I requested a c/section for my second child after having a long, unbearably painful, and traumatic medically-intervened birth with my first (left me with post traumatic stress). The thought of going through labour again made me want to crawl out of my own skull, and I flipped out completely when I saw the labour ward rooms at my hospital since they looked so similar to the place I'd had my first birth.

Going in the CS I was very anxious about having another brush with death, but the anaesthetist, anaes registrar, theatre midwife and even the orderly who held me forwards while they were doing the spinal injections were so reassuring and compassionate that I felt very safe and TBH after months with pelvic instability pain I was quite euphoric once the spinal took effect because it was the first time in months that I was completely pain free and comfortable. I also asked to the obstetric consultant to remain in theatre for the duration of the operation and he did, which also helped with my anxiety. They respected my birth plan involving skin to skin contact in theatre and allowed me to feed my baby in recovery, she was with me the whole time except for maybe ten minutes while I was waiting for orderlies to take me up to the ward.

Afterwards I was glowing for days, I felt so blessed and lucky to have had the birth that I wanted, even though it was a c/s I felt so empowered and powerful, and it really helped to heal my previous experience. My recovery afterwards was very slow however and I had a lingering wound infection, involved another trip to hospital and weeks of ABs. Despite that I'm really happy with the birth I chose and there is no question that I would elect to do the same again if I were ever to have another child.

I suggest you get yourself a copy of the excellent and balanced book, "Delivery by Appointment". It really will help you to make an informed decision. Good luck!