First = 36 hours, 2 hours of pushing, induction, epidural (ended up uneven so I felt it all in one side but not the other), 4th degree tear through rectal wall (not muscle).

Second = 12 hours, 1 hour pushing, no epidural, Couple shots of Nubain I was having a hard time managing contractions because I’d been sick (was sick) with this HORRENDOUS head/cheast cold and coughing and hacking, and little nothing 1-2 tear, the midwife called it superficial.

But a lot has to do with where/with who I chose to labor. For the first I just sorta blindly ended up at a hospital who’s policy it was that NO woman regardless of risk could get up out of the bed. This time I got up, sat up, walked a bit, got offered not just ice chips but orange juice, apple juice, tea, water…etc. And when I asked if I could have something to eat because my heart burn was flaring from the water (it was that bad) they brought me crackers but offered me fruit, crackers, bread…etc. It was a much much better situation all around.

I tell people I feel like I actually got to GIVE BIRTH this time instead of just having some Dr. “Deliver” the baby.

Aaaaannnnd now that I’ve hijacked your blog…I’ll be going now. ^_^