Interesting...

Two weeks ago at my ob appointment, we discussed birthing options. I asked my ob for his honest opinion regarding his experiences, so that I could make a wise informed decision.

Well he told me that in his experience twins did better if they were delivered via c-section, whereas the mom had a longer recoup time.

With vaginal deliveries, the mom of course did better, but the babies mostly not. He also mentioned that with vaginal deliveries they sometimes had a greater problem getting twin B out. If they have to assist twin B out (being in breech position) injuries could result. More so if twin B is on the big side.

That being the case, my ob told me that if twin B was not in a vertex position he would do c-section. My twins are way ahead in their growth already, so they're gonna be big babies.. I'm ok with this decision as it takes the stress off me..

I would never of thought deciding upon birthing options would be so stressful.
I just want to do what is best for my little ones..

Thanks for reading..

 

By babies doing better, does that mean the process of delivery was better for them or their health was better after? The reason I ask is it has always been my understanding that it is physically better for a baby to pass through the birth canal during delivery than to be taken via c-section. I can see how a c-section could be better for a baby in regards to potential delivery issues because they pretty much just swoop in and take them out and no potential canal issues. I am curious if he gave additional info? If he is saying that babies delivered via c-section do better health wise after delivery I would definitely be interested in hearing more details.

 

Hi Dianne,

I believe he meant that the delivery was better for the babies if done via c-section.
He mentioned nothing about the health of the babies in relation to birthing options.

Denise

 

I would like to see scientific proof for that, but I don't think there is. The "problem" these days is that many doctors are not being trained to deliver breech "baby B" babies so if your doctor is not experienced, he/she would rather do a c/s (and so would I). However, I had a vaginal birth for both babies (all my kids) and my babies were fine. Girl came out after 5 pushes and my son was born by breech extraction 4 minutes later. The hospital I deliver is one of the best in the Midwest and all docs / residents are still trained to do breech extractions. And my babies were big, really big for twins (I was "lucky" I already delivered a 9lbs+ baby vaginally).

I would ask your doctor how many (or which %) vaginal deliveries he has done with twins ... I think that will probably explain (just guessing).

There is no reason you could not have a vaginal delivery as long as baby A is head down, whatever position baby B is in. But again, some docs are just not well trained dealing with breech babies and therefore choose their safest way.

 

Honest opinions of OBs are just that...opinions! I agree with Franca...some doctors are not experienced in breech extractions. I spoke on the phone with Dr. DeLia (a well known doctor for TTTS) and he said Baby B being breech is not even an issue for doctors who have experience with this sort of thing. However, if your doctor is most comfortable doing a c-section in that situation, then that would probably be the best thing. I've gotten myself so confused over delivery options, but it seems like doctor's opinions vary so much as does their experience. I think there are risks/benefits for either way of delivering. I hope you have a peace and agreement with whatever your doctor ends up doing (me too).

 

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html...750C0A964958260

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0CY..._38/ai_98830104

 

I'd have to agree with the ladies, here. Sounds to me like your doc isn't comfortable with twin vaginal birth. Doesn't mean it's not safe. Just means HE'S more comfortable doing surgery. I, personally, would want more information--like some research and numbers--to be able to make an informed decision.

Keep in mind that abies born via c-section (especially planned c-section) are more likely to have respiratory distress issues and need the NICU (which, of course, means separation from mom and all that entails). Also, mom's recovery will be longer and more painful.

Vaginal birth has it's own set of risks also, but I don't believe women's bodies were designed/evolved to routinely malfunction. Babies are *supposed* to go through the birth canal. I, for one, don't feel the need to question that assumption unless something is obviously askew.

If you're okay with a c-section, then great!! Just prepare yourself for it. Have LOTS of help lined up and talk with other women who've been through it.

If not, are there other docs in the practice that you could talk with and find out their opinion?

Either way, it never hurts to get a second opinion

Lisa

 

Thank you for all your advice!

The 'problem' with the practice I'm with is that if I opt for a vaginal delivery I may not get my ob to do the delivery. It would be the ob on call at that particular time. So I could interview or ask the other ob's, but that doesnt mean that I'll have them preform the delivery.

So what do I do now?

This just adds to my frustration & confusion. If I opt for c-section then my ob will definitely do the delivery.

Arrgghhh..this is so frustrating! <_<

 

i can't offer any advice... all i can say is i'm going thru the same thing (i know... it's too early for me to think about this, BUT....)... my doctor told me pretty much the same thing. she also told me that if i want a c-section all i have to do is let her know. i didn't know it was that easily my choice. so i don't know what i'm going to do, either. just wanted you to know you're not alone!

 

My doc was comfortable with either delivery but preferred c-section. Less of a chance of something going wrong. I ended choose a c-section and I'm glad I did, I wouldn't change a thing. I had a very easy recovery, the first 24 hrs was really painful but by the time I left the hospital I was off pain killers and feeling great. The day I came home I took my girls for a mile walk and went to Walmart for their first shopping experience (I needed a few thing). Not all c-sections are hard to recover from. My best advice I can give you is make sure YOU are comfortable with whatever choice you make. Its your birth experience and make it as memorable as possible. Good luck.

 

I personally would not want to trust a breech extraction to a doctor who was not comfortable with them...whether that doc was my ob or a complete stranger. I totally know your dilemma.... I had the same concerns when my baby b was transverse/breech and my baby A was vertex.. 3 out of 4 docs were comfortable with it...the other wasn't ....so what if I got the other???... anyway I was actually pretty relieved when my baby A turned transverse... I didn't want the c/s..but at least I knew everything would be okay for the babies. And there is a sense of relief having the decision taken out of your hands... Don't feel pressured into doing vaginal if you are more comfortable with a c/s... if you trust your OB... like him...prefer him... and are comfortable going with his call then do it... don't be pressured into trying a vaginal delivery just b/c so many other women want to try vaginal regardless of any challenge... It's a personal decision...and you are no more or less a mommy based on which birthing option you go for. And as far as the doctor's opinion... they do see things... sometimes I think if the doctor has had a few bad or scary cases it does make him more hesitant to take a risk again...and rightly so. He/she can only do what they feel is in the best interest of their patients and the babies... and it wouldn't be right to ask them to do something they aren't comfortable doing. I hope for your sake things are made clear for you...maybe that either your baby B would turn vertex or that your baby A would go breech.. that way the decision would be really clear.

 

This is something I'm worried about having to deal with too. I have heard of a lot of "slice & dice" docs and I do not like em. If my new doc is like this, I'm putting my foot down. I don't care what thier personal preference is, I care what's best for me and my babies. I'd like to say that I feel a C-sect. is the last resort. If they aren't trained correctly on turning a breech baby or handling a breech delivery, then get me a new doc. I may sound selfish, but I have my reasons behind how I feel on this issue. Right now baby A is head down and in position and hopefully he stays that way. I understand that if when I go into labor and baby A is breech, that it'll be an automatic C-sect. and I'm prepared for that and accept it. Otherwise, a C-sect. is a negative ghost rider! Oh, and at this point I have no risks for either of my babies being "too big".

*hugs* Please don't stress too much, it's not good for any of you. Just write out what, in YOUR mind are the pros and cons of each kind of delivery. Decide what you'd be happy with, but keep in mind to expect the unexpected with your twins and remember that even the best laid plans come undone. Now if your Dr still wants to force his opinion despite your wishes, wether or not it's the best for your babies and you, then he's not the right doc for you. Plain and simple. I learnt the hard way with my first child, never again.

 

QUOTE(Denise&Twins @ Apr 26 2007, 08:07 PM) [snapback]234930[/snapback]
Thank you for all your advice!

The 'problem' with the practice I'm with is that if I opt for a vaginal delivery I may not get my ob to do the delivery. It would be the ob on call at that particular time. So I could interview or ask the other ob's, but that doesnt mean that I'll have them preform the delivery.

So what do I do now?

This just adds to my frustration & confusion. If I opt for c-section then my ob will definitely do the delivery.

Arrgghhh..this is so frustrating! <_<


Well, first let me say that I think I view birth much differently than you do. As a childbirth educator, I never use the word "deliver". Newspapers are delivered: babies are birthed. Women are not bystanders. Women are the ones doing ALL the work to bring their babies into the world. I know. Now you think I'm crazy. But it's my perspective and I just needed to point that out.

Okay. Now that's off my chest.....

Yes, there is the issue of rotating doctors: most women have no idea who will be at their birth. That's just a logistical issue that isn't going away any time soon.

I know some women schedule their inductions so that they can be sure to "have their doctor". This has never made sense to me--knowing that there are risks associated with induction (to mom and baby)--especially for first births. Just not worth it IMO. Furthermore, it's the nurses that will be there throughout labor (and we can't handpick them). The doc just walks in when it's time to push....

But to take it even further and to schedule an unnecessary c-section in order to "have your doctor" is beyond me. And I'm not saying that in a mean way. I truly don't *get* where you're coming. Your doctor is going to walk away from YOUR birth unscathed. He won't be with you when you're recovering from major surgery. You've said that your doctor explained it would be a harder recovery for you. But do you know what that really means? Did he mention that having a c-section puts future pregnancies at risk? It's not some benign procedure. It's major. And it's quite painful. Plus, I've already mentioned the issues with the babies' breathing.

So what is the reason women are soooo loyal to their doctors? Is it shyness? A need for approval? A sense of safety? Cultural conditioning? Seriously. What is it that would drive a woman to be medically induced or undergo major abdominal surgery just to make sure *her* doctor is present?


Lisa

 

of the 3 (of 5 ob's) I saw the most when I was pg, only one was comfortable with a breech baby B birth - and part of that was because he was an older doctor (probably mid to late 50's) and as he phrased it "when I went to med school you still delivered breech babies"....

anyway I wound up with a section because I developed pre-e fairly quickly and by bp was dangerously high from the pitocin...I did NOT have a painful recovery and I think a big part of that was getting out of bed 24 hours after delivery and moving about...I only took painkillers in the hospital one night and mostly because I couldn't sleep...I came home from the hospital and immediately began climbing stairs (hey our bathroom is upstairs!) and I think that contributed greatly to my quick recovery...

 

This is such a difficult issue with twin pregnancy! I'm in the same boat, with all sorts of opinions coming at me from all sides.

Right now, my baby A is vertex, baby B is breech. My doc is NOT comfortable with doing a breech extraction. I go to a large practice, and there's no telling who will be on call.....I'm going to schedule appts with as many of the OB's as I can, so I can get a sense of who is comfortable with what -- but again, I have no idea who will the one to help birth my babies....

I can tell you that I really, actively do NOT want to go through a C-section. I had a vaginal birth with my first daughter. But, I also just want these babies to arrive safely. I am very nervous about attempting a vaginal delivery if the doctor I get isn't trained and/or comfortable with doing a breech extraction....

I am also nervous about delivering the first baby vaginally, and then ending up with a C-section for the second.

So, there are no easy answers!! I am just hoping my baby B turns.....I'm contemplating doing all the "tricks" like putting frozen peas on my belly to get the baby to turn away from the cold, etc. But, my OB also mentioned to me that if a baby is not turning, sometimes there is a reason -- the cord could be short, wrapped around something, stuck, etc. So, I don't want to inadvertently cause problems....

Anyhow. I hear ya -- a lot of us have your same dilemma!

 

Ok I see so many of you bashing the docs. I am a NICU nurse and in my dealing with multiples this is my experience. Out of term vaingal births... when only one baby needs a NICU stay it is always baby B. In term C-section babies when only one baby needs a NICU stay... it's again B baby that usually comes to visit. Also in triplets and quads... typically it's the later birthed babies that have the most respiratory distress. I asked our Neonatalogists about this a while ago (before I got preggo with twins) why B babies have a harder time transitioning. He said sometimes the placenta(s) will begin to detach after A baby is born. It does make sense in these cases I've seen because most of these babies need volume (either in the form of blood or just fluid) and they transition and can go to newborn nursery in like 12-24hrs. Now that being said... that doesn't apply to all twins. I have seen MANY vaginal births of twins where neither of the babies need a NICU stay.

I have also seen WAY too much breech deliveries where the babies got really screwed up. In my group I trust all of my docs to do a breech extraction on me if necessary. But I know how medical malpractice insurance is for OBs at least in my state. The changed so many things... they actually get a HUGE premium discount if that have a low percentage of breech deliveries. That is why so many docs refuse to do a breech extraction. Medical malpractice insurance is also why there are so few OBs and even fewer high risk OBs and peris out there. Please also keep in mind that these practices vary state to state.

I've seen the cervix unexpectly clamp down after baby A was born, then baby B develops a low heartrate so mom had to get a c-section anyways. That scares me. I would hate to have one vaginally and one c-section.

I'm not saying your doc is right in opting for a c-section.... I was just trying to help you understand why things are the way that they are now. Most of us in the medical field it takes only one bad situation to turn you off to something.

Now that being said.... if both babies are vetex for me... I'm planning on a vaginal delivery. If not... I'm planning on a c-section.

 

Interesting topic. You'll get all sorts of opinions from singleton mommies, twin mommies, & various doctors. I haven't fully made my decision yet, but I'm going to go with what my body, and the babies, tell me in the end. My doctor, and the others in my practice, all will perform breech deliveries on Baby B. That being said, he also said I could opt for a c-section at any point (even if both babies were vertex)....meaning my practice is pretty much 'whatever mommy wants if it's ok with babies'. Right now, my Baby A is vertex, but Baby B is breech...however, I'm also (HOPEFULLY) at least 13 weeks away from delivery & a lot can change. I've decided that my ultimate decision will be made much closer to the birth & that I won't let myself stress about it now. I know there are pros & cons to each birth option and you'll hear horror stories from mommies in both. Hopefully you, your doctor, & your babies can figure out a plan best for you. GL!

 

My obgyn, who is very well regarded and very well known in this area, told me that c-sections are better and safer for multiple births.

My opinion is as long as the babies arrive safely, that is what is important.

 

QUOTE(Gordana @ Apr 30 2007, 11:26 AM) [snapback]238183[/snapback]
My obgyn, who is very well regarded and very well known in this area, told me that c-sections are better and safer for multiple births.

My opinion is as long as the babies arrive safely, that is what is important.



You are entitled to your opinion. And so is your well-regarded OB. I prefer evidence when making my healthcare decisions.

 

QUOTE(mom23cuties @ Apr 30 2007, 10:15 AM) [snapback]238331[/snapback]
You are entitled to your opinion. And so is your well-regarded OB. I prefer evidence when making my healthcare decisions.


My obgyn's training, knowledge and expertise is all the evidence I need.

I had a c-section because my dd was breeched and I'm grateful I did because my son was born with an extremely long umbilical cord which had a knot in it. My doctor said if I had a vaginal delivery it would have been very risky for my son.

The important thing is the safe arrival of babies, it doesn't matter how they are born.

 

Again, a lot of doctors these days unfortunately have no training and/or expertise in breech deliveries and therefore they'll tell you that c-section is safer (which is true in their case). That doesn't mean the procedure itself is less safe. There is no medical reason for a lot of people to go through a c-section just because your doctor isn't trained to perform a breech extraction. I find that sad, especially in a country where c-section rates are already through the roof.

 

My twins were both vertex and I had them vaginally in the OR just in case something happened and I needed an emergency c-sec. They also did quite well. The only problem was Eli couldn't keep his temp up for a few hours. They both went home with me and no nicu time either.

 

The other thing to consider is that (even when both twins are vertex) once BabyA comes out, there's lots of room in there for BabyB to turn. So, either way, there are no guarantees.

Lisa

 

Like someone over here said, it doesn't matter how babies are born, as long as they're born safe. Whether we use modern technology to assist or run back to the "old ways" of doing it. Saftey of the babies is what should come first.

Your doctor knows you, and your pregnancy best. He also knows what's going on inside you more than all of us here, or in your neighborhood. If you feel uncomfortable with what he's suggesting, ask him to explain himself better. Otherwise, get a second opinion.

You need to do what makes you feel comfortable, regardless of what anyone says or how they feel. It's how you feel that's important.

Good luck with your decision. Try not to stress too much, these things get worked out...

What will be will be.

 

Thank you for ALL your valuable advice ladies!

Yes, the saftey of the babies is ALL that matters in the end.

As a first time mommy I do get a bit nervous & 'scared' regarding the birth experience. Which is normal I suppose, but I know when I finally look upon the precious faces of my twins all will be worth it.

Denise

 

I am 32 weeks pregnant and just had this discussion with my doc last week. Baby A is head down, Baby B is breech. He said as long as Baby A stays head down, no need for a C-section at all. He is perfectly comfortable, in fact, MORE comfortable, delivering vaginally than opting for a C-section. Especially considering I've already delivered 2 babies in the past vaginally with no problems...have never had a C-section. I want to be able to bounce right back and be with my babies, so vaginal delivery works best for me. I would not want the longer down time/recovery time from a C-section and as long as my doc is perfectly comfortable with breech extraction following baby A (that's assuming Baby B doesn't turn in the right direction following her sister), then I'm fine with it too. However, he told me that if he was not on call or around when I go into labor, then the next doc may not feel the same. He did prepare me for that and said it was best to go with what the doctor delivering is most comfortable with. I just hope it's my doc who is there for the big day. He has been doing this for many, many years and his wife also had twins 18 years ago, no problems.

 

I love the hidden sarcasm and poorly-masked snide remarks. This is a very personal decision and there is no right or wrong answer. Those of us who are medical professionals have seen the worst of the worst that happens, and could have been avoided had a c-section been done. Yeah, it may be rare, but if you happen to be the nurse that cares for the woman who loses baby B due to an abruption after A is delivered -- you would think different.

As for the whole argument that vaginal birth removes more fluid from the babies lungs: get real. Some of it is removed, but you aware that lots of flulid is still left? It is the job of the alveoli, the functional part of the lung, to remove that fluid. For a baby born via c-section, the extra fluid sometimes means a short stay in the NICU (usually less than 24 hours) due to transient tachypnea. It does not usually come along with IV's, or ventilator support, or anything bad. Just observation. And remember that there is no guarantee that a vaginal delivery won't lead to the same thing.

If you want scientific proof, my best recommendation would be for you to become an RN and do labor & delivery for a living. You can watch the crash c-sections, the fetal demises, and the babies that are born in severe distress and THEN decide whether you want to be snide about someone considering a c-section. Like it said, it is a personal decision and many babies born delivery will be fine. But if you are knew just exactly how bad the complications could be, you might look at it in a different light. I opted a c-section for my 3rd son due to my own health issues although I could have delivered him vaginally. And I don't regret the decision for a second even though he went to the NICU for about 6 hours. That short time apart did not affect our relationship one bit. And I would have elected a c-section with my twins as well had they not been born emergently by c/s. Maybe it's not what you would have done, but I would hope people would have enough respect to accept my decision as the best one for me and my family. It bothers me a lot when people with minimal medical training and who have learned most of their information by reading on line articles decide what is best. I will NEVER agree that an online article, even one written by a doctor, will replace first hand experience. As for me, I've literally seen babies die that would have survived had they had a c-section. But you won't read THAT in the online articles because there is not enough cases. However, there is enough cases for me to realize that vaginal birth isn't without it's own dangers!

 

Thanks, I will work on 'getting real' real soon for you! I had one baby vaginal and one via c-section with no problems at all with either of their lungs. I am well aware of the possiblity for both methods to result in perfect breathing. You yourself say some of the fluid is removed, wouldn't that mean that Kyle's alveoli didn't have to work as hard as Kayla's to remove the remaining fluid thus saying that it was beneficial to him to pass through the birth canal?

QUOTE
I would hope people would have enough respect to accept my decision as the best one for me and my family.
I would hope you would do the same for people who choose to decide differently than you.

Not sure if you know, although you probably do because you had to look pretty far back to find this thread, but this topic is a month and half old and Denise has since delivered her healthy babies via c-section!! You can congratulate her, if you like here.

 

QUOTE(Dianne @ Jun 9 2007, 03:52 PM) [snapback]286142[/snapback]
Thanks, I will work on 'getting real' real soon for you! I had one baby vaginal and one via c-section with no problems at all with either of their lungs. I am well aware of the possiblity for both methods to result in perfect breathing. You yourself say some of the fluid is removed, wouldn't that mean that Kyle's alveoli didn't have to work as hard as Kayla's to remove the remaining fluid thus saying that it was beneficial to him to pass through the birth canal?

I would hope you would do the same for people who choose to decide differently than you.

Not sure if you know, although you probably do because you had to look pretty far back to find this thread, but this topic is a month and half old and Denise has since delivered her healthy babies via c-section!! You can congratulate her, if you like here.


I was responding to the person who was writing negatively about her doctor which I felt was VERY disrespectful on this thread. My biggest issue was with the statement "You are entitled to your opinion. And so is your well-regarded OB. I prefer evidence when making my healthcare decisions." What a cr@ppy thing to say to someone!

I am glad both of your babies had no problems with their lungs but how do you get that "Kyle's alveoli didn't have to work as hard as Kayla's to remove the remaining fluid thus saying that it was beneficial to him to pass through the birth canal?" Sounds to me like neither had to work any harder than the other, which to me would say that the c-section was JUST AS SAFE as a vaginal birth for your babies. Once the alveoli are opened, the fluid is quickly resolved. That is why they are only "observed" versus treated for.

As for your comment about hoping that I would respect people who choose differently than me: Like I said TWICE in my original post, it is a very personal decision and there is no right or wrong answer. Guess you didn't read that part? I respect anybody who makes the choice of what is best for themselves AND their babies. I know women who have had home births of twins with a midwife -- not something that I would have personally considered, but fully supportive of their right to make that decision. As a NICU nurse I have been in MANY twin deliveries, both vaginal and c-section. I have seen complications with both -- and I have seen the beauty in both. Maybe I should have responded directly to the post that I had an issue with -- it wasn't directed towards all, just that one ticked me off and only then because I thought it as a horrible way to treat the original poster. If it had been written to me, I would have taken great offense. I will stand up for people when they are treated poorly. Sorry if you have a problem with that.

And no, I didn't know she had her babies. This is the page my computer took me to -- don't know if one of the twins was pushing buttons, but it is the one I saw at the top of my computer so I responded. I will go and congratulate her on the birth of her babies.

 

I read your entire post, many times actually to try to see if maybe I was reading it incorrectly the first couple of times because I was getting a really bad tone from it. I continued to get it on each additional reading. I actually added the part where I quoted you after my initial post because I read your post yet again and it stuck out at me enough to add the quoted part. The reason why I believe you were addressing me is because I was the first to reply to this thread and posted about passing through the birth canal being better for a baby and if Denise's doc was saying different I was honestly hoping to learn from her experience.

What I meant about their lungs was if Kyle's had some fluid reduction in the canal then his lungs wouldn't have to work to remove as much after birth as Kayla's since she did not travel the way of the birth canal. My point was even if it just helps a little bit then it helps. Yes, the way I delivered was safe for both of my children and as I have said many times on TS, given the same situation again I would not change anything.

I think maybe it would be best in a thread that has multiple pages of responses and is a month+ old, if a poster has an issue with one particular post to send them a pm to that member for clarification.

 

I agree with ppl... it sounds like he/she is not comfortable with a twin vaginal delivery. I was encouraged for a vaginal delivery and unless there was complications or Baby was transverse or in distress I was delivering vaginally. I did and although it was alot of work and they were 30min apart ....I delivered at 39w 2d and they were 6lbs 10oz. each, no NICU time and I was home in three days just in time for Christmas! My OB was not a delivering doc either and I really didn't find that out until my second trimester, I just assumed she was. However, I meet all of the delivering docs and saw the one that delivered my babies at a prenatal appt. before delivering.

 

QUOTE(Dianne @ Jun 9 2007, 06:45 PM) [snapback]286257[/snapback]
The reason why I believe you were addressing me is because I was the first to reply to this thread and posted about passing through the birth canal being better for a baby and if Denise's doc was saying different I was honestly hoping to learn from her experience.


I can assure you that my response was in NO way intended for you. It is a medical fact that the trip through the birth canal does help expel water -- it just isn't a big enough reason to make a cesarean undesirable. It is actually a very small part of the decision to do vaginal vs. c-section -- most of the risk of cesarean is to the mother, not the baby. Whereas most of the risk of vaginal is to the baby, not the mother. The risks to BOTH need to be evaluated and then a decision made. I can tell you in total honesty that I have NEVER in my 10 years of being a NICU nurse seen a child who ended up really sick merely because of being born via c-section. I haven't even seen one who ended up on a ventilator, and I worked at 2 of the largest delivery hospitals in a major metropolitan area where thousands of babies were delivered annually. I am NOT negating the fact that vaginal birth expels water, but most people are so adamant about vaginal birth that they don't take into consideration that the risks are TOO high when you are talking about monochorionic twins (risks for TTTS), premies born before 32 weeks (increases the risk for brain bleeds due to pressure on their immature heads) or a variety of other things. So please, Dianne, know that was absolutely NOT written in regards to anything you stated! Sometimes I get the "birth nazi feelings" that make my skin crawl. There is no right or wrong way to birth babies -- and to make a blanket statement that women's bodies should always be capable of vaginal delivery, in my opinion, puts down the mothers who have been forced into a c-section or who have chosen them for their own reasons. It does NOT make me (or you ) any less of a mother or a woman to have had a child via c-section. My first child was born vaginally -- and he SHOULD have been a c-section due to thick particulate meconium noted 12 hours before he was born. Because of this, he was born with meconium aspiration pneumonia and spent the first 7 days of his life in the NICU. I have seen babies die because of this same issue. My 2nd child was also a vaginal delivery -- and an easy one at that. But the recovery for me was HORRID -- I was on disability for 8 months because of back and hip pain caused by his vaginal delivery, though there was no reason to know that at the time. So when I had #3, I opted to have a c-section because frankly, I am the main breadwinner for my family, I had 3 babies to take care of, and I am completely unable to function without extreme pain due to the issues I had after birth (spina bifida occulta, a stage 3 spondylolisthesis, and Ehler's Danlos Syndrome, all of which we knew about but none that we thought would cause THAT much trouble). So I could have easily delivered vaginally, but I was thinking of myself because I am important too. There are plenty of vaginal birth nazis that would completely diss my choice but most of them are educated in specific areas of childbirth and lack a deep understanding of the high-risk complications, the ICU care of mother or babies, or have actually provided the care of a child that could have had a safer start via cesarean birth. That was my point and I agree that I am passionate about it, but only because I honestly felt that specific comment was a horrid thing to say. Again, it had NOTHING to do with anything you wrote and I'm sorry that you thought that it did. I fully respect any woman's choice on how to deliver -- in her own bed with a midwife, upside down in a pool, on an operating room with the doctor of her choice -- but I don't respect anyone putting someone down because it is a choice that they would not have made.

 

you really need to do what you think is right, but I definatly wouldn't stop at what your doctors says. I am a natural childbirth educator so I of course I lean that way. But I also have studied a lot about it. I think you should read as much as you can about your options. Something else you might want to check into is bonding in c-section births and vaginal births. A mother who ends up having a c should never feel quilt, in the end getting the baby here is the most important thing. Just educate yourself is all and then when you make your decision you can know that you made the best one for you and your babies.
Hope everything goes well. Don't stress.

Teeniemomx3

 

I do not want a c-section at all. My doctor pretty much said the same thing... AGH!

 

I've been thinking along these lines, but my OB pretty much told me no C section unless there was some kind of problem. He is also well respected, on the Board of Directors at the Hospital and VERY experienced. He is an older man too, maybe he knows how to do breech deliveries? I don't know, I assume that once I get further along we'll discuss it more. I kinda assumed I would have a C section but he told me he doesn't do those unless he has to...grrr....I kinda wanted one to have my tubes tied at the same time (which he will do if you have one). I plan to have major discussions with him this week regarding all of this!