I had an emergency c-section and it was absolutely fine. I wasn't in much pain afterwards - pelvic floor exercises help tone up the abdominals as well as the pelvic area, so you can help your recovery by doing them. I made myself get up and about which really helped. If you don't have one on your bed, ask for a rope ladder so you can pull yourself up in stages, it really helps.
I recovered within a couple of weeks, although I had a separate reaction to the antibiotics that I was taking as a result of a uterine infection - the reason why I had the c-section, not as a result of it. Total recovery takes about a year, before you can plan your next baby, if you're thinking about that lol. I was still able to breastfeed, although as my supply was interfered I supplemented with formula feed for the first week and a half. This was even after haemorraghing (because of family genetics) after the c-section, so breast-feeding is possible. You may need to stick at it, but then a lot of new mums need to before it becomes really easy - which it is for me now at 8 1/2 weeks
Although it was an emergency one, my OH still cut the chord. He says it was surprisingly tough lol. The staff should look after your OH as he will be allowed into the delivery suite, unless you have an emergency that requires a general anesthetic. This is very unlikely, I nearly had one due to my uterine infection, and they didn't want to inject near that area to avoid spreading the infection, but luckily I got away with an epidural. Also I've had NO problems after my epidural which was like sticking my legs in a warm bath. A relative had to have an emergency c-section, and was able to breast-feed on the recovery table, so put that in your birth plan if it's important to you. I didn't and Debs got taken away and was given formula as her blood sugar was low. Fair enough as obviously it had to be done, and it was unlikely I would have been able to feed her, but it's useful to think of contingency planning.
I found it a really positive experience, as without it, neither of us would have made it. Again that is purely because of my circumstance which are quite unusual. Also the staff at Royal Berks were all fabulous. Good luck with it!