My first labour was long (18 hours), painful (posterior bub) and ended badly (CS under a general anasthetic). My second was pretty short (about 7 hours) still very painful but much much better. It too didn't end as I planned as my little VBAC monkey turned posterior at the last moment and didn't come down properly. She was helped into her Mummy arms with an epi and a forceps delivery. I think if I had a third (which I"M NOT), it might be easier again. I was better prepared the second time, I understood what my body and my baby wanted to do, the pain didn't scare me and I didn't lose control like I did the first time.
I think most subsequent labours would be easier or better as the experience of the first helps enormously.