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Active Birth
The New Approach to Giving Birth Naturally
Part Two
By Janet Balaskas
Although women with low-lying placentas usually end up with perfectly normal births, it may be necessary to have help close at hand in case a cesarean is required. (With a full placenta previa, in which the placenta covers the cervix, a cesarean is always necessary.)
As twins tend to be smaller than single babies, birth may in fact be easier. The positions the babies are lying in during labor can affect the outcome. Both babies may be head down; this is the best outlook for twins. However, often the second twin is in a breech position. If this is the case, an active birth is essential, with vigilance on the part of the attendants, to avoid the use of forceps or a cesarean section. Sometimes the second twin lies sideways (transverse) and the doctor can manually turn it head down from the outside before birth.
With an active birth of twins, the first is born using a supported squatting position. If there is time, the mother sits down to welcome the firstborn, whose sucking at the breast stimulates the uterus to contract to expel the second twin.
Since there are two placental sites with twins, bleeding is more than usual, and Pitocin may be needed.
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Active Birth Part Two by Anonymous on 11/09/2009 05:23PM
this article says very little about natural childbirth and instead focuses on scary ,rare conditions that necessitate medical interventions. I got no information that is useful to me with my typical uncomplicated, healthy, natural delivery. Bronx cheer for this one.
Re: Thank you! by Patty Hildreth on 03/25/2009 10:32AM
This site is very informative and helpful!
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Active Birth Part Two by Anonymous on 11/09/2009 05:23PM
this article says very little about natural childbirth and instead focuses on scary ,rare conditions that necessitate medical interventions. I got no information that is useful to me with my typical uncomplicated, healthy, natural delivery. Bronx cheer for this one.