Sorry if any of this is repeated - but here's my input...

-How long did it take before you were able to take care of your child on your OWN?

Not long - I think within 24-hours. You're not comfortable, but luckily babies don't weigh too much and just want to be held. The only thing I couldn't do immediately was change a diaper. I wrapped the baby under my shirt and just kept him there on me.

-If you breast-fed, how long did you have to wait before you were allowed to BF (and directly from you- not from the pumped milk)?

It's funny that I don't remember. Once they lifted the baby out I immediately asked the only person near me - the woman monitoring the anesthesia - "don't I need to breastfeed now?". She looked confused and said she was here for the anesthesia - it was sort of funny. I held him in recovery but I don't think I actually breastfed until we were in the room (I think). We went on to have a long and rewarding breastfeeding relationship - so don't worry too much about whether it's within 5 minutes or 5 hours! If you do plan to BF - push to see an LC immediately. Most hospitals have only one LC and I think nurses are wonderful, but often their BF'ing advice is anecdotal or based on their own experiences. You want all the support you can get - I had a very difficult time with my son's early latching and I was totally engorged when my milk came in (luckily there was an LC to help me!).

-Besides the scar, do you feel the procedure changed your stomach/abdominal area at all? If so, how?

I have a very flat stomach (when not pregnant - LOL)- and there is definitely a little indentation by the scar - but because it's so low, it really isn't an issue. The only thing I think is an issue, sorry for the TMI - but when I get gas, it hurts way more than it did in the past.

-What else should I know?

Modern medicine is incredible and they do everything in their control to limit any pain. If you followed their instructions, you could be 100% without any pain (I decided to just use motrin - but I liked the option that I could take something). You will feel ****** for the first few weeks but before you know it - it will be a distant memory. I found it strange that the scar area was numb for so long - months and months!