Need some opinions from other moms of twins

I really would like some opinions from other moms of twins on this topic. Many people are very pro-VBAC.. I'm still undecided because my C-section with the girls was so darn easy.. bottom line... I want to have energy and be as well rested as possible when I come home as I can... I know you all can empathize because you are trying to keep up with your kiddos at home too... this pregnancy has been really hard to keep up with and I just fear being drained at the end of it like I was with the girls.

I'm 30 weeks and am starting to get a bit concerned about making the decision about which way to go for the birth of our baby boy. I had my DD's 14 months ago via c-section and it was an absolute breeze! The recovery wasn't too bad either.. Anyway, the girls were born at 36+3 and we fought the breast feeding battle because they were a bit on the premature side. They let us stay in the hospital for 4 days and it was just nice to be able to sleep and have the support from the lactation consultants and nurses before we went home to managing newborn twins.

I'm trying to weigh pros and cons and I think what I am really wanting to avoid is going through a very long labor and then being converted to a c-section at the end. If we are going to end up with a c, then I would just like to schedule it and be done with it. I want to be able to go home to my girls and this new little one with as much energy as I can give them..

I do plan on having an epidural if we go the VBAC route and we have been told by many of the docs in our practice that it is a good thing to try the VBAC if we plan on ever having another pregnancy down the road (that's still undecided!) because of the risk of scarring and placenta previa in future pregnancies.

I know that they will not induce VBACs- for good reason.. which means that I will be laboring at home until I'm in active labor.. this just all sounds SO DAMN EXHAUSTING!

What I'm thinking of doing is trying for the VBAC and telling the docs that I want to have a very low threshold for a c-section... as in.. do NOT want to labor unsuccessfully for several hours...Also don't want to go to the hospital thinking I'm in labor only to be sent home to labor there and come back later.. or is that even an option if we need constant monitoring for a VBAC?

Anyway, I would love some opinions! Also, at what point would you say you would tell a doctor that you have had enough and it's time to move on to the c-section? I just want to be able to recover and not be totally overdone after a crazy delivery if possible.. Thanks!

 

I was where you were with our third. I ended up choosing a c-section. I did not want to go through labour and then have an emergency section. I also had gestational diabetes and was concerned about waiting to long for labour. I am going to have another c-section this time. My doctor says you can have up to 4 sections but would prefer only 3. So if you want one more baby you are still ok for another c-section. I felt really good after both c-sections too. With the twins my blood pressure went up so they took them without me going into labour and with #3 it was scheduled. It is a tough decision. I didn't decide fully until about a month before.

 

I agree, it's a tough decision! I had a vag birth with my girls so can only imagine all the variables to consider. I do know that, for myself, if I were to have a c-birth with this upcoming baby, I would VBAC for the next one. I just believe so strongly in the benefits of vag birth for moms & babes. I came across this article recently that I think may really help - it talks about "trying on" both options for a few weeks & seeing how you feel.

If you do decide to VBAC, I would encourage you to hire a doula. They can be a huge support in labour & can help you determine things like whether or not you are in active labour, offer physical & emotional support to help cope with contractions (until you're able to get your epidural) & offer information to help make decisions on different interventions during labour & birth (and specifically address any concerns related to VBACs). For more info you can check out DONA.

 

IMO the exhaustion from a vaginal delivery is something you get over quicker than the exhaustion from the c section. However everyone is different. If your c section with the twins was scheduled and you never went into labor I may try a VBAC, if you did go into labor with the girls and ended up with a c section, I would do a repeat c section.


I was having the same battle in in my mind until2 weeks ago when my OB made the decision for me. I am also going to have a repeat c section.
I have delivered both ways. All 3 of my older kids were vaginal and my twins c section. IMO, my first vaginal birth and my c section were just as equally difficult to recover from as far as pain goes. with the vaginal I had a third degree laceration between my legs. The difference was the exhaustion, with the c section I felt so tired and drained for what seemed like an eternity, also they used staples, I had a reaction to the staples, they had to be taken out at 4 days so my incision opened up and at 3 months out I had to be restitched. With my other 2 vaginal births I was sore right after but totally and completely fine, no soreness no exhaustion 1 week later ( i could have had sex at that point is how not sore i was at one week plus I felt guilty for not returning to work at that point because I was fine and both times were very bad times for work to be short handed) That is why I was leaning towards a VBAC.

Of course though, my only c section experience was with twins so maybe my exhaustion was because of having 2 newborns? The say the second c section is easier???? I will let you know no later than July 21!!

 

Miss_Bossy18- I really liked the article you gave the link to. I do like the idea of "trying on" both choices. Let me ask all of you these three questions then....

Because they will not induce a VBAC does that mean that I am going to have to go through a lot of the labor at home, without an epidural? I have this incredible fear about laboring like that. Why, I'm not sure... I have had 2 ectopic ruptures and made it through those.. so I figure pain management should really not be a worry of mine. Honestly, I feel like it's holding me back from making the decision about the VBAC.

Also, I wondered if it is the norm for women not to have epidurals with the VBAC?

I keep hearing about people saying that there are a lot of benefits for the baby and mom with a VBAC. I know it helps with lung function with the baby, but what other benefits other than recovery time are there?


Thank you so much for your input, ladies.. I'm really struggling with this decision.

 

I have VBAC'ed twice since my c-section with the twins. In my experience, a vaginal birth over a c-section is so much easier. The initial pain of labor may not be the same but being able to 1) hold my babies right away, 2)leave the hospital less then 24 hours later and be home with my family, 3) having an easy recovery, no pain meds, no pain at all except mild discomfort over the course of a week, 4) and being able to physically handle my kids and housework right away were so important to me. Honestly, both my labors with a my VBAC's were not the same as the labor with the twins. The stress wasn't there and my body already knew what it was doing, so I endured the contractions until I didn't want to handle it anymore, both times I was 8cm and got myself drugged up and pushed both babies out within an hour and home the next day. I did wait for my epidural until I had progressed in labor, I didn't want it to hamper my progress, and I can tell ya, the few hours of pain were worth the weeks of recovery time I didn't have to deal with.

 

Because they will not induce a VBAC does that mean that I am going to have to go through a lot of the labor at home, without an epidural? I have this incredible fear about laboring like that. Why, I'm not sure... I have had 2 ectopic ruptures and made it through those.. so I figure pain management should really not be a worry of mine. Honestly, I feel like it's holding me back from making the decision about the VBAC.

The reason that they won't induce VBACs is because contractions caused by pitocin (an artificial version of the hormone oxytocin) are stronger & longer than naturally occurring contractions & put more stress on the uterus (and baby) leading to increased incidence of scar dehiscence (separation) and uterine rupture. Also, inductions in general, whether VBACing or not, greatly increase the chances of a c-birth. As for how long you'll have to labour at home, it kind of depends on how busy the hospital is - usually, they won't admit you until you're in active labour (often defined as 4 + cm dilated), but if they're having a slow day, they may be willing to let you have a room even if you're in early labour.

That being said pre & early labour are usually the longest portion of labour. Sometimes in 2nd pregnancies, early labour can come & go for days before progressing to active labour. The good news though is that it's also the time contractions are usually fairly weak & not too painful. There are benefits to staying at home for early labour, namely that it's much easier to distract yourself. I always tell my clients that when they think they're in early labour, the absolute best thing they can do is completely ignore it. Distract themselves - go for a walk, go for dinner, watch a movie, read a book, take a shower or bath (baths in early labour can often slow or even stop contractions which can be helpful if you want to get some sleep). Focusing on early labour contractions often makes them feel stronger & more painful then they are. It's also beneficial to be upright during early labour - that helps baby get him/herself into a good birth position. Also, by staying home longer you're less likely to be restricted by hospital policies that may interfere with your natural pain coping rhythms. This is a good time to have a doula to call on as they can give you suggestions for things to do, or if the contractions are too strong to ignore, suggestions for ways to help cope with them.

Also, I wondered if it is the norm for women not to have epidurals with the VBAC?

I would say it's as varied as women who aren't VBACing. Like any medical intervention, epidurals have their pros & cons. Here's a great article from Penny Simkin (one of the founders of DONA) that discusses this.

I keep hearing about people saying that there are a lot of benefits for the baby and mom with a VBAC. I know it helps with lung function with the baby, but what other benefits other than recovery time are there?

Here's a great article on the benefits of physiologic (no intervention) birth. It's a bit wordy, but it's worth the read, even if you just read the the section titled Physiology of Normal Birth.

HTH! Please feel free to PM me or ask here if you have any other questions.

 

Good question! I am also struggling with this decision for a slightly different reason. The hospital my doc delivers at will not do VBAC's. If I decide to do a VBAC I will have to leave my doc and go to another hospital an hour away. I am torn between the desire to try for a "normal" delivery and the comfort of my doc and being close to home.

 

Ahhh...just over two years ago I was in your shoes... I thought for sure my ob would say automatic c/s. I was quite floored when she said I could do either. She said if we were going to have more kids, she was going to heavily push for the VBAC. If not, she said another c/s would be fine. She said it was totally my decision, and she would support whatever decision I made.

I went with a repeat c/s. I love my ob. I wanted her to deliver my kids. I also wanted childcare set up for the twins. Everything was planned out on who would watch them, when, etc. I knew what a c/s entailed. I had a great first c/s(first major surgery, hospital stay, etc). I did have my incision open a little bit, but it healed nicely. I was also afraid of trying a VBAC, not succeeding, and needing a c/s in the end.

Now, part of me wishes I should have tried. But, in the end, I had a healthy little girl. I am happy with my decision. And maybe I secretly wish for one more chance. I will say this-and I will be honest, I forgot what a pain in the @ss the recovery was. Not that it was painful, but the changing of the gauze, blow drying the incision, etc. You know-the stuff you don't have time for when you are caring for toddler twins and an infant! :crazy:

Whatever you choose, just be happy with your decision. And-be sure you come back and let us know how delivery goes-no matter what you choose!

 

I had a scheduled c-section with the boys so I had never experienced labor with them. With our baby girl, there was no medical reason for a c-section, so we decided on a VBAC. And let me tell you: for me, it was the best part of the pregnancy. I was quite scared beforehand (pain, hours of labor at home, the 'unscheduled' aspect in terms of the boys, recovery, etc.). It was the most magical, beautiful experience to see my body take over and basically deliver that baby naturally (no pain meds) and by itself. It was a long labor (almost 12 hours), but so, so worth it! I appreciate that that's a totally subjective and individual choice and whichever you end up deciding, I hope it's the very best experience for you and your family. Good luck!

 

I feel the EXACT same way as you do, minus the c section being great. I had a HORRIBLE experience. HATED IT! But... am still contemplating. LOL.

I wish I didn't have the choice. And maybe I won't but as of now, I'm going to VBAC.

and I'm going to do EXACTLY as you said.. LOL.. let them know to keep the c sec room ready and waiting. HA HA.

I am just NOT one to labor, I don't think so we'll see. I may shock myself.

I'm with you tho! I'm soooooo nervous!

I just CANNNNNNNOOOOTTT imagine trying to take care of a newborn AND the twins after a c birth. I really can't. It will NOT be like the first time, AT ALL! It will be 10000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 times worse cuz now I have 3 and OMG I will not have help! DH will go right back to work etc.

So.... I'm only 26 weeks but as of now, we have me VBAC and a scheduled c at 41 weeks because as you said, you cannot be induced AND my doc won't let me go over 41! So... here's to GOING FOR IT!

 

I researched what makes someone a "good" or "bad" candidate for a VBAC there are many articles online. I did not fit the description of a good candidate, so I didn't have to think about it.
If you do end up going c/s there are also some new developments to make a c/s more like a vaginal birth. Principally, delayed cord cutting and laying the baby on momma's chest and checking it there. I saw a cool video on you tube about this. I believe it was called a "natural cesearan" or thing similiar.

 

Good point! Here's the video - this is something they're starting to do in the UK now. I think it's great.

 

I opted for a VBAC mainly because the twins were so young at the time and still needed to be lifted and carried. I did go into labor with them so I knew what labor felt like, but they were born by c-section (31+6 weeks, both breech), which was very easy and the recovery fast. I wanted to experience a "real" birth and never even considered a c-section... until I started labor. When I arrived at the hospital after laboring at home all day (36+5 weeks), I was asked then if I wanted a repeat c-section or VBAC. At that point, the choice was SO difficult because I was in a lot of pain. If I chose a c-section, the pain would end very soon! If I chose the VBAC, I would have to labor another 2 hours before the epidural would come. It took some time, but I stuck to my guns and finally decided to continue with VBAC. I AM SO GLAD I DID! While I love my twins very much, there is no greater feeling than the joy you have when you are the first person to hold your baby and feel their warm body on yours. Not to mention the sense of accomplishment you have for pushing them out (even with an epidural). The twins were preemies so I didn't hold or see them for hours after they were born. Knowing what I know now, I feel kind of jipped out of a vaginal birth experience with the twins because that would have been pretty awesome! We all came home the day after he was born... no long recovery time in the hospital... I couldn't be away from my 17 month old twins that long!! For me, the recovery from a vaginal birth was tougher than the c-section, mainly because I tore. But again, I wouldn't trade the experience for anything )

As a side note, there was a point during labor where I was contracting a lot, Ryan's heart rate was spiking, and there was talk of a c-section. But I felt OK with that because I just wanted him out healthy, even after laboring 22 hours. And, if you decide to VBAC, try to line up family or friends to help with the twins if you need to labor at home. I went in to labor early and had no plan but luckily many people were willing to help out.

Good luck, Babyhopes! Keep us posted!!

 

Thank you so very much for all of the information and stories.. I am trying to weigh pros and cons of both and I just keep going back to how extremely exhausted I am right now at only 32 weeks pg. I just cannot even fathom how I would muster the energy for labor and delivery for a vbac. that being said, I am very aware of all of the benefits of the vbac. I just cannot even imagine going home 48 hours after a labor/delivery and then having to take care of all of my LO's.. my DH is wonderful and he helps as much as he possibly can, but my parents and inlaws would like to be helpful, we have a lot of boundary issues and it always ends up being more work than help.. I can't even begin to imagine adding our next LO into the mix! Thanks ladies!

 

We had a vbac with the boys and to be honest it was the most wonderful experience. I thought we'd have a c/s because Griffin (B) was breech, but he flipped during labor and I got the vbac I wanted. I had a great c/s experience too, but knew that recovering from a vaginal birth would be easier than any c/s, plus we weren't sure if we wanted more kids, so I didn't want to automatically have to have a c/s with any subsequent pregnancies. We got to go home quickly, which I appreciated as I would much rather be in my own bed sleeping and not being told what to do with my babies. I also didn't want people trying to push us to supplement - it was exhausting constantly trying to explain that we were only breastfeeding. And now we're talking about another one and I'm so happy that I can have another vaginal birth and not automatically a c/s. Like I said, my c/s was a good one (compared to what I thought it would be) but the vbac was SO much better. And FWIW I didn't have an epidural during the vbac - but I think that comes down to what your dr is comfortable with. (And another thing to think about is that you don't want to get to the hospital until you're in active labor anyway - pitocin is not a nice thing to have to go through, so I'd wait at home as long as possible anyway.)

 

Well, we made a decision... kind of.. I scheduled a c-section for close to 40 weeks with the thought that if I went into labor and dilated successfully before that time that I might change my mind. Kind of leaving it up to chance, I guess, but the doctor was very understanding. She told me that I was a great candidate for a VBAC but when I mentioned that I just can't see myself a month and a half from now having enough energy for a lengthy labor she helped me come up with the plan.. so... maybe I'm going to regret not having solid plan set in stone, but it takes the anxiety off of me for now!

 

I think that is a great plan!!!!!!!!