I had a traumatic first birth which ended in c/s. My recovery was quick, I was up and walking around within 12 hours.

I had a VBAC with my second and I had a second degree tear.

The difference for the two was that my hormones did the right thing & helped the healing process the second time. My body had a hard time dealing with the recovery from the c/s. I couldn't lift much and I couldn't bend over. I hurt everytime I got out of a car, or tried to stand up. I had to keep moving to not be in pain.

With my VBAC, I had pain where I tore for a few days, but that only hurt for the first 24 hours and then when I sat down. It hurt when they had to check things out at 6 weeks, and the sutures etc, but after that it was all good. I was able to do a lot more after the VBAC.

Aside from physical, its the emotional that is important, because often that is what keeps you in bed in the morning, just not being able to cope with it. After my first, I was traumatised emotionally and wasn't able to deal with things. After my second, I was empowered.

I would suggest doing something like Hypnobirthing, or Calm Birthing no matter what choice you make. Remember you don't have to book your c/s now... you can wait and decide as you go on. You need emotional support through the decision, so maybe get a doula as well? Doula's can attend a c/s, their job is to support you through whatever way you birth.