How did you find childbirth second time around

[Littlesparrow0]

I gave birth last year to a beautiful boy and fell pregnant again very quickly afterwards (4 mnths after)
So I'm due now in a few weeks time. My first time went relatively well considering. But I had to have an episiotomy which was horrendous. My recovery afterwards was long and extremely painful. I only properly healed about 2 months ago and now I'm petrified incase I have to have another one or the scar tears etc..

What was your experience second time round with childbirth? Is it true it's easier/quicker?

Much easier imho. First time had 3rd
Degree tear after forceps. Second baby born 12 months later- tiny tear, much easier, quicker better all round really!

So I had the same 'level' of damage in both - 2nd degree tearing which a consultant was called to stitch up (due to the positioning).

My recovery after my second birth was much, much better even though I had some post-birth complications. I pushed much more efficiently so that stage was shorter and was more able to listen to my body. There was less bruising and in whole I felt like much less of a mess the second time around!

My second was only a tiny bit shorter but it felt easier. Or maybe I just handled it better?! Either way, it seemed better than the first and he was 10lb 11oz, so not exactly small

Second was easier, no tearing had a 2nd degree with first. Very quick labour and I was discharged within 6 hours which was my request.

I had a post partum haemorrhage second time round, perhaps because it was so quick and intense. Despite the pph, definitely recovered more quickly (I felt this was a lot to do with there being less “brain shock” second time round - you know what to expect from this new tiny thing!). Not sure I’m up for doing it again though All the best!

I'm in the exact same position as you OP (3rd degree tear though, not episiotomy) so just place marking to read the responses.

Whoa mama @mnahmnah 10lb 11oz! My DD was 6 lb 10 oz and prob didn't get to anywhere near your baby birth weight for 2 months or so! Great job going au naturale x

I had a 2nd degree tear after my first, but lots of grazing and it took ages to heal. My second was much better. I only had a 1st degree tear which wasn’t stitched - and no grazing (thank god). It took 3 months to heal properly (was a very long tear), but I felt pretty good the whole time.
As you’ve given birth before your body should be better at dealing with birth and recovery.

Second time was faster, easier, and recovery was much faster.

First was gruesome keillands forceps and I was in hospital for a week. Second was really easy and quick and I was home 6 hours later, even went to Tesco's on the way home for nappies. Congrats OP

Ive had 3 births and had second degree tears each time.
My first birth was the longest but least painful of the 3
I did have inductions with the other 2 births though.

My two kids are 12 months apart and the second labour was super quick, I literally woke up having contractions and faffed about for an hour not expecting it to speed up so much and got to hospital and had the baby 15mins after I got there. The second I got there they just ran the bath, lied to me about getting drugs lol put me in the bath and my DS was born 7mins later. No tearing or stitches and I went home 6hrs later.

Much easier. I also had an episiotomy first time round which seemed to take forever to heal. 18m later and despite being a pound heavier, my second flew out .

I felt so much better after birth, I remember taking my toddler and the baby to the park when he was about 2 weeks and going on the zip wire .

heather

Nobody had any idea he was going to be that big! Took us all by surprise. Pushing them out hurts whatever size they are so you don’t really notice the size until they’re out! Needless to say I won’t be going for a third. Hate to think how big they would be!

Quicker but not easier and not less painful. Mine had 17 month gap so you just have to get on with life straight afterwards. Third had same gap again and was quicker again but not easier and not less painful.

Quicker (20 hours from 1st contraction to birth vs 3 hours)
But same level.of damage - 2nd degree tear + sticker and post partum haemorrhage for both.
Recovery not necessarily easier but o was a bit more laid back aboit it and k we what to expect so seemed easier.
2 years 2 months between mine.
Good luck!

Much easier for me. I was induced as I was suffering a lot with SPD. The induction went well, I went on the drip at 4pm and went into intense labour at 6.30. The contractions were incredibly strong. My boy made his entrance 7.28 after 3 pushes!!! I pushed for 3 hours with ds1 and needed an episiotomy. Ds2 was still a big baby at 9lb 1oz.

I'm due in 12 weeks and have the same concerns so reading with interest! So far things are looking positive for second births! Big sigh of relief!

My second labour was like period pains. It had a rhythm, I walked about, had gas and air and told jokes As the hospital was so short staffed and it was during the petrol strike, I laboured pretty much on my own, which was fine, in fact it was lovely. I wasn't injured at all by any medical interventions. Sent home 2 hours after birth as they needed the bed too.

My 2nd one flew out. No tearing and minimal blood loss. Not enough time for pain relief so it was waaaay more painful but only lasted an hour. Honestly the only negative was that I didn't get any diamorphene (sp) and I was really looking forward to that part 😂