I think one of the most common questions that people ask me, even at a year postpartum, is about the differences between giving birth to baby number one and baby number two. I think it is natural to wonder if things were the same or different – especially if you are about to have another baby yourself. I also have the added comparison of a vaginal delivery vs. a c – section delivery, which some people seem quite curious about.

Before beginning, I should point out that I don’t personally believe there is any easy way to give birth.  No matter what way it takes place, it is hard work and it takes a toll on you. Your body just spent months building a baby and now that baby is coming into the world, and that is a big freaking deal! It is life changing in more ways than one, and even though both my experiences were great and on the tame side in terms of complications etc., I know I will never be the same.

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After my c section with my little guy

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How my Body Recovered

This was perhaps the biggest difference between my birth experiences. After my vaginal birth, I bounced back physically almost immediately. I couldn’t believe how “normal” I felt and even my nurses commented on how I recovered very quickly. My stomach shrank back to  its pre-pregnancy size within a week or so, and I experienced no other longer lasting side effects in terms of swelling etc.

In terms of my c-section delivery, I also recovered fairly quickly in relative terms. I was told to take it easier and although I did make sure to get up and walk around as soon as I was allowed, I tried very very hard not to over do it. Getting up out of bed and out of chairs was rather tricky for a few weeks, and boy was I ever afraid of sneezing! I also could not sleep on my side comfortably until about 2 months postpartum. I had swelling in my right leg and foot (no blood clot!) for almost a month as well. In terms of my stomach, I was much more swollen after my c section and I still have a bit of a pouch that sits just above my scar that I am not  exactly sure how to exercise away. All this being said, I did feel pretty great and had minor pain after having major surgery so I consider it a great success!

Side note – Stitches here…stitches there…stitches stitches everywhere…

Both of my birth experiences led to stitches. One in a more unmentionable place and one in a line across my lower tummy. Is it ever pleasant to get stitches? I wouldn’t think so – mind you I didn’t feel them being put in either time. I also treated them both the same way – I largely ignored them. I checked when I had to check to make sure everything was “okay,” but I tried not to think about them. They healed quickly in both circumstances.

Pain Management – During and After 

I had an epidural for my first birth experience and a spinal for my second. So I cannot speak to how contractions would feel past the 5 cm mark –  however during early/mid labour, mine ranged from uncomfortable to rather painful. For me, both the epidural and the spinal were painless other then a quick bee sting for freezing and did exactly what they were meant to do. Would I try a medical free birth experience? No thank you.

After giving birth both times I was given a combination of Tylenol 2s and Motrin to be taken on a rotating schedule. I also took stool softeners for the first week to help things…ahem…happen easier. I found that the medicines made me rather constipated and after returning home from the hospital each time, within a few days I switched to simply taking a low dose of over the counter pain relievers. This “fixed” the problem.

Breastfeeding & Bonding with Baby

Breastfeeding for me was no different with a vaginal or a c-section birth. Both of my little ones came out hungry and ready to eat and both babies were able to latch on right away. My milk came in faster after my c-section birth, but that may have to do with it being my second baby and my body already knowing “what to do.”

I have spoken quite candidly about my struggle with pos partum anxiety and possible depression with my first little one on Hellobee. I worried most of my second pregnancy about this taking place again, and then it crossed my mind when I found out I was having a unexpected c-section. I am happy to report that I did not struggle the second time as I did the first. I actually feel as though I bonded more quickly with  my second little one as I enjoyed that one on one time in recovery after the surgery. After my first birth experience, I felt like everything happened so quickly after she was born and I barely got to hold her and just enjoy. I got to do this with my c-section and I treasure those memories. I also got to stay in the hospital longer which allowed me a little more “down” time without returning to everyday life, which I think really helped to start the bonding process.

Did you have different birth experiences? Did you find one better then the other?