I'd have to dig out my labour notes but I can tell you it was a helluva lot longer than 6 hours.
I think it was closer to 10 hours, possibly a bit longer.
Which is NORMAL.
Active management of labour (which is where the 1cm per hour drivel comes from) is based on a single study conducted in Ireland in the 1970's. It's a load of hogwash but yes, that doesn't mean it's not standard practice in our hospitals
If mum and baby are happy and well, it takes as long as it takes. And if it takes a long time...then....that's how long it takes!! Seems so simple doesn't it.
I think I was 4cm at around 10.30am with DD1, but only got to 7cm when I started pushing (I was NOT having a ceaser!). Had her at 18.56 that night, so around 7.5 hours between 4 & 7. 18 .5 hour labour all up.
I don't advise that you do that though. The OB told me too & it can cause your cervix to swell & prolong labour even more.
DD2 I was already between 6 & 7 cm when arrived at hossy at about 2.30am. She was born at 7.08am.
So thats about 4.5 hours to go 4 - 5 cm. 30 hours of contractions, but only about 8.5 hours of full on labour.
DS arrived at hossy at 5cm (would've waited longer, but had mecconium - glad I didn't though!) at 7.40am. Was 5cm on arrival, DS was born at 10.15am. So thats about 2.5 hours. 5 hour labour.
My labour was fast and furious (3 1/2 hours). I went from 5cm to 10cm in 25 minutes and had a 25 minute second stage. Way too fast for my enphorines to catch up to my body.
Like it's been said don't focus on numbers. Progress is progress and don't let them force you into thinking that if your body is going a bit slower than 1cm an hour you won't get there. Keep going because your body knows what to do and will get there. Best of luck.
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and had a 25 minute second stage. Way too fast for my enphorines to catch up to my body. 
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