Stein raised an eyebrow. "I'll use the standard sort of anaesthesia for caesarean sections, of course. You'll have to be unconscious for the procedure and a simple epidural will not be sufficient."

He pushed his glasses up. "As for how long you'll have to wait, before I can begin to answer that I would need to examine you, but honestly I have no idea. It will depend on how much anaesthetic you need, your weight, and your personal reaction to it. You'll be able to hold the baby while lying down immediately, but you won't be able to carry him for six weeks after birth."

The contents of the beaker tasted like water.