thank god for nelly & nigel harman!!!

I've had four and all have been completely different - I don't think you can compare one baby to another or one pregnancy to the next.
My first was breech and I had been booked in for a c-section but my waters broke and he was born after an hour and a half in labour (helped by forceps). He was 4 weeks early and spent a week in special care.
Second was normal hospital delivery after 4 hour labour (so not quicker as I was led to believe!) but she was 3 weeks early and spent 4 days in special care.
Third was planned home birth (by far the best I've had) and 3 hours in labour. He was 2 weeks early.
Fourth was breech (again). I had him turned (most painful experience of my entire life) and within 2 hours the little b*****r had turned himself back again! The hospital said they would let me deliver breech again as I'd already done it once, as long as the baby didn't grow over 8lbs so went for a scan and it was revealed that he was feet first (far too dangerous) instead of bottom first, so they booked me for a c-section and he was born on his due day! I then went into shock and they had to keep me in recovery for most of the day!
My first was definately the easiest labour and birth, second was the hardest, third was most comfortable being at home, and fourth was so traumatic I wanted 2 more and haven't had them for fear of having to have another c-section!

[c.a.cullum]

well done is all i can say to you!! they sound like really difficult births and i dont kno if i could have gone thru that four times!!
my mum had me breech.. i was feet first also... she managed it tho.. but then my mum seems able to cope with most pains!!! due to being born feet first my left foot was pressed against my ankle.. mum had to massage it every day to get into the normal position!! still have problems with it now tho! mum always said i was the most difficult right from the word go!! ha ha.......

My last one had a wonky neck and we had to try and get him to sleep straight! It was so funny and he was like it for months, but he's ok now!

[heidi335]

god just bin reading all the stories and well dun to all of you who have had orquad births... i have forgotton the pain aswell and wud love another one... i had a daughter who was 2 weeks l8 and i had to be induced.. it was nice in that i knew wen i was goin into hospital and everyone cud properly prepare!! but i did want a water birth a gud point that was made tho... does birth get easier after ur first born? ***

Personally my second was longer and more painful! Don't know whether that's the difference between boys and girls though coz I heard girls were more painful, and she definately was. Only had gas and air with first 2 of mine though. Third was home birth, fourth was c-section.