Looking like a C-section

[Reiltin]

I’m 32 weeks with twins (my 2nd pregnancy). I’d been strongly hoping for a vaginal birth, purely cos a c can make feeding and picking them up harder, and I have two older kids who need driving to school, etc. Also, I’d rather not have major abdominal surgery! But twin 1 has been bum down for over a month at this point. I’m fact, he’s so far down, the sonographer had the scanner(?!) down at my pelvic bone looking at him! He may move, though he’s running out of space to do so. Around 35 weeks, they’ll schedule a C for the 37th week. Trying to get my head around it. Feeling a little freaked out at the cutting-me-open bit! Worried about being stuck in hospital alone at night trying to manage feeding twins. Any happy, helpful stories or useful advice? Thanks 😊

[LastOneDancing]

I can't comment on twins, but my elective section was the calmest, loveliest birth.

I healed really well, I was picking up my toddler (very carefully) within 5 days. Driving after a week (with Drs sign off). Picking up the baby out of their today tray in hospital can be tricky but if your bed is high enough & the tray low enough it's ok.

I would make sure they use dissolving stitches, not staples or the ones which have to be removed as these were what caused me the most pain after my EMCS first time.

Good luck!

[ClareB83]

Hi OP, I can't lie having my twins by c section was a strange experience - like you say it's a surgery and other people are in control.

But I can reassure you that my overwhelming feelings on the day were relief and joy at my babies being born and I was mobile very quickly.

I haven't tried driving yet (still only 5 weeks post birth and we have excellent public transport), but I'm lifting laundry baskets, pushing shopping trolleys etc.

I had no trouble lifting my babies immediately and although I was in pain and walking very slowly at first that improved dramatically within a week and that was after an emcs caused by severe pre eclampsia.

I think an elcs would be even calmer and quicker to recover.

[tanyadixey2]

I had a c section with my twins and yeah the first few days hurt but as far as picking your babies up you'll be fine. I didn't have an issue with that at all it was getting back into the bed after that was the hard bit!

[ClareB83]

Yes rolling over in bed was awful for a few days.

[villainousbroodmare]

I'm sitting here bfing my 9 day old twins born via ELCS for the same reason as you. Had EMCS with first baby. V pleasant experience, pain easily controlled with paracetamol and ibuprofen.

A few things I'd have done... one is to bring Colpermin or peppermint tea or Deflatine or something to hospital as I had quite annoying ribcage and shoulder pain due to air or blood in my belly.

Also I'd have had the name shortlist well pared down with DH beforehand as i was just annoying myself looking at stupid websites like Babypedia while in hospital!

I'd have ordered a twin feeding pillow ahead of time... stacking up babies on pillows for tandem feeding is not that easy and the woefully named My Brest Friend feeding pillow is absolutely brilliant.

I spent four days in hospital which is standard here. If I was battling to feed or having any hassle I'd ring the call bell.

Actually everything was much easier within a couple of days of going home as the twins started adjusting to sleeping in their bed rather than hanging off me all night!

They were 2.7 and 2.5kg at 38 weeks, so not small, yet prem clothes are very large on them so be prepared for that. Pampers premium prem are the smallest neatest nappies I've found.

I'd also have asked for formula top ups sooner when I saw DS gnawing his knuckles with anxious hunger. Milk came is slowly around day 4.

It's lovely to be finished with what was a long belly-bursting pregnancy and even nicer to have two gorgeous little babies in my arms now.
Best of luck.

[ClareB83]

Congratulations @villainousbroodmare!

[villainousbroodmare]

Thanks Clare!