Second baby

[Frankie_t]

My second was loads better. First was forceps in theatre, poorly baby afterwards, spinal epidural, 16 hour labour, 5 days overdue. Second was 12 days late, induced with one pessary, 3 hour labour, no other meds or intervention, reasonably painful but not unbearable, 4 stitches. In hospital 12 hours only because he was born at 8pm. Sure second will be better for you too x

 

[wenchytoots]

My 1st was 40 mins active labour and used gas and air....2nd was 37 SECONDS active labour with gas and air. Both about same pain levels. 3rd was 30mins active labour but worst for pain and had morphine and remephentinol. 4th due in Aug and hoping for a nice, short gas and air birth

 

[ema-lou24]

Both my labours where 9hrs start to finish as I was induced with both. I needed episiotomy with my DS and a ventouse delivery and was pushing for an hour but with my DD I was pushing for 7mins, 1st degree tear but that was it. So im open minded for baby no3.

My friend has just recently had her 4th child and was longest labour yet and her worst she said. Was pushing for near 4hrs and was in labout for 73 hrs. Her 3rd was 2hrs.

I think it varies tbh. Same with due dates x

 

[mikid]

My first labour was 12 hours from first contraction or 4 hours established labour... Hoping this one is short too but now worrying 'HOW' short it will be after reading some of your ladies experiences!!

 

[SuffolkMum]

1st labour:

Delivered: 39+3 in hospital birthing centre
Early labour: 10.5hrs
Active labour: 3.5hrs
Pushing: 35mins
Placenta: 40mins physiological delivery, but then needed injection as bits left inside.
Pain relief: gas and air

A quick and relatively easy labour. Only made it to hospital 90 minutes before birth. My son was in shock at birth and had to be immediately resuscitated. Had an internal 2nd degree tear (skin torn from muscle as his shoulder came down).

2nd labour:

Delivered: 39+5 at home (planned)
Early labour: 24.5hrs
Active labour: 5.5hrs
Pushing: 15mins
Placenta: 25mins physiological delivery, came out perfectly intact
Pain relief: TENS + gas and air

Was surprised this labour was longer and more painful, but being a home birth had no options other than gas and air so had to just get on with it lol. Meconium in waters which went as I was pushing, but baby not otherwise distressed. Hubby got to cut the cord this time. Another 2nd degree tear, this time perineal.

 

[mikid]

Suffolk mum, did you have to go into hospital due to the tear or was the midwife able to stitch you at home?

I'm planning a homebirth this time and just wondering whether a second degree tear would mean a transfer in...

 

[SuffolkMum]

Suffolk mum, did you have to go into hospital due to the tear or was the midwife able to stitch you at home?

I'm planning a homebirth this time and just wondering whether a second degree tear would mean a transfer in...

Actually, I didn't even need stitches! The tear was very neat and the midwives said it wasn't necessary. However, they were happy to do it there and then if it needed doing, they left the decision up to me. I was feeling rather sore having just given birth and didn't fancy any more poking around down there, so opted to have it left alone. It's healed now (I'm just over 3wks post-partum) and I can't even see where it was.

I wouldn't worry about needing to transfer for up to a 2nd degree at home, though a 3rd or greater would likely need to be corrected in theatre.

Enjoy your home birth, it's an amazing experience!

 

[mikid]

Ah that's good news, I had a 2nd degree tear with my first but I guess it depends on the tear itself as to whether it needs stitching then.

That's fab that you're healed so quickly a and good to know it doesn't mean a transfer!!

Really excited about birthing at home and having my 3 year old be a part of it too, was your older son around? How was he with the whole experience?

 

[SuffolkMum]

Ah that's good news, I had a 2nd degree tear with my first but I guess it depends on the tear itself as to whether it needs stitching then.

That's fab that you're healed so quickly a and good to know it doesn't mean a transfer!!

Really excited about birthing at home and having my 3 year old be a part of it too, was your older son around? How was he with the whole experience?

I laboured through the night, but my 3yr old woke up an hour before I delivered William. He wasn't there for the birth itself (my SIL was looking after him in the kitchen), but he came in shortly after to meet his baby brother. He was very calm and acted like nothing was out of the ordinary lol.

I did originally plant to have him present during the birth, but on retrospect I'm glad he wasn't as I was screaming quite a bit and I fear he would have been upset seeing me like that. I have heard of older children coping very well seeing their mum give birth though, so don't necessarily discount it because of my experience, though I'd suggest you have someone to take your oldest into another room if the need arises.

After it was all over, things just carried on as normal. He welcomed William into the family immediately and hasn't shown any signs of resentment or jealousy so far.

 

[mikid]

Sounds perfect! I've heard a lot that home births lead to more accepting siblings, something to do with the new baby not taking mummy away?!

I have arranged that my mum will be here for Ella then she can be as involved or distanced as she feels comfortable with... I have a feeling she'll want to be around but at least mum will be there incase she does need taking out of the situation at all, meaning hubby can focus on me!

 

[Baguette]

Yep, second was super fast (under 2 hours, start to finish) and heaps more manageable pain-wise. The first was 17 hours and so painful I couldn't believe it. Good luck!

 

[Danna]

I have no experience on this matter but I have heard that second babies are easier to deliver, or it could be because you know the process