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I did not have a c-section, but do not freak! It doesn't mean you will just because his family did. My MIL delivered all 3 of her kids via c-section, and both of her grandchildren (my nephew and my daughter) were delivered vaginally.

Well since you aren't related to their family their experience has no bearing on you. So don't let your MIL upset you. Since you've already had a successful vaginal birth there is no reason to believe you won't have another one. If the worst happens and you end up needing a c section unexpectedly just remember, healthy baby and healthy mama is what matters most!

@littleblessings: I was terrified of a c-section too. Surprising for me, it's definitely not one of the normal anxiety-provoking things for me..but I would go into a cold sweat, breathing would pick up, etc. when I thought about it. That said, though, anyone I talked to that had one said it truly is not as bad as I thought it would be. I did not end up having to have one but I took some comfort in that. Many people even said it was easier than a vaginal delivery (depending on the circumstances surrounding it!).

As @MamaMoose: said, they are not related biologically to you so it has no bearing on you whatsoever. Plus you already had a vaginal birth so it likely won't be an issue.
Everyone in my own biological family had Caesarians, my mom, my sister for both hers and even my first cousin with hers. I just assumed that I wouldn't need one for some reason as my pregnancy was so smooth but lo and behold I ended up having one. I was so upset, felt that I should have done more,
Labored longer etc but it turned out I have a weird shaped pelvis and so I am unlikely to have a vaginal birth.
Honestly, it is scary, it's major surgery, but it's only done in cases where it is best for you and baby and at that point, you won't care, you'll just want a safe outcome.

Deep breath. It'll be okay. I've had two C-Sections now, and before my first, I was as terrified as you (if not more). To the point that I wouldn't even read the sections in my birth books about C-Sections. I was convinced that my guts would just spill out all over the ground like in some awful torture scene.

First, if you had a vaginal birth with your first, I wouldn't worry too much about it. It's possible that you might need a C-Section for some reason, but the chances aren't that high.

Second, it's not that bad. For both of mine, the worst part was the anesthesia. I am totally needle phobic. But even that wasn't bad. It didn't really hurt hardly at all, and other than feeling nervous, there wasn't much to it. The actual surgery feels about like someone poking at you if your arm or leg is numb. It doesn't hurt. You will feel some touching and pressure, but nothing that even remotely approaches pain.

Recovery can be uncomfortable, but don't be scared to get up and move around. I was the first time, and it delayed my recovery. They took out the staples on day two and put on steri-strips. My thought was, "You are going to hold my innards together with glorified tape?! I am not walking anywhere!!" But it is okay to walk. Everything will stay where it is supposed to, and you'll feel better faster. Take the pain medication you are given if you need it. You WILL be uncomfortable, but it's not horrific pain by any means.

@littleblessings: I would just ask for something to take the edge off your anxiety if you need it. But I wouldn't want to miss the birth of my child!

What is it like? I don't know that I could describe it, but it's not horrible.
How does it feel? You feel some pressure, but not pain.
How long is the healing process? I couldn't lift stuff because of the restriction they give everyone, but I was feeling normal by 3-4 weeks.
If you have had a vaginal delivery and a c-section which did you like more? I have had both. My vaginal birth was with our daughter that we lost at 20 weeks, so it wasn't even a full term birth and I greatly preferred my c-section with our second. I had to have one because she was breech and now that I've had one, my next ones will have to be c-section. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Good luck and don't worry!

I think you should talk to your doctor about your fears. A good doctor will help calm you, and if there is a situation in which you need a c section, he / she can make recommendations to help you get through it. Your level of fear should be brought up with your doctor.

I was really scared of a c section, too. I ended up with a great vaginal delivery. But I will say that on the other side of it, having met my baby and knowing what I could have lost, I'm no longer scared of a c section next time.

@littleblessings: Aw don't worry! You totally might not need one! That said, if you do, I had a FABULOUS C-section experience. Loved it!

What is it like? Super convenient! You get given a date and time so you can plan exactly when you're having you're baby. Not at all tiring, but it is painful when the meds wear off.
How does it feel? I didn't really fell anything. I was a bit scared going in, and I didn't like them putting the spinal in because LO was breech so her head position made it hard to breathe when I leaned over but that was the worst bit. I made sure they were aware I get nauseous easily, so they kept an eye on that, and other than that it was kind of fun waiting for LO to be born and once she was born it was magical, she was laid on my chest and we just got to know each other while they stitched me up!
How long is the healing process? They say six weeks not to lift anything heavier than LO. I found the first two weeks difficult in terms of sitting up in bed, walking any distance but after that I was fine.
If you have had a vaginal delivery and a c-section which did you like more? N/A

I'm so sorry the thought a c section scares you so much. I've never had a vaginal birth and only a c section, so I can only speak for my experience. I was not against c sections and really just wanted a healthy baby and mama at the end. I didn't care how we got there. The thought of a vaginal birth and possible complications scared me more than surgery.

Plus, if you had a successful vaginal delivery once, I'm sure you will again.

I had a scheduled C section with my son because of his size. Honestly, it was not bad AT ALL. The day of the section, there was excitement and a sense of calm. Yes, the anesthesia is probably the worst part but I think it was more the anticipation and not the actual act.

During the section, I felt some tugging, pulling, and pressure but no pain. The recovery was good. I made sure to move as soon as I could and stayed on top of my pain meds. I felt a little tugging at the incision for a couple of months but it was gone by the time I returned to work at 12 weeks.

I'm pregnant with my second and plan to have a c section again. Not all c section experiences are bad and I hope this maybe calmed your fears a little.

I definitely agree with the others to speak to your ob about your anxiety, I think that would help.
I didn't take anything for the anxiety, the doctors were so great and reassuring and my husband was there so that all helped.
I think focusing on the outcome is the way to look at it, you likely will not have a c section, but if you do it is in your and your baby's best interest.
As far as bfing is concerned, I didn't bf but that really didn't have much to do with having a c section.

@littleblessings: Maybe you could call and just speak to someone on staff? I agree, also, about maybe trying to find a doula who could work with you. My second C/S was a HBAC transfer, and my midwife was able to come with us, and was even allowed in the OR with my husband and myself. She was really helpful in keeping me calm because she didn't share my feelings the way my husband did. Of course he was sad and worried, seeing me sad and worried; but she was able to help me feel more peaceful about everything. And, honestly, I wasn't really scared of the surgery the second time around-- I was more scared of getting the IV and the needle-related stuff. But it all went just fine.