Do you plan to have other children beyond the two you will have? If so, then I'd probably try another vaginal birth, as subsequent deliveries are safer after a v birth, rather than having repeat c-sections. That being said, a lot of women go on to have several deliveries by c-sections, or VBAC's, and everything is fine. But, I would factor in how many more children you plan on having in the future, and let that also help you in your decision...
Anyway, I had an elective c-section back in March, due to issues with placenta previa. I thought it was a very positive experience! I am TERRIFIED of needles and IV's, and I can honestly say that the IV they put in my hand was the worst part of the surgery. The spinal was not bad at all, but you see nothing, and once that's done, they lay you on the table, and you're numb from below your boobs on down within a matter of about a minute or so. You will feel sensations of being touched, and pressure, but absolutely no pain. I was quite shaky during the surgery, but apparently that's a normal reaction to the anesthesia. I won't lie and tell you that I wasn't nervous, because I was quite scared! But, I think that when it's a planned c-section, you can actually wrap your head around the idea of it being major surgery, and the whole experience becomes more relaxed overall. And once they pull your baby out, it's as beautiful and wonderful as any other birth could possibly be, seriously. I was overwhelmed with joy, and after she was cleaned up, weighed, and the cord was clamped, they laid her up by my head. It doesn't take to long for them to close you back up, and in my situation, they laid the baby in the crook of my arm after they transferred me from the operating table to the recovery bed, and I had my baby in my arms immediately.
Once I was in the recovery room, I was able to do skin-to-skin contact with my baby, and I had Hannah latch to my breast within an hour of her birth. So, it is possible, and I'd make sure that the hospital staff are well aware of how important this is to you.
I felt nothing the rest of the day...I was completely numb, and I had no pain. Now...the next day...whoa. My incision was quite sore...it's important that you take whatever pain relief they offer you up there. Staying AHEAD of the pain is key. And walk as soon as you're able, with assistance from both sides. Getting up and moving will help you recover a bit faster. This was tough for me. I was in the hospital for 4 days, vs. the typical 2 days for a vaginal delivery. Once I was home, I needed help with just about everything for the first week and a half. I was lucky, as my husband took FMLA leave to help me once we were home. It helps to sort of have a place in your home to plop down, where you can hold and feed baby, watch TV, and just relax. My DH set up a little care-station next to my place on the couch, and I just propped my feet up on the coffee table, had my breastpump beside me, with a big mug of water, and he's bring me food when I needed to eat. I also kept my pain meds beside me, the TV remote, a book, the laptop, whatever else I needed. And just wear your Boppy pillow, if you have one. Baby Hannah and I just laid on the couch for nearly 2 weeks, doing skin to skin , and I'd only get up to use the bathroom, or to shower every few days and change my nightgown. I know that sounds gross, but honestly, it was all I could do. I'd get up to change the baby, and dress her, and after that, I'd pretty much park it on the couch, and do nothing but feed Hannah, cuddle her, sing to her, pump, eat, drink, and use the bathroom. I did sleep in our regular bed, but getting up 49 times a night was making me very sore, and Brad did help me in the early days if I started to have pain.
It's hard, but manageable. I would completely do it again, if we were to have a second baby.
