This is also what I've heard too.

I know totally how you feel, somehow cheated of the whole normal birth experience and I know some people might think I'm bonkers but I was really looking forward to it as a total experience rather than a medicalised thing. However, if it's meant to be that way then fine lets look for the positives

Good luck and I hope all goes well on the day.

Thanks QTPie - Hadn't considered the music so is very nice to know that and be able to give it some thought. Yes, we are very similar in that knowing the date is great and yes, I too am an utter control freak - as Janet Street Porter once said, there are two ways to do things, my way and the wrong way!! (oh and spread sheets for EVERYTHING)!!
Hadn't considered the pillow thingy either so will definately get one of those too - thank you for the tip. You're also the second to mention arnica, so again will take notice of that one too. Thanks again -very useful bits of information!

Thanks Jolinar - yes - I too was looking forward to it and had been doing squats, massaging, reading everything - was really in the right frame of mind for it. Although I always had it in the back of my mind that it wasn't my turn. Funny how sometimes you just have these little feelings.
I've done all I can, and at least I'm sure of that so c section, although elective (not the term I'd use), is truly for the right reason - bubba could die during birth - could do it, but risks to her are way too great and biggest one is the cervix thinking it's all done and clamping down on her neck then we are both in serious trouble. Not worth it for one second.
Yes, as QTPie and you point out, no bad c section stories, and even my friends who've had emergency ones talk well of the section. SO fingers crossed I'll be one of those who are able to support the good stories!

Are you and I twins seperated at birth? (I am at the moment torn between updating my "Christmas card address" spreadsheet, my "bits to get for baby" spreadsheet and my "what to get who for Christmas" spreadsheet... ).

Check about the music (and what format they need it in - CD), BUT they normally have the facilities to play music and they will normally allow you your choice - so definitely check

Once you get your head around it - and you make it a positive, personal and relaxed experience - then it will be good

QT

I know what you mean... I am a VERY practical person and pride myself in doing "ALL the right things", but sometimes (despite doing everything right) things still don't turn out perfectly.... (like me getting pelvic/vascular problems DESPITE being really fit and doing all of the right pre-natal yoga and birthing ball things etc ). It feels so frustrating because it shouldn't be that way...

Sometimes nature just conspires against us and we have to go with the flow....

C Sections are WONDERFUL - the operation (especially how well honed it is these days) has cut both baby and mother deaths HUGELY . It is a miraculous operation and you are doing it for all the right reasons

QT

Oh QTPie - How could we be twins?? - if we were you'd already have all your cards written (details taken from cardlist.xls) as I already have!! HA HAAAAAAAA HAAAAAAAAA!!!!
Yep - Have gift sheet too - with a worksheet per year - so I don't get same stuff for people two years running (including costs as well of course!!!).
Yep - have the baby one too - colour coded - with qty required as well (all separated into sectors - bedroom, clothing, feeding etc).

Oh dear lord - that really did make me laugh - but it's a nice fluffy feeling to know I'm not the only one!!!

And thanks again fro the advice re cd - and yes, we are the same there. I've been doing my pilates, pelvic floor etc etc, yet I still managed to wet my knickers the other day - horrified - absolutly mortified - yet I do my elevator pelvic floors everyday! Oh well, we are as you say dealing with nature, and things not going quite right is indeed the nature of it!
(spreadsheet thing still making me laugh - even had one for ovulation, then one for days of pregnancy combined with appointments - when asked how far are you I'd just bring out the printed section, check the date - ah yes, 37+1)!!

LOL make that 3 people into their spreadsheets, I could not function without excel!

Oh my MW told me that usually you don't bleed for as long or as heavily after a section as they "give you a good clearing out" apparently whilst they're in there.

Funny - it's like we're all secret excelaholics!!
That's good about bleeding less - was rather hoping they'd get the aqua vac (or medical equivalent) out whilst in there! Plus of course you've not got all the vaginal cuts and stitches and associated healing. Certainly are benefits!

Hmm, I bled quite a lot after my c-section, though it was after 18 hours of labor

I did get to hold my DD right after they weighed her and wrapped her in a blanket too while I was being stitched up, and they showed her to me right after they pulled her out too!

I'm having an elective c-section this time, since they do a spinal it wears off faster then if you've had an epi so you can be up walking sooner which makes for a quicker recovery.

And as for the arnica, I highly recommend it, I took it after my c-section last time and was walking around the mall after 2 weeks! Also my scar is barely visible, you have to really look for it to see it.

Thanks Moonmuffin - very interesting indeed - thank you. Arnica it is then for sure, and that's really good that you can hardly see your scar. Your daughter has stunning hair - nice to see a fellow red head!! (secretly hoping my LO gets my auburn hair and freckles!!)