How Having a Second Baby was Different Than the First

So many women know that having baby No. 2 is going to be a little different. Labor is supposed to be shorter, and typically second babies are even a little larger. Even your doctor will tell you that every pregnancy is different. I can say that my pregnancies were about the same, but it was the labor that really surprised me. Imagine having your second baby in one-third the time. Yep, I lucked out in that respect.

My first child took a total of 15 hours to deliver- counting from first contraction to birth. I knew it was going to be a long day so I took it easy napping, or trying to and writing down the times of each contraction. I started having pains at 8 am and went to the hospital about 5 pm. My son was born at 11 pm. I found the contractions were pretty bearable, it was the back labor that drove me nuts. I had an epithecal, but it wasn't given at the right time or perhaps dosage to manage the pain.

The first pregnancy was pretty easy with the typical aches and pains near the end. My second pregnancy went about like the first until I got into the third trimester where I noticed I was much more sore, and achy than the first time around. I had Braxton Hix for about two weeks, getting stronger each day, even almost convincing me that I was in labor, until one day it finally happened.

So, at about 3:30 am when I went for my usual pee-break I started getting cramps and noticed I lost the mucus plug. Shorty after that I realized these were no ordinary cramps but actual labor. I could tell right away that these were not the shy, timid contractions that started with my first child, but the labor seemed to start at full force.

I finished packing my bag, then woke up my husband. Soon, I called the hospital to tell them I was coming in soon and they thought I should wait longer- I disagreed. The second labor was coming on fast and furious and I already wanted meds. Once I arrived and was hooked up to the monitor, you could see why it hurt so much because instead of hills on the chart, they registered as sharp spikes.

Eventually I got my epithecal and felt a little better. I came in at 5 cm and soon was 9 and then complete. The drugs wore off right near the end, but did offer a bit of a break. My total labor was about 6 hours with the second, our little girl.

Recovery for my first was pretty easy. There's always those after pains when you nurse, but I was feeling ok in a few days. My second was rougher. I ended up with a spinal headache from getting the injection which lasted 4 miserable days. I stayed on a diet of caffeine and pain killers for a few days until one day in finally let up. The ringing and buzzing in my ears was so constant I worried it would be permanent.

The important thing is, my kids are here and seem to be healthy which is something I don't take for granted. My life is all the better for having them in it. I do think however that I am done having kids because while they are a blessing, a woman forgets just how painful the event really is and also the recovery.