Please be honest with me...

[ElBombero]

Is labouring really easier 2nd time round?

[ElliesWellies]

I found it much easier second time. Labours about same length in total, but second labour contractions were shorter and further apart throughout the whole thing, made it much easier to cope with.

[LaRegina]

Mine was definitely quicker - first was 6 hours, second was 30 minutes

[lovelychops]

My second labour was three hours from first contraction to DS being born.
My first labour was a four day drama fest.
Even though it hurt like mad, and at one point though I was going to give birth on the bedroom floor - I'd take second time over the first everyday.
Plus, with second you know what to expect and your body has done it before.

[lookout]

Much easier and quicker second time. A lot to do with being more aware about good birthing positions I think the second time. 10 hours first time, and 2 the second . Both were inductions though, I just made myself be more in control the second time around. Apart from being induced both times, they were both pretty straightforward labours though, and you never can tell . Good luck!

[Longfufu]

Not for me. I was trying for a vbac but it failed. Maybe I'm just not designed for childbirth.

[Biscuitsneeded]

Yes, like falling off a log (albeit a rather painfully).

[ditsydoll]

First birth was painful, I felt really out of control and ended up having pain relief.
I really wanted a water birth first time around but didn't go through with it as I felt nervous.
Second time around I went ahead with my waterbirth.
I was just using paracetamol for pain relief until I got to hosp and used a little fas gas and air in the pool.
I was only in the hosp for an hour and a half and dc2 had arrived. I would go as far as saying I really enjoyed my second delivery.

[Liveinthepresent]

Yep way way easier here too!
Another one who didn't make it to hospital here - had no idea how progressed I was until it suddenly became rather obvious.
First labour not awful - average I think -12 hours total - pushed for over two hours. Second time I didn't actually need to push my body just did it.

[LouiseB2]

This all sounds painful but quite positive! I am hoping to stay calm and go for vaginal birth after previous emergency c-section. Terrified of scar rupture during labour but am hopeful that labour second time could be so different from the first when I failed to progress. Would be interested to hear of any VBAC stories.

[littlemonkeychops]

Yes definitely for me. DD1 was a straightforward labour but pretty tough as with most 1st labours. DD2's birth was easier on so many levels, quicker, easier, less scary mentally, no stitches, etc. Several friends/family with more than ond say the same.

Goodbkuck OP.

[peacefuleasyfeeling]

For me, yes. DD1 was really difficult and long (42 hours and just about every intervention going), whereas DD2 took less than 2 hours and no pain relief at all. But I was at home, and I think that helped me lots. And a bit of hypno birthing.

Having said that, my body is a mess after no 2! After DD1 I bounced back into shape within 2 weeks, but this time I've just been told I have diastasis recti, so that will take a while to sort out, and my baby weight is clinging on, whereas before it just sort of melted off really quickly.

Good luck!

[princesscupcakemummyb]

second was very easy contactions didnt bother me as much found it rather easy now expecting 3rd dc hoping its the same

[lastnightidreamt]

Half the time, almost exactly. Perhaps slightly more painful, but I would much rather that than hours more of it. Definitely a lot easier, all in all.

[Weegiemum]

Much better for me.

Dd1 - 37 hours of excruciating back to back labour with augmentation, opiates, ventouse, 2nd degree tear with face-up 9lb12 baby girl!!

Ds - 10 hours from water breaking. Sniff of gas and air. Nae bother!