My after pains were worse than some of the contractions!
I had a young "green" midwife in the hospital who told me that a wheatpack might help when I requested something stronger than panadol. The older one who was with her said "Oh this is your fifth baby, hang on honey I will be back!" She came back with another senior midwife and handed me the good stuff

Labour wise I did have quite a significant loss after she was born but I didnt have to push her out AT ALL (hmmmm dunno if thats a good thing) and I didnt tear either.
I was induced with her and the gels did take straight away as my cervix was squishy which it is always going to be apparently because I have had so many babies.

So all in all I wouldnt say it was any better or worse than the others but yes the after pains killed!

Good luck and fingers crossed Mum gets to meet the new little man.