"I have since learned that this is a strong indicator of acute TAPs which could have almost certainly been avoided if a c-section was performed like I had requested."

A mother's experience of Oxford University Hospitals Maternity Services in 2015:

Refused option of C-section, despite high risk twin pregnancy (MCDA), one twin breech.

Prenatal care at OUH I could not fault, consultants were knowledgeable about the risks of twin pregnancy when placenta is shared and I was frequently scanned and monitored. However, when we came to discuss birth plans I was categorically told I could not elect for a C-section despite this being the safest option.

Induction at 36weeks was not working - lasted over 48hrs - waters were manually popped without pain management and was awful with many people trying and I was left for ages before any further progress. Birth was highly traumatic and much I cannot remember. Two failed epidurals, still lots of pain felt.

First son was head down and caused significant tearing and loss of blood. Twin 2 was still breech and could not be turned, managed to deliver breech 50 minutes after birth of twin 1, but twin 2 had airways restricted and needed assistance to breath at birth. Twin 1 was extremely red at birth and twin 2 was extremely pale, both had jaundice, with twin 1 requiring phototherapy. I have since learned that this is a strong indicator of acute TAPs which could have almost certainly been avoided if a c-section was performed like I had requested.

Both boys were non verbal until they were 5/7, have global development delay and are now diagnosed as autistic. Twin 2 whom had a more traumatic birth experience has significant ongoing care needs. Whilst I cannot be certain of cause and effect, their traumatic birthing experience often plays on my mind as being a possible and lead contributing factor.

I struggled significantly after birth with the traumatic birthing experience. And I am thankful that I have blanked most of it out my memory. I am still unable to work a full-time job due to the boys' support needs.