I'm looking for some advice on planning the care for my next pregnancy and birth. I'm in the US, so working with a different healthcare system, but have received some good advice on mumsnet in the past. Long story short, I had a traumatic birth with my first child last year. I was induced, the baby got stuck, had a ventouse delivery with a third degree tear plus lacerations, and my son went to the nicu for two days. I was very poorly communicated with at the hospital. I went in because I thought my water had broken but it hadn't. They decided to induce but didn't bother to tell me, so left me waiting for seven hours before it began. The whole thing culminated with the ventouse delivery being performed without the doctor telling me he was doing so. It was violating and scary and I wish I had been given the opportunity to speak to someone (anyone!) beforehand. I've decided to have a section next time to have measure of control and avoid a repeat tear, and my doctor is on board with it, although he says I don't medically need it. He seems to think nothing of a third-degree tear. I've healed well but I had a tough recovery and don't want to risk any permanent issues. Given my experience, my one remaining fear is that if I go into labor before my ELCS date I could be faced with a similar lack of communication at the hospital, which could impact my care. I'm afraid I could be made to wait again and not receive my section after all. I recently spoke with my doctor about this and he was completely dumbfounded by this concern and not particularly helpful. AIBU to feel uneasy? Or have I arranged a section and that's enough to make sure I will avoid a repeat tear? Any advice on how to proceed? I'd really like to feel secure in my care before ttc.