I had a elcs at 37+2 (DTs) they were both nearly 7lbs and didn't need any extra help, just straight into the fish tanks that the hospitals have for cots.
I've been thinking of bits that I didn't know that I would have liked to have been aware of firstly they put the operating table that you lie on, on a slant, I felt as though I was going to roll off of course the slant was actually tiny but it was a weird sensation to start off. The worse bit of the whole procedure for me was the administering of the spinal but even that was fine I just tried to focus on the babies and that I'd be meeting them soon rather than what was happening behind me. Just don't let DP tell jokes as a way to relax you at this point as mine did, laughing as they were trying to access my spine was not helpful!
The op itself was good, they put the screen up which feels a little claustrophobic but with a midwife, anaesthetist and DH all at the head end I certainly didn't feel lonely. I had a pph but that was due to having twins, they did ask me if I wanted to hold the babies in theatre whilst I was being stitched up but as I was feeling a bit shaky from the blood loss I didn't but DH did which was lovely.
I don't know if the drugs they use in hospitals are different but the ones I had made my back incredibly itchy the first night, I thought it was the heat of the hospital and mentioned it the next day. The consultant explained that that was the way they'd designed the drugs to wear off rather than pain to have this itch, not sure which I'd prefer and I will be asking about this for my next one.
I stayed in for two nights, had no trapped wind, I'd taken peppermint tea bags in just in case. The first 24 hours were a bit rough but after that I started feeling much better in leaps and bounds, especially after managing a shower on day 2.
I'm just packing my bag and essentials are bottles of water (they never seem to give you enough in hospital), nightie, dressing gown & slippers, big big pants a couple of sizes too large that will cover your wound (I tried paper ones - don't do it!) and clothes that you can leave hospital in that don't rub the wound, I've got mat leggings and tunic tops also will wear dresses & mat tights for a time.
Please don't be terrified, I found my c section to be a much more positive experience than my natural birth, I'm looking forward to my next one that was due to be next week but due to theatre being shut has been rescheduled to the week after - grrrr! Sorry for the essay if you got this far!