Second section vs VBAC? Advice/ experiences please !

[Cakery]

So I’m 24 weeks with my second. My first is currently 3 and will be 4 end of November.

With my first I had an elective csection- mainly due to pre eclampsia. I found the whole thing really relaxing, i found out about it Friday I prepared over the weekend - section Monday and out Wednesday. The pain afterwards was bad but manageable with pain relief- but I am conscious I recovered so well because I got to lie down and do nothing but cuddle a new born.

So now I have a decision-
Try for VBAC- my concern is trying this and resulting in an emergency section. My body has never actually gone into labour. I had my elective section at 37+5

Or a second section - but how is recovery with a 3/4 year old ?

Experiences please !
I can see positives for both - all going well with a VBAC id have a quicker recovery and be home quicker. But with a section I’ll be able to plan for my little boy?

I had my 2nd emcs 8 weeks ago and was discharged the following day, back home to our 3 and half year old. My recovery was absolutely fine but I expected that based on my first one (easier than what you describe both times and this time I was dancing about at Messy Church when dd was 2 days old).

I've been on my own with both since 2 weeks pp when dh went back to work and it's been okay but there has been very little lying down with the newborn. We've been out a lot to keep her brother occupied.

I chose an elective this time because I had a excellent recovery last and because of the circumstances behind my first emcs (done at full dilation after pushing and an attempt at forceps). Had I not laboured before, I think I would have erred towards a vbac on the grounds it might just work quickly, easily and with minimal damage. I didn't make my planned date however which is also something to consider if you decide on an elective.

What sort of childcare options do you have for your other child? Ds had preschool 5 mornings a week which helped a bit as dh could drop him off in the morning and I could have a more relaxed morning and then go and get him at lunch time. Unfortunately we're in Scotland so only got 3 weeks of that before the holidays.