There is some really fantastic advice - especially Belle's post. i had a 'elective' c-section for breech and it was really really positive. I don't really remember being in any horrible pain - could of possibly just blocked it out - but overall it was a really good experience.

In my case when I had the epidural, our hospital didn't allow my husband to come in with me. He had to go sit in the nurses tearoom and have a cuppa - not really sure why I think it was just hospital policy. I had a fantastic midwife with me the whole time, and basically did what Belle suggested and just completely focused on her. She just held my hands and was great. I am almost glad my DH wasn't in with me, because I probably would of started to cry (I was a bit nervous and tend to get sooky around him ).

Definiately take a lovely bodywash with you and a big sponge for that first shower.

Keep up with medications even if you don't think you need them. I just took Panadol and Voltarin while in hospital and then panadol at home, and always feel pretty good.

After my c-section, the next day I started having a lot of pain in my shoulder - which apparently was air trapped in there after the c-section. Apparently it is quite common so the nurses just gave me heat packs and massages which helped out. That was probably the most painful bit - the pain in my shoulder, although it was gone in a day.

Definiately make sure you have bubs in reach on that first night! We made the mistake of putting him across the other side of the room, DH left for the night and then DS starting screaming! The nurses were flat out and took ages to come! I ended up sleeping with him in my bed which was lovely, and then DH stayed at the hospital with me for the next 3 nights - on a pull out stretcher bed. That was really nice.

Good luck with everything!!!