HBAC with twins - homebirth with twins after cesarean and video

HBAC with twins (home birth after cesarean)- is this the right choice for you and your babies ? Giving birth at home was the normal thing to do for hundreds of years and still is in many countries. By the 1900's women slowly began changing their birth setting by going to hospitals.

As our understanding and education of anatomy, modern medicine, the dynamics of natural childbirth, and technology have significantly increased, more and more women are exploring the idea of a home birth with trained midwives or nurse-midwives for low-risk, healthy pregnancies.

As more women desire the help for home births, the number of studies and statistical data will continue to grow and give us a greater understanding of the risks and benefits.

The information below will help your understanding as you move toward an informed decision.

Could HBAC with twins be right for me? It was for this family - watch the video.

HBAC with twins might be an option for you if:

* You are having a healthy, low-risk pregnancy and have a supportive partner and health care provider(s)

* You want to avoid episiotomy, cesarean section, epidural and other interventions

* You want to be surrounded by your family and friends

* You want to be free to move around, change positions, take a shower, and eat or drink freely during labor

* You want to enjoy the comforts of home and familiar surroundings

Home birth is not for you if:

* You are diabetic

* You have chronic high blood pressure, or toxemia (also known as preeclampsia)

* You have experienced preterm labor in the past, or may be at risk for preterm labor now

* Your partner does not fully support your decision to give birth at home

Most midwives will bring the following with them for your HBAC with twins:

* Oxygen for the babies if needed

* IV's for mom if she becomes dehydrated or needs additional nutrients

* Sterile gloves, gauze pads, cotton hat for the baby, drop cloths, waterproof covers for the bed, a thermometer, a pan for sitz baths after birth

* Fetoscopes or ultrasonic stethoscopes

* Medications to slow or stop a hemorrhage

* Special herbal preparations, homeopathic remedies, massage supplies/techniques and even acupuncture needles

* Items for suturing tears

When, why and how often would transfer to the hospital occur?

According to a study in the United Kingdom, approximately 40% of first time moms and 10% of women who have previously given birth are transferred to the hospital for delivery. The following are some of the reasons women are transferred:

* Mom decides to go because she feels exhausted and does not want to continue

* Premature rupture of membranes

* High blood pressure

* No progress

* Fetal distress

* Cord prolapse

* Hemorrhage

Some things to consider when planning a home birth:

* Create a health care team by having both a midwife and an obstetrician

* Interview several different midwives to discuss their birthing philosophies - you may be more comfortable with a midwife who shares your view of birth

* Write out a Plan B in case a hospital transfer is necessary

* Hire a doula

* Ask your midwife if she works with a backup OB/GYN

* Choose a pediatrician to see the baby within 24 hours of the birth

Home birth advantages:

Home birth may be significantly easier on your wallet. An average uncomplicated vaginal birth costs about 60% less in a home than in a hospital.

Home birth provides immediate bonding and breastfeeding. Early breastfeeding helps mom stop bleeding, clear mucus from the baby's nose and mouth, and transfer disease-fighting antibodies in the milk from mother to baby.

Home birth allows you to be surrounded with those you love. When you include children , family, and friends in the birth process, it provides you with many different helpers and allows a very intimate bonding experience for everyone involved. You are going to have a lot of support by having family and friends involved.

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