What's it like second time round?

[PhoebeBear]

I'm only 10 weeks pp so definitely not wanting another one anytime soon! My boy was 8 15lbs , I was in labour for 24 and pushed for 2 hours. His whole body was stuck and I ended up with a forceps delivery. It was awful! I've suffered with a prolapse and only now the pain is starting to ease. I also had an infected episiotomy which left me in pain for weeks once he was born, also left me depressed as I was house bound for the first month and with partner going back to work I struggled a lot on my own.

I just hope next time round I can have a good experience with childbirth. Maybe his size is why it was so difficult? Would my next baby be just as big? It frightens me thinking about going through it again but I would love to extend my family at some point. Picture of my baby Luca

Aw he's gorgeous.
Second time for me was 40mins, I just made it to the hospital, home 6hrs later.
Dd1 was 19hrs in total.

First time round I was in labour for 3 days and had the same delivery as you’ve described above. Second time round I was in labour for 5 hours start to finish with no problems!

Congratulations on your beautiful baby!

My first time I pushed for nearly 4 hours, ended up needing an episiotomy and a forceps delivery. Baby was 7lb 11oz.

Second baby was 9lbs, nearly born in the lift on the way to the delivery unit! 20 minutes active labour. So much quicker and easier, and I’ve recovered a lot faster. I don’t think size has much to do with the ease of birth, and even if your second baby is bigger it’s likely your second birth will be a lot easier.

Second time a lot quicker. Made easier by the fact you know what to expect and what to do.

Much easier second time. It’s like my body knew what to do. First was back to back, 13 hour labour with a two hour pushing stage. Haematoma where I had an episiotomy and then hassle with the episiotomy scar.

Second was 5 hour induced labour. 20 mins pushing and a third degree tear than was so much quicker to heal than the episiotomy.

Another for easier second time around. Both were 2.5hrs (from 5cms), but I was far more relaxed and I have fond memories of my second birth (first wasnt terrible, but I was induced and went from 0 to intense contractions in a blink of an eye and went in to shock with vomiting!). Still hurt though!

I think it's the combination of the pain not being so much of a shock the second time around and your body remembering what to do.

Quicker each time. And I sort of knew what I was doing so it all felt easier. Second was the best. It was all quite calm. And that calmness continued during the early weeks with baby 2.

Congratulations on your beautiful boy! I had very similar experience first time round as you, forceps, episiotomy etc. Second time round was entirely different, water birth, totally in control. I really do think the majority of women do seem to have an easier time of it second time round.

Aw he's beautiful! Sounds like we had a very similar experience.

My son was 9lb2 but my daughter was 7lb13. I did however have a planned section which was honestly amazing. Not saying you will / need to go down this route but thought I'd share. I know a few ladies who had a rough time first time but went on to have good second labours x