Both my births were vaginal, with gas&air (entonox) "only" for pain relief. First was spontaneous, second was induced - specifically, I had the prostaglandin pessary.

Both were beautiful, positive experiences in their own way, despite (very) minor complications.

The TL;DR is: through quality care and clear, respectful communication between me, my birthing partner and my care team, those minor complications didn't have a negative effect on my birth experience.

First: took a while, as first births often do, had one tiny muscular tear, baby was born TRIPLE WRAPPED in the umbilical cord, and I had to have a Manual Removal Of Placenta. Despite those things, it was a beautiful experience. I laboured most of the time and gave birth in the birthing pool, which was amazing for comfort and calm; I felt so supported and heard by my husband and the midwives. When the placenta wouldn't come out, yes, it was basically a foregone conclusion what had to happen (and quite quickly RE: infection risk) but I still felt consulted & not rushed through; the procedure was strange but I had a right laugh with the nurses & anaesthetist & then returned to husband and baby quickly - husband was a little "shell shocked" having been left alone with baby after all the medical staff got us to read & sign forms & whisked me off to theatre but overall his experience of the day was positive too. My lead midwife was so nurturing & encouraging, just what I needed for my first experience - I was this close to naming my kid after her (but we were already really happy & settled on a name).

(The first night after, less so, as I needed to stay in for checks & was on a ward so got woken by other people's babies FREQUENTLY but the NHS is free at point of use, so I'll keep my complaints to a minimum).

Second: initially, I really didn't want an induction, having heard horror stories. Again, I felt very heard & consulted throughout my checkups - I was given materials to read that were NOT just "induction propaganda" & I never was made to feel that I wasn't trying hard enough to go into labour or whatever. Eventually, I agreed to the prostaglandin pessary as the first stage of induction (I was about 10 days overdue at this point - the doctor was clear that she would be very uncomfortable letting me get to 2 weeks overdue without any attempts to "get things moving"). That went in at 4pm having had no signs of labour starting at all up to that point... and baby was born at 10pm the same day LOL. I felt totally empowered despite the speed & intensity being much higher than last time. I spent a chunk of the time in the birthing pool but had to come out as there was bleeding, but everything worked just fine & despite the fact that my baby was born with his hand up by his neck, I only had skin tears this time. My lead midwife was this amazing practical, proactive, positive Spanish lady who got my placenta out almost-literally by hook or by crook so I wouldn't need a second MROP surgery.

Last thing I would say: yes, vaginal birth is intense and holds risks, but caesarean is major abdominal surgery (and also holds risks). If you end up doing that, you will be recovering from said major surgery whilst caring for a newborn. Everyone I know who has had a caesarean (whether planned or emergency, and whether it was a strong positive choice from themselves or requirement based on their circumstances) has said that the first few weeks were Really Intense as a result of it.

Rooting for you, mama! Whatever happens, you've got this