Second time labours: please tell me your stories!

[Emerald4512]

The good, the bad and the ugly all welcome! After having an awful delivery of my first child, I'm wondering if I'll have a similar birth or a much easier one (we can live in hope!)

Quick! But that was mainly cos I was in denial about the contractions, whacked on a tens machine, and went shopping (waters went in sainsburys ). In all honesty, DH was lucky to make the birth as I thought we’d be there forever - like with firstborn. Also, bloody painful (I had epidural with my first, I thought it didn’t work that well - turns out it must have done, a bit at least). Still, if it’s quick then you’re over and done with.

I can’t make promises but it won’t be like your first time - you’ve been there, done that; you know what’s what and can advocate better for your choices. All that confidence that comes with not being a first time mum - plus, our bodies do seem to fall in line and go “oh yeah I’ve been here before”. All the best and hope it goes well for you

I had an awful first birth, so many stitches, the consultant said he only sees one or two that bad a year.

Second birth, got to hospital 6.30pm, baby born 7.30 pm, no stitches!

First birth was shite, 36 hours back to back. Epidural, episiotomy, ventouse and forceps!

2nd was about 4 hours, start to finish just using gas and air. Was home a few hours later and recovery was very straightforward.

I had what I though was an awful first birth. Very fast, shocking and no time for pain relief. Then I had my second and got induced with pitocin. Reacted very badly to it and again no pain relief. Much worse pains and even more out of control.
I will not be having a third but if I could have my time over I wouldn’t let them anywhere near me with a pitocin drip unless I had an epidural in already.

First labour: 11 hours 30 mins
Second labour: 10 hours
(Quicker, yes but not that much quicker!)

First delivery: Bloody awful with a horrific recovery. Pushed for 4 hours and ended up in theatre.
Second delivery: 45 minutes and only a slight graze. It really was magical 😊

6 hours start to finish, home delivery, decent cup of tea afterwards, no issues. Midwife just made it for dd's appearance in time to whip the cord from round her neck. Everyone happy.

My second birth was beautiful.

Went into labour at around 3am. In laws arrived to watch toddler and we got to hospital at 4am.

Got into the pool, got the gas and air going, waters broke in the pool, baby was in my arms at 5:30am.

No tear (stitches from my previous third degree held)

Baby fed straight away, was home by 11am

First Labour 10 hours with just gas and air, and a slight graze, but no stitches, born 8lb 12 oz

Second labour 4 hours 30 mins, just gas and air but had a second degree tear, but in all fairness I healed very quickly, born 8lb 13oz

Even tho I was 20 when I had my first DS and 34 when I had my second DS, what was I thinking 🙈

1st labour was awful I had an epidural but then it wore off as I couildnt feel to push properly and then was pushing for two long which resulted in theartre and forceps (nearly c section) went in hospital at 9pm he was born at 6am the next day.

Second birth was wonderful. First contraction at 7 am stayed at home and went to the hospital at 2pm. Kept active and got in the pool at 4.30pm he was born in the pool at 4.50pm. Just gas and air used. Still was painful but I just had such a better experience as it was quicker and he was born in the pool like I wanted!

Thank you everyone, your stories are making me feel more confident for the next one!

Some of your stories sound very similar to my first born birth so have everything crossed this one will just slide on out within a few hours! Tbh as long as its not any longer than the 52 hour labour I had the first time round, then I won't moan.