I was induced at 12 days overdue with DS, and although my waters broke naturally, I developed a rim of cervix which swelled, as I was told to push through it . DS got stuck and they thought forceps, but did the CS in the end. It was a very horrible experience, with me pushing for about 6 hours before they took me into theatre.
Fast forward five years and I considered a VBAC with DD, but got cold feet pretty late on. Combined with the fact that DH was working away from home, an elective section seemed the obvious choice. I did try and hire a doula but left it too late so opted for the elective.
So, when I got pregnant again, because it was unplanned I kind of saw it as my last chance to do it as nature intended. I hired a doula when I was only three months and she was great. She helped me change hospitals and get in with the consultant most likely to be amenable (who had herself had two water births). She was the lead consultant so her endorsement in my notes was great.
I'll dig out my birth story for you in a mo.
The thing to remember is that they can't make you do anything you don't want to do. There is also limited information on VBA2C as well so hospitals tend to just double the risks attached to a VBA1C, but it doesn't quite work like that. My take on it was the optimum would be a totally intervention free birth, but that I would consider any necessary interventions as and when they arose, but didn't want to go belts and braces on the slim chance that something would go wrong.
It was certainly an experience that I'm glad I had, inspite of the new experience of piles, stitches, mashed pelvic floor and mild incontinence issues