Hi Monnie
I've had two elective c-sections.

what was it like? It did feel a little wierd...a tugging sensation but no pain, and there seemed to be a lot of people in the room (in reality probably only 4 or 5 plus my DH and me)
good aspects of the surgery? It was quick, no pain (not even from the epi), very good ob who gave me all the facts and risks and presented all the options
not-so-good aspects of the surgery? just the fact that it is surgery and there are risks involved, thankfully I didn't experience any of those risks in reality
involvement of your partner/DH? He was there the whole time, he declined to cut the cord as he's a bit squeamish, but he had big cuddles with DD and helped weigh and clean her up
amount of time between the surgery and holding your baby? I held her straight away, then they stitched me up while they weighed her etc, then she was brought straight back to me.
recovery issues? None... the ob was an excellent surgeon and I had no post-op pain whatsoever. I took the necessary precautions with heavy lifting etc but all went well.
tips for good recovery? Follow the post-op advice and get up and moving as soon as possible. Good mental preparation is important... I think it's good if you can be as prepared as possible (mentally, physically, emotionally)
any issues with breastfeeding? My milk came in on day two but even with LC advice on attaching etc, I developed ulcers and stopped after a few weeks.
tips for getting yourself psychologically ready for a c-section? I think it's really important to know all the risks, and let the possibility "in" to your head that some of those risks might come true. Accept that it is surgery, write a birth plan that you're happy with that will also work within any surgical constraints put upon you by the hospital. Don't blindly accept as fact the myth that you will be unable to breast feed because you've had a c-section.... arm yourself with lots of breastfeeding info and classes before and after birth. As with all births, be flexible. The creation, birthing and parenting of babies is such a dynamic, fluid thing.... have a plan, but be ready to embrace change if needs be.


All the best. I hope this info is helpful