Hi Emma, good luck for the rest of your pregnancy! There's still a ways to go yet so hopefully your little one will turn and you won't need to worry about a CS. I believe that the spinning babies website has some good tips to help them turn so it might be worth checking it out. But to answer your questions...

What are my options for anasthetic? It's not "normal" to go completely under is it?
- 99% of the time you will have a spinal block epidural so you won't be able to feel anything from below your boobs down. I think it is only in real emergencies that you would have a full anaesthetic so probably not be anything you need to worry about.

If I'm not completely under, will I be able to hold my baby straight away?
- as long as your baby is healthy you should be able to hold them pretty much straight away. There is ususally a paediatrician who will check them out quickly and wrap them up then bring them straight over to you. I was able to hold my DS for the entire time I was being stitched up.

What is the average time for being in the recovery rooms? As I have heard that some hospitals don't allow baby in with you.
- my hospital was one of the ones that don't let you have your baby with you. DH went with DS while he had all his checks done and I was in recovery. I was only in there for about 30 minutes, but I know some people are there a bit longer. I think it really depends on how quickly you recover.

Will I have stitches or staples?
- I believe this depends on the preference of the OB. I had staples, the idea of it grossed me out and I made a point of not looking at them. I had them taken out the night before I left hospital. I was scared that it would hurt, but it was fine.

Is there anything I can do to prepare for my recovery?
- not really sure about this one... I guess my only advice would be to go into it with an open mind and to discuss your wishes at length with your OB before hand. I had a great OB who was happy to accomodate all of our wishes. As long as you're both on the same page I believe that you can make a CS a magical experience.

Good Luck!