Options with twins in the Philadelphia area

[Anto]

Hi all,

So, I went through the forum, plus I had done some research on my own. It looks like if you're expecting twins you can:

1. definitely have them in a hospital

2. definitely NOT have them in a birth center

3. unknown whether there are midwives that would deliver at home.

I'd love to have my twins at home (this is my first birth), but I just don't know who would assist with that.

Does anyone have any experience?

If home birth is not possible, then the next best thing seems to be a midwife in a hospital. I see Kathy Hindle's name mentioned a lot, so she looks like a good candidate (although I am concerned that Montgomery Hospital does not have a NICU).

Thoughts?  THIS IS SO CONFUSING!!

Thanks!!!  

A.

[mom2tatum]

Sometimes it takes going on a lot of 'interviews' for a care provider and talking to other moms, doulas, and people in the know... You may find out pieces of helpful info along the way...

Just be careful of the bait and switch that happens often with hospital care providers, especially when there is more than one practitioner in a practice. And you need to know they are not only going to allow it, but also are experienced and very comfortable doing so. The opportunities for OB's to learn twin birth are dwindling quickly and unfortunately it doesn't happen all too often in the area. There are typically a lot of rules and requirements for you to be allowed to even get to labor, let alone birth them both vaginally. But it is possible. Know what questions to ask is a big part of it, and then choosing a provider you feel you trust, and then working your butt off to eat well/move well to encourage a healthy gestation and optimal fetal positions so that you increase your chances of getting to labor and birth safely and without reason for them to pull support on you. And a little luck helps, too. ;) Be strong, though! You can do it.

And...hire a doula! :)