general anaesthetic is never good for anyone.

last time i had one, it took me WEEKS to recover.

Typically you don't have a General Anesthetic unless you need an EMERGENCY c section. If you have a planned one, then you get what is called a Spinal Block, which is similar to an Epidural so it allows you to be awake and alert during the operation. You will be able to hear your baby's first cries and see him/her immediately after the birth. My spinal block took about 1 or 2 hours to completely wear off and no crazy side affects. I also do not feel like I didn't get to bond with my son, because how you bond with your child depends on what kind of mom you are for the rest of your life, not how soon you hold your baby after it's born.

Hi,
I have had two natural births. Both fine, but I would say the vagina does stretch, and is bigger for a while, but as long as you do the pelvic floor exercises afterwards it does go back to normal eventually. To be honest though this was the last thing on my mind after having the baby. I really couldnt have cared less about my vagina, I was so busy with the baby. I think it is one of those things you worry about before the event.
Now I am pregnant again, and I am starting to worry about all the problems with my body, but at the end of the day I know all of that wont really matter, I will be having another natural birth all being well.

You have to do what you believe is best for you and your baby.
My personal opinion is that a natural birth if possible is the most wonderful way of bringing a child into the world.
x

I would recommend a vaginal delivery. You can have an epidural to lessen the pain of birth. You can have a spinal with a c-section but after it wears off then the pain comes. Recovery is alot faster with a vaginal delivery--you can be up and walking about an hour after delivery (if you opt for epidural) as opposed to 6 + hours with a c-section. However, sometimes c-sections can not be avoided. But it is your delivery so you must decide for yourself. Good luck to you!

Personally, I am scared to death of labour. There is actually a phobia on it! (I don't think I'm anywhere near that severe though)...

I'm hoping for a C-section, but I don't think they allow you to choose here. If I have to have a natural birth, I will just have to do it then, just please give me as many drugs as possible! That's as natural as I want it to get lol!