Did Your Labor and Delivery Go Quicker the Second Time Around?

I shaved off 60 HOURS of labor with my second! That's right! I was in labor with my son for 72 hours (in the hospital, pushed for 5 hours) and for 12 hours (40 min. pushing) with my daughter. And I didn't need ANY drugs with my daughter's delivery. What a relief! I hope you have a safe and easy delivery!

It will probably be even easier this time. As you have more children, your muscles tend to stretch more and you can deliver more quickly than before. My mother-in-law had 5 children all drug free. As she had each one, it got easier. When she had her 5th, the baby just easily came out. She almost gave birth too fast for the hospital staff to change her clothes and get her on the bed. In only a few minutes, the baby was born. Also, as you know, the recovery rate for a natural birth is faster. I doubt you will have any problems. If your relaxation methods worked well last time, they should work even better the second time. You'll know exactly what to expect. Only a few women have problems on the second child and mostly because they used drugs. My mother had an easier time with my sister and brother. I'm the first of three. Experience is going to help you out and your body will respond to the knowledge you have because of the first born.

WAY quicker.. my first was 41 hours, my second was 6 hours.. I would still like to have that support. My first baby it was very busy and the midwife (we have midwives not doctors for the most part here) was very busy running from room to room.. the second one it was very calm and the midwife was there with me the whole time along with my husband. It was very nice and very doable without drugs.

I am a mother of 6 and have had 3 vaginial deliveries (the other 3 we're "baked" for me as my seven year old put it. Due to complications I had an epideral with the first one, nothing the second, and ended up asking for an epideral with the third. The one thing I've learned is that no two deliveries are the same. My daughter came second and so hard and fast that they barley got me in he delivery room and my body did not have a chance to stretch. My third was my most painful largely because the contractions were all over the place in intnsity until about forty minutes before he was born. In some aspects after the first one it is easier because you do know what to expect especially durring stage one, however each baby is different and so is each hospital visit and you can't plan for everything. - would get the doula.

1st: 12 hours, 30 min pushing - no epidural (9lbs 9 ozs) 5 days late
2nd: 12 hours, about 5 pushes - GREAT epidural (9lbs 7 ozs) on time
3rd: 12 hours, couple pushes - mediocre epidural (10lbs 2 ozs) 1 day late and induced

I would say the only thing that improved for me was it didn't take long to push out. Just had to concentrate and remember the correct way to push. Each delivery was COMPLETELY different. I never did have a Doula, but think it would be kind of nice to try (however, we are done!) Kinda stinks when you get a nurse you like, and get comfortable with her, and then her shift ends. Would be nice to have the same person there the whole time. I did have my mother and mother-in-law the last time...that was nice. Good luck, and don't "plan" it to go a certain way, because it won't! Just be ready for anything to happen!

i first one was 4 hours and i had only a light dose of pain meds.
#2 was 2 hours
#3 contractions stopped when I got there so they broke my water to put me in to labor but from the first pain until delivery was about 2.5 hours
#4 was only an hour
#5 was also a little over an hour.

#2-5 were drug free in the hospitial. I never had a doula or the same dr but for me when it came down to that time, I didn't care who was there as long as someone was to catch the little one :) Like you said you know what to expect (even though they can all be different somewhat) and if there is problems someone will be there to help. If its in your charts that you want no drugs they will honor that. IMO I don't think you need one.

Well i have 3 kids and i dont think it was quicker at all. Actually my 1st child it was 7 hours, my 2nd was 8 hours, and my 3rd was 10 hours. So i really do think it does depend on the baby. I have heard people say it was quicker with their 3rd then it was with all of them. Well i hope more people respond to this question because it is very interesting on how long it took for each child.

Your first delivery was very similar to mine with a doula and the midwifery practive at UNMC in Omaha. Labored at home, got to hospital around 9 pm, labored in the bathtub for a while, got out at midnight, pushed for 2 hours and then had the baby at 2 am. We had taken Bradley method natural childbirth classes and I felt prepared and trusted my body to do the work. My second delivery I decided not to go with a doula and had an ob/gyn lined up because I had been severly anemic the last time and wanted to make sure I didn't have to deal with iron pills for a year while working full time and nursing, etc; wanted a shot to clamp down the uterus post delivery. However, my body was so ready to go with the second baby that I ended up delivering her myself in the car on 72nd and Harrison. I realized I was in labor around 5:45 at night while I was visiting my parents climbed into the bathtub and my labor took off. I got into the car with my parents and 3 year old son to drive to the hospital and my water broke 10 minutes into the drive and less than 12 blocks later at 6:45 I had her head in my hands and delivered her while my father continued driving; so delivered within one hour from the time I realized I may be in labor. We pulled over and called 911 who told us to tie off the umbilical with a shoelace. Then we drove to the hospital. I never would have expected that the second delivery would be that fast; when the labor is progressing so quickly it's a good sign that all is as it should be. The second delivery was so much easier, no trauma, no tearing, so fast, no heavy bleeding, I could have gone dancing that night and I actually had energy; so different than the first experience. I think you have the right idea; you have the experience of a first successful needle free delivery behind you, you know what to expect and what worked for you last time and your body and muscles have a memory and are better primed for birth; I think its a safe choice to forgo the doula this time.

Yes, my first labor was 36 hours, but he was a big boy! My second labor was like 6.5....so much better, plus he was much smaller......I think you will be fine. Congratulations and take care!

Both vaginal births with no drugs. First was way quick 3 hours start to finish. She came in a hurry. My second boy was 9 hours of labor with a stall at 7 cm. Still drug free. He got stuck soldier dystocia coming our so it was a good reason for the stall and slow progress. I am curious as to my next deliver in just a few months with a girl on how quick labor will be. My second was a good 2 lbs heavier then my first also.

I had 3 vaginal deliverys all were drug free not exactly needle free due to had to have an IV for fluids & Petocin only with my 1st,my 1st was water broke early morning went to hospital had 6 hrs of labor not that bad 3 pushes & my son was born 2nd water broke again rougly @ the same time my son's did early morning went to hospital after signing a few documents & getting hooked up my daughter was here I only pushed for 5 min my 3rd I knew we had to go to the hospital my water hadn't broke yet but we barely made it to the L&D the OB came in after i was gowned peed & hooked up I was checked @ 8cm so having to push was a must my OB popped my bag as soon as that was done I pushed & my daughter was born all within 30 min.I don't live but 5 min. away from our hospital.My drs office can't belive my history on labors they warned me with my 2nd I better be ready with my 3rd I may not make it & they were oh so right.

Definetly goes faster. With the first child I had to be induced. The second it was less than 5 hours from the first contaction to the birth.

1st time around I was induced at 39 weeks due to being very close to have preeclampsia. Epidural was in and seven hours later, my daughter was born. I pushed for about an hour.

Second time around, three weeks early I started having contractions. Had them for 2 hours then my water broke. Two pushes and my son was born. No drugs (not on purpose!).

My mom joked that if we have a third that I should go to the hospital as soon as I conceive!! LOL

My second was much faster. First birth was with a doula in a hospital, no drugs, 16 hours of labor. Second birth was 1hr total - no doula no drugs. I went to bed that night at 11:30pm, woke up to contractions at 1:30am, arrive at hospital at 2:15am and baby born at 2:30am. No doctor no doula just my amazing hubby and a nurse. They were painful but recovery was quick and I have 2 beautiful healthy children. You will be fine.

Mine was about the same. 22 hours with the 1st vaginal delivery and 19 with the second. So not much of a difference. I think the only thing I noticed to be easier was the contractions were nothing like the 1st vag delivery, much less painful the second time around.

I would not compare your first delivery with the second. It is never the same!! My first one was a lot easier than my second. My first child came right out with no problems. However, my second child birth was very scary!! My blood pressure dropped, I went parylized on my right side, stopped breathing, and almost died. They finally got oxygen through me, blood pressure back up, and broke my water. I delivered her after being in labor from 6 am to 1 pm. I almost died on my second child, and would not ever risk having another one. So you see that your first delivery can be totally different than your second one!

With my first child I was in labor for only 2 hours and that went by terribly....terribly fast. It did not help that he was 10lbs 11oz. With my second I kinda expected the same thing, since I've heard subsequent births would be similar. Well, she was only 6lbs 7oz. and my labor was for 8 hours. Either way do what is best for you, suffering for 8 hours was torture for me (both were drug free vaginal births), but recovery was smooth and I was glad I chose that route. Deep breaths, relaxing thoughts, music and having a humorous husband helped.

I wish you the very best for you and your family.

My ob said the 2nd is usually quicker and mine was. I had very short labors like you. But I would still use a Doula. They are your advocate and every birth is different. Sometimes when we are in pain we are not thinking straight. Also we are not drs so we just accept the drs advice. I would definately have a doula.

Expect a speedy second birth. We had a 5.5 hour labor and v-bac delivery with our second, which was a shock after a 36 hour labor including 3 hours of pushing resulting in a c-section with our first child. I would say do what you feel most comfortable with.

I believe that I personally fight labor. I wish I didn't. My first was 52 hours long, but it was wonderful. The nurses were supportive and gave me tons of suggestions for improving my labor. They joked with me at the end: Ready to have another one?? And truly, I was. The labor was long, but I came out empowered. With my second, we moved across the country (from WA to MN) when I was 35 weeks. I delivered at 39. I was uncomfortable with my new surroundings (no reason; they were just too new) and the nurses at the hospital were not as well trained in natural childbirth. My labor was 58 hours, and it was horrible. We are now thinking of #3, and I am definitely leaning toward a doula. I would like someone who can coach me and support me and even distract me. With my first labor, I had one friend there for the first 24 hours, another for the next 12, and then a wonderfully supportive student nurse for the last number of hours til delivery. With #2, it was just my husband, and for various reasons, he just drove me batty and didn't help much (he's a great guy; it was me and my stress that made him useless). Anyway--if any of this resonates with you, perhaps a doula is a good idea. But, if you're confident and happy in your situation, subsequent births are generally shorter and easier, especially if your kids are close in age. If you opt to go without the doula, I would consider practicing with your husband. We didn't have time with #2, and I really, really regret that we didn't take the time to practice and talk more about labor.

I had 2 vaginal drug-free deliveries.

First, 11 hours labor + 40 minutes pushing and a beautiful (lbs 7.11) boy.

Second, 6+ hours labor, 5 pushes and a heavy (lbs 9.3) girl.

Everything went faster and smoother the second time around. I wouldn't say it was pain-free for the second one but when the midwife offered me a warm bath, I answered that I preferred waiting for the pain to get to a higher level. I'm glad I followed her advice because the pain actually never reached the level it was for my first.

My second came much faster than my first. With my first, I went into labor at about 2am, and by 3pm they broke my water manually to get things moving faster. My daughter was born at 5pm. So in all, I was in labor for 15 hours. With my second, my water broke at 7am and she was born just before noon! My second baby was also quite a bit bigger than my first, so I don't know if that helped. I had epidurals with both. Anyhow, good luck with your baby-to-be!

Mine were completely different.

Went into labor at almost 41 weeks with my son. Labored for a while, pushed for an hour +, and had a baby.

My water broke (though OB's office doubted me all day until they FINALLY tested me), I wasn't contracting, had to be induced, 3 pushes, and I had a baby.

My sister has 3 kids. Her first was a longer labor, 5 pushes for the second, third required an emergency c-section because he was stuck in the birth canal, and nothing was going to get him unstuck.

So, I'd be prepared for it to be different - hopefully quicker and less painful since your body has already been there once before.

first one 10 hrs
second 15 hours
third 15 hours
they were all 9lbs und up.
Wishe it would have been faster...................

Labour lasted more than twice as long with my second. However my contractions were less painful and easier to handle for most of the labour. It only got really painful the last 5 minutes. Went drug free on both and the second was bigger. Pushing hurt more.

My experience was that my second birth was MUCH faster than the first. From the time we got to the hospital until the time he was born was only 1-1/2 hrs. I labored at home for maybe an hour before that. Granted, when the nurse checked me when I first got there, she accidently broke my water which of course meant that it sped things along. By the time I was ready to push, the doctor wasn't even at the hospital yet! I had to breathe through the urges for at least 20 minutes until he arrived...that was the worst part. :( From the time he walked in the room I pushed only 4 times and my son was born! No drugs...there wasn't any time to even get any.
So, in answer to your question I would probably skip the doula unless you feel like your husband can't give you the support you'll need. I don't think it really matters how long your labor is, as long as your support person is fully there for you.

Good luck!

I would say don't expext this one to be faster! I have 3 babies and yes my 2nd was the fastest! I was expectin my 3rd on to be even faster! It ended up I was 6 hours longer with my 3rd then my 1st! I thought she was never coming out! I personnaly love doulas! What happens if u end up having a 12 hour labor? Would you want a doula there or just the hubby! Good luck!!

Sounds like your first experience went pretty well. I would expect a shorter, easier birth the second time, my ob said the second is always quicker. For me, the first time I had painful labor for about 10 hours, pushing the last 3 hours before my daughter was born. The second time I only had painful contractions for about 5 hours and only 20 minutes of pushing, so definitely much easier. My water was broken at 4 cm and an hour later I was fully dilated and pushing. Of course anything can happen, but I believe your body knows what to do the second time around and gets more efficient at birthing. I would trust your instincts.

I had a similar experience only without a doula the first time and with a doula the second time. I was really glad to have a doula and would encourage you to have a doula again. My midwife said I didn't need one since she would be there the whole time, but I wanted someone who wasn't a hospital employee and could be a neutral party if there was a decision that needed to be made in the heat of the moment.

We were at the hospital 52 minutes with our first and a little over an hour with the second. (We knew to get there sooner so I could jump in the jacuzzi!) Both labors were a total of 3-4 hours and pushing was 22 minutes with the first and just three contractions with the second. It was a great experience and we wouldn't have another baby without a doula.

Good luck and congratulations!

Yes. With my first I was in labor for 25 hours after my water broke. I only pushed for 1 hour though. With my second I was in labor for 7 hours after my water broke and pushed for about 30 minutes. I didn't need pitocen the second time because things were so speedy. I had expected to be walking around the hospital to get things going like last time, but had none of that. I was watching Dr. Phil at 3pm getting ready for a nap then BAM, water starts to trickle. By 10 pm that night, I had pushed her out. Recovery was a lot quicker because I didn't have to go through all those harsh contractions for so long.

yes it was cut in half. And my third was half of that one. It was easier to push also the second and third time.
I was in a hospital labor room (year 1986) they didn't let you walk aroung so
when they said your 2 cen. I said I will leave and go walk so I wasn't tyed to the bed but they asked to watch me for on hour. In that hour I went to 4 so they admitted me.
My third one I was at home and doing pelvic rocking and My hubby said you are doing this one fast I just know it and we went to the hospital and I was at 7 in 1 1/2 hours she was born.
I have always thought the pelvic rocking was the trick. Good luck!

My first time was 5 hours of labor (beginning at 3 cm) and 15 minutes of pushing. My second time was 3 hours of labor (beginning at 5 cm) and 15 minutes of pushing. My friend just had a 2nd baby in December. Her first time around the labor was 24 hours and ended with 3 hours of pushing. The 2nd time it was 12 hours of labor with only 15 minutes of pushing. Yay for 2nd babies! lol

with my first i had to be induced and my labor was long and misurable,with my second daughter i actually slept through my labor that night and woke up at 4:30 am when my hubby was goin to work with a sharp pain,he went to work.i was in labor woke my mom i up.i walked through my labor from 4:30 till 9:00 at home then went to the hospital and had her at 9:41. it was a very short and less hectic labor if you walk alot it does help it go faster.so my hard labor was actually only about 5 hours and 15 minutes.well at least that was all i was awake for..hope this help.

Yep, very. My first labor was only about 7.5 hours from the time my water broke, to the moment my daughter was born. My second labor was 4 hours, from the time I first felt some light cramping to delivery. I labored at home for the majority of the time with both. For my second, I was only in the hospital for about 45 minutes before daughter was born! Good Luck. Chances are that if your first went smoothly, drug free - your second will also. This is what happened to me. But a minor warning..quicker doesn't mean easier!! :)

Keep the doula! My births got faster. I had three kids in three and a half years. All three births were drug free, fairly fast, and all three were different. My doula got to know how my body worked, and was a great advocate in explaining to the hospital staff that my births would go quickly.

The hospital staff didn't believe me because I was the crazy woman in labor, but my doula had credibility with them and she was the calm voice of reason. She also helped me negotiate with the well-meaning and kind nurses who kept wanting to insert an IV when I didn't want one or need one.

My doula was very reassuring to my husband, who knew I would look to the doula as the "expert", and not to him. He got to be my husband and the father during the delivery, instead of the some one to whom I asked a medical opinion. Since he faints when watching "ER" reruns on TV, the doula was probably our best choice.

Good luck!
M.

It sounds like you may not need a doula because I think that if you are confident and comfortable enough, that might be all you need. However, you may want someone there just because having a doula the first time worked well for you. I am a strong believer in mind over matter, and whatever you did last time seemed to be great for you. A nice, short first labor is what everyone wants, and you had it! In my personal experience, my first labor was very very long. My second was pretty much like how yours sounds. I had a doula each time! And I am a doula as well. Good luck with whatever you choose!