DS1 - membranes artificially ruptured --> possible meconium (which turned out not to be) --> flat on back with monitor ---> epidural ---> foetal distress --> forceps ---> episiotomy. Sore for days afterwards, hardly able to get up and do things for the first 2 days, pain to have the catheter and have first 3 wees checked.

DS2 - no intervention, positioned myself comfortably, gas only for pain relief. Fantastic experience no pain afterwards, up and around immediately, felt a million dollars, empowered, well, pain free.

My second birth was so much better. If there were to be another one I would go for just gas, or even no gas. The less pain relief the better IMO. Sure, there's pain at the time, but it's manageable, and it's worth it to feel so great afterwards.