My little guy is just about 4 weeks old, but I missed his birth due to needing both a C-section and general anesthesia.

I always imagined I would finally get to see a brand new baby, but since I didn't and nobody I knew could be there due to the circumstances and there are no photos, I thought I might at least get close by asking other moms who have delivered vaginally or C-section.

What is it like when baby is first born? What is it like to see the brand new, messy baby? What are the umbilical cord and placenta like? How do you feel when it is finally over?