I twiddled my thumbs between contractions with DD1. It was so different to DS because I was augmented with him, so contractions were on top of each other. But then DD1 was prem, so at the beginning they were trying to stop the contractions, so I think if anything it just prolonged my getting into established labour. I don't know what's recorded as active labour, but from go to woe it was about 12 hrs with her. And 5 hours with DS.

Now.. DD2.. THAT was thick & fast! Within a few contractions I was in transition, freaking out that I didn't remember it being this painful so quickly and that there was no way I could do this for the next ???hours! They were hitting me every 2 minutes. Before I knew it I was pushing and my midwife wasn't there yet! (she just made it). Looking back, I love that it was a 40 minute labour, and would do that again in a heartbeat It was actually really easy (ouchy but easy). I would have liked a headsup that it was going to be that quick tho, I wouldn't have spent the time pacing around the house yelling at DH to get the pool up (which never got filled LOL) I would have got myself into a better headspace to just get on with birthing. Only thing with that quick labour was the soreness I had in my muscles and bones within the next couple of days. Think I waddled more then than when I was pregnant! LOL.

I do sometimes think about how I missed out on the 'calm' waterbirth, imagining my kids with me etc.. but pfft... who wants to labour that long?? hahaha.