[Submitted Question]

I just found out that I am pregnant with my second child. Labor with my first child was extremely long and VERY painful. I definitely would like to do anything I can to have a better experience this time around. Are there any exercises, vitamins, tricks, ANYTHING that will help me to have a faster, less painful delivery this time?

[WombToBloom]

Maybe? Anecdotally, subsequent labors tend to be quicker. And your OB will probably tell you that doing your Kegel exercises will help you get through the pushing phase of labor. As far as pain goes, you should definitely talk to your doctor about pain relief – either in the form of drugs or use of water during labor. You can also try methods like walking and using an exercise ball during earlier stages of labor. But nothing is surefire. Talk to your health care provider about your fears, explain the reasons for your less-than-great first experience and work out a birth plan together that might help get you through this time a little easier.

[journeybirth]

I've found that labors are as different as the children are. As a rule of thumb, however, a second baby is easier than the first. First babies pave the way for subsequent babies!

[Melamma]

I agree with the other posts. Every labor and birth is different. You never know. Though most of the time, subsequent births are shorter and easier.
My first was horrendous. 18 1/2 hours of back labor hell with 4 hours of pushing. In a hospital. Epidural used.
My second was 5 hours of pure glee with 14 minutes of pushing. Barely made it to the hospital. Completely natural.
My third was an hour and a half of pain as can be with 17 minutes of pushing. Born at home. Completely natural.

You just have to take it as it comes. Remember to relax and breath. It's all worth it in the end.

[DoulaMom]

Every birth is different, what methods did you utilize to reduce/redirect your pain?

[Knoxville Doula]

Your body has once already given birth. The reason second time labors and births are generally easier is that your cervix has already dilated and effaced once (providing you didn't have a surgical birth).

I would highly recommend that you take a childbirth class designed for comfort measures. The type that I teach is actually for moms who have already given birth but who want to learn different tips and tricks, such as positioning, different types of therapies, massage, etc. See if there is a doula or childbirth educator in your area who teaches a class like this. If not, I recommend the books The Birth Partner or The Bradley Method, Husband Coached Childbirth. Both of those books have excellent tips to help you prepare for labor.

Most of all, try to think positively and not negatively regarding your upcoming birth! Labor is a beautiful event and while hard, if you think of it has a marathon with the end result being your beautiful baby, you CAN do it!

[blindgren]

If you could do it over again, what would you do differently? Concentrate on how you can make this labor better. That can be from changing hospitals or caregivers to practicing relaxation techniques, hypnosis, and comfort measures or having a doula at your birth (which can help tremendously). Fear has a big impact on your pain as well.
Happy Birthing1
Barb
Welcome to Birth Baby Naturally

[massagefc]

There are many factors that play in each pregnancy. As technology, attitudes, experience change - so do circumstances. In my experience most 2nd births are easier and shorter than the first. Our mind and muscles do have memory. Your body has gone through the experience before and so it will be ready to follow the path again. If you didn't have a doula for the first birth, I would recommend one now. And if you did, you already know the benefits. Also, learn to relax! This is one of the key elements in staying in control. In between your contractions, learn to let go completely of any tension. Use massage, warmth, or other techniques to help you. As I always say: Enjoy your pregnancy and birth!

Alesha - CPMT, Doula
Essential Living & Young Living Oils