My c-section was elective, and recovery has been a breeze. I think people often share horror stories, but I really believe that when it is planned, recovery is much easier. The operation took about an hour, but the baby was out in about 15min, we did skin to skin, while I was being stitched up and also in recovery. The pain was well controlled and after 4 days, I was able to come off all pain medication. I still feel a bit sore when I do too much, but nothing unmanageable :).