I could probably write a book on this topic! But I will try to keep it brief, so I don't bore anybody! There was 10 years between my 2 children so I was just as unprepared for the second as I was the first. I had read everything I could get my hands on and still had no idea what it would feel like, even had no idea if I was really in labor. I know what your going through hun and I feel for you. The unknown is so difficult! As Lilith said every birth is unique, so as prepared as you can be it still isn't enough. I went natural on both births, by the end of 17 hours on the first one I was begging for drugs, but it was too late! I survived and as exhausted as I was all I wanted to do was hold that beautiful baby in my arms and never let him out of my sight. Natural brain chemicals kick in and give you what you need to do what you need to . I have been told that sometimes the pain medications can hinder some of those natural responses, but since I have not experienced it I wouldn't know for sure. In my opinion you have to do whatever is best for you. The second baby came so quickly which scared me incredibly. I remember saying "its too soon, I'm not ready!!!" But low and behold there he was! I had a water birth with that one and I could be a "poster person" for that method. It was absolutely amazing! And so very different than the first time around. I had a doula, which is a service of volunteer birthing coaches available at our local hospital and she was phenomenal! Sometimes it helps having someone that you don't have to "worry" about being a coach. She massaged my back and neck while I was in the water, during each contraction. She supported my back so I could arch and almost float which really helped with the pain. Both my Aunt and my Mother were also present, but I didn't want them to talk or touch me! Go figure! I was so much less tired with the second, probably because the labor was so much shorter. Anyway hun, all I can say is the pain is bearable and the healing is quick,(in most cases). I know there are a ton of books available about going vaginally after a C-section, and I would advise you to read whatever you can get your hands on! Good luck girl! And aren't those towels just the cutest! If you have any questions or just want to talk, feel free!

~hg

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Never say never, but if you do it's okay to change your mind~me, I think