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• Pregnancy & children >> Making decisions about birth after caesarean >> Aged 36-39 >> Interview 07 >> She had conflicting advice from the community midwives and from staff at the hospital about her chances of having a vaginal birth.

Went 14 days overdue with 1st child, was induced, then had CS after 2 days of labour. Advised to have planned CS with 2nd child, booked for 10 days past due date, still hoping to go into labour. Surprised by her positive experience of 2nd caesarean.

• Pregnancy & children >> Making decisions about birth after caesarean >> Aged 30 and under >> Interview 16 >> She thinks women should not let themselves be influenced too much by the opinions of other people. It is more important to have accurate information.

Had emergency CS after 18 hours of labour due to 1st baby's large size and awkward position. Recovery was difficult, felt low and exhausted for one month. Same problems of size and position with 2nd pregnancy, advised to have planned CS. Planned CS was much better experience.

• Pregnancy & children >> Making decisions about birth after caesarean >> Aged 30 and under >> Interview 17 >> She has decided to attempt VBAC even though she does not feel overly optimistic and is worried about the possibility of uterine rupture. Played by an

Waters broke but 1st baby's head was outside the pelvis. Induced, then had emergency CS. Agonised over how to deliver 2nd child, persuaded by health professionals to attempt VBAC. Laboured to 7cm, but baby's head not engaged so needed another emergency CS.

• Pregnancy & children >> Making decisions about birth after caesarean >> Aged 40 and over >> Interview 30 >> She wanted to know how feasible it was for her to attempt vaginal birth and was relieved to learn that she would not be induced.

Wanted waterbirth with 1st child, went overdue. Induced at 42 weeks, did not dilate despite interventions. Baby delivered by emergency CS after heart rate dropped. Trusted medical team and feels no regrets, but hopes to have vaginal birth with 2nd child.

• Pregnancy & children >> Making decisions about birth after caesarean >> Aged 31-35 >> Interview 19 >> Statistics about the likelihood of women having a vaginal birth after caesarean confirmed her decision to have a planned caesarean. Played by an actor

Her waters broke 10 days past her due date, but contractions did not start. She was induced, didn't dilate, then had CS after 14 hours of labour. Chose to have a planned CS with 2nd child as felt pessimistic about her chances of having a vaginal birth.

• Pregnancy & children >> Making decisions about birth after caesarean >> Aged 30 and under >> Interview 23 >> Unless the chances are stacked against them, she would advise women to attempt VBAC, because it gives you a great sense of achievement.

Had lengthy labour with 1st child after being induced, taken for emergency CS after baby's heart beat dropped. Explored options early in 2nd pregnancy, decided on VBAC. 2nd child born after 10 hours, painful labour but great sense of achievement.