Pain during second labour

[NurseMama]

I'm pregnant with baby #2 at the moment and have heard lots of stories about how the second labour is often quicker than the first. But I'm wondering how the contractions differ. Were they more or less painful for you the second time around? Or were they the same? My first labour was back to back, so agonising for me!

Mine were equally painful & just about the same length. It varies so much from woman to woman though.

I went into labour with ds2 Friday night, he was born by csection Monday 5pm ish I think. It was hell. He was 10lb 9oz though.
But ds1 was induction ending in section and dd was a section last year so I might just be crap at getting babies out.

Both labours were really quick, so I was lucky in that respect. But number 2 was back to back and while I don't think the contractions actually hurt more, it seemed like there no break been them so the pain was constant. Even taking this into account, the second time was still easier because it wasn't an unknown quantity and I was confident that I could do it. So second time was better even though objectively more painful.

Also, I'd recommend a birthing pool if you get the chance. I was so uncomfortable with no. 2 that I didn't think I could even walk down the corridor to the pool, but the midwife persuaded me and she was right, it was sooo worth it!