C section mamas!

Hi! I’m going to have a c section this pregnancy due to it being medically necessary. I had my first born naturally. With her, it was a hard labor. But I was in so much pain, I never felt them out the epidural in. I never felt the catheter. Because it was such a huge relief to me to not be feeling contractions.

So now that I’m scheduled for a c section, I’m so nervous about it. Do they give you an epidural or a spinal? Does it hurt? How long does the catheter stay in? What’s the recovery like? How long do I have to be at the hospital? Will I be given skin to skin right away? I know I can ask the doctor (which I’m planning to) but I am just curious about everyone’s experiences.

Thank you!