Hi there,

Just like with a vaginal birth you have birth choices regarding your c-section.

Yes, you can request that baby is to be given to you (or, if you are too shaky etc then the next in line is your husband). Yes, you can request that baby follows you into recovery.

Many mothers are making choices to actually even have first breastfeeds in theatre or recovery. this is the optimal situation for both yourself and baby as it really promotes the early bonding which can really help set up a more smooth transition to parenting.

Your husband can be in there with you. It seems that what you will be having is called an 'elective c-section' (even if it is not your ideal...emergency is only used for when it is an unplanned c-section...ie. go into labour and suddenly need one) so no doubt you will not need to have a GA (when you have a GA your husband cannot be in there with you).

In my c-section birth plan that we wrote up I even included delayed cord clamping.

you have many choices. i recommend that you do some reading from various sources regarding choices in c-sections. we have had a number of members here on BB have empowered experiences and have wonderful insights into how to make this the best birth possible for you and baby.

And, i also highly recommend thinking about an Independent Midwife or Doula who can help both you and DH navigate this path. They are of wonderful benefit and support (ie, if for whatever reason baby has to go to SCN then either the IM or Doula can stay with you while your DH goes with baby etc).