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Childbirth

Childbirth after a long gap

5 replies

0hCrepe · 01/09/2016 08:34

I'm due DC 3 in a couple of weeks. My first 2 DC were 19 months apart but there is now 10 years between my youngest and this baby.
So although I've done it twice its been a long time. Has anyone else had a big gap? How did labour compare to others?

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fitzbilly · 01/09/2016 08:37

I had a thirteen year gap, and although labour was very fast (just a few hours) the Pain was far far worse then before, horrendous in fact. I'm sure it's not like that for everyone.

It was too quick for any pain relief, but I guess at least it was over quickly. I almost didn't make it to the hospital!

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0hCrepe · 01/09/2016 08:47

Ooh a bit scary! Did your baby come around expected date? My second was 11 days late but I have the option of induction on due date this time because of my age. Would rather not though.

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westeringhome · 01/09/2016 14:33

There is a 15 year gap between my dc2 and dc3, I didnt feel dc3 labour was any better or worse despite dc3 being 3pounds smaller than dc2, both were inductions but thankfully needed no other assistance (unlike dc1..) All 3 have been 'late' by 16 days, 10 days and 5 days, I do think that my body took significantly longer to recover last time however, maybe just with being 15 years older. I'm currently 6 days overdue with dc4 and facing induction next week. Again!

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malvinandhobbes · 02/09/2016 12:27

10 years between DC 2 and 3, and DC 3 just four weeks old so very fresh in my mind. The active labour was the same for all three, fast and intense. All three labours were alike at the end, although they all started differently.

Number 1 was two weeks late, number 2 was 3 weeks early, and three was 2 days late so no predicting date. I had been worrying about nursing, but it is like riding a bike. No problems with latch or sore nipples.

Recovery has been slower for me too, but I also attribute that to age. However, life with a newborn after a big gap is fantastic. The big kids love the baby and help out, they don't need me for much, and I get to act like this baby is a PFB without all the PFB worry and anxiety. I resolved my mother identity issues years ago, so get to enjoy this baby fully. At the baby groups all the other mother are either first timers with that shocked look on their faces, or are chasing toddlers while nursing. The gap is fantastic - I can't recommend it enough (we'll reassess next week when school starts and the baby gets dragged to school run, rugby games, piano lessons, etc).

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0hCrepe · 02/09/2016 12:55

Thanks for the replies and that's so positive malvin! Yes my 2 are much more independent now and go off to school on their own so I was hoping it would be as you describe! This baby's due 2 weeks tomorrow so not that long whatever happens! A bit anxious after tearing badly last time.