Elise's C-Section Twin Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

When my midwife confirmed that my water had broken and I started having contractions.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

The fact that I was pregnant with twins and I knew that many people considered that to be a "high risk" birth, although I did not.

What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?

Kept my body in good health through diet.

What surprised you about your birth?

The fact that both babies were feet first while we thought they were head down!

My advice is to prepare yourself mentally for the fact that everything might not be perfect, and if not, that's alright.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

My husband would put his hand behind my neck and lean his forehead against mine. I would hyper focus on his eyes and breathe through the contractions. That focus and security helped a lot.

What position did you end up delivering in?

Sadly I ended up with a C-section.

How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?

It felt like affirmation that I was indeed a mommy.

What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?

I had done everything right but still had to have an emergency C-section. It was a terrible experience and all of my worst "what ifs" came true. And yet everything turned out okay. So my advice is to prepare yourself mentally for the fact that everything might not be perfect, and if not, that's alright. You and your baby will still be together in the end.