Vbac or elective c section

Hi all, I had an induction with my 1st baby at 39+4 due to GD diet controlled. I had the non hormonal rods fitted, which caused strong contractions and at 2cm waters broken which increased the pain of the contractions almost unbearably so that I then had to have an epidural. I then got to 5cm in 4 hours however 4 hours later no further along and so hormone drip started, babies heartbeat dropping and meconium that had started from when waters broken getting thicker. I had reached 7cm but decision was made to have c section due to baby not dropping down, heart rate and worries of swallowing meconium and going in babies lungs. I found the recovery very difficult. I am wondering if it’s safer to have a VBac or an elective c section for baby number 2? Part of me thinks if I could have a vbac for the recovery time after however I worry if I was to try and result in another emergency c section I will think should have had an elective which I’ve heard is calmer and recovery is often better. Thanks in advance.