Friday, September 5, 2014

C-Section or Vaginal?

From day one when we starting seeing the OB, he asked if I wanted a c-section or vbac. My immediate response was c-section. The reason behind this was basically I already had previous c-section and plus I was pregnant with twins and didn't want to have any complications arise trying to birth them vaginally. Throughout this pregnancy my mind has swayed away from c-section, until now. Actually a few weeks ago at the 4D u/s and the tech said both girls were head down. I had a few different occasions where the thought crossed my mind for a few seconds. Maybe I can have a vbac. Then last week during my u/s with MFM and the girls were still head down. After being admitted I had to sign paperwork about emergency delivery etc. and it was brought up again. Did I want to try vaginally? My answer at the time was " I want whatever is best for the babies in the situation". So we signed papers that we would do either depending on situation. Now this week has been non-stop thinking about this. Of course I want what is best for the girls. I have been told by my OB and MFM that at this point we are great candidates for either and both at this point are safe.  Here is my pro/con list:

PRO's for Vaginal birth:

Less time  recovering from major surgery
Less time in hospital
Depending on different studies, could be easier for the girls
Get to experience vaginal birth and bonding with the girls
Al would get to experience the birth of his girls



PRO's for C-Section:
 I don't have to worry about delivering one vaginally and being rushed in for surgery if something goes wrong with second baby.
I know what to expect from previous c-section
It is planned and therefore I feel like I have more control
I will be able to get my tubes tied at same time

It is weighing heavily on me and I do hope that I ultimately make the right decision or something happens to help me make the decision. 

Any twin moms have input on this?



12 comments:

  1. I didn't have the option since Lucy was transverse breech, but I would have liked to try to deliver vaginaly. The only positive to the c section was I got to stay extra nights and be closer to the girls in the nicu. That was the only time I was able to be there for the 1 and 4 am feedings. Not sure if you're planning to breastfed but. C section can delay your milk coming in. Mine took 4 1/2 days.

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    1. Yes I was planning on BF, but was told if the girls were born c-section and needed NICU I would have to pump and they want me to start within two hours after surgery.

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    2. They didn't let me pump until about 24 hours later so I'm sure that's part of why mine took so long.

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  2. I don't have advice but this is all very exciting!

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  3. Firstly, congratulations! I haven't been able to comment bit I've been cheering you on all the way.
    I had a c section with the boys, and there was no choice. But I think you are right to go for whatevers best for your girls. My c section was a lovely experience and it meant everyone was ready to care for the boys when they came out, but v birth can be helpful for breathing. So I think keep taking with your OB. What a great thing to have the choice!

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  4. I'm set for a c-section for medical reasons and I like the *idea* of control for a scheduled c-section. Though it sounds like you will likely go into labor on your own. The biggest pro I would consider for a vaginal birth is breastfeeding, followed of course by an easier recovery. It's a difficult decision and there really is no right or wrong answer.

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  5. I bet you will know exactly what you want to do when it's that time :) Whatever happens, hoping it all goes smoothly!

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  6. I was hoping to do vaginal birth, but when the time came both Beats were breach and they needed them out. So C-section it was. The reason I wanted vaginal was for all the reasons you stated. In addition, I knew that if He-Beat was head down but She-Beat was breach, they would do a breach extraction (reach up and pull her out by her feet).

    One thing people assume is that during C-sections your partner/husband/wife can't be in the OR with you. Grey was by my side the whole time (snapping some less than flattering photos too). The only time this doesn't happen is if there is an emergency.

    As far as breastfeeding, I had access to a pump immediately after delivering. And got instruction how to use it as soon as the nurses had me settled. Hence I would ask about this during your NICU tour. If your girls arrive before 34 weeks, they will not have developed the ability to suck, so pumping will be your only option. So ask.

    And I know I need to send you my tandem feeding pillow. I will prioritize getting it sent this weekend.

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  7. This is a very interesting Diane Rehm show on antibiotics use. The guest doctors talk about vaginal births and the benefits to a baby's microbiome. Worth a read. http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2014-07-10/why-overuse-antibiotics-may-be-linked-asthma-and-obesity/transcript

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  8. I'm not a twin mom but I would probably do a c-section if I were you.

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  9. Thank you all so much for the input on this. So many good points and a lot for me to think about.

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  10. I think it's terrifying either way! It's amazing what our bodies are capable of.

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