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May 2011 Moms
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So, why is it that 2nd births "seem" to be "easier"/faster/less complicated

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in May 2011 Moms

than firsts?

Is it physiological, like body/muscle memory?

Is it that you're more relaxed because you're aware and knowledgable of what will happen?

Is it a combination?

I think this is an obvious answer, but if any of the seasoned moms can shed some light.  It's just fascinating that the second birth stories seem to be such a drastic (and almost easier) change from the first, and well, it would be cool to know what your perspective on the difference is. 

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Re: So, why is it that 2nd births "seem" to be "easier"/faster/less complicated

  • marcinator19marcinator19

    My very unscientific answer is that it's a combination of your body having been through it before and being more "primed" to have a baby together with the fact that most of us aren't as freaked out as we were the first time.

    I feel like once you've sent a basketball down the garden hose, the second basketball just goes through a little easier...

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  • iris427iris427 member

    I think it's mainly just physiological.  Your body has done it before and is more efficient the second time around.  Your emotional state could play a role too.

    I was definitely less relaxed going into this birth and it wasn't a matter of BTDT, because I'd never had a vaginal birth before--although I did dilate all the way the first time, so that could explain why I had such a fast first stage labor and a slower second stage this time.  VBACs are interesting because typically the mom's body will act like a second timer up until the point where she had her c/s, and then it will be more like a first timer.

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  • MaybeBaby2MaybeBaby2
    imageiris427:

    I think it's mainly just physiological.  Your body has done it before and is more efficient the second time around.  Your emotional state could play a role too.

    I agree with this. I also like the metaphor from a poster above about the basketball down a garden hose. LOL

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  • PinkBackPackPinkBackPack

    I'm terrified that this birth will be harder than the first.  My first one was pretty quick and easy.  My water broke at 2:00 a.m., I had DD at 8:30.

    So, I'll let you know what happens.

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  • jeffraejeffrae member
    Well....it was NOT in my case!  I did push for a heck of alot less time...1 hour vs. 2 hours.  lol.
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