Oh Misty - I can totally relate too. I too had quick labours and I also agree that they can be more painful - as my ob says you are still doing the same amount of dilating, just in a shorter time. It has to be more intense. People say you can tell it's real labour because the contractions get closer together and more intense. Well not in my case - they started close together and intense! I would have given anything for a 10 minute, even a 5 minute break between them!! I remember even saying to the mw - "can I just have a 10 minute break now?".

Having said that, I was more prepared the second time, and my body did seem to know what to do better. I managed with just gas, but I think the main benefit of the gas was helping me to concentrate on my breathing, so probably I could have managed without it. I think the best you can do is start thinking about positions and practise breathing. This was the biggest help to me. I had painful BHs with my 2nd pg so I used them to trial positions and practise breathing. It was a huge help. If you liked the posi you used the first time, try to remember exactly how it was. Otherwise, experiment with some different ones.

You can do this. What you are going through is very normal nerves. You will be fine. Take care and best wishes to you.