Hi
I can understand your concerns. I had 3 c-sections, the first was an emergency one after 18 hrs of labour-my daughter got stuck and I had no choice as she was severely distressed. She was 10lbs 1/2 oz which was the reason she never made it out naturally apparently, bless her. To be brutally honest I did take a long time to recover-my wound didn't heal for about 6 weeks and I did have quite alot of pain. BUT I had 2 elective c-sections with my other 2 children and, yes, it does take a little longer to recover, but the trick is to get up and about as soon as you can and listen to the advise you get about not doing anything strenuous, lifting things etc. You should get a physiotherapist come to see you in the hospital after the section, should you chose to have one, and they'll give you all the info you need. I've never given birth naturally so I can't compare the pain with that of a caesarean, but you have to remember it is an operation. I chose to have my 2 boys by c-section as in my 2nd pregnancy I was told at 33 weeks that he would be 11 lbs at full term and I didn't want a repeat of my daughter's birth. My 3rd section was because I'd already had 2 and the doctor recommended it. I think it's going come down purely as a decision for you as to which choice is safer for your baby. Good luck :) x