I actually have had both. Most women who have had both have whatu2019s called a u201cV-BACu201d, or Vaginal Birth After Cesarean. I had it the other way around. The first delivery, which was vaginal, went so badly (due to a big baby, a small mommy, and the complications thereof) that my second child was delivered by scheduled c-section.I mention this, because a woman who has had a c-section first might have a very different experience from mine, which is more rare.The episiotomy I had was a u201cmedio-lateralu201d, meaning halfway between vertical and horizontal. My doctor chose to do that instead of a u201cfourth-degreeu201d, which is when the episiotomy cuts through the anus. I was grateful for that. However, the wound was very painfulu2014I broke a couple of stitches along the wayu2014and it took about 5 months before I could sit comfortably on both cheeks. Yeah.By contrast, the c-section was a breeze. I was so afraid of having the staples removed, but I hardly felt that. They sent me home with a non-narcotic pain reliever, which I may have taken a couple of. I took Tylenol for a couple of days after that and that was it. Yes, I was sore, but it was easy and the pain was really minimal compared with the first one.Hereu2019s something that a lot of people donu2019t realize: the u201cbikini cutu201d, where they make the incision down low, ostensibly so you can still wear a bikini, is only on the outside. The uterus is cut vertically, with the muscle fiber grain. Thereu2019s a lot of healing going on inside after that c-section, so if you have one, give it at least 6 weeks of not lifting anything heavier than the baby, and getting lots of rest. And of course, follow your doctoru2019s instructions. :)