thing is you will have pain after the c.s even if you don;t have labour pains!! there is no pain free option. sorrreeeeee
from my own experience, my VBAC was v v straightforward and quick once labour got established and i had lots of strong BH and false alarms, and i think they actually helped .
you have lots of pain relief options in labour.
starting from G&A and working up to epidural, with lots of things inbetween
i had a wibble at about 34 weeks and considered booking an elective, as it took away the fear of the unknown, but my desire to give it a go and not look back 6 months later and think 'if only....'
if baby is in a good position and you are having a lot of BH it is a good sign, IMO , and in your shoes, i would go for it
the pain will be a part of the birthing process whatever route you choose, until the teleporting becomes an option!!
i do remember that sudden cold panic of 'oh shit, this baby has to come out one way or the other'
i also can't forget how great it felt an hour or two after the birth, to get up , have a bath, pick up my baby and do everything myself and be involved so much in her first few hours , unlike after my c.section
but that is just my experience
a planned c.s can also be really positive, but wibble are the norm !