Andrea, yeah I agree, my 2nd stage was slower and more controlled with the first two, more able to do the mirror, etc. (altho #1 was about 30 mins and #2 was just a few pushes really). And I've been so lucky - no tears or episiotomies ever!! woohoo!
With my natural birth I was out of it from the pain and being up all night, once I got the urge it was really intense and his head was out in a push or two (then he was stuck (shoulder dystocia) and yelling "DON'T PUSH!!!!!"- which was one of the most impossible feats I've ever attempted)... so there was a moment of almost panic before the McRoberts maneuver then suprapubic pressure, etc. helped him out. So with all that, it wasn't the leisurely counting and watching, etc. that it was the first two times
Still would pick natural again, but they were just different.
One of my favorite pictures is of my first when he was just born, the doc is holding him up in her hand on the way to my chest, with the cord still visibly attached, and I'm holding my finger out and he's grasping it.
That wouldn't have happened with #3, I was too busy catching my breath!!!
I can't wait until I am at that point. Are you going to continue to work while you are in school?
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