I went by the birthing center today to let them know we're expecting again. I think I'm actually more nervous this time. My labor last time progressed really quickly at first. I went into labor, was 7 cm when I arrived and pushing an hour and a half later. Fast forward 5.5 hours... No baby. I was transferred to the hospital after LO failed to descend. Long story but after fluids, an epi (so I could rest and let him move into a better position) and pitocin, I was (thankfully) able to deliver vaginally. I don't write this to scare anyone. I believe strongly in the natural birth/birthing center experience, which is why I'm doing it again. I just can't help being a little freaked out. I guess I'm looking for a few encouraging stories. Anyone have a rough time with number one but a better experience with the second?
Re: Natural birth: take two. Anyone have a less than great experience the first time?
Me! The first time was a miserable experience... water broke, no contractions, high BP, confined to bed, massive doses of pit, and an epidural that didn't work.
The second time was a million times better. It was still very intense, but I'm very happy with how everything turned out. Here's DD's birth story, if you're interested: https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/64867205.aspx
Good luck!
Yes, because each labor and birth is a little different. None of mine births were exactly the same. My labors range from 3 hours to 30 hours. I have had back labor with a posterior baby. I have dared to go to a picnic while in active labor, and barely made it back home for the birth. (My son was born within a hour of getting home.) I had a labor begin with a gush of blood. Once I was surprised by a set of twins.
Just because you had a rough time the first time, doesn't mean you are in for a rough time with your second.
Birth is safe as life gets - Harriette Hartigan
My first baby was born at 43 weeks, labor was 40 hours of back labor, I pushed for 3.5 hours and then had a 3rd degree tear. Although I did get the homebirth I wanted, I would not have described it at ideal.
My second baby was born at the early date of 41 weeks, my labor was 12 hours and I barely pushed an hour...and I gave birth to a 10 lb 10 oz baby without tearing at all. Every birth is different.
Thank you and good luck to you
Thanks for the comments, ladies!
Everyone I know IRL had a much harder time with #1 than with #2 - that's 2 sisters and 10+ friends who have all had 2+ kids.
I bet you'll be fine this second time.
...baby #3 is here...
With my daughter I pushed for 5 hous and ultimately needed vacuum assistance. I was so worried about giving birth this time. I couldn't sleep for weeks I was so worried. Finally one of my midwives said the only thing the whole pregnancy that made me feel better, " You keep focusing on the negatives. What you need to remember is that you did it and you can do it again. "
The birth of my son was totally different. Like with my daughter, I labored at home, but this time it was much more pleasant. Finally I realized that not only was it time to go to the hospital now, but we probably should have gone twenty minutes ago. My water broke as they had me try to produce a urine sample and my son was born 24 minutes later. I was labor and deliveryl a total of 34 minutes before he was born. The best part was that I caught him myself and was able to hold him immediately.