Precitious (rapid) labor?

Katrina - posted on 02/14/2010

Although its been a few years, my water broke 6wks 6 days early, went to the hospital they tried to stop my labor could not 2 1/2 hrs later my daughter was born, 4lbs 13oz. I too looked at my child and was in shock. Even had someone ask me if I was happy! I was of course but the short labor and her being premature was alot for me to take in! Of course everything turned out okay, she is now 10 and full of life. My son also was a rapid labor, no one could ever explain why they came so quick.

Karla - posted on 02/14/2010

I gave birth to my daughter in 3 and a half hour's. My midwife said i had ages to go so to come into the hospital when you are about 5mins apart in contractions. I was two weeks over due so when i went into labour i knew it was happening. But in one hour i was down to 5mins apart contractions, and then 1 min apart, then within 2hours i was 30 seconds apart and had just started to push at home. We called the ambulance and i started to crown when i reached the hosptal, as we live 45 mins away it was a long ride and i was struggling not to push when they were telling me not too. My partner told me to go for it so i secretly was pushing. The ambulance officers were useless and thought i was over reacting to the pain i was feeling. Imagine your Vagina being ripped apart this fast and not slowly opening with gradual pain. To their surprise, Fast onset of labour is misunderstood, it hurts just as much as a long labour and you are never given enough time. I enjoyed pushing, it relieved the pain and we later found out i dialeted to 10 cms in an hour and a half and was ready to push straight away. My daughter came out stressed with maconium on her but she was perfect. No stitches needed either =) But the exciting story to tell really was so fast i struggle to remember every second of it. Who want's to remember drug free pain lol, or we wouln't be having 2nd and third children later on in life would we =) The excruciating pain made it hard for me to bond with her as it hurt so much and i had no time to enjoy my labour. No time to rest, no time for drugs, no time to sleep and take it all in. It made it even worse when i was breastfeeding, as that was extremely painfull aswell but in a different way. She latched on as soon as she was born and that was fine, until the next night it began to get harder, where i'd dose off as she was feeding and then wake up to my nipple so broken and swollen that i coulnd produce enough milk. I shocked myself into dry breasts, my daughter was a vacum cleaner and i couldnt handle it any longer. I planed to feed but unfortunately i put down to stress of labour that we were unable to bond and feed post birth. Now she has just turned one and is amazing =) we love her so much and couldnt imagine life without her, no matter how rough my labour was. Just not looking forward to future births as aparently they get fast with each pregnancy. @least we will be very prepaired next time =)

MORGAN - posted on 02/13/2010

I just had my 7th baby on Jan 14th...I was induced due to severe gallbladder pain, a week early. I was dialated to 3, which was weird to me because I always started my complete labor by then, but she didnt want to drop her head down. I was in the hospital on pitocin for about an hour and a half with barely any change. When the nurse broke my water my labor pains started instantly sooo severe. I was dialated to 10 in 15 minutes. I only pushed twice before the on call doctor said they had to use a vacuum to hurry and deliver her because her heart rate was starting to drop, so I really had no labor and barely pushed. Even though Ive been through it 6 times before and always had similar labor, I still kind of felt ripped off in the experience, a little sad. Especially since she is definately my last baby, I wanted to be able to savor it.

Katasha - posted on 02/13/2010

My labor with my second child my son was only 1 hour and 45 minutes from start to finish with only 2 hard pushes.No pain meds for either of my children. They said all the walking I did help with the labor pains. After all that I walked to my recovery room thinking that was quick and easy. I thought I was going to go in and have to wait a while like I did with my daughter. Wishful thinking! I guess he was ready for the world and to this day 9 years later he looks for anything he can get into.

Kathy - posted on 02/13/2010

I had a 3 hour labor from my first contraction to delivery (my 2nd child). My issue was that it was so fast, I didn't have any time for pain med, and I was upset! It took forever to register, get to an L & D room after triage, that by the time I got to my room, I was already 10 cm! By then, I didn't even feel the effect of the Fentanyl, and i was pissed and pushing! It was a whirlwind delivery, as I got to the hospital less than 2 hours from when I delivered. Was this your first? I can see that you could feel that way if this was your first experience. I hope you are enjoying your son now. :)

Eve - posted on 02/13/2010

My first son was 4 hours and my second was 2 hours 18 minutes. The thing about fast labours is that, apart from being a complete whirlwind and - judging by the responses, a reasonably common thing - there's no sleeping between contractions. It's third stage labour from the very start. Extremely painful, no rest between and usually no drugs because there just simply isn't time. I really wouldn't want it any other way. People always look at you like you had it easy - but you haven't. You gave birth to a baby - you didn't pee in to a cup. AND you've probably done it without even a Panadol! Gutsy stuff I reckon - not that you have much choice. LOL!!! It's extraordinarily painful to give birth that quickly - thank goodness it's over quickly I suppose. My husband says I get "shark eyes" when I'm in labour. He reckons I'm almost out of my body - you have to be to cope.

Sarah - posted on 02/13/2010

I had a 40 minute labour with my daughter (my 4th baby), who has just turned 6 years old and I still dont know what happened. I was in shock and it actually took a long time to bond with her after the birth. I had an 18mth old baby already so my body was probably experienced at what it was doing. My other children were 14 and 15 years old. The whole labour was just a blur. She was my 1st (only) girl and i just didnt know what to make of what had just happened and couldnt work out why i wasnt filled with joy as i had been when id had the 3 boys, i was guilt ridden over my feelings for along time. Quick labours are also very intense,

I woke up feeling a strange pressure, as if the baby was in an odd position, i got up and went to the toilet and had an extremely painful contraction, i rang the hospital and was told to come straight away so i woke my husband and rushed him into the car, i didnt even worry about putting on shoes. I was going into transition in the car and vomiting out the window whilst having breaks between contactions of only 1-2 minutes. I was afraid i wouldnt make it to the hospital (which is only 10min away), i was taken immediately to delivery where my body went into shock and i had a siezure. Very scary. The baby was then born within 5 minutes at 4.35am.

I must also add, after reading some other replies, that i do love my daughter just as much as my other children, it took about 6 weeks for me to really feel that deep love, but she is an absolute treasure, a true gift and i couldnt imagine my life without her.

Adrienne - posted on 02/13/2010

My second son was 15 mins from start to finsh and even today 47 years later I dont feel as close to him as I do my other children even my youngest daughter who was 1.1/2 hours her and I are really close I do think that it can have a bearing on your feelings sometime

Sam - posted on 02/13/2010

My labour lasted 1 hour 13 minutes...........I had no contractions and all the doctors and midwives didn't believe me when I said I was in labour and that I would be having my baby, they encouraged me to push with my legs closed and I kept telling them I could feel the babies head, until the midwife looked she thought I was feeling different things. My little girl was 7 weeks early as well and I was very overwhelmed and couldn't quite believe what had happened, especially as I wasn't allowed to see her, she was whisked up to the neo natal unit. If I had another baby I wish it would be that easy, but I don't think god will be that kind to me again.

Brandi - posted on 02/13/2010

For my first, who is now 15 yrs. old, I was induced and the labor was 5 hrs. 45 min. of which I was pushing. I had a very long and intense contraction that brought me from a 4 to complete in about 3 1/2 min. Her heart rate kept dropping and they almost did and emergency c-section.



My 2nd daughter, was 1 hour, and I didn't push AT ALL! She was 2 wks "late", so were were going in to be induced, when I got there I was at a 4., but I wasn't feeling any signs of labor, so they gelled me and in about 15 min. I started having light contractions. About 10 min. later a Dr. who was on her way out and offered to break my water and "help things along", figuring my Dr. would have plenty of time to get there. OK. I went in to intense labor in about 5 min. and literally thought I was going to die before making it the 3-5 hrs. I expected to be in labor. My 2nd daughter then proceeded to make her way out in the next 20-30 min, without any help from me! (It was the strangest thing, I felt as if my body had been taken over. They were telling me not to push...and I'm like you try to stop this thing!!), She was on the table before the Dr. had her hands washed. She turned around, picked her up off the table and laid her on my chest. It was quite chaotic. My Dr. strolled in about 10 min. later.



I was left feeling bewildered. Also sad that our oldest didn't make it in time to watch the birth as we'd planned. And what an experience for my sister who was planning her 1st baby...I'll never forget the frightened look on her face once the intense labor started.



My 3rd birth was going along just wonderfully a nice short labor was in store....Or so I thought. It was happening like I always imagined it would, I was timing my contractions, (never got to do this w/ the other 2), woke up my hubby when they were about 3 min. apart, called my Mom to meet us there, and we were on our way. Once we got there It all becomes a blur. What would've been a "nice" 45 min. or so, short labor ended in a c-section, due to the cord being a little short and wrapped around his neck twice. (If ever there is a thread on nightmare c-sections, I'll expound)

And once again, our oldest missed the birth :(

Renae - posted on 02/13/2010

i was in labor 6 1/2hrs with my son and pretty sure my daughter, 12yrs later, would come quickly too and she didn't disappoint. woke up at 4:30am, realized i was in labor at 5. got to the hospital shortly before 6 and was 4cm. i was begging for an epidural so they called the anesthesiologist at 6:20. contractions were 1-2min apart. my water broke while i was sitting on the side of the bed with the needle in my back and my body started pushing. i felt her come down and hit the bed. once the needle was out and i could move without becoming paralyzed they laid me down and i was crowning. my baby girl was born at 7:04. had a known she would come so fast, i think i would've opted to have her at home and then gone to the hospital. the ride would have been much more comfortable, i wouldn't have gone thru an uncomfortable epidural that didn't have time to take effect and i wouldnd't have had an episiotomy because the midwife "thought" she was going to be bigger and tear me like my son did.

Diane - posted on 02/13/2010

From first contraction to baby out was about 1.5 hours...I didn't want to let go of him...plus I breast fed as soon as they let me...so, I didn't need time for it to sink in....just kept looking at amazement of that beautiful creature. That was our first child...we've since had 2 more children, but we scheduled those, so we could make sure we'd be at the hospital in time.

Jacinda - posted on 02/13/2010

I think we expect to have a long labour because of all the instruction we get before hand, then when we have quick births we feel cheated that we didn't experiance the hard long labour yet at the same time elation that it wasn't so long. but yes it is different for all. I think it would be hard for a first time mum to have a quick labour, you go thru thinking how can I do this for another 7 hrs and then 20min later before you know it it's over. I felt strange after the birth of my second (2hrs) I was so alert because I hadn't exerted as much energy as I thought I would need and I spent time in the shower washing myself up before I realy got to have a proper hold, (i got a breif hold when he was born) but it was still hard to beleive he was here. I think I felt a bit cheated and I had always felt like "I wish I could do that again because I missed it". I did have a 3rd boy and that was a long hard labour for me as he came down and out upside down (Back to Back). My first was 11hrs and I felt my first was pretty good, my second too quick and the third bl**dy hard. We are considering having another but I would try a few things different.

I think you have to try to figure out exactly what your feeling and why

Too quick because of what you read - feeling misguided/under experianced.

quick & the exertion you expected and the elation of it being over was not as "high" as you expected. Too easy it should have been harder...why did I deserve that... what did I miss. It's also hard when people say "Oh WOW Lucky you" When all you feel is that you missed out.

It will get easier with time when you understand it was still an experiance and it was your own. Good Luck

Renee' - posted on 02/13/2010

O.K.! Here's my story... After several years of fertility problems, I delivered my first child (water breaking...no real contractions until three hours later) total maybe 6hrs. After 4 years of trying for another...success...my due date...my daughters birthday! Ha,ha...we had her party, ate dinner,gave her a bath, read a story...I had to "pee' a little more than usual...decided to go to the hospital(65 miles away) at 10p.m....my son was born at 11:22 p.m. in an ambulance on the interstate..2-4 miles outside of the city limit....1 hour and 22min. labour....I look at this as a blessing and for me I believe it related to how I felt about my pregnancies and my Very strong desire to be a Mom....guess I should have mentioned I wasn't induced, nor did I receive any pain meds....Enjoy your beautiful new son and Congratulations!!!!

Sherri - posted on 02/13/2010

My second child was 3 1/2 hours. My contractions woke me up and my friend who was coming to stay with my son had just gotten to my house when my water broke. We got to the hospital and checked in and into the room where they put you to make sure you're really in labor when I said it was time to push. There was another woman in there too and they had to move her since you're not supposed to deliver the baby in that room. They nurse had to call for a baby cart and it was crazy. My doctor didn't even make it. I got to the hospital at 5:50am or so and my daughter was born at 6:24am. It was fast, but I thought that was the way to go! My first was 13 hours.

Polly - posted on 02/13/2010

With our 3rd baby I was in labor for 1 1/2 hours. I remember how intense it was but I was thankful to be holding that healthy, precious little boy! He is almost 21 now but I can still remember the experience quite well. I think for me the pain was pain with a purpose and the gift in the end quickly had my attention.

Sandi - posted on 02/13/2010

I too had three quick labours Andrew was born in 1 hour, Charlotte in 15 mins and Kelsey in 61/2 mins and yes it takes time to sink in that youre their mom!

Julie-Ann - posted on 02/13/2010

I know just how you felt, when i had my daughter, now 8, I started labour at midnight and all over by 12.35, so only 35 mins, I had labour of 45 mins with my son, now 21. I think it took me a couple of hours to actually accept I had had a baby, especially the size of my daughter and son, son was 9lb 9 1/2 and daughter was 9lb 11oz, so rather large babies for such quick births. Lucky my husband when I had my daughter only made it back to the hospital for the last 5 mins so missed the worst of it.

Melonie - posted on 02/13/2010

I had extremely rapid labor lol... had the first pain at 545... took a shower got to the hospital at 8 am ... My son was born at 8:33... Dad was amazed lol called me a "trooper" I think he was more in shock than I was...

Angela - posted on 02/13/2010

I had my second son in 40 minutes, He was born on Halloween night 12 years ago. I had some pre-term labor with him, and was at 2 cm the last few months of my pregnancy. I was taking my 18 month old trick or treating, and upon finishing, I had one pain. I knew it was way too strong, and I told my husband to get the car. We got to the hospital about 25 minutes later(trying to get everything together, and a babysitter), when I got there I was insane with the pain. They told me I needed to relax, and checked me and I was at 8 1/2 cm. The nurse was kind of mean, because they don't typically see people progress that rapidly, but then I screamed they better get a doctor, and she made it in just enough time to catch my son. I called home, and no one believed that he was born. They had to hear him crying, as the party at my moms was still way under way. It was the worst labor out of my three kids by far. Not even comparable. People will say, well at least it was fast, but definetely NOT TRUE!!!! My other two sons were born in about 6 hours, one before, and one after. I would definetely take the longer labor if I had it to do over again. Because he was born so fast, I also experienced a huge blood clot in my uterus immediately following his delivery. All turned out well, and looking back, I wish I would have named him Boo, because of his birthday, and him coming so fast! It would have been great even for his middle name even. Today he, and his brothers, are the apples of my eye, well...... most of the time!!!!!!!

Kitty - posted on 02/13/2010

At 44 weeks of pregnancy, I was ready to have my 3rd child. The doctor induced and, believing it was going to take a while, gave instructions to the nurse he would be in his office across the street and to let him know when things started happening. He didn't even make it to the front doors of the hospital. I only remember 3 contractions; the last one being excruciating. I have no concept of time while in labor, but my mom says the whole thing happened (from being induced to having a 9 lb 3 oz baby) in less than 10 minutes! I don't like to wait though, so I like fast deliveries much better (especially if I am already in the hospital!) My first 2 labors were also without pain meds, but were relatively slow (8 hours and then about 5 hours). The 4th one I had an epidural with (LOVED IT) was induced again and was only in labor for about 2 hours.

Meadow - posted on 02/13/2010

My first was 1 and 1/2 hours long. My second was 45 mins.! And don't get me wrong, it was fast and hard labor. We just got down to business as soon as my water broke. But after 9 1/2 months of being pregnant I was ready. And yes, it took some time for it to sink in. But I would rather have it that way.

Eva - posted on 02/13/2010

I had rapid labors w/ my 4 children.this 4th one whom just came out 3 wks ago i delivered w/o anesthesia because in less than 30 min upon reaching thre labor rm,they rushed me to the delivery rm 'coz the baby's almost "there".whew!it's painful but I agree to it that because it's fast,the pain i eventually forget when i saw my baby.also my advice: "stay positive..learn to manage the pain..."

Shelli - posted on 02/13/2010

It's the same amount of pain but in the short time span and you don't know at the time how long it will last like that! Stadol did nothing for me, I'm pretty sure I felt every bit of transitional labor for both my kids. I did block it out between the first and second daughter though, so the mind must do lovely things to preserve the continuation of the human race.

I think sometimes we have a "picture" of childbirth from others and worry when our experience isn't the same. I am grateful for my short labors and pretty happy both my kids were delivered virtually drug free and I didn't need an episiotomy. I healed quickly and I know I could've survived the prairie or as any isolated pioneer!

Shelli - posted on 02/13/2010

It's the same amount of pain but in the short time span and you don't know at the time how long it will last like that! Stadol did nothing for me, I'm pretty sure I felt every bit of transitional labor for both my kids. I did block it out between the first and second daughter though, so the mind must do lovely things to preserve the continuation of the human race.

Lacy - posted on 02/13/2010

I tell you I felt like a million bucks. We should all be so lucky:), There was no time for hospital intervention. And we all know how they like to intervene.

I think people mix up "labor" with "delivery". I labored at home with contractions while my body made ready for two days before I delivered.

Valerie - posted on 02/13/2010

I was in labor for 2 hours and thank God that it was a Sunday. If it were a normal 'work' day week I don't know what would have happened. We lived 45 minutes away from the hospital (without traffic), I was new to the country with no friends, or family, his work place was about a 20 minutes away and he was required to work that week.



I woke up early Sunday feeling a little cramping and assumed that I was experiencing 'false' labor pains. It wasn't until I vomitted did I realise I was in labor. By the time we arrived at the hospital I could barely walk and she was already 'showing'.

I had her 2 hours later. I could have birthed her much sooner if I actually pushed when I was suppose to.

I would continue to have my baby naturally if it comes this quickly.

Baby Maker - posted on 02/13/2010

My friend has very fast labours like less than an hour. She also didn't like when people said "you're so lucky" but after having 2 very long labours for babies #5 and #6 she now thinks she was very lucky to have the shorter labours as much as she was in shock.



I'm on the opposite scale long labours. With bub #4 she was 2 days of labour but 16hrs of hard labour and that was my quickest

Cate - posted on 02/13/2010

My labours have been getting quicker with each successive child.

Ist one was 5 3/4 hous, second 4 1/2 hrs, 3rd was 3 1/2 hrs, 4th was 2 1/2 hrs, last one was 1 1/2 something hours. I joke all the time about living at the hospital 2 weeks before my babies are due, but I wouldn't want a long labour for anything. Especially with the last baby, who at 20 weeks, nothing was wrong.

At term he had 2 knots in his cord though we didn't know it. I went into labour with him from the 38th week onward and it would just suddenly stop. dorve me crazy because i would be dismissed by the midwives as though nothing was wrong. I felt like an idiot and when he was a week overdue, the finally allowed me to have him by inducement.

I gave birth to my 5th beautiful boy, with 2 midwives present. They both looked at the cord and were like "there's 2 knots in the cord..." and im like la di da cause im holding my little bundle.

The first thing that i knew was wrong, was when my doctor walked in, took one look at the cord, looked at me and the baby and said "that baby should be dead".

Love your babies, no matter how long or short your labour is.

Jessyca - posted on 02/12/2010

Yeah I was in labor with my son for 5 hours. and my daughter for 2 hours. i think i could have went sooner but the nurse didnt come in and check me until an hour and a half later, and when she did that my water broke as she walked out of the room, and then my daughter came out right afterwards.. So needless to say no one delivered her. that took a while to sink in.. lol.. but its always a great story to tell.

Amber - posted on 02/12/2010

YA I'm on the same page with you! My first child, Preston who is 6, I was in labor for 2:30 with no pain medication AT ALL!! Just a hot tub...which I would totally suggest to all hospitals!! My second child London, he's 4, I was in a Labor for 1:30....ouch, no time for medicine with that one! My 3rd Amira who is 3, 6 HOURS.... where did that come from....needless to say they gave me meds even though I didn't ask them too which slowed down my labor! I was quite angry! But to the point honestly it took me like a month for it to actually sink in all 3 times! But especially with the boys!! You can't believe with each kid the labor goes faster! SO NOT TRUE!!

Angela - posted on 02/12/2010

The same thing here!! They made me feel like I was crazy..until they checked me and were like, "oh.." You are not alone, girl! Us momma's know our bodies! :)

Terri - posted on 02/12/2010

I had a really long labor(72 hrs.) with my oldest and a short 1 (21/2 hrs.) with my youngest. I think it was more real,but exghausting with the long one. The shorter one was a little unbelievable at first and definatley more painful. I was only at the hospital 5 minutes before I had her. So no drugs.

Rebecca - posted on 02/12/2010

My labour was 4.5 hours and it was great! I was sipping raspberry leaf tea for the last trimester, during labour, and still now today. I studied that the tea can expediate labour & delivery. It felt like I had just walked away from giving birth!

Nicole - posted on 02/12/2010

my water broke at home and I had terrible back labour. It was under 4 hours and they just barely got the epidural in thank god they did though!! It was nothing at all like what I had learned in "class" So I was a bit dissapointed but definatly super excited when my little man entered the world. It all happened so fast I was soooooo exhausted! thank god the back labour was only 4 hours or I wouldnt have been able to take it!!

Angela - posted on 02/12/2010

My labor started at 2 minutes apart and then within the hour was a minute apart~I was totally freaked out to begin with!, but I think it was also a contributer to my inability to bond right away with him (it was my first baby). I had a hard time wrapping my brain around it all also... For me, it wasn't until the end of day 2 that I could really get "into it".. but then I was hooked! I felt so guilty at first that I had "emotionally abandond" him.. but I have certainly made up for it! Glad to know I wasnt the only one! :) Thanks for sharing :)

Susan - posted on 02/12/2010

my second child was 14 hours start to finish where as my first child was 3 hours from first contraction to him being delivered. I persoanlly didnt have a good experince as the full impact of the birth (just 10 mins pushing before he popped out) left me with a 4th degree perinal tear (front to back inside and out) I was like yes my baby is finally here, then instead of spending time with my son i was wheeled down to theatre, with all the emotions at such a quick delivery i sat and cried as they gave me an epidural. All i can say is i felt relieved at my baby finally arriving (10 days late) but also shock as i didnt expect to be ending uo in theatre

Julie - posted on 02/12/2010

My third was born 45 minutes after I got to the hospital. I was glad because my 2 previous were long and painful. Plus I had a sinus infection when I delivered my 3rd so between that and a bad reaction to the NuMorph the doctor put in my i.v. after delivery to help with pain when he stitched up my episiotomy, I was having a hard enough time enjoying my new baby without having a long painful labor on top of that.

Mwila - posted on 02/12/2010

I Love this discussion, i was in labor for 4 hours it was incredible the pain was less. My contructions started at 02:30 and i delivered at exactly 06:30. I Used to be active and took alot of walks. I Hope it will be the same for my next baby.

Chrystal - posted on 02/12/2010

With my first daughter I had my waters broken and the labour lasted 2hr 42 minutes, with my 2nd daughter, I knew she would be born that night, the full labour lasted just 1hr 45 mins. The midwife in the anti natal ward didn't believe that I was in full labour so I didn't get into L&D until about 3 minutes before the baby was born and only got G&A for the last push! DH only just made it, as I had to call him from a payphone, while I was in stage two! Her birth was traumatic because of this one midwife and the speed of delivery but it didn't affect our bonding process and I made the hospital aware of my treatment and they assured me the issue had been rectified and the appropriate re-training given. I'd take a fast labour over a drawn out one any day, and was told that if I ever have another baby not to go out shopping to TESCO during the last month as baby might end up being born in isle 9! ;-)

Tonie - posted on 02/12/2010

1st stage: 5hrs 9 mins, 2nd stage: 6mins 3ed stage: 4 mins that was a shock within 10 mins i went from bein 3cm to having a baby! was expecting it to take ages, with my 1st i was in labour 42 hours, it was such a shock this time but haled much quicker.

Pamela - posted on 02/12/2010

hi. my last labour was 2 hours,very quick. my 2 previous labours were much longer. i found it to be a very surreal experience,like i wasnt part of it. also,after delivery my body went in to shock, and needed medical assistance. my daughter was beautiful, but i found it difficult because it was so quick,and she was really here. 1min i was pregnant,next id gave birth. alone. no time for any1 to be with me.

Kay - posted on 02/12/2010

I was in labour for just over 2 hours too 8 years ago. I can't even remember why but I had to be strapped up to a monitor the whole time so couldn't move around, I had to have my waters manually broken with the biggest "knitting needle" I'd ever seen and had 2nd degree tears requiring a fair bit of stitching afterwards. (owwww)

Halfway through, I took up the midwife's offer of Pethidine which made the whole experience even more surreal. Once my daughter was born (7lbs 6oz) I WALKED down to have a shower and on returning, discovered my husband had eaten my toast!!!

I didn't sleep for 3 days, partly through shock I imagine and adrenaline, there was a gorgeous little bundle next to me and I didn't know how she got there!!!

Its put me off having any more which is a shame but never again.

Kay - posted on 02/12/2010

I was in labour for just over 2 hours too 8 years ago. I can't even remember why but I had to be strapped up to a monitor the whole time so couldn't move around, I had to have my waters manually broken with the biggest "knitting needle" I'd ever seen and had 2nd degree tears requiring a fair bit of stitching afterwards. (owwww)

Halfway through, I took up the midwife's offer of Pethidine which made the whole experience even more surreal. Once my daughter was born (7lbs 6oz) I WALKED down to have a shower and on returning, discovered my husband had eaten my toast!!!

I didn't sleep for 3 days, partly through shock I imagine and adrenaline, there was a gorgeous little bundle next to me and I didn't know how she got there!!!

Its put me off having any more which is a shame but never again.

Dawn - posted on 02/11/2010

Mine have all been quick. My last one, however, was 3 hours from the first contraction to holding a baby. I had used Hypnobabies and it was a waterbirth, and after I was done, I was so happy. I wanted to do it again. Emotionally, I was happy after each birth. I know that if I had long labors, I would have been too tired to care that I was holding a baby afterwards. Short labors are difficult (because of our terribly fast, hard contractions), so you're tired anyway. Imagine doing that for 24 hours. :)

Kimberley - posted on 02/11/2010

I can relate to all of these situations, but I have still never felt pains, aches or any soreness before any of my four children were born. Heck I never even had to push for half of them!! If they had all come as fast as my last (after baby was 6 minutes old I was inn shower) I would have had them all at home. Hubby is great, just does not like to do a Doctor's job!

Sharna - posted on 02/11/2010

hey, i was in labor for about 2hrs with my first. the doc wanted to send me hme, i was like nooooo.... so i stayed but the time a nurse came to cheek on me i was cruning, i didnt feel much until they told me "he is almost here". i was really scared but i wouldnt have it any other way, it was easy for me. :)

Morenike - posted on 02/11/2010

I also had a 2 hr. labour, but I didn't feel weird afterwards. I was just glad that it happened fast because I heard of people going through labour for 22-24 hrs. and even more. I can't even imagine going through that amount of pain for soooo long. So, count yourself blessed, that's what people tell me when I tell them my labour story.

Cheyenne - posted on 02/11/2010

I have 3 children and my longest labor was an hour and that was with my first child, my second child was 45 min., and my third child was 32 min. I was just glad I didn't have to lay there and suffer for very long!!

Suzan - posted on 02/11/2010

Seems like when you've had one fast the rest go fast too. I've had friends who all did it start to finish in under 4 hours. They recovered fast and when they heard my 25 and 29 hour stories, they were all very grateful for the short labours.