Birthing twins

[alanasmum]

My obstetrician basically told me today that she caesars ALL twin pregnancies because the risk of complications, especially to the 2nd twin born, is too great for a natural birth. I was happy to have a caesar if necessary at the time but was keen to give natural a go if all looked well. This is not an option with my ob though. I trust her very much as she took great care of me when I was pregnant with DD but I am disappointed with what she told me today.

Can any mums of twins share their birthing experience with me? Would expecially like to hear from any mums who birthed their twins naturally without complications. Thanks very much.

[Shan84]

Im not an expert either and havent even had children of my own, I am a twin though and was born naturally and as far as I know there were no complications, just a long 64 hours of labour for my Mum, but that differs for everyone! They dont let you go for that long anymore these days do they?
Thats the only input I can give, might not help but it's something :)

[krystallxx]

hello :wave:

I havent had twins either but i am pregnant with twins. My ob and midwife gave me the option too chose after they explaining the pros and cons of each. My m/w said twin 2 can have complications because my twins share the same sack. Maybe get another opinion.
Good Luck . xx

[Duchessa]

My ob was very pro vag birth for twins. The girls' paed worked in the same teaching hospital at the time that the bench mark study on c/s vs vag twin birth was done. He was very critical of the study and explained to me how it was flawed and what that meant. I also did a lot of independent study that concurred. Find yourself an ob who will support it. They are out there. Or better still, get an independent midwife who will birth them at home. Safer for all of you.

Back to the Q - I vag birthed my mc/da twins in hospital with some intervention, but would choose vag birth every time.

[trouble]

I am a twin, and am the first born, out of us, and we were natural birth, took my mum, 3 hours with us, and she had no stitches either, and we were both a good size 7.5pound and 6.5pound.

My friend also had twins 3 years ago, and she went public, and was given the choice straight up, to either pick a c/s or VB, and she choose VB and had not complications except stiches. and it took almost 12 hours for her.

hope that helps, :)

[MammaMia]

Just a quick note - I'm expecting twins in October. The game plan is a VB with a c-section if all goes pear-shaped and the welfare of the babies or myself requires it.

My ob is very willing to do a VB, bearing in mind my history, the positioning of the babies and the agreement that we have re ultimately doing whatever is necessary for a safe birth for all.

She has said that the 2nd baby to be delivered will often change positions and can prove trickier to deliver but this does not preclude a VB.

The hospital has a starting point of wanting an epidural in for the labour and my Ob supports that. I'm content with that course because I want to be awake if we end up in an emergency c-section and I understand that if the 2nd baby requires some active internal repositioning that will be easier to manage (for all concerned) if there is an epi in place.

If you really feel strongly about not having a c-section as your starting point, perhaps another conversation??

Good luck!

[punkbaby]

My freind had twins naturally, first bubs come out head first the second come out breech however with a little intervention they both arrived safely, she had a ob who fully supported her wishes although she was aware a c section may be needed should any complications arise.

I would get a second opinion :)

[*babygirl*]

:wave: my mum birthed 6 children naturally and the last two were twins (non-identical) and they were 11 minutes apart and BOTH in perfect order when born:yes: it is DEFINATELY possible!! think of the thousands and thousands of years people have been birthing naturally... it is YOUR call... and i'd definately be seeking a second opinion if it IS what you want... but there is also no shame in chosing a 'safer' option for you and both bubbas.:hugs:

[tootsy]

got no advise i just want to say that obviously vag birth is a huge emotional and physical thing to do i can only imagine what birthing multipuls would feel like, it would be unreal.

[alanasmum]

Thank you all for your replies. Tootsy, you are absolutely right - it would be an amazing experience. I never thought I would be able to give birth naturally - the thought always terrified me. And when I birthed DD it was the greatest satisfaction and moment of my life. I can only imagine how wonderful it would be to birth twins naturally. I want to do what's best for my babies and for myself - if ultimately there is too much risk then I will not hesitate one little bit to agree to a c/s but I would like to travel through my pregnancy at least knowing that I will give a natural birth a go if it is possible. Will do some research and have a think about it all and have another conversation with my obstetrician.

[mahna mahna]

The study most OBs use has flaws, as Duchy said. Basically, the highest risk is for a second twin born via c/s after the first is v/b. The next riskiest for the second twin is to be c/s after the first twin is c/s. The least risky is a v/b for 2 after a v/b for 1.

I'll try and rustle up the study for you, but I'm fak atm, so may not get to it tonight. :)

[Duchessa]

It really will be one of the most amazing things you will do in your life.

[melissa76]

Out of interest for you there is an awsome video on you tube about a lady who has twins after a c-section at home no less. I think you have to just weigh up your actual risks. if the ob just likes to do c-sections cos she prefers not to try then maybe get another ob??

[BazzasMum]

My aunt had twins VB 30 years ago, no probs. My GF had twins last year (first bubs), no probs. The fact that you've had a baby already should make it easier with the fact you know you can actually do it.

Another GF had twins C/S in Jan - after the Ob terrified her into it - took her a good 6 weeks to recover, had her DH and mum there for the whole time to help out as she could do practically nothing. I would much rather try VB myself than have to go through that, especially having birthed before (if I was having twins).

You have to do what you feel comfortable, but I'd be getting a 2nd opinion!

[bel84]

Firstly, congratulations on your twin pregnancy!! :)

I have ID twin boys who i birthed naturally with no complications at all.

My OB's view was if there were no complications and both babies were in good position there is no reason why i could not have a VB.

I would definately do some research and talk to your OB and let her know what you would like!:thumbsup:

Good Luck with everything!!

[BlessedWithBlue]

I gave birth to my fraternal twins naturally.
I was the one actually wanting the C-section as i i really thought i couldn't do it.
I had a c sect with my first son and a hard time which ended with them using the ventouse to get him out. So i was terrified of having problems this time.

OBs and middies insisted i at least give it a go as my first twin was head down so although i was induced and the told me i needed to have an epidural just in case there was problems with my second twin who was breech.
They said as long as all goes ok with the first baby i would deliver the second twin breech unless he turned.

I was in the hospital for PE and had an ultrasound the day before i gave birth and my second twin had suddenly turned head down.
The next day i was induced for problems with my platelets and was given the Synto drip i was told i would have the epi as soon as i started feleing and contractions. Once i felt the first one i had the epi and once it was time to push Jett (twin A) came out with 10 mins pushing and then Isaiah (twin B) came 32 mins later as he was face up so it took a bit longer to bring him down.

I was on cloud nine after having them, it was an awesome experience!!

GL and huge congrats on your twins :D

[angelbaby013]

not sure if it has been suggested but go on youtube.com and type in natural twin births.

recently i saw some excellent footage of natural twin homebirth after c/section (phew what a mouth full).

it is possible, do as much research as you can..

good luck :thumbsup:

[neostudded]

My sons dad was a twin his mother had a vaginal birth. He was born a few minutes afer his brother, he was the 2nd born twin and was born foot first.

[FiveInTheBed]

It is possible...
I was induced at 39w4d with my twins because we had visiting OB's out here at that time of year and the one that was going to be here the following week was like your OB and strictly only did c-secs for twins deliveries.

I had my waters broken at 8am, on the drip at 9am, and they had insisted an epidural because of the risk of any intervention needed with the 2nd twin (BTW he was breech up until 36 weeks - that was a fun night, watching and feeling him turn head down!!)...any way...I was ready to push by 1130 ish, and they panicked and rushed the guy in to jab me in the back...I was sitting on the side of the bed, literally holding DD's head in, as soon as I lied back I pushed and she was out - 5lb 15oz...17 minutes later and with me cracking up pulling funny 'pushing' faces because the epi had taken effect and I didn't have a clue wether I was pushing or not!!...DS2 arrived 6lb10oz , the only 'intervention' I needed was the mid wife gently holding him up from outside my belly as he dropped to the side when DD was born. It could have been a different story , so I was glad the epidural was there for back up.

umm...sorry for the long post ...I just love sharing that story!!:goodvibes:
Maybe ask your OB if she can suggest someone who will do a vag delivery if you feel strongly about it...

Best of luck!!

[defaipe]

i just want to wish you all the best!

[~Emmylou~]

If it's out of the comfort zone for your OB, and it sounds like it is, find another OB.

You'll always wonder what if, if this is what you want to do and you don't get to give it a go.

Most of the time when a caregiver has a problem with something you want to do, changing caregivers is a better option than trying to convince the one you already have. Find someone who is supportive and have the birth you want. Good luck.

[NibbleCurlynBun]

I have seen a WONDERFUL video footage of a woman who home birthed her twins. The second was breech and BOTH were born PERFECTLY. :yes:

It is do-able.

The hospital system however is likely to treat you as though you are flammable and will probably not want to risk letting you even try.

Do get as many opinions as you can and aim for what you would like.

[~Emmylou~]

I was just thinking about this a bit more, the Multiple Birth Association in your state would probably be a good place to start looking for a supportive OB. They should be able to give you an idea.

You can also call your hospital and speak to the midwives, they are usually a good source of information for this sort of thing as well.

[twinmumdee]

Firstly, congratulations on your twin pregnancy!! :)

I have ID twin boys who i birthed naturally with no complications at all.

My OB's view was if there were no complications and both babies were in good position there is no reason why i could not have a VB.

I would definately do some research and talk to your OB and let her know what you would like!:thumbsup:

Good Luck with everything!!


Me too... had my babies 8 weeks early, but delivery had no complications. I say try VB unless you really can't do it, but don't let your ob tell you you shouldn't give it a go at least... definitely get a second opinion. :)

[alanasmum]

Thank you for all your replies. I have decided it is best for me to change obstetricians. For any mums that have birthed twins, if you would recommend your ob and could PM their details to me, I would really appreciate it. I found another ob this morning who I would have been happy with but she is fully booked. You really do have to get in early!

[ButterflyMama]

I'd be hiring yourself a Doula and thinking about homebirth.
You CAN birth twins vaginally. It is more than possible and definitely doable. Keep your options open and don't settle if it's not what you really want. With the right support you can do anything. <3

[twinmum73]

Am glad you have decided to change obs. I ended up having a c/s, but my ob was very def willing to let me try, although like a PP insisted on an epi as starting point which I was fine with. He was super and I know a few others who have had twins naturally with very supportive obs. It can certainly be done, your ob just sounded like she wanted the easy way out, and you would have regretted not even trying.
Have PM'ed you with some names.

[SassyMummy]

As good as your OB may have been with your first born, this is a different case. If she RELUCTANTLY agrees to let you "trial" a VB with your twins (and reluctantly will be exactly how she agrees, IF she agrees... as she's already told you she's not open to the option of VB for twin births)... well, she's not really supportive of your birth at all, is she?

You need someone who's onside from the get-go...

Think of this way - if you hassle a man into having babies until he reluctantly agrees, will he really be a reliable, good father? Chances are, he'll not be, because he was never wanting things to go that way anyway.

I think the same can be said of an OB. She already thinks a caesar is the safest route for twins... any tiny little hiccup in the birthing suite and she'll be reaching for her scalpel.

I'd be looking for a care provider supportive of my choice - and that doesn't really mean an OB either. It might mean having midwives instead, or even an Independent Midwife and birthing at home.

It would also do you some good to hire yourself a doula - to be your voice when you're feeling too vulnerable and weak to speak up for yourself...(and to massage you when your partner starts slacking off...:p).