Hi ladies

Well i went to see my Ob today and Twin B is very small so i have to have a C-section probably next week. He said that even though Twin A is presenting and healthy the fact that Twin B is breech and a little distressed already he would not risk a vaginal delivery on him. I am fine with this (all i want are healthy bubs!), but just want some reassurance from some twin mums!!

Can you tell me how hard it is to recover from a C-sect with twins? Also should i get someone from my family to stay when i get home or is just me and my DP enough? i am so stressed at the moment not just with thinking about the delivery but also about afterwards and being at home and not able to do much.

I have to go to the hospital tomorrow and on Friday to get monitored and then have another scan on next monday to check Twin B's size and then my ob will set a date depending on how he is going. I am 37 weeks next week so he said that it will probably be early next week. I guess since he did not put me in hospital today that Twin B is not too distressed but it is still concerning for me as we have had no worries at all this pregnancy.

Any input would be most appreciated!

Thanks,
Rach

Rach (26), BJ (34)

Twin boys due 12 Feb 05
<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://lilypie.com/days/050212/1/1/1/+10" alt="Lilypie Baby Birthday" border="0" /></a>

Rachy!
I have been trying to get through to you at home! Im sorry you have to have a c-section, but as long as the boys are healthy thats all that matters... And dont worry about anything after they are born, you will have heaps of help! Once BJ is back at work, I will come around every day if you want me to and do the hard stuff
Anyway Ill keep trying to ring until I get through...
SMILE you will meet your boys soon!

ME 22
DH 34
DD Brenna Rose 24/09/2004


<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://lilypie.com/baby1/050924/1/12/1/+10" alt="Lilypie Baby Birthday" border="0" /></a>

Just a quick reply to let you know that I also had to have a c-section due to complications and it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be!

I think because I never laboured and because I had a spinal anesthetic which was in for the shortest time possible and it was all over fairly quickly with no major complications (well not for me) that I probably got off a lot easier than friends that laboured and then had a c-section.

I had no problems walking or getting around the following day and was back to feeling my normal self within a week. Granted I had no babies to lift or look after so that might have made things a bit easier... of course I also only got to 29 weeks so not sure if that had an impact as well...

But anyway, two healthy bubs is the aim so try and rest up and stay positive!

hugs

Kate

[color=Blue]Hi Rach

I was booked in to have a c-section at 37.5 weeks, but our boys had other ideas and came a week earlier than planned! But, even though I went through 3.5 hours of labour and I was nearly fully dilated and having contraction on contraction as the anaesthetist put the epidural in, everything went really well and I can honestly say it was a wonderful experience. My DH stayed in hospital with me for the full week (he went out during the day every now and then for business meetings etc) which was wonderful, and he spent quite some time with us when we got home (as he could work from home). It was really only DH and I as I didn't have any family that could come and help us, and DH's family lived in Victoria. Although, his mother did come and stay with us for 1 week, but I think that was more for her benefit than ours! lol ;p

I found that DH and I were fine with the babies (DH was, and still is, fabulous with them), so maybe you and your DH will be the same. But maybe your family could help out with cooking meals, cleaning the house, washing clothes etc.

As for recovery time after the c-section. I didn't push myself too hard, and I gave myself time to heal, which didn't take as long as I had expected.

Overall it was a great experience.

Vanessa



1st ICSI November '02 successful!
(Ryan & Kai - 29 July '03)

Rach!

Although I can't offer any advice I wanted to wish you all the best for the proceedure. 2 healthy Babies is the goal.

37 weeks is a great achievement - I can understand your anxiety too.....A bit stressful but try to relax and stay clam until the day.

Can't wait to hear all the goss! And see some pics.
Sending you and DH calm, relaxing vibes!

Bree~28
After 3 Years our Double Blessing "Suprise" Twins are Due in April 2005
<a href="http://www.snugglepie.com"><img border="0" src="http://www.snugglepie.com/tickers/tdb.php?tid=35562"></a>

I had a c-section on Christmas Eve for the birth of my twins. I was 36 weeks. Unfortunately my two spent 2 weeks and 5 days in the SCN. I feel fine - I wish I could do more around the house (dh won't allow it) - I have hung washing on the line (DH carries the basket out but I'm sure I could handle it) and I am driving (although my ob was reluctant to allow it - I needed to to get to the babies at the hospital every day). I was terrified of having a c-section but it was great (bar the babies going to the scn). Getting up the next day was hard - and it wasn't till I was at home that getting up out of bed didn't hurt - but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Only pain killers I had was voltaren suppositories for 2 days, and two doses of panadol.

Hi Rach,

I was in EXACTLY the same position as you. The second twin was a bit small. I had an appointment on the Thursday at 36 weeks, where twin 2's growth dropped off a little, went in on the Friday for monitoring, at had a ceaser at about 2pm on the Monday afternoon. So I was about 36.5 weeks. Everything went fine, the girls didn't need any help at all. The ceaser wasn't too bad. As the others said, the first couple of days was sore, but by the end of the week I was fine. Just remember to ask for any pain killers whenever you need it, and get up and move around as soon as you can, it helps with the recovery.

You and your DP should be able to cope fine, but don't forget to accept help if anyone offers :-)

Put yourself in the hand of the doctors and enjoy it, it is a very special time in your life.

Good luck and keep us posted!!

Kate
Alicia and Sophie 2/12/02

Hi

Thanks for your replies. They have relaxed me a bit on the thought of what is to come!! I am heading into the hospital this morning for them to monitor the boys after having a sleepless night. So i will fill you in on what is happening when i return home.

Rach

Rach (26), BJ (34)

Twin boys due 12 Feb 05
<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://lilypie.com/days/050212/1/1/1/+10" alt="Lilypie Baby Birthday" border="0" /></a>

Hi Rach

Just wanted to say Congrat's on making it as far as you have. I LOOOVVVEEE your sig pic, it's so nice to see. You look GREAT!

I had a c section. For me the circumstances were very different. My babies were born 10 weeks early & one of them was flown to Brissy & I didn't get to see her.

I DID recover from the operation quicker than most people though. I was up & walking the next day (I wanted to get out of bed the day I had them but I wasn't allowed to). I HAD to walk if I wanted to see my babies & I just did it. My focus was on the babies & I think that's why I recovered so well. I hope you can understand what I mean!

I hope I haven't scared you! My c section went well with NO problems. I recovered well too & now I have 2 very healthy & active 2 year olds!

Goodluck & keep us posted.

Belinda

Mummy to twin girls born @ 30 weeks Oct 2002

Just want to pop in anbd say I've been thinking of you Rach! I hope all goes well with the monitoring today!

And I agree with Belinda - that belly pic is gorgeous! I am dead envious!

Hope you are doing well! We have all our fingers and toes crossed for you!

Kate

PS Belinda - needing to see you babies is a wonderful motivator to get over pain isn't it!

Hi There,

Just wanted to say I also got to 37 weeks. I got booked in for a c-section because my darling boy was breech (presenting twin) and my little girl was breech transverse.

I also had growth issues - but with the presenting twin - he was being squashed by his bully of a sister (nothing has changed) - which is why I got booked in at 37 weeks.

The c-section wnet well and recovery time I thought was fast - I couldn't get up that night - because of nausea, but by the next morning I got up had a shower etc. I also had extra incentive my darling boy ended up inthe SCN so I had to get to him (and the only way was to walk - I didn;t like the wheelchairs). Was driving etc within 3 weeks

Good luck with it. My only advise is don't push yourself - don't lift heavy things and your recovery will be a lot fast Stay positive

Cheers

Mags

Was also thinking of you this morning Rach and wanted to log on and see how the visit went!

Hoping its all good will check in again soon.



Bree~28
After 3 Years our Double Blessing "Suprise" Twins are Due in April 2005
<a href="http://www.snugglepie.com"><img border="0" src="http://www.snugglepie.com/tickers/tdb.php?tid=35562"></a>

Hi There

Well i went to the hospital and both of the boys were 100% fine. So that was a huge relief! I am seeing my ob tomorrow and he does caesareans on Thursdays so hopefully he might be able to fit me in this week! I did not get any sleep last night and even though the boys are ok i am still so stressed that i really just want to have them and make sure they are ok.

Thanks for all your positive birth stories because they have really made me feel more positive, and now it has helped to clear my mind a bit and i am mainly just looking forward to having my little men and not thinking quite so much about the procedure.

I am not seeing the Ob til tomorrow afternoon, so i will post once i have seen him to let you know what happens.. fingers crossed he has room to fit me in this week because if not i don't think i will sleep til they come out!

Rach

Rach (26), BJ (34)

Twin boys due 12 Feb 05
<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://lilypie.com/days/050212/1/1/1/+10" alt="Lilypie Baby Birthday" border="0" /></a>

That is good news! I know I will be the same - not much sleep until they are safe in your arms!

Sleep well knowing that they are both fine and I look forward to hearing the boys "due date".


Bree~28
After 3 Years our Double Blessing "Suprise" Twins are Due in April 2005
<a href="http://www.snugglepie.com"><img border="0" src="http://www.snugglepie.com/tickers/tdb.php?tid=35562"></a>

That's great news Rach, I've been thinking about you all day!

Now all you need to do is try and get some rest, eat well and look after yourself so you will be as fit and healthy as possible to hug those little men of yours when they arrive!

Kate

[color=Blue]So glad to hear you're feeling better about things, and wonderful news that you're boys are doing well.

I can't wait to hear all about how you get on. I'm sure you'll do great!

Vanessa

1st ICSI November '02 successful!
(Ryan & Kai - 29 July '03)

Hi ladies,

Well here is my update on what went on with my Ob yesterday.

The Ob i saw who is filling in for my Ob for 2 weeks was so patronising that i left really upset. Mind you he is the one who got me so freaked out on Monday by telling me how Twin B is so small and i need to have a C-sect etc because he couldn't handle normal labour and to make sure i carefully monitor his movements. So yesterday i went to see him to see what he could do in the short term as i seriously have had no sleep over the last few days and i was just freaking out, and he goes to me "I don't mean to be patronising but all pregnant women get anxious, don't sleep much at the end.." and heaps of statements like this - all starting with "I don't mean to be patronising...", which of course means he is about to be patronising. I felt like saying to him i wasn't anxious until you freaked me out!! So i was very upset when i got home. He just spoke like i was some stupid little female who had no idea. (truthfully i don't have any idea about twin pregnancy as these are my first babies but i thought he might be a little bit compassionate.... nope.. wasn't!) Thankfully DP was home when i walked in so i just told him it all and he just said thank god he isn't our normal Ob and tried to comfort me when i was in a state of intense anger and of course i couldn't stop crying.. i think my DP felt bad he didn't come with me but he is trying to work as much as he can now so that once the boys arrrive he can get time off. So today i have to go back to the hospital to have a CTG this afternoon at 3pm and another one tomorrow morning too, and then on Monday i am having a scan first thing and then i see my own Ob who is back from holidays (Yippee) and he will see the new scan results and hopefully tell me what we can do. My DP is coming on Monday with me so he said that he will make sure that either way we have a date before we leave. My normal Ob is great and i think he will just be pleased that we have made it this far. We are 37 weeks on Sat, so i seriously don't know how much longer he will make me wait. The other Ob yesterday goes to me 37 weeks isn't that far along do you want your babies to be taken straight to NICU? I said are you serious.. i told him that my Ob was happy that we had made it this far and would probably be a bit more accommodating. I think this p*ss*d him off a bit!! I couldn't believe he said that. It is not like i am 30 weeks and wanting to have them out, i told him all i wanted was a date and i was happy to go until 37 or 38 weeks as that is what was discussed with my Ob. Rude b*st*rd!! I am so glad he is not my Ob. The weird thing is on Monday he was really nice... very strange!

Do you girls think i was being too sensitive? I know that at this stage of the pregnancy i do cry at the drop of a hat, and i am tired and in constant pain, but i didn't think that i was being too unreasonable!

So hopefully my Ob will give me a date, even if it is for a week or so away i don't care, i just want a date just so that we can plan everything!! Also you never know my Ob might not think a c-section is necessary (hopefully!!?). I am kind of used to the idea of a C-section now so that would probably just stuff my thoughts around again though!

Anyhow that is all my Ob news. Last night i had serious lower back pain and pelvic pain and it has come to NOTHING! Bummer. I was actually happy because if i went into labour before tomorrow night i would have to get the Ob i saw yesterday at the hospital and i would rather not!

Rach

Rach (26), BJ (34)

Twin boys due 12 Feb 05
<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://lilypie.com/days/050212/1/1/1/+10" alt="Lilypie Baby Birthday" border="0" /></a>

I just have to say that that OB sounds just horrible!

The comment of 'do you want them to be taken straight to NICU' is just so heartless, scarmongering and not to mention JUST PLAIN WRONG! Often people use 36-37 weeks as a term date for a twin pregnancy and to try and scare you by saying that is just pathetic!

So nope I don't think you are being over sensitive at all..... and even if you were it is his job to understand that and have some compassion for goodness sake! It is normal for you to be anxious and worried about your babies (especially when he's been freaking you out!) I would be worried about your state of mind if you weren't!

Sorry this has made me sooooooooooo angry! It is your body, these are your babies and he has no right to treat you like an ignorant baby vessle! grrrrrrrrrrrr

Definitely hold off all thoughts and worries (if you can) till you can see your OB. And if you still want to try for a vaginal birth I'd be going in there with that in mind and sit down and seriously discuss it. I know our OB knew from the start how important a vaginal delievery was to me and we made time to talk about it and the possible implications etc so when things went wrong and he said I would need to be ceasered I trusted him that is was the right and only decision for us. It sounds to me like this other OB has scared you into thinking a c-section is the only way, which is fine if that is correct or if you choose to have a c-section for whatever reason, but if you still want a normal delievery then I'd be waiting to talk to your own OB and really find out what the possabilitites are.

Sorry if I have over stepped the mark a bit here.. but it makes me angry to hear of health professionals being less than understanding at one of the most important times in your life. You are not an ignorant fool you are the mother of these two precious babies and you deserve to be treated with respect and compassion!

I hope things settle for you in the next few days, rest, eat well, drink lots of water and wait and see what your nice OB says on Monday... oh and don't forget to keep us posted!

Sending you lots of hugs and positive vibes that things go just the way you want them!

Kate

Hi Rachel, that ob doesn't sound good at all! I don't blame you for feeling annoyed and angry with him. He should be congratulating you and telling you what a wonderful job you're doing. Try to put it all behind you now and just stay as calm as you can and get ready for the arrival of your babies. Hope all goes well and can't wait to hear your news!
Maycee

Maycee (35)
DH (33)
Twin boys (4/12/01)
DD (7/10/03)

Hi

kate - don't worry i don't think you are overstepping the mark at all.. i appreciate your input! My DP is coming with me to see my Ob on Monday and we are going to talk to him and say that i would prefer a vaginal delivery and if possible i would like to try that first and if there is a need for a C-sect then i trust him to tell me when. I really do not want to have a c-sect just because it is easier if you know what i mean? If it is possible for me to have a vaginal delivery then i really want that.

I am going to tell my ob what the other ob said because even if they are friends i think he deserves to know what this guy is saying to his patients.

Thanks for your input & hopefully on Monday afternoon i will have some good news from my Ob!! I just really am still angry with what he said and my DP wishes he had come with me - but then if my DP was there he probably would not have been quite so patronising.

I was meant to go to the hospital to get teh boys monitored today but it is haleing, so i was too scared to drive and my DP made me promise to change the appointment because he gets scared of the thought of me driving in wet weather, which i guess is understandable!

Rach

Rach (26), BJ (34)

Twin boys due 12 Feb 05
<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://lilypie.com/days/050212/1/1/1/+10" alt="Lilypie Baby Birthday" border="0" /></a>

[color=Blue]Rach, you're not overreacting at all. Put all the revolting and negative stuff behind you (and hopefully you'll never have to see that rude ob again) and look forward to the birth of your beautiful babies!

Thankfully you'll be seeing your usual ob next time (and I would be mentioning that maybe his offsider needs a few lessons in bedside manner!). o:

You're about to go through what is the most exciting time of your life, so out with the bad thoughts and in with the good. ;p

Take care, Vanessa

1st ICSI November '02 successful!
(Ryan & Kai - 29 July '03)

HI. I just had to reply and say that the relief ob. was appalling!!! Good on you for sticking up for yourself a little and don't let anyone tell you that 37 weeks is not an achievement!!! This is so great to get this far - you are an absolute star and try very hard not to worry i am sure all will go well on monday with our regular doctor.
Take care and sending lots of positive thoughts your way for the safe arrival of your boys.



Patria
Mum to
Kaitlyn 05/01/02
April and Jasmin 06/08/03 (born at 32weeks)

Hi girls

Well i went to the hospital today and of course the boys are fine. They were kicking like little champions the entire time the midwife was monitoring them.

I was so happy when i was there because one of the girls that was in one of my birth classes had twins on Tuesday and i got to visit her. I don't know her too well but the midwife asked me if i wanted to talk to her. I didn't realise it was the same lady but i thought why not? It is good to talk to someone who has had twins. You should have of seen her babies, a little boy & girl, they were so cute. I was holding her little boy for ages and he was so sweet. She told me tons of stuff about the caesarean, the midwives and just about the hospital and what to expect and stuff. It was good having her tell me when it is all so fresh in her mind and she was so honest and open. Her bubs were both 6 pounds 6 or something like that and yet because i have not seen a newborn for so long they looked so tiny!! I got so excited seeing them and thinking that it won't be long for me! Yippee.

Hopefully i will have some good news next week!

Rach

Rach (26), BJ (34)

Twin boys due 12 Feb 05
<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://lilypie.com/days/050212/1/1/1/+10" alt="Lilypie Baby Birthday" border="0" /></a>

Just wanted to wish you all the best for this week coming and you get to hold you heatly baby boys real soon. Take care and rest up.

Hi Rach, sorry, I am a bit slow in replying here I just wanted to let you know that I had a c-section and loved the whole experience.

Their logic with me was a bit the opposite to yours. At all of the later scans, Erin (twin B) was consistently measuring about 1kg heavier than Matthew (Twin A). They did a scan while I was in labour and came up with the same thing (2.3kg and 3.2kg I think). So they decided a c-section was the safest way to go, because they were worried I would dilate sufficiently to deliver the smaller, first twin, and then should the second twin turn (as they often do once there is some room, which is good news for you where Twin B is breech), she would be in strife.

I was not terrribly committed one way or the other to a natural or c-section birth, so I was not upset at having to have a c-section. I did not find any great recovery dramas. I carried both babies at once as soon as I was home (day 5) - not before because the hospital staff would have strung me up for carrying two babies at a time. I hung washing, I drove, I walked around the block on my first afternoon home from hospital. I was lucky.

Oh, I forgot to add, it turns out the scans were wrong! Matthew (Twin A) was born 50 grams heavier than Erin (Twin B) at 2685 and 2635 at 35.5 weeks.

You and your DP should be enough, but if someone else can stay, then take them up on the offer! My Mum stayed for about 10 days (as Jo said, only for housework, she tended to let us settle into a routine with the babies).

Do not let them "make" you have a c-section if you are not convinced. Make them convince you, or ask for a vaginal delivery with lots of monitoring (if you particularly don't want the c-section - me, I did not care!). If you plan on going down the vaginal delivery line, all I would suggest, given the increased chance of complications/c-section, is get them to put an epidural in early, so as if you have to go to theatre, it is there ready. Epidurals suck in full on labour, and if they are in a real hurry they will not have time and you will have to have a general. They just put the epidural catheter in - they do not have to put any drugs through it (i.e. numb you) until you want them to.

Good luck! Enjoy meeting your babies

Jo2+2<BR>Angel Baby - Rachel - born still 21/11/00 (23 weeks)<BR>Matthew & Erin 7/11/01<P><BR>

This message was edited by joanne2 on Saturday, 22 January 2005 @ 2:56 PM

Hi Jo

Thanks for your reply. I am kind of getting used to the idea of a c-sect now so if i have to have one i will not be too fussed. I think i will just wait til i see my Ob on monday and see what he thinks of the situation.

My parents have the car packed ready to come as soon as we let them know we are in labour, so hopefully they will be here when i get out of recovery.

Thanks to everyone for your replies and when i get back from seeing my Ob on monday i will let you know what we discuss.

Bye,
Rach

Rach (26), BJ (34)

Twin boys due 12 Feb 05
<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://lilypie.com/days/050212/1/1/1/+10" alt="Lilypie Baby Birthday" border="0" /></a>

Hi ladies

Well my options have changed since last week. I went and had a scan today and now both twins are head down and are perfectly sized at almost 3kg each. So my Ob thinks that i can probably have a vaginal birth, or at least try to have one and see how i go. I have to go and see him next Monday to have an internal (if i haven't had them yet) and then we will book the induction.

So it is all go - yippee!! I am so happy that they are headdown and that Twin B is fine. The girl who did the last scan obviously was having a bad day and managed to just freak us out for nothing!!

Hope you are all well.

Rach

Rach (26), BJ (34)

Twin boys due 12 Feb 05
<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://lilypie.com/days/050212/1/1/1/+10" alt="Lilypie Baby Birthday" border="0" /></a>

WOW

What great news for you! Hope all goes well & that you have your bubs soon.

I still love your sig!!!! It's AMAZING!

Belinda

Mummy to twin girls born @ 30 weeks Oct 2002

Hi Racheal

I have been lurking here and reading your news and waiting to hear how your appt went with your proper OB. I am so happy to hear that things are going so well for you now. That's great that your OB is saying you can have a vaginal delivery! I hope you told him what you thought of his replacement and how he needlessly freaked you out....

I bet you are really excited now, it's all so close! I wish you all the best in the coming days

XXX

After 17 months TTC - TWINS!! Due 23 June 2005
<a href="http://www.snugglepie.com"><img border="0" src="http://www.snugglepie.com/tickers/tdb.php?tid=27263"></a>

That's just great news Rach!

I've been thinking of you over the weekend and wondering how you were going! So it's just lovely to hear that everything is back on track for you and that those little bubs are growing well!

Can't wait to hear the news of your bub's healthy arrivials!

hugs

Kate