I think we often interpret other people's birth experiences & choices through our own birthing experience, to a point of not seeing that all experiences and choices are valid. I've read a lot lately about how the experience pales in comparison to the result, and in the scheme of things, of course it does, but that doesn't mean that the experience is not important or significant, and that a birthing woman's needs, desires and choices shouldn't be respected.
Skeetaboat, I've got to spread the love but that's exactly what I was thinking when I read the article.

I think every parent's opinion about different birth choices is valid (when based on their own direct experience). Just as every woman's risk level for vaginal vs c-section is slightly different (and can change during labour). Overall, c-sections are riskier for most, especially repeat c-sections but sometimes the risk is around the other way too. There are risks with epidurals and these are often part of a vaginal birth too.

Y'know, it really is in all in our perception. My reading of the disappointing & traumatic birth stories section of BB sees equal numbers of women posting about vaginal vs c-section births. Or if not equal, at least very close. I am someone who had a terrible c-section experience, made worse by the later realisation that it was probably unnecesary. I try to console myself by remembering that even if I'd given birth vaginally, I might still have had a rotten experience (although for different potential reasons).

One final thing, I want to the author for genuinely 'not caring'. I wish I could achieve the same but I suspect I will go to my grave 'caring' (and that has nothing to do with what anyone else says about c-sections, it's about my personality, what I believe and what I experienced).