Conference moira::parenting_v3

    Don't forget that since aenesthetics came into being, up until "our"
    generation it was normal for a general aenesthetic to be given. 
    Though you may feel gypped at least you will come out of it all with a 
    baby and with a back that can handle all the demands that the baby is
    going to make. 
    
    Do what's best not only for you but also for your child.

    
    Ditto .1, general aneasthetics used to be routinely given during
    delivery 20 years ago. My sister-in-law was given g.a. because
    they thought she was too young to go thru without it (she was 22
    and this was 19 years ago). My girlfriend's mother wasn't put
    under 18 years ago because she was a nurse and they thought she
    could cope with it!
    
    All anaesthetics have some side effects. General is more
    or less tried and true, even though epidural or spinal is preferrred
    since the mother can be awake.
    
    
    Eva.
    
    

    Forgive me, but after all the classes I've had, and this being *today*
    I can't really relate.  
    
    I hope I'm not being misunderstood.  It's not that I WANT to be selfish
    but I've been through GA and didn't have a great experience with waking
    up afterwards.  I was just wondering if anyone had similar experiences
    and understood how I feel in *today's* society where ga isn't usually
    used unless under extremes.
    
    Of course I want a healthy baby, but I can't help feeling gypped
    because it's not that the baby will be under stress.  I'm not sure I
    will be either, or that they just don't want to risk the chance, which
    I respect, but I still can't help being concerned about it and how I'll
    feel afterwards. 
    
    Rebecca
    

    	This is just a suggestion, so please don't anyone beat me up for
    this. 
    	If you are worried about feeling gipped not seeing the birth or
    your husband either, when my sister had all 3 of her C-sections, the 
    doctor asked if she wanted anyone with her.  The first C-section was 
    an emergency so she went in alone.  But the other 2 my mother went in 
    with her and witnessed both births.  
    	Also, if your husband went in with you and you were put under, if 
    you REALLY want to see the birth, he could video tape the birth.  
    	My girlfriend taped the birth of my son.  I got a lot of strange 
    comments about this, but the tape is for our viewing only, and I would 
    do it all over again and intend to if we have more children.
    	I had a vaginal delivery and some of the scenes are rather
    graphic,  but I don't think you would have to worry about that with a 
    C-section other than the incision. 
    
    FWIW, 
    Malinda 

    I'd want to witness it badly, that much I know.  But they are reluctant
    about having someone in there if YOU are under general.  I already
    asked about this.  I'm delivering at Memorial Hospital in Worcester.
    
    They are concerned that the person with you say they can handle seeing
    you, under anesthesia and the birth itself, but most of the time it
    hasn't turned out well.  So therefore they are not *for* it at all.
    
    I was told "We don't want anyone in there if you are under general."
    
    

    There's a recent discussion of anesthesia in HYDRA::MEDICAL (note 721).
    The consensus was to go with the minimum anesthesia -- local is better
    than spinal which is better than general.

    I recently had a spinal.  I was told that the needle used for an
    epidural is three times the thickness of the one used for a spinal.
    I wasn't aware that there was a catheter involved in either --
    certainly none was used for my surgery.  With surgery they generally
    have a good idea of how long it will take, so they can give enough
    anesthetic to last for the duration.  This may not be the case with labor.

    You should definitely talk to the anesthesiologist, since he's the
    one who will decide whether you can have a spinal or epidural.

    As an aside, check with your doctor/hospital about taking videos of the
    birth....at Hahnemann in Worcester, last April (1989), they *strongly*
    disapproved of it. You can take them immediately after the baby is
    born, but not during the birth. The reasoning they gave, was that it is
    possible to tamper with a tape to make it look as if things happened
    that really didn't, or vice versa. This is obviously a liability issue.
    We weren't planning on taping the birth, but did want shots of baby
    immediatley afterward. So, even if you can convince them to let your
    husband in, you may not be able to tape.
    --dave--

    HI.. My son is 14 months old and I had a C-section. I had a spinal and
    had no long term side effects.  I did have some back pain at the
    location of the spinal for a couple weeks.  The effects of the spinal
    lasted for about an hour or two.  I was numb from the shoulders down. 
    It is a very strange sensation.
    
    My husband was present for the delivery.  I (personal opinion) would
    insist upon it.  My delivery was extremely high risk at Brigham &
    Women's Hospital and there was never any question that he would be
    present.  Jeff being an EMT was not bothered by the procedure, but it
    was fairly "messy", but interesting.  Being present is a personal
    decesion.  I have friends with C-sections and their husbands looked in
    their faces the whole time to avoid seeing anything.
    
    As for the spinal....I would get several opinions.  My son had a spinal
    anesthetic when he weighed 4 lbs.  We had to go to Children's to find
    an Anesthesiologist to do it.  I would also check with your Orthepedic
    Surgeon to see if he has delt with this before.
    
    Good luck,
    corinne

    Rebecca,
    
    First of all, congratulations on the good things to come!!!
    
    As for the issue around not knowing your anestisiologist before the
    doctor goes on vacation and then being "out of touch" for 3 weeks, I
    would INSIST that he notify you who he/she is in case anything happens
    while he is away. You want to discuss the issues at hand. They might
    not be able to predict which anestisiologist will be on duty (I assume
    they have shifts) but in your case, because of the back problem, you
    may have an assigned anestitist. 
    
    Differences between epidural and spinal. I think you only get a
    cathedor (sp?) with the epidural. I've always thought the spinal was an
    "injection" and that was it. If you needed more, you got another shot.
    I have also never heard of using an epidural with a c-section, always a
    spinal to stop of muscle control and pain sensativity. Anyone know any
    medical reason for not being able to give a  spinal at a higher
    location on the spinal column? I am assuming that your vertbrae
    problem is in the location where the spinal must be given. I do know
    whatever is in the spinal inject naturally drops to the bottom
    for your spinal cord - something about it being a heavier fluid so it
    sinks.
    
    Definitely call your doctor. You obviously have a "fear" of going under
    a G.A. If your doctor refuses to give you any solid answers, wait until
    he goes on vacation and I assume you are being seen be a "replacement"
    doctor while he is gone. Speak to that doctor, he will at least give
    you another perspective. 
    
    There might even be an Anestisiologist Association around that has an
    information line. Don't know how helpful they could be without seeing
    you but they might have some general information that could provide
    some answers.
    
    Lastly, about your husband being there to witness the birth.
    Personally, they would probably have to have to Chairman of the
    hopsital board come personally to tell me that my husband could not be
    there. "Don't want" does not mean "CAN'T". Maybe they could schedule
    you for an operating theater where he could watch in a worse case. As
    for videos - once again being strongly urged against them doesn't mean
    you can't. Especially if you do go under, you might want to see it
    later. Personally, my husband could not stand the sight of a c-section
    unless it was under a local and he was by my head and only saw them
    lifting the baby out. He would be flat on the floor from passing out or
    would be throwing up in the corner. If your husband wants and can
    physically "tolerate" being there, ask for your husband to be allowed
    in when they lift the baby out. One of you will physically be able to
    hold the baby withing minutes of it being born.
    
    Congratulations! Let us know what your doctor says.
                                       
    Andrea

    re: video taping and c-section.
    
    We don't want to tape the C-section.  I would just feel better knowing
    that IF I HAVE to go under general anesthesia that my husband could be
    there to see them "lift" the baby out, even though I'd be asleep.  
    
    I plan on getting to the bottom of this dilemma with my doctor.  I
    think I need to be a little more persistant in finding out the
    information I think is MY right to know.
    
    I think the reason (bottom line) for no epideral (during a v delivery)
    is because there is a bigger needle and a catheter attached to "top
    off" medication.  The needle is too big for my spine, or they don't
    want to risk damaging it.  However, I'm going to research THIS more
    since I believe epidural is given in the skin and NOT the spinal column
    and wouldn't be a problem if I was having pain.  (I realize a epi has
    nothing to do with a c-section, I was just wondering the difference
    between the 2). 
    
    Regarding a spinal, I don't know exactly where they give one, and I
    thought if they gave it to me high up on my back that there would be no
    problems.  However, I'm assuming from what I've been told that they
    don't give it there, but lower and the medication travels and THEN
    numbs you from the chest down, and you can remain awake.
    
    The problem is the location where they give the shot, and that's
    probably where my problem lies, therefore they don't want to risk it
    and will put me under, unfortunately.
    
    This being my first and being bombarded at this point with tapes,
    information, magazine, "tips" from family, and not enough information
    from my doctor, and him being on vacation I'm a little confused.
    
    I appreciate your help.  I don't know many people (none in the family)
    who've ever had a c-section so I have no reference point.  This really
    helps.
    
    Rebecca 

	I had a c-section with an epidural.

	Here are some random thoughts that may or may not help.

	The epidural went in a little above the midpoint between my tailbone 
and the base of my neck.  I have slight to moderate scoliosis so they had to 
try a couple of times to get the catheter in.  

	This may not be what you want to hear, but it's what I experienced so...
Even being awake for the c-section, I still had a sense of unreality about the
whole thing that I don't *think* I would have if I delivered vaginally.  (But 
I've had friends that delivered vaginally, that said they also felt detached.)  

	There was a drape up at chest level so I could not see Katie being 
lifted out even though I was awake.  

	My husband was there with us.  He insisted going in that he was just
there for me and would not be looking.  Ha!  When the moment came, he not 
only looked, he took pictures.  The guys have more fortitude than we (or they)
give them credit for. 

	Although I saw Katie before I went to the recovery room, she didn't 
seem real until about an hour to hour and a half later we were settled in my 
room and I put her to the breast for the first time. 

	I still have trouble with the concept of having giving birth.  (Did I 
really do that?  Is that really my child?  And if she is, where did she get 
all that cute from? :-)  )  

	My parents brought up a picture of me on my first birthday.  We had a 
picture taken of Katie on her first birthday.  Other than the fact that my 
mother had given me a haircut that looks more a scalping, they could be pictures
of the same child.  That's definately my kid!

	All that said, I have to say, don't psych yourself out about the 
birth experience.  While the trend toward greater involvement and early bonding 
is all good and well, I think we go a bit too far and tend to set ourselves up 
for disappointment.  Having a prolonged labor and an emergency c_section was
not what I had in mind, but it is so insignificant now that Katie is here.  
Being Katie's Mommy has been the work of 14 months not the few hours (days :-)) that 
I was in labor and gave birth.  

	I don't mean to belittle your concerns.  I hope that you are able to 
experience the kind of labor and delivery you want.  But don't let it loom too 
big in your mind.  Ask any of our adopted parents if they are less of a parent,
less involved, less loving, less bonded just because they weren't there when 
their children were born.  The answer will be a resounding NO!

Good Luck and let us know how it goes. 

Tracey


	

    Rebecca, 
    
    You just made the "light dawn over Marblehead".... a probably reason
    for using a GA versus a spinal is because to get the spinal (or epi)
    you need to curl up in ball to open up your vertebrae, otherwise there
    is no opening to put the needle through. You can't just push the needle
    through the bone. Maybe there is another spot on your spine they can
    give it, like between your shoulder blades while you tip your head down
    and pull your shoulders forward. Who knows!?! Worth investigating
    (might even be worth a second opinion from another anesthelogist  - JH
    covers second opinions)
    
    Andrea

An epidural anaesthetic does go into the so called epidural space in the spinal
column.  I believe this is the space between the outer protective jacket and
teh nerve bundle.

It is routinely used anaesthetic technique for both regular pregnancy and
Caesareans.  My wife has had 3 C-sections, one by general and two by epidural.
The first epidural was rough and the second was great.  MUCH depends on the
anaesthetist (anaesthesiologist).  Even though the first was given by a very
respected Doctor, my wife felt a lot of pain and discomfort and suffered
some post-operative shock.  So much so that she was reluctant to try again
but the anaesthetist convinced her that she should not have had the problems
she went through the first time if done correctly.  And he was right ... it
went like a dream.  The recovery was fast and easy and she didn't feel a thing.

As it happens someone Jane knew had also had a C-section with an epidural 
given by this first anaesthetist ... he went one vertebrae to high and she 
lost a lot of breathing control and had to be changed to a general with 
respirator!  Great doctor!  The doctor's skill is very important.

Injected with the epidural is usually some pain killer.

As to the difference between epidural and spinal I don't know.

I think you must beat your Doctor's door down to talk to a well recommended
anaesthetist who will be willing to do the job if he'll agree to do an
epidural.

Stuart

    
    This is just my honest opinion - I had prolong labor and 2 1/2 hrs of
    pushing with my first kid and a C-section. After 2 1/2 hrs of
    pushing and the kid going nowhere, I didn't care how they are going 
    to get the kid out, I just wanted to go home! I thought I could go 
    to sleep with the spinal, I was up for 32 hours at that point. 
    I have bad eyes and I took my contacts out, so I couldn't really 
    see to clearly when they showed me my daughter.
    The only questions on my mind at that point was - is the kid normal 
    and can I sleep now?
    
    I never doubted if the kid was mine (she has my flat nose and 
    my husband's feet). I might have been disappointed that they didn't do
    the C-section sooner. I didn't even care if they put me under.
    I was glad that both my daughter and I were alive.
    
    I am due with my second in 6 weeks and I choose to have another 
    C-section. I just want a health kid. As far as I'm concerned,
    all this hype about a "wonderful birth experience" is hype,
    it sets a lot of women up for disappointment and self-doubt.
    I was told by a Chinese teacher once that they don't celebrate
    a kid's birthday in China, because it was also the day that the mother
    went through hell!
    
    
    Eva.
     

    I also had a C section with an epidural - - what .13 said is true - the
    injection is into the spine, not just under the skin.  I was numb from
    mid chest down to my toes.  It was not a bad experience.  As .14 said I
    was just glad it was over with after all the labor I'd been through.
    
    I have also delivered vaginally twice.  I certainly recommend that over
    a C- section.  The recovery is by far quicker and easier.
    
    Your concern is that you may have to have a C-section?  But this is not
    certain right?  Take it a step at a time.  Get more info from your
    doctor.  You can certainly make it through labor without an epidural in
    my experience.  You may be worrying for nothing?
    
    Best of LUck.
    

    I understand the fear you're talking about -- I've never in my
    life been unconscious for any reason, and the thought of having to
    have surgery under general anaesthesia can send me into a midnight
    panic attack -- and this although I'm perfectly healthy and have
    no reason to think I'm going to need to have any kind of surgery
    in the next 30 years.  Just the thought that I *might* is enough
    to send me off. 
    
    And when I was pregnant it was a hundred times worse.  I was
    terrified that they'd take the baby out and I wouldn't know it. 
    That they'd bring the baby in and I'd refuse to have anything to
    do with it because it wasn't mine (I'm terrible with other
    people's babies).  That they'd switch babies on me.  And again,
    that was without any rational reason to think I'd need to face the
    situation.  If I had had hard evidence that it was going to be
    necessary, I'd have "gone nonlinear", in the words of a
    mathematical friend.
    
    So I don't think your worries are unreasonable at all.  I wish I
    could say I had to go under and reassure you that it would be just
    fine, but thank God I was spared that.  I suspect that just being
    aware of the potential problems with bonding and so on would help
    greatly in coping with them afterwards.  The things you mention
    are known reactions to delivery under general anaesthetic.  
    
    Have you picked out a pediatrician for the baby yet?  Perhaps s/he
    could help reassure you about bonding with the baby after an
    initial negative experience.  
    
    It took me a good six weeks, maybe more, to bond with both my
    first and my second child.  Right after delivery, the only thing I
    wanted was to sleep for a week.  I didn't want to have a thing to
    do with this squirmy squally painful nuisance.  What, you mean I
    have to feed it?  And even though I had watched the child come
    out, I didn't really feel like it was mine.  That's what all the
    fuss is about?  Hardly worth the effort, was it?  And it wasn't
    drugs; I didn't have any anaesthetics with any of three
    deliveries.  
    
    But those feelings passed in a few days and the bond I established
    was as strong as if it had been instant. 
    
    I hope some of this is helpful.  I wish I could offer you more
    reassurance, but I'm sure that whatever your delivery experience,
    you'll come through it and through whatever problems you face and
    develop a healthy wonderful relationship with your new baby.
    
    --bonnie

    re 232.16
    
    Thanks for the reassurance, and making me feel "normal".  I guess what
    I want to tell EVERYONE is that I'm not concerned about NOT bonding
    right away, I'm sure that'll come, that's not a major concern.  And
    it's not that I'm concerned I WON'T have a healthy baby if I have to go
    under.  
    
    Having a c-section would only result if the baby were in distress, it
    was too large, or I wasn't progressing (all normal happenings I
    assume), however, because of MY back problem I wouldn't have a choice
    in the matter of what type of anesthesia I'd be having, there would be
    NO QUESTION, YOUR GOING UNDER.  THAT SCARES ME.
    
    I have gone under before, woken up and been totally wacked out.  I did
    NOT like the feelings I had when I awoke, did not like how long it took
    to get the junk out of my system and certainly had trouble focusing on
    WHAT REALLY TOOK PLACE HERE? 
    
    So yes, I'd hope if I DO have to go under that they'll let my husband
    see them lift out the baby, and I'm sure we'll bond at some point.  I'm
    just terrified of going under.  I have family members who go under, but
    have problems "coming back."  While I've only had general once, it
    wasn't what I'd consider major surgery (although they categorize
    laproscopic abdominal surgery as major surgery).  
    
    My bottom line question was, if anyone ever went under with general,
    what was their reaction when they woke up?  How did they feel going
    under?  Did their husband get to watch at least the baby being lifted
    out?  I don't care about pictures or video, just having him see it.
    
    And yeah Bonnie, I'm like you....."is this REALLY MY baby?"  Especially
    after going through something like that.  I've heard alot of women
    with or without anesthesia or any form of pain relief sometimes feel
    "detached" from the situation.  
    
    I guess perhaps I'm just backing myself into a corner with worry. It
    might not happen.  I guess I just can't help TRYING to prepare myself
    as they say you should...just in case.
    
    R.
    

    I had to be put under for minor surgery since I'm allergic to
    novacaine.  I had a large suspicious mole on my face which was caught
    in time.  Anyway, I was _scared_to_death_!  I won't even let the
    dentist use gas.  I remember being terrified as they were putting me
    under.  The good news is that I woke up pretty alert.  I was able to be
    the banker playing Monopoly that night.  I even won!  I could never
    rationalize why I was scared.  I met with the anestesiologist (sp??) in
    advance and I let him know I was very frightened.  I don't remember him
    being able to make me feel any better about it.  I know in the
    operating room all I could talk about before going under was being
    scared of going under.  Looking back, I should have been scared of the
    lab results if I was going to worry about anything.  If I had to be put
    under again I don't think I would be frightened.

    I had surgery for removal of an ovarion tumor when I was almost 17. 
    This is at a time when I had never been really sick, never broke
    anything, or never even had stitches.  
    
    I was told that I could have a couple different reactions from the
    anesthia (sp) when I woke up, either I would cry, vomit or
    nothing..... well of course I did both.  I can definitly see your
    concern with afterwards.  If I remember correctly I was totally out of
    it for the whole day and night after, and in real pain the next day.
    
    I wonder though, because doing a C probably doesnt' require alot of
    time, maybe the amount they use to put you under is less, so your
    reaction afterward would be less....dunno.... Good Luck !
    
    K
    
                                                            

    I had general anesthesia for removal of 4 impacted wisdom teeth.  I was
    quite apprehensive about the anesthesia, but it was no problem at all. 
    In fact, I came to halfway through the 4 hour procedure because the IV
    line was slightly blocked; I had to tell them to stop and fix it!  So I
    "came to" twice, and neither was unpleasant, even though during the
    first one they were still going at me with jackhammers.  It was like
    gradually waking up, not unpleasantly disorienting.  I was glad I
    didn't have to drive home immediately after the operation, but the only
    regret I had about the anesthesia was when it fully wore off later in
    the day!
    
    Having sat through 2 C-sections (one emergency, one planned), I can't
    see why you're husband couldn't be present, though you should ask your
    doctor/hospital.  The first one was after long and difficult labor, and
    I think my wife was "out" longer afterward than if she had had general
    anesthesia.  My presence was significant to both of us, even though she
    remembered little of it later.
    
    Good luck.  Nothing is likely to make your anxiety take flight, though
    I hope it can be diminished somewhat.
    
    		- Bruce

    re: .17
    
    Certainly you're normal!  Everything you're feeling sounds
    perfectly normal to me.
    
    As far as I know, reactions to anaesthetic are the same whether
    the surgery was major or insignificant, so if you reacted that way
    to the anaesthetic last time, you'll probably react that way
    again.  You'll want to make sure the anaesthesiologist knows about
    your previous reactions; it might be worth asking him/her if
    there's a different chemical or combination of chemicals that
    might have different side effects. 
    
    If the hospital is adamant about not allowing untrained people in
    surgery, perhaps you could arrange to have a midwife, "labor
    advocate" or nurse who you've met with ahead of time be with you
    during this time. It wouldn't be the same as your husband, I know,
    but maybe it would help a little having someone there who is used
    to surgery etc., who's not going to be taken up in the thrill of
    his new son, and whose only purpose in being there is to help you
    through the difficult time.   I suppose it would cost money that
    the insurance wouldn't cover, but it might be worth it for your
    peace of mind. 
    
    --bonnie

    
     I have four children, three were sectioned. The oldest and only girl
    was a natural birth.
    
     My first section I chose a spinal. I wanted my husband there and if I 
    had chosen G.A. they would not have let him in. The spinal is given at 
    the very end of the spine. You have to pratically curl up like a ball.
    I had no problems with the needle going in the first time. They inject
    the medication and remove the needle. I was numb from my shoulders
    down. One of the worse feelings in my life. I had to lay flat for 8
    hours after to assure you don't get any side affects. Also I got the 
    shakes real bad while I was being closed up. They ended up sedating 
    me and had to keep me in recovery for an extended period. David was
    almost nine hours old before I held him for the first time. 
    
     My second section I chose G.A. My husband was not happy as he could
    not be in the O.R. I had to think of myself this time. I had a bad 
    experience with the spinal and was not willing to try it again. And 
    it had only been 15 months since my son was born. I was a scheduled
    c-section which I liked. I did panick a little when they started to 
    put me to sleep. But it was a matter of seconds and I was out. My
    second son was born at 11:23 and I was holding him at 1:30. I woke up
    in recovery fast. While in recovery I had them raise the head of my
    bed. When they took me back to my room they stopped at the nursey so 
    I could hold Brandon. As soon as I was settled in my room they brought
    him to me. I was so hungry as I had not eaten since the day before. 
    In trying to eat I ended up vomiting. Other than that and a little
    drowsy I felt good.
    
     My third section I had an epidural. I did try to go V-BAC. But after
    being 15 days late and induced, Justin was not about to come out. 
    I wanted to have G.A. again. And through my pregnancy I was told unless
    it is an emergency or medical problems I could not have the G.A.
    Epidural is what is normally used today for sections. The needle is
    inserted in the mid-section of the spinal column, just below the 
    waist line. I was told it does not go as deep as a spinal. Once the
    needle is inserted it is then catherized. They then inject the
    medication. With an epidural they control the amount of medication.
    A spinal it is the one shot. Once I was numb they started the section.
    They only thing I did not like was the severe pressure I felt. And
    some pain. One of the nurses said that I was not medicated enough. 
    The one thing I liked the most is they only numb area around the baby.
    Within an hour after Justin was born I was back in my room and holding
    my son. 
    
     I honestly can't say which I would prefer. And yes my daughter,
    Danielle, was natural after laboring 24 hours. But I can say that when
    you baby is put in your arms it doesn't matter what means it took 
    to get to that point. 
    
     I wish you all the luck.
    
     Pam 
    
     

    I had a GA for my second child (4 months ago).  It was an emergency
    section.  My husband could not come in the room when they were giving
    me the gas, but as soon as I was "out" they told him to come in.
    
    I was in a lot of pain afterward.  I asked the nurse why and she said
    because you are waking up un-medicated.  So my suggestion is to ask for
    some pain medication as soon as possible.  I had to wait about 45
    minutes and it was probably the worst 45 minutes of my life.
    
    My first baby was also a section, but that was an epidural.  I did not
    feel pain aftwards, just very shakey.  Once the epidural wore off then
    the pain came.  BUT, the pain is bearable and there is medication for
    it - THANK GOD!!!
    
    I deliverd at Memorial and they are great.  The anesthetiologist (sp)
    was very nice, even though I only met him for about 1 minute!  What I
    found very strange is the way they wake you up.  They slap you on the
    face, not hard, and yell your name.  
    
    Who is your Doctor?
    
    BTW, my son is very healthy.
    
    Good Luck!
    Joyce

The base note from this topic has vanished because I clumsily deleted it 
when I meant to change its title.  My apologies to everyone.  Fortunately,
the subject seems to be pretty clear from the remainder of the discussion.

	-Neil Faiman, chagrined PARENTING co-moderator

    After all these replies, can you STAND another???  I delivered my son
    at Memorial Hospital Jan'87.  He was not a true eemergency, but had be
    done ASAP since the baby was heading into trouble.  They did infact do
    an epidural.  I have had two back surgeries, hated the milograms prior
    to those surgeries, and dreaded another needle in the back. The
    position I assumed for the epidural was sitting up with my head on my
    husband's shoulder, we exchanged lots of hugs. I also think the
    anestesiologist had an attitude problem.  But I also heard they had had
    back to back C-Sections all that day.  It was painful, but I
    tried to work around it by using Lamaze breathing.  As it turned out I
    ended up being put out with G.A. due to the fact that my back surgeries
    had left scaring on the spine, and the epidural fluid wasn't totally
    effective.  The OB tested my tummy by poking with a pin prior to the
    incision, thank heavens!  There were several spots with much feeling
    still. I begged them to do anything but put me out, including local, I
    wanted desperately to hear his first cry.  But I lost the battle.  They
    did, however only put me out very lightly, I do remember hearing his
    first cries! I was told the monitors indicated I relaxed after he
    cried.  I remember no pain during it, but remember having the bandage
    applied and a few comments between my OB and my husband.  He WAS
    welcomed in the delivery room, he was only asked to step outside during
    the intubation (where the tube is put down your throat to help
    breathing) "Just incase something went wrong" they said.
    
    I woke up with sort of a burning in my incision area but a nurse was
    right there with a pain shot, which I think hurt more than anything.
    They had medication available every 4 hours if I wanted, and Memorial
    is a great place.  
    
    They DO welcome videos and still cameras, but Just a warning, there was a 
    recent newspaper article about a woman who had stepped a few feet outside 
    of her room and had her camera AND deliery film stolen, never to be 
    recovered.  So I'd advise sending the camera home or asking someone to 
    lock it up when not in use.
    
    Relax and enjoy!!!
    Lyn