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• Pregnancy & children >> Making decisions about birth after caesarean >> Aged 40 and over >> Interview 08 >> The atmosphere in theatre was relaxed and professional. But it felt a bit as though she was 'a job to be done' in a queue and it was not an experience

Keen on unassisted birth with 1st child. Slow to go into labour and dilate. Had epidural and then CS 2 days after waters broke. Felt cheated at first but adjusted with time. Had planned CS with 2nd child to avoid previous ordeal.

• Pregnancy & children >> Making decisions about birth after caesarean >> Aged 36-39 >> Interview 15 >> She was surprised by the speed of her recovery and was astonished that she could have a shower the day after the operation.

Went overdue with 1st child and was induced at 42 weeks, but drugs had no effect. Delivered 3 days later by epidural CS. Determined to have planned CS with 2nd child, as felt unlikely she would go into labour. Planned CS was a wonderful experience, far less tiring.

• Pregnancy & children >> Making decisions about birth after caesarean >> Aged 30 and under >> Interview 16 >> She had to wait quite a long time beforehand, but the caesarean itself took less than an hour and was less scary than she had imagined.

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 31-35 >> Interview 19 >> She felt very let down by the lack of support she experienced on the hospital ward. It was hard to be dependent on people that seemed unwilling to hel

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 36-39 >> Interview 29 >> She was nervous about being awake during her planned caesarean, but it made a big difference that the anaesthetist talked to her throughout the operat

1st child delivered with forceps and ventouse. Had bad tear, lost lots of blood. Planned caesarean with 2nd child 16 months later on advice of doctors. Struggled to decide how to deliver 3rd child, pessimistic about her chance of having VBAC, feels planned CS is the safer option.

• Pregnancy & children >> Making decisions about birth after caesarean >> Aged 40 and over >> Interview 30 >> She felt reluctant to ask staff for help, but was glad they convinced her to stay in hospital for a bit longer. Handling the baby with the midwife pre

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.