I don't have the 9c, but do have the .40c in M&P, to go with my full size .40, and except for the length of the grip, is identical with the medium grip inserts I use on the full size.
I do use the mags with the grip extensions on the .40c, as opposed to the one without, due to big hands and better stability for me.
The full size mags fit and function in the .40c, and the grip "feels" identical as far as circumference.
I also own a 6904 S&W 9, one of the older compact double stacks, and "perceived recoil is in the eye and mind of the shooter", actual recoil is usually, especially with female shooters, becomes a non issue with practice.
A friends wife we shoot with fires a full size 1911 and loves it, and she is not a big girl. As she introduced her female friends to firearms, uses a Ruger SR9c and after some instruction and practice, the "perceived recoil" is met with: "I thought it would kick much harder than that"....With that out of the way, she moves to the next chapter of stance, accuracy, and actually "shooting"
consistently hitting the target. ( Bowling pins are great for this.).
Just my .02 cents.
Good call on the 9c, and good shooting.
tw.