Was your second labour easier?

**Arimeh** · October 18th, 2010, 12:04 PM

I know most threads are about whether or not the second labour is quicker (and it usually tends to be quicker in most cases) but my question is whether it was easier for you.

As in - did you think it was easier with the baby moving down towards the exit because the path has already been paved (so to speak) by an earlier bub?

Was the pushing stage shorter because your body knew what it was to do?

Did you deal with the contraction pain better because you knew there was an end in sight whereas with the first one, you didn't know what was going to happen, if it was going to get more painful etc?

Did you remember positions from the first labour that didn't help, or did you go blank whilst dealing with contractions?

Um I think thats all my questions...

**Tinks** · October 18th, 2010, 12:09 PM

My 2nd labour was faster and harder than the 1st but I knew what to expect so I was much more relaxed which really helped me cope much better than I did with my 1st.

**Spring Angel** · October 18th, 2010, 12:15 PM

I think my subsequent labours were easier not because they hurt less but because I'd BTDT and knew what to expect. The fear of the unknown was gone.

My DS2 and DS3 were both induced labours and almost totally identical. 2.5 hours with 9 min and 3 min pushing stages respectively. I felt with DS3 I did deal with the contraction pain a bit better and the main reason is that I knew I could do it and I knew it would end. I was so much calmer, silent almost. I tend to like to lie down on my back to give birth (weird I know) so I knew that's how I felt most comfortable and didn't try a million positions like I did with DS2.

I also felt as if my body knew what to do also. I really just let my body take over.

My best advice is to quiet the mind and the body will do all the work.

All in all I think it was a much calmer, experience.

**YoYo** · October 18th, 2010, 12:20 PM

Yes it was easier coz I knew more about my body and I knew the second time around that I could trust it.....Yes, I knew what to expect and that the end was in sight....Yes, I handled the pain better coz I'd read so much on BB

that I was better informed. I remembered the position for DS's birth was comfy so I went back to the same for DD. I loved my second labour!

**~Hestia~** · October 18th, 2010, 12:25 PM

I can only tell you what my midwife told me at the time of DS' birth - yes it should be easier next time. This is something I was worried about after DS' 22 hour labour and 2 hours of pushing with no urge to push! Your body has done it before and as you said, the path has been paved.

**thepixie** · October 18th, 2010, 12:35 PM

Ha Mel I was going to ask the same question but you put it much better.
I was going to say something like did anyone have an OK first labour but the second one was awful.... cause mine wasn't so bad despite being induced with ARM and synto and flat on my back on monitors but I am still worried this time might be a nightmare.

**~ Zarava Flutterby ~** · October 18th, 2010, 12:45 PM

I def think the 2nd was easier in the sense that i realised if i could get through DD1's labour alone i could do anything.

I realised i knew my body better than i thought and i was just going to go with the flow and do what i thought was right.
Both my girls were fast labors so it was more about preparing myself mentally.

DD2's contractions didn't seem as bad and didn't progress as far as DD1's, maybe that was because i was more aware this time.

**Arimeh** · October 18th, 2010, 12:53 PM

Cool thanks guys

ZF - what do you mean by they didn't progress as far as DD1's? Were they as intense for you the second time round? or do you think it was just cos your first one was breech maybe that was why it was different?

**~ Zarava Flutterby ~** · October 18th, 2010, 01:01 PM

Umm i am not sure if the position of DD1 had a lot to do with the pain of contractions as opposed to DD2 or if i was just a little more aware this time and better at 'calming' myself.
I have heard breech can be a little more uncomfortable though.

DD2's didn't seem so FULL ON, i was ok walking etc where as with DD1 i just wanted to be on my knees rocking.
With DD2 my contractions didn't progress past 5mins so i think that took a big of pressure off too, once my waters broke and i need to push i knew that was it, no more waiting for the MW's my body was ready and so was she.

**Arimeh** · October 18th, 2010, 01:10 PM

Ahhh ok. Thanks for clearing that up for me ZF - and thanks for answering my questions

**~ Zarava Flutterby ~** · October 18th, 2010, 01:14 PM

No problems gorgeous lady

**Jakabella** · October 18th, 2010, 01:16 PM

Good thread Mel!

I have been pondering your very questions! I just keep telling meself it will be so much easier this time and over in a flash! Now if I can get my body to believe it! Im also doing a Hypno birthing corse to help me with the pain!

Good luck to both of us! We might be going about it on the same day! LOL

**tan32** · October 18th, 2010, 01:22 PM

I found my second labour to be easier.

Yes it was faster also , but I think the second and third time I knew what was going to happen.
I had been there before so I wasn't scared etc of the unknown.
I also was more educated and basically found the whole thing alot easier.

My first labour I was flat on my back, the 2nd I was standing and I felt in control..

**tellytubby** · October 18th, 2010, 01:25 PM

Oh definitely Mel!

My first labour was 5/6 hours. I asked for an epi, but was too late. So had lots of gas and peth.

My second labour lasted 25/26 hours, and when I was offered gas, I specifically remember saying "Oh, nah.. I'll be alright. It's not actually that bad" (And that was about an hour before he was born). (drug free birth)

A lot easier. You're a lot calmer. You know what is happening. You know that no injury is actually taking place - You go with your body, accept the contractions, enjoy the time between the contractions relaxing and getting your energy back (as opposed to the first labour, that time between contractions was time freaking out that another one was going to come, LOL).

You'll be FINE!

You have the lovely wisdom of Ina May to guide you

I heart Ina May

**Arimeh** · October 18th, 2010, 01:28 PM

Yeah Kate I'm looking into hypnobirthing as well, but not sure if there is a person down here that does it? I have to google more I think.

**Arimeh** · October 18th, 2010, 01:30 PM

as opposed to the first labour, that time between contractions was time freaking out that another one was going to come, LOL).

OMG - that is EXACTLY what I was doing the first time round.. and when I felt one building it was like.. no no no.. I can't do this again.. go awayyyyyyyyyyy