What's your opinion on Assisted Deliveries??

TauntyCupcake

So, my doctor informed me that she will 100% back me on my natural delivery wishes. Which I love. We have discussed numerous times about how I would like for things to go and she has approved my birthing wishes. I know that things don't always go as planned however and I am open to doing whatever it takes to get my little one here safe and healthy.

That being said she wanted to discuss assisted delivery methods next time I come in just in case something should come up.  She said of course she would only do it as a last resort before a c-section. And even though I am believed to be having a larger baby she wouldn't induce or schedule a c-section just due to size. But she did tell me that I am at a higher risk of needing assistance because of my size and the baby's size.

She gave me some information on Vacuums and Forceps and the risks and such. Reading all the risks and complications really concerns me. I mean these things have a pretty high percentage of causing serious issues for the baby and I might have to require a c-section after that anyway?! I just feel like I might want to skip the assisted delivery if it's necessary and just go straight to C-Section. (Which is 10000% the last last LAST thing that I want.) I think that if I attempt the assisted delivery and it causes damage and then I require a c-section anyway- that damage was done unnecessarily! Also, according to the packets, my child (if as big as suspected) is at a higher risk for complications like Shoulder Dystocia simply because of being larger than normal.  

OF course this is all hypothetical, I just want to be prepared if anything comes up and I want DH, My mother, and my doctor to be aware of my wishes before I am actually in labor. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best sort of thing. So, let's hear it ladies! What are your opinions and why?

heatherom

I am hoping for a smooth natural vaginal birth as well, and have it clearly stated in my birth plan. You bring up a really really good point because I have it written down that a C-section is the last resort. I may have to clarify my birth plan now because I think that it is uneccessary distress to the mother and baby to try and pull the baby out using vacuum/forceps only to have to end up in c-section. I think I would rather just go straight to the c-section if the vaginal birth isn't going to happen.

kylayton

This is just my opinion....

The use of forceps does not concern me at all.  Babies get bumped and bruised coming out the birth canal no matter what.  If forceps are going to help safely guide my baby out, I fully support my doctor using them.  More damage could be caused to my baby by him getting stuck and me continuing to push him without help. My doctor has told me that the better I push, the less of a chance he will have to use them.  From what I have heard from other women, he is very experienced and highly skilled in using them.  If he didn't have a great track record, I might re-think them.  I think it depends on the doctor. 

I haven't researched the use of the vacuum since I know my doctor is skilled and prefers forceps.  I don't think all doctors are "licensed" to use forceps. 

kylayton

heatherom:

I am hoping for a smooth natural vaginal birth as well, and have it clearly stated in my birth plan. You bring up a really really good point because I have it written down that a C-section is the last resort. I may have to clarify my birth plan now because I think that it is uneccessary distress to the mother and baby to try and pull the baby out using vacuum/forceps only to have to end up in c-section. I think I would rather just go straight to the c-section if the vaginal birth isn't going to happen.

I agree with you.  My doctor said if he thinks he will have to give me a "vaginal c-section" in order to get the baby out, we will go straight to c-section. I think a lot of women are so set on vaginal that they end up with several cuts or extremely deep tears.  In that case, I would prefer a c-section.  

stephers_7

I say, do what you need to do if it is necessary. I wanted a natural as possible delivery but with baby measuring so large and my amniotic fluid decreasing so quickly there's about a 70% chance I'll need to be induced early. (All depends on my u/s on Dec. 2nd) The risk of having him stay in until he's ready is higher because of that fact. So, I'm going to have to just trust the person with the medical degree to get my baby here safe and sound

heatherjh

If she's not coming out naturally, then I'm opting for a C-section and hopefully getting my tubes tied at the same time

Mass-girl-at-heart

I really don't want a c-section, I can't imagine not being able to pick up DD1 for 2 weeks but if the choice is forceps, vacuum or c-section I will go with c-section.  I would rather the major risks be for me and not the baby.

shortstuff15

Honestly, once they are considering assisted delivery it's almost too late for even a c-section.  I had my daughter assisted with vacuum and she was too far down the birth canal for a normal/easy c-section and it was quicker (and safer) for my daughter and me for them to help her out via vacuum then do a c-section.  Two pushes with a vacuum and she was out, crying, on my chest and perfectly healthy!  I also had a friend in August whose son had some complications with the vacuum assistance so I am aware of the risks, but I would take a vacuum or forceps delivery over a c-section any day.

kevinsgrl

My Dr used forceps to help deliver my DD because my pelvis is curved up a bit.  In my experience it was not bad at all and no complications. (I did have an epidural). No episiotmy was needed (but I did have one with my first)

Dr said I will probably have to have them used again with this LO. I am completely fine with it and would personally NEVER consider a c-section over assisted delivery.

Talk to your Dr about your concerns so you can make the best choice for YOU and LO. Just thought I would share my experience. 

andreakirchoff

I ended up having a forceps assisted delivery with my son, it wasn't planned, he went into distress.  In order to do so, I had an episeotemy, which was some interesting healing, but wasn't awful.  I ended up doing all of this without pain medication, I had asked for an epidural, however, the one and only anestheologist was in someone else's c-section.  So, now epidural for me, which was fine.  LO came out with a bruise on his cheek, but for the most part fine.  The one nice thing about assisted delivery is they typically have less down time than a C-section, in terms of hospitial stay and recovery at home.