How does a c-section feel like? Please share your experiences.

Was induced for 24hrs after water broke, but didn't dilate enough and GBS +ve. C section was decided cause too long after induction and risk potentially serious complications. l had an epidural after 16 hrs which they used to administer the heavier anaesthetic for the CS. I was nervous to be awake, no pain during the surgery couldn't move from the waist down, just like someone rummaging in a bag. Then felt like I was in a dream like state, I felt a bit sick and nauseous at the end of it. They put the baby on your chest straight away for skin to skin which is crucial during the 1st golden hr. Then with the nurse helping I breast fed the baby where it was baby led latching they root around. Once in post natal ward, it was very painful, they were reluctant to give me to much heavy pain killers due to my small build. Then afterwards the pain was managed. I could walk after one day. I tried one time to stop the heavy pain killer and found I couldn't get out of bed and was crying so took them as needed or allowed but tried to get off or reduce them asap. My baby was forceped out so it hurt more than usual and the pain went beyond the scar it felt like my lower abdomen had 2 sheets of cling wrap that was stuck and pulled if I moved too quickly. I got husband to help me and even bring the baby to me at first although it was important to try to move , get out of bed and walk, do leg feet pumps in bed for a faster recovery and got the hospital physio to show me gentle core excercises. I got the lactation consultant to show me different breast feeding positions for c sections. I found the football position and the side lying position to be best so the baby is not in top of the scar. Side lying also allowed me to rest while feeding. I told myself all of it is temporary to get through things and got help from my husband and mother in law. 10wks post partum only slight numbness when pushing on it. When changing baby in the early weeks having the baby waist height was helpful to reduce pain from bending over. I also found belly compression bands (a bit like a corset helpful to keep everything in and core more stable.)