What are the chances of having a relatively hard and fast labour with your first and then a long and slow labour second time around? What is your experience?
My first and second births were both 7 hours from first contraction to birth. My first was hard, and relatively fast for a first baby. It was overwhelming for me, even though everything went beautifully. My second birth was the same length, as I said, but much less overwhelming. I felt much more in control, and I knew what to expect, and that I could do it. I knew some coping techniques from what had helped last time, though I wouldn't say I was well-educated about alternative pain-relief.

My third and subsequent births were much shorter - 2-3 hr of active labour.

All the best for a lovely birth when the day arrives!