forceps

mrs25

I saw my first "Deliver Me" or "Baby Story", I can't remember which, that involved forceps-after seeing it I almost think I'd rather have a c-section than have forceps used! They took the mother to the operating room incase it led to the need for a c-section, it caused "excessive vaginal bleeding" and the baby can often end up with bumps and bruises on the head.

So I guess I'm asking, is forceps something you hope to avoid at all costs? or no big deal if needed? At least with a c-section baby would come out with a nice round head (of course I want to deliver vaginally.)

jdlocke

I think I saw the same thing. I want to deliver vaginally, but if it came down to them using forceps, I would tell them to just to a c-section. Those look so painful to mother and baby. I would rather be cut open to save my child from the pain of those things.

norunawaybride

I don't know if I'd opt for a c-section or forceps. That's something I'd need to discuss with my OB before making a decision in preparation for a worst case scenerio.  My SIL delivered via forceps, and her baby came out with bruises on her head and face.  I'm assuming that her head wasn't in the most perfect shape either.  One thing that made me cringe was my SIL talking about how much she ripped, and she was in major pain for a while.  Add to that, she had to walk around with an ice pack between her legs.  Not fun.

babygirl7892002

Its interesting you bring this up! My fiances sister was just telling me about how I really need to look into the use of forceps and the suction thing they also use to help guide the baby out. She told me a family friend of hers had a normal pregnancy and delivery up until the point where the doctor used a suction to help get the baby out, in turn breaking the babys neck and killing it. I was in disbelief when she told me this!

Im assuming that using the forceps may not be as dangerous but to me it just doesnt seem worth the risk. Although Id really like to avoid a c-section, if it comes down to it and they are having difficulty getting the baby out Id definitely go with a c-section rather than taking a chance and hoping everything works out.

diana.filipi

Wow, glad you posted this.  Now I will spend time figuring out what I would opt for if they wanted to use forceps on my baby.

mel41g

At the point where they would use the forceps, I think the baby is too low to go into c/s.  They wouldn't use forceps til the last seconds, and by the time they prepped you, your baby would be oxygen deprived, which could lead to all sorts of really bad things for baby.  I'd rather have some vaginal bleeding and some cuts/bruises on the baby.

ToledoDeux

If assisted delivery is absolutely necessary, I would always opt for the vacuum.  Most younger doctors are no longer trained in proper use of forceps, and I wouldn't let them near me with those things.

I had vacuum assistance with delivery of DD, and didn't even need an episiotomy.  (I'm not endorsing it, because I'm not convinced it was necessary, but it's still preferable to forceps.)

Alyssajoy87

The idea of forceps really scares me. I would rather have a c-section than have the doctor use forceps, but I am hoping on a vaginal delivery!

Jerseygirl16

The doctor used forceps to get my first DD out and it was no big deal.  They did it right in the room I was delivering in (no need to go to the OR) and it didn't hurt me or baby a bit.  She came right out!

Jerseygirl16

She also came out without any bruises. The doctor that delivered them was older and very skilled with their use so I'm sure that helped. 

I did tear (4th degree) but I think that was more due to her being 9 pounds 1 ounce and my first than it was due to the use of forceps.  And really even though I was so scared of the dreaded 4th degree tear it was not that bad considering.  

SmallandNeedy

I want to avoid forceps and vacuum and go natural (and med-free), however I would NEVER choose to have a c-section. That is major surgery that I hope to avoid at all costs. Get me out of the hospital as soon as humanly possible!!!

BlueEyedBaby

mel41g:

At the point where they would use the forceps, I think the baby is too low to go into c/s.  They wouldn't use forceps til the last seconds, and by the time they prepped you, your baby would be oxygen deprived, which could lead to all sorts of really bad things for baby.  I'd rather have some vaginal bleeding and some cuts/bruises on the baby.

Sorry for the edit, it posted before I could write anything! I think this is correct. Plus, if they're talking forceps, you have been pushing for a while and baby's head is probably already a bit bruised. I delivered DD vaginally without assistance and she got a little stuck on the way out so all the nurses in Mother/Baby thought she was a vacuum extraction!

2soontob3Jsmomma

Nope, I would definitely have forceps used instead of having a c-section.  Anyway, I have already gone through a delivery with the use of forceps with my first DS.  He was almost 9 pounds and had a huge head!  So, needless to say, I had to have an episiotomy and the doctor used suction and forceps.  Baby was okay, no cuts, just a little bit of bruising around the top of the skull.  He is now 14 years old and in the Honor
Society. 

jrnewhook

jdlocke:

I think I saw the same thing. I want to deliver vaginally, but if it came down to them using forceps, I would tell them to just to a c-section. Those look so painful to mother and baby. I would rather be cut open to save my child from the pain of those things.

THIS

LeoChic

mel41g:

At the point where they would use the forceps, I think the baby is too low to go into c/s.

Huh?!?  Unless the baby is half way out of the vag then a c-section can be done.  My DD got pretty low before she turned her head and got stuck resulting in the need for a c-section.  I was told in the operating room that a nurse had to go through my vag and push the baby back up for the doc to pull her out through my stomach.

Doc basically told me he could use try the forceps but he couldn't do it without tearing me up.  He also said she was just far enough up that he wasn't 100% that he could even get her with the forceps.  I opted for the section and don't regret it for a second.

Mereou12

Forceps are SO rarely used these days. Ask your doctor about his/her standard practice and whether they ever use forceps. Chances are they don't--vacuums, while still not necessarily common, are what most docs opt for now if assistance is needed.

 

NotEve

I realize I'm late to this discussion but I think the idea of opting for a c-section instead of using forceps or vacuum is a little crazy.  A c/s is major surgery.  My sister delivered with the assistance of a vacuum and didn't even know it was used!  Her baby had just a little red circle on her head that went away after 1 week. 

shopgirl78

Way late.....I had a forcep delivery with my first and had the worst tear (4th degree) and it took longer than a c-section to heal (4 months) no brusing on baby tho and while I wouldn't wish that one anyone.  My second vaginal birth was cake.   24 hour hospital stay, out shopping at 3 days pp....had I had a c-section with #1, I would have had to have on with #2 (and missed the easiest delivery).  Our hospital doesn't do VBACs and its the only hospital in the area