I would never choose a c-section mostly just because it is a major surgery. I've had 4 vaginal deliveries, and I would definitely go with an epi if possible. I had 2 with and 2 without. Make sure that you prepare yourself for an unmedicated birth just in case. They couldn't get the epi in with this last one, and it was fairly traumatic. I think that was made worse by the fact that I wasn't prepared because I hadn't really even considered the possiblity that I wouldn't have a choice.

I had a pretty good L&D and had my son via vaginal delivery, with an epidural.  My recovery from the tearing was no joke.  So I can only imagine how much harder it would be having a c-section, and recovering from surgery all while caring for a newborn.  

I have heard good and bad stories about both vaginal births and c sections. I think everyone's experience is unique. I planned on having a vaginal birth but ended up with a scheduled c section due to him being breech. I was really scared of the surgery...but it ended up being way better than I thought it would. The healing took two weeks and I was back to feeling like myself. However, I didn't feel one contraction. I have had friends that have had major pain and healing due to vaginal tears that took longer than two weeks. Next time I will try for a VBAC though. My doctor and the hospital really push for a vaginal delivery rather than c sections because they are major surgery. I think it is just good to know your options going in and be prepared for things not to always go as planned.

To my knowledge, you can't choose a c-section or if you can, there are very few places that allow it and even then I think you have to sign all types of consent forms etc. As for me, I am planning an NUCB vaginal water birth and so far everything still looks great (no complications, etc. so it doesn't appear that I would have to have a c-section. I will be 39 weeks on Wednesday). Because our bodies are made to give birth, I don't think there are any cons to a vaginal delivery unless you consider the discomfort you may experience. But no real medical cons or anything like that. 

As for a birth plan, I do have one as well as one for baby care though I am giving birth at a birth center and they are already pretty much onboard with what I would like to happen barring any emergencies or unexpected complications of course. In the rare chance I would be transferred to the hospital, the staff there will know what we are trying to accomplish as well (though I would still be a patient of the birth center and my midwife would accompany me, this will help ensure that everyone is on the same page). I think most everyone knows that birth can be unpredictable and that a birth plan is not set in stone, rather a list of preferences providing things are moving along uneventfully and there's no need for deviation, etc. Due to that, if you feel comfortable preparing one, I think it is a good thing to do. Mine even has a statement that we are aware things could not go according to plan and we realize that and are open to discussion about alternatives, etc. When you are tired, sore, etc. you may not be in the frame of mind to reiterate or ensure certain things that are often routinely done don't happen. This way you don't have to worry about trying to remember things. I'd be more than happy to send you mine if you'd like to see one. HTH and I hope this post made sense! : )