Snowboarder, I had many of the same worries but have some words of hope! I'd been aiming for a VBAC: it didn't work out, but was OK anyway. After my waters broke at 36 1/2 weeks but nothing else happened for several days, had an induction on the delivery ward at St Helier Hospital in Sutton (we moved out of Dulwich just before the birth) with continuous monitoring, ending in a second unplanned C-section. Continuous monitoring (which I'd not liked the idea of) was actually OK: had those sensor things, but was able to move around, use the birthing ball, different positions, take breaks from the monitors etc. One thing that really helped after the birth was arranging for my brother-in-law to stay and look after our 2 year-old daughter, which meant Mr Smiler could be at the hospital. He'd never babysat for her before and only sees us every few months, and we'd been worried that it'd be asking too much of him (time off work, dirty nappies etc.) or that our daughter would get upset. We nearly didn't ask him, but in the event he was more than willing to help and she was v.happy being spoiled rotten. We had a good experience at St Helier. They have recently invested lots of money in their maternity service and have a new midwife-led unit with nice rooms with low lighting, pools etc. It's right next to the consultant-led delivery ward in case women need to transfer. They also have private "amenity" rooms for ?125 a night (the privacy was bliss). I'd recommend a book called "Blooming Birth" which includes a big section on second births of all kinds. Also good advice on managing anxieties / taking decisions before and during the birth.