Hello all,

I'm due with twins in June.

They are in separate sacs with separate placentas which is apparently the best 'kind' of twins to have when it comes to birthing - the lowest risk type of twins.

Anyhow, I am going with a private ob, L ionel S teinberger who is very pro-vaginal birth, happy with breech, and is willing to discuss all options.

Here comes my dilemma

The 'recommended' birth plan for vaginal birth of twins is to have an epidural with the labor of twin 1. This is so that after twin 1 is born, if twin 2 decides to do somersaults, turn transverse or decide to try and hide in my ribcage, the OB can get in to my uterus and move twin 2 without me protesting too much. Twin 2 deciding to do weird things is relatively common (cant remember the stats I read but maybe 40% IIRC?). Let's assume for arguments sake that I'm healthy, twins are healthy.

I don't know if I want to have an epidural. I would prefer to labor naturally, be able to move, use gravity, keep my pelvis open etc etc. However, I don't want to put twin 2 at any unnecessary risk either. I have a secondary appointment with the OB in a few weeks and would really like to be informed as possible to discuss my options with him.

So the way I see it there are a few options
1. No epidural. Run risk of C/s if second twins goes AWOL. Run risk of injury to second twin due to delay of getting under general etc.
2. Epidural. Labor on back, continuous monitoring.
3. ???? Are there are other options - is it possible to have epi inserted but no anesthesia administered. That way if things go belly up, I'm cutting 10-20 minutes off any delays because it doesn't have to be inserted, just administered? I know there are self administered epi pumps - does anyone know if this is an option in this case?

I'm really stressed about this. I'm finding it very hard to give up on the idea of a natural active birth, but neither do I want to place my babies at any unnecessary risk. Homebirth is not an option for me for twins, I'm just not comfortable to do that. I would go public if my options there are better (would be the Angliss). However, then won't I just get whoever is on for the day, and if one of the twins is breech they'll insist on c/s anyhow? bleurgh.
Bloody twins!

I know plenty of people have popped out twins vaginally with no issues but instead of birth stories I would prefer if people have experiences about options for Option 3 or if they have any evidence/articles/books I could read regarding stats/issues that I can educate myself on!

Thanks in advance. My head is going round and round and round!