I hope you get the natural birth you have planned for..

I had 2 elective c sections and different experiences. I react badly to anesthetic and forgot to tell the anesthetist (cause I had it in my head the spinal was different to a GA), I didn't spend too much time aware of my surroundings for the 1st day, but the 2nd time they reduced the morphine and it was all good..

The time schedules for the ops were both similar to what Feeb explained for her 2nd one.

I was holding DS the moment I got back to my room. He was an arvo delivery and I was walking to the toilet the next morning. I bled heavily for a week. And stayed in hospital for 3 nights. I took painkillers as offered in hospital, but took about 3 doses once I left as I would forget and didn't really feel like I needed them unless I overdid it.

Our hospital didn't allow co-sleeping in the single beds, but I am not sure on the doubles. Something you will need to check with the hospital. But if I had wanted to, pain wise, I would've been able to.

But I would also go to the maternity ward at the hospital and ask these questions. They are the ones that you will be looking after you, if you have to go down this track.