Jessica, having my 1st baby vaginally was probably the most traumatic thing I have ever experienced in my life (very late induction with all sorts of interventions), it took me years to get over it and the ONLY way I was ever going to have a second baby was by maternally requested CS. It turned out to be a really empowered, whole and healing experience for me. I was very uncluttered in my birth plan and was able to request skin to skin contact in theatre, keeping my baby with me and breastfeeding in recovery (this was in a public hospital too). The physical side of my recovery was quite slow as I developed an infection in my wound, but I was well supported at home this time too so nearly a year on I'm far more happy and 'intact' as a person than I was after my first birth.

So for me, having a CS the second time was a very positive experience. I was however very clear about the respect and consideration that I expected the staff to show me at all times and I spoke with them about it each time I was at the hospital. I encourage you to approach your own CS with the same attitude -just because it's a CS doesn't mean you no longer have any choices, or that you're handing your personal power over to the doctors. It can be an empowered decision. Good luck!