I don't know for sure but I would think it would depend on circumstances/position of the baby. My ob didn't give me a choice and used forceps but at that stage my instruction to him was "do whatever it takes" after being in prelabour/labour for three days.

I'd had an epi (which was wearing off) and I'm sure that made a difference to the experience. It felt odd and peculiar but was no big deal. My ob is also pretty experienced with forceps I would say and certainly knew what he was doing. He told me that it would take two or three pushes from me and he would have my DD out. That's exactly what happened. She was perfect, no bruises, no marks and I had two minor stitches. But I think other obstetricians don't use them very often (preferring to deliver 'stuck' babies by caesarean) so are perhaps more nervous and a bit out of practice.

I wouldn't hesitate to have forceps again but I appreciate they can sound scary beforehand!