Emma, I had a c/s for a breech bub back in April. He was breech at my 36week appointment and I opted not to have the ECV. I did try positions from the spinning babies website, acupuncture and moxibustion but he didn't turn.

I had a spinal, so was awake but numb from about the chest down. You still feel pressure, but no pain.

It depends on the hospital as to whether you can hold your baby straight away. In most cases you would at least get a quick cuddle. DS was checked straight away because he wasn't breathing, they got him breathing and then brought him to me for a cuddle and some photos. They then took him away as they wanted special care to take a look at him.

Recovery can be a tricky one. I requested DS to be with me, but they need a midwife to be present and there wasn't one available so I was in recovery by myself. I was only in there for 30 mins as my BP and everything was fine. DS born at 5.38pm, they took him away at about 5.50pm, 40 minutes to stitch me up and then in recovery until 7pm.

Check with your Dr regarding the stitches or staples. I had internal stitches so didn't have to worry about having anything removed later. Just an awful clear bandage that was sticky and a bit painful to remove 2 weeks later.

Before my c/s I asked my naturopath about things to aid recovery and she told me to continue taking my vit c and zinc as they help in repairing collagen and healing from scarring and surgery.
Also, as previously suggested no lifting etc. Get as much help as you can once you are home. Get up after the c/s as soon as you can. I was stuck in bed for 18 hours before they finally took the catheter out (5.30pm c/s) and helped me get up. Dr wanted me up much earlier but the midwives were flat out, but I just kept asking.

If you have a chance, put all your requests down in a birth plan. The hospital had mine on file and knew I wanted skin to skin in recovery etc. I do feel that you lose that control when you have a c/s as it's so planned but all you can do is ask.
Good luck. Good on you for thinking about this now. I was so focused on him turning between 36-38 weeks that I didn't think too much about the c/s until about a week before he was born. Babies do turn late, but it's good to be prepared for what may happen if they don't.