I had a balloon induction 8 weeks ago at 37 weeks as needed to be induced and had an EMC previously.
Before they did it they did an examination to see how "favourable" my cervix was, basically to see if it was likely to work I think - they said it was every so slightly dilated and shortening, if that hasn't been the case they weren't even going to try and would have been straight for c section.
I had read online that having the catheter with the balloon on the end, inserted was really painful, but I didn't find it particularly painful. They gave me gas and air and it felt uncomfortable, and embarrassing when he left the speculum in and went to pick up the catheter and my vagina closed or something and it pinged out across the floor with force 🙈😂cbut anyway he got it in first time and didn't feel too bad. Once in couldn't feel it, but it's weird having a thing dangling out your vagina taped to your leg!
They then admitted me to the induction ward to just wait and see if I started to dilate - the idea is that your cervix dilates and the balloon falls out, and then they break your waters and this is exactly what happened with me. About 15 hours after balloon was inserted it fell out. I then had to wait another 24 hours to have waters broken as no room on delivery suite.
After having my waters broken contractions started within an hour. They gave me the hormone drip too but only very very small doses as they have to be careful not to increase contractions too quickly as risk rupture of uterus due to VBAC. 11 hours after first contraction baby boy was born. No assistance required (unless you count epidural as assistance?) a text book delivery the midwife said. I was really chuffed after the trauma of an EMC last time.
All in all my experience of the balloon induction is really positive.
Best of luck what ever you decide. Just hope it's a nice calm delivery xxx