Wow, the massage in labour course must be worth it's weight in gold! Amazing- hope you come away with some good stuff!
In answer to your questions: yes, I had an emergency caesarean first time round. I was told my baby was in mortal danger and consented to it on that basis. On the notes however it clearly says "failure to progress" as the reasoning. But that's another story, as was my journey in deciding that a HBAC was my best option 2nd time round.
Yes, it was a long stretch. But so much more enjoyable and easy, if they're the right words! The labour with my first was induced, in hospital, strapped down, with a number of random midwives and doctors coming and going, ending in being coerced into a caesarean and a long recovery.
With my second, it was a long labour at home with 2 known midwives(who provided one to one care throughout pregnancy, birth and beyond), endless massaging from one of the midwives, a ball, a birthing pool. I knew and trusted the company and environment I was in. Yes, the NHS would probably not have been keen on me doing any the above.
In the event, I stuck at 8cm (again!) for about 7 hours and I made the decision that enough was enough and transferred in for my back up c section, still supported by my lovely midwives. But the ride in or maybe all the stair climbing I'd been told to do by midwives must have helped, and almost on arrival I could feel my sons beautiful velvety head, the rest of him following anout 15mins later. I'd gone from 8cm to holding my baby and drinking tea in less than 2 hours! Crazy!
I hope you decide on whatever is best for you, because that is all that matters. Whatever you decide, be aware there are both VBAC and Caesarean support groups out there should you need them.