second birth easier or harder?

[leanoracat]

I'm 38+6 with dc2 and I can't make up my mind whether the anticipation is easier this time round because I have more idea what to expect, or whether I am actually dreading it more because I KNOW what to expect. How did other second timers cope with it?

First birth 26 hours labour vontouse delivery gas and air, pethadine, epidural he weighed 7lb 10 oz - july 04

Second birth was petrified got induced as had pre eclampsia 2 hours in labour just gas and air she weighed 6lb 15oz - jan 07

Good luck

same length but easier

Ice it isnt easy having two especially if you have a toddler my ds is 2and a half my little girl is now 15 weeks but its worth it especially when my ds kisses his ds and says night night baby sister. It is not as scary as the first time round but you are just busy with 2. I say go for it.

much easier

I know off topic and not remotely helpful but did you all have really short first labours or did I have a really long one!!! (21 hours)

18 hours established after 3 days of on and off contractions for dd so no!

ds was 18 hours but far less intense and pushing was easier, and he didn't get into difficulty like dd

Mine much worse with DS2, 24 hours established labour, ending with a ventouse delivery and DS2 going to special care because of the birth trauma. Wouldn't want to do it again.

first birth 15 minuets second one 19 minuets, got to hospital at 8.30am DS2 born at 8.49am

Much easier second time round, quick but intense, just gas and air, felt in control (gave birth in standing position, leaning over bed) no stitches, home the same day! 4.5 hours from start to finish.

First labour was much longer, really long pushing stage and 2nd degree tear which seemed to take ages to feel 'right'again!

Kimi!

yes and

DD1 - 9half hrs with epidural
ds2 - 2half hours -just gas & air !, afterbirth i had the shivers -teeth were literally chattering -midwife said its due to body shock after giving birth so quick !
but after pains were worse 2nd time round !

i learned from the first time - i need an epidural and therefore i got one and i'm proud to say i delivered my twins vaginally aand enjoyed every minute of it as soon as the drugs kicked in - ds1 was very painful for various reasons and refusing drugs was idiotic in retrospect