I personally would avoid a c-section if there was something else that could be done first, either forceps or ventouse. I had forceps (after ventouse failed), and like Mrsmac, my Ob is older and very skilled with them, so it was no biggie.

I've heard too many scary stories about ventouse, especially those done without an episiotomy, to make me ever want to go down that route. Obviously it's safer for bub, but I don't think I'd consider it without an episiotomy.