* what was it like? Well mine wasn't elective but it was very calm and serene in theatre, but I wasn't. Everyone was happy and joking. The actual surgery was painful at first as the spinal hadn't taken effect so they had to step back and wait a few minutes after the initial incision. After the spinal took, I could feel pressure and pulling inside which was a very weird sensation I have trouble explaining.
* good aspects of the surgery? uhhhh....... The mood was very relaxed once in theatre.
* not-so-good aspects of the surgery? the spinal not taking effect and feeling the incision
* involvement of your partner/DH? DH had huge involvement, he watched and he held Matilda as she was passed straight to him, he took her over to the corner after saying hello to me & he took his shirt off and had skin to skin with her prior to her being weighed & checked. He stayed with her until she was put onto my breast.
* amount of time between the surgery and holding your baby? She was attached to my breast before leaving the theatre.
* recovery issues? Painful 3 days but up and walking after 12 hours.
* tips for good recovery? move as soon as you can.
* any issues with breastfeeding? My milk took weeks to come in properly.
* tips for getting yourself psychologically ready for a c-section? have a look at Brooke's birthplan, B456. And a few others with planned c/s. There are points you can cover like keeping the cord pulsating etc... just that you have to know & be prepared for straight away.