Becky, you do have a lot to consider and naturally people who have experienced one or the other will tell you how it was for them and that is great to know, but ultimately their annecdotes aren't going to be your experience when all is said and done. The fact is, you have given birth vaginally and I daresay you will be able to do it again - subsequent births are often very different to the first and chances are good that you won't need an instrument delivery or even have another bad tear.

Take your time, research both sides of the 'argument' and then make the choice that is right for you based on what knowledge you have gained.

Good luck with it Becky.