Does having a previous episiotomy/assisted delivery?

[expatinscotland]

Make a woman more prone to tearing in subsequent vaginal deliveries?

My last delivery was with something called 'Haight-Ferguson' forceps.

DS was another hand by the head. 3/4 degree tear after 5 hours of pushing.

DD was an advised elective c-section.

D? - I would like to be a 'natural' birth but it will depend on how the tear looks now. The idea of looking after 3 under 4 after a c-section is not an appealing one. The c-section hurt much more and for much longer than the tear.

Having a previous scar can make the tissue prone to tear in one respect. On the other hand, having had a baby before, the tissues stretch more easily and there is less chance of needing stitches.
Position for birth makes a difference. Best not to be in a sitting upright position in bed. If in bed, better to be on your side. Better still, deliver on hands/ knees. Even better than that deliver in a birthing pool