[amazing_love]

Of course i hope to not need either but just in case, is one better than the other? I read online that the best one to use is whatever your doctor is most common with. So does this mean i shouldn't request one or the other if it comes to that?

[soImarriedAnerd]

If they are good with both I would go with forceps. But number one is what the provider is best with!

[Mod-LadyCoconut]

I'd just put in my birth plan whichever the doctor is more comfortable/experienced with.

[~*sierra*~]

i have read that newer doctors dont have as much experience with forceps, but if you get an old guy/lady for a doctor they may have good experience with forceps and in thatcase its more safe than vac. that being said i saw my nephew being vac'ed out of my SIL and it wasnt the worst thing, the bruise spot on his head healed within a few days. i would find out what your doc's have experience with, def bring it up at yor next appt!

[Mars]

I've read about both and it seemed as though the forceps were deemed to be better but most doctors were not as experienced with them as they were with the vacuum. So, like Angela said, I think it comes down to which one the doc is more experienced with. I wouldn't ask for forceps if he/she was more comfortable with the vacuum and vice versa.

[..Penelope..]

The instructor of our prenatal class told us that forceps were only used if the vacuum couldn't be or didn't work. It sounds like that's not entirely true, though.

I really hope Logan doesn't need either.

I feel like the vacuum is just safer then forceps, but I could be wrong. The reason why I feel that way is because I've heard stories about forceps...there was a baby who ended up with a gash on his face from forceps that required stitches, and a couple that goes to our class has a friend whose baby ended up with brain damage. I don't mean to hijack your thread Krista, but do any of you have any insight to share, or sources where I could learn more about each method?

[ShannonMVT]

Or as my husband would say..."Plunger or the tongs?"

[..Penelope..]

Originally Posted by ShannonMVT

Or as my husband would say..."Plunger or the tongs?"

[amazing_love]

Thanks for the info. I'll definitely bring it up at my next appointment.

[**jessie**]

They serve the same purpose, so really you want the doctor to use whatever he/she is better and more comfortable with.

I had a vacuum assisted delivery and did not get the chance to chose one or the other. Personally, I think that decision is best left up the doctor. While its not something you would want, I think it is great if it gets the baby out fast in case of an emergency and saves you the c-section.

[*kyle*]

My childbirth class instructor said very few docs use forceps anymore, and that the vacuum has gotten a lot better/safer. Apparently the vacuum is the choice around that hospital. IF a forceps or vacuum assisted birth will help you avoid a c-section, then do it - it's definitely the safer option than abdominal surgery.

[soImarriedAnerd]

^^

Also may I add--if ANYONE needs a new user name its you!

[Trannyfromtheuk]

From what happend to my nephew when my SIL had forceps I would personally go with vac.

[amazing_love]

Originally Posted by soImarriedAnerd

^^

Also may I add--if ANYONE needs a new user name its you!

Who.... me??

I know i really do but it's also the only one i've ever had. People would probably get so confused! lol. I'll probably change it once my little guy is born

[soImarriedAnerd]

LOL