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When did you realize you were really in labor?
I had intense contractions and pressure from 34 weeks on. I was I prodromal labor for about a month which resulted in several trips to l&d for non stress tests. Alas, after an ultrasound at maternal fetal medicine revealed my placentas were failing, induction was scheduled at 38 weeks gestation. When I checked in all those practice contractions had gotten me to 3 cm dialated and 50% effaced.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
Unfortunately I was not able to do a completely natural birth. Due to health concerns I had a scheduled induction at 38 weeks, and had an epidural placed during my induction in case Baby B had to have a breech extraction or in case I needed a c section after the birth of baby A. I also had my tubes tied after birth so the epidural made it easier to administer meds so I could be awake during the procedure and breastfeed immediately after. The most challenging part about trying to go natural was all the negative comments from friends and family.
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
The most helpful thing I did to prepare was just to keep an open mind and be ready to change plans at a moments notice. With a high risk pregnancy this was imperative for me
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What surprised you about your birth?
I was surprised about how easy my birth was. The anesthesiologist said he'd been doing it for 30 years and it was the most efficient birth he'd ever seen. I checked in to be induced at 5 am, pitocin started at 7, my first membranes ruptured at 8:45, epidural was placed at 9. By noon I was 90% and 5cm. At 1:20 my ob came to check on me, and it was time to go to the OR. At my hospital twins are delivered in the OR as a precaution. We were in the OR by 1:25. Baby A was born at 1:40 pm weighing 6lb 13oz. I got to hold him and delay cord clamping while they checked the position of baby B. B was vertex so we proceeded to let him descend naturally while I held his brother on my chest. Right before I pushed him out the cut baby As cord, and passed him off. Baby b was born at 1:54 pm weighing 7lbs 7oz. They put him on my chest, we delayed cord clamping again as I prepared to deliver the placentas. Once that was done, they had everyone leave the or, theynumbed my lower half and tied my tubes, it only took 20 minutes. I was then reunited with my sons and tandem breastfed them for the first time, I'd had 2 babies before but that was my first time breastfeeding
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Do you best. Surround yourself with people who support your desires. Don't feel guilty if you end up needing medical interventions.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
Before I was induced and got the epidural, heating pads on my back, gently bouncing and rocking on a yoga ball and warm baths we very effective
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What position did you end up delivering in?
I had to deliver on am operating table so I was sort of strapped in, my only option was on my back
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
Incredible. To see these two average sized full term infants and tk think they both grew inside me was an unreal feeling. I was so relieved that we made it to 38 weeks in a twin pregnancy with no complications. No nicu time for the babies. It was wonderful
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Do you best. Surround yourself with people who support your desires. Don't feel guilty if you end up needing medical interventions. You can do everything absolutely right, and sometimes still need to have interventions. If that happens, remember it's not your fault. You are strong. Your body was made for this. You can do it!
