Natural Birth with Twins

SPaceTwins55

Hello! I'm 12wks with twins through IVF. I'd always planned to go natural but in a hospital or birth center. There are no birth centers near me that deliver twins and although I've got an awesome doula (I started seeing her for hypnotherapy to get me ready and through IVF) I'll be her first mom of twins. I know twin pregnancies have more complications, but is it really that ridiculous to still want to at least plan on pushing these babes out med-free? My midwives/OB practice is very gingerly onboard.

JCWhitey

My cousin had her twins vaginally (not sure if she had an epi or not, she didn't for the rest of her kids so I don't think so).  So, it's possible!!

MuchlyGen

I've read a number of beautiful birth stories about natural, unmedicated twin births, so clearly it's possible!

jennypolkadots

Our midwife has delivered 7 sets of twins in home birth settings (no meds at all) and all perfect outcomes. Granted, most twin pregnancies would be excluded from her practice if there are risk factors like babies are not in good positions close to the due date, etc. so 7 sets in 30 years of delivering is not very many. But I know it can and has been done. I'm rooting for you!! 

sschwege

The woman I used to nanny for had her twins med-free.  Both babies were head down before delivery, she went into spontaneous labor at 39w, by the time she got to the hospital she was already fully dilated, she wanted an epi (she had never planned to go med-free), the doctor encouraged her to go without one, he argued she had done the hardest part, she agreed, pushed briefly and baby A was born, 9 minutes later baby B came.  Both babies were a good size for twins, Baby A was 6lb7oz, Baby B was 6lb4oz.  It can be done!  Good luck! 

KateLouise

I've known a couple of people who have delivered twins intervention and med-free.

I thought (assuming there are no complications like pre-eclampsia) that it really comes down to babies position, and more specifically the baby nearest the birth canal. If that baby is head down then you're fine to go ahead and try a vaginal birth, and that even if baby b isn't initially head down, they can flip once the first baby is out, although obviously they might not flip and be breech.

At least that's my understanding, but I'm not basing this on actual knowledge, so don't take my word for it.

SPaceTwins55

KateLouise - that's more or less what the midwife said, but she also insisted it would come down to the OB's judgement in the moment. I'm not going to risk the health of the babies, but I didn't really like all these "hospital policies" she was throwing at me - spinal blocks, OR delivery, etc...

Mama-Bear

I've never heard of having a hospital birth and NOT delivering twins in an OR, they want you there if there's an emergency.  Now, NOBODY can FORCE you to have an epi, they can strongly encourage you, but they can't force you, it's your body, your choice.

rachelkongsore@hotmail.com

I delivered my twins vaginally, without an epi. I did have to deliver in an OR but to me that wasn't that big of a deal, as being in an OR is only for our benefit and doesn't change the natural delivery. I am now pregnant with my second set of twins and praying once again for a natural delivery. Like previous people have said, there are just more factors affecting our ability to have natural vaginal deliveries and the medical world is often not supportive and scared of an intervention free birth. My advice, get the babies either vertex vertex or vertex breech and stay as healthy as you can. Gain good weight and avoid preterm labor. Go as far to term as possible and find a naturally friendly hospital and ob. Educated yourself on all possible scenarios and just try to be prepared for the unexpected. These are all the things I am trying to do. Our bodies were made to do this, so have faith :-) and good luck!!!

sschwege

SPaceTwins55 said:

KateLouise - that's more or less what the midwife said, but she also insisted it would come down to the OB's judgement in the moment. I'm not going to risk the health of the babies, but I didn't really like all these "hospital policies" she was throwing at me - spinal blocks, OR delivery, etc...

OR delivery is typical, as pp said I've never heard of it being done any other way.  As for a spinal block, I have heard doctors recommend that.  A twin delivery does carry with it a higher rate of c-section as well as potential complications during delivery, so if you don't have an epi they might have to put you under general for a c-section if they need to perform one quickly.  But we all take that risk by going med-free, it's just that with some deliveries the risk is higher.  I have heard of some women being given the option of having an epi catheter placed, but having no meds put in.  That way if they need to deliver pain meds quickly it's already all in place.  Perhaps something to consider or talk over with your provider.    

MangomamaFL

My twins were born naturally. They were born at home.