* what was it like?
I was really scared the first time but no where near as bad as I though. 2nd time round although nervous I knew what was happening and was able to talk myself through it. I hate the numb feeling.. I am already dreading having an epidural. It didn't hurt at all but I hate feeling numb. I also had a panic attack the first time but I was scared.. Thats why I think asking as many questions from people who have had c/s is a great idea..

* good aspects of the surgery?
It was quick it was painless (till later)
* not-so-good aspects of the surgery?
the numb feeling as I said I above I hate it. The longer recovery but to be honest I was sore "down there" after my natural delivery for around 3 days. with my c/s although I was sore it was only painful for the first 24-48 hours. After that you just learnt to deal with it
* involvement of your partner/DH?
He was there for almost the whole time.. I went into theatre and he thinks it was around 30-40 mins later he joined me for the birth of our sons. He was able to hold the baby straight away and was also able to go with baby to be weighed bathed ect.
* amount of time between the surgery and holding your baby?
Well I got to hold them both in theatre but only for a short time. With my first son he was brought to my room around 2 hours old. My second son was in a humidicrib so I wasn't able to see him till he was 11 hours old. However my sister took the camera with all the pics on it and developed the photo's so I was able to look at him anytime I wanted. Not the best situation but it got me thru.
* recovery issues?
none really.. Although make sure they give you one of those triangle things above your bed. With my second the MW wouldnt let me have one and I had an extremly sore back from the way I was getting in and out of bed. I was very lucky with my recovery. I also only took panadol for the first couple days after that I just rested as much as possible.
* tips for good recovery?
rest and drink plenty of water. Then after day 1 walk as much as possible without overdoing it to help healing. make sure you know your limits. it is very easy to overdo things. When standing hold your stomach and stand tall. Don't slouch. Don't stay in bed for long periods as you get very stiff. Also be careful of the way to sleep. I slept on my side as it was the only comfortable position but the way I was laying caused me to get a bad back ache. I needed to support myself better.
* any issues with breastfeeding?
none that related to the c/s. My 2n son was ill (unrelated to c/s) and I expressed. My 3rd was a champion and we only stopped Breastfeeding 2 weeks ago ages 21 months.
* tips for getting yourself psychologically ready for a c-section?
read all the responses on here. and realise that you may have all or only some of the same things. Just make yourself aware of how it is going to go..

couple of tips of my own..

If they offer you a anal suppository. I highly recommend it. It is gross and embarrasing but OMG it worked. I had one for my back ache (unrelated to c/s) from not getting in and out of bed properly. I left it till I was in so much pain. I wish I had taken them up the first time they offered it

When you stand for the first time it is going to hurt like all hell.. I freaked the first time but the 2nd time round I knew what to expect so I just kept taking very deep breaths and saying its all good its all good.. oh and your hold your tummy. The nurses and mw do know what they are talking about.. Listen to what they say they wouldn't have you do something that would do you any damage.

Oh and have a shower as soon as you can. It will make you feel so much better. Also hopefully a MW will suggest this but if they don't.. A maternity pad against your scar is a great support thingo.. It helps protect it from your undies and clothes,

When you go to the toilet for the first time it does hurt to sit and do your business.. not necessarily the business side (wee) but the sitting and standing. and the pulling up of your underwear. number 2 side of things. it will just happen when it happens.

if you have to cough hold a pillow against your tummy. I had a niggling cough the day before and for 3 days after my 2nd c/s. not amusing I can tell you but a pillow against your tummy helps. laughing is also slightly painful LOL but once again a trusty pillow helps.

When breastfeeding definetly use a pillow to support your baby in the right position and sit in a comfy chair not a hard backed one. lean back slightly if you need to don't lean forwards as it will hurt when you next stand up. So remember not to hunch.. Stand and sit tall at all times..

Good luck.. I hope I have helped