I had 4 very positive births.

I was 19 with my first, had a midwife who was so good, that I felt like I was in control, the birth started naturally 9 days late and progressed from period like pains to much more intense pain, but I tried to concentrate on breathing through the pain. I did have gas and didn't feel 2 contractions afterwards, but it made me feel out of it. So much so that Dh and I still argue about who had the first hold, I say I didn't he says I did. I ahd stiches after an episiotmy and I reckon that was prob the worse part.

The 2nd birth I took the same approach, went naturally 7 days late and much the same as the first, no drugs that time, concentrating on breathing and got through.

My 3rd was induced with gel only and I had my waters broken after 10 hrs of mild contractions. That was my worse birth as the contractions didn't let up, they came one on top of the other with no breaks. My 1st labour the contractrions never got closer than 5 mins. I could have tried to slow everything down by laying down, but as I wanted it over I stood up, leaning on the bed. Again breathing is the key for me, and also telling myself that every contraction means I'm one closer to the end. I did try to negotiate the number of contractions left with my dr but he wouldn't come to the party.

My 4th birth was the same as my 1st and 2nd. And I only needed 2 pushes to get her out, more negotiation with my dr, he must think I am very amusing when I say things like "this is the last push ok, I am not pushing again, the baby is coming out now!" I think he was quite surprised when I did what I said. I must say with the 3rd and 4th I seriously questioned my sanity to be back there again, I was sure I was crazy and during my 3rd labour I told my DH I couldn't do it to which he replied his nana had 10 kids, so I said she was an idiot, of course I felt bad later as the poor lady is dead, but labour turns you into someone else.

The stinging feeling is a very welcome feeling to me as I recognise that the end is near, and I listened carefully at that time to my dr so I didn't tear or need stitches for any of the last 3 births. I hate the shoulders coming out more than the head.
I think it has to do with your pain threshold to, and some people have better thresholds than others.

Tootie my cousin had a very traumatic birth with her first and had her second over 4 yrs later bc she couldn't bear the thought of going through it again, but she changed her mind bc she wanted her son to have a sibling. Her 2nd birth was much better, so the first doesn't always indicate how the next one would be.

Funny thing is just talking about the pain I know I could do it again, BUT we can not afford 5 kids financially or mentally. It's tough having 4, I'm pretty sure we have to stop now or I will need some serious mental help.

Cheers Michelle