me either - could have been theatre nurse or consultant. Or do they do this in theatre with all the staff present? Lots of staff were coming or going. honestly it was the last thing on my mind... I was about to meet my baby!
When do they pull your gown up to expose you? I assume this is only done briefly so they can shave and clean the area before they drape your legs. They have to put catheter in so you are exposed- I'm sure it was very discreetely - anesthetist and his assistant were at my head and there was a curtain in the way so no one who didn't need to look was looking. again last thing on my mind
Do they place the catheter after the spinal anaesthetic? Yes
What things do you take to theatre: slippers, dressing gown, baby's first clothes, nappy and hat, lip balm (hospitals are so dry), maternity pads? I wore 2 gowns (one to cover my rear) and shoes which I left outside theatre. that's pretty much it, hospital provided hat and nappy (I am in scotland if that makes a difference)
Can I wear contact lenses and earrings or do I have to remove them? I can't see without glasses or lenses but I'd assume they'd take your glasses away, hence the question about lenses. No idea- I did wear a touch of makeup (just BB cream and mascara) just because I put that on when I wake up every day... they didn't make me take it off and my post delivery pics are quite nice as a result)
Do you have to use Hibiscrub or something when you shower at home?
no - any pre op instructions will be provided to you in a meeting at the hospital before the surgery. I believe it is usually a group clinic (at my hospital all women who are booked for surgery in a week are asked to come the friday before for the group clinic) - if you have had a complicated pregnancy they make arrangements so you can do it privately.
How long are you in a recovery bay/room? not long... 45 mins?
When does the dressing come off? after about 5-6 days. I was still in hospital but for most a community midwife removes it
How long can you stay in the side room - until catheter comes out? I don't think you are guaranteed a side room... in fact I've been told the prefer section mums on wards where they can keep an eye. I had one (for hopefully obvious reasons), but my consultant specifically arranged for me to get one due to my situation. I had it for the entire time I was in (one week)
When do they kick you out of hospital? Totally depends... my wee one had some complications so we were in for a while. I think most leave after 2 days but it depends on how you are feeling and how ready you are. TBH you are able to recover a lot more easily at home when you have a partner who can help you get on and off your bed in the nights.
For obvious reasons I was really petrified about the day my babies were going to be delivered, but it really was a great experience. I won't hesitate to do it again next time.