Working With Her Doula and Listening To Her Positive Advice Helped Anndrea During Her Hospital Birth

When did you realize you were really in labor?

My water broke around 6:30 pm on November 1, and I realized something was happening.

What was the most challenging thing about going natural?

My doctor wanted to do a c-section for both twins because twin b was breech. I trusted my doctor'/ experience with twin deliveries, so I agreed to the c-section. But twin a had other plans and was delivered naturally after only 3 pushes. My labor went much faster than the medical team anticipated. Twin b was still breech after twin a was delivered so the doctor insisted on still doing a c-section. Because everything went so fast, they didn't have time for an epidural or spinal, they gave me a general anesthesia and delivered twin b 12 minutes later.

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

Working with my doula and listening to her positive advice really helped me believe that I could carry these babies and deliver them. She helped me work through the many different ways the birth could go and when I realized I'd have to have a c-section, she was still so supportive and congratulated me for carrying them as long as I did (37 weeks, 4 days) and for growing strong and healthy babies.

What surprised you about your birth?

I was shocked at how fast labor went and how it didn't feel like my first labor. I was in labor for just over an hour and a half and I never had breaks between contractions. It's like the entire labor was one giant contraction that kept growing stronger in intensity.

Believe that your body is amazing and can do this! I'd encourage other mamas to hire a doula because they can keep you calm and speak those encouraging words that you need to hear.

What pain relief strategies worked best?

Breathing and believing I could deliver these babies.

What position did you end up delivering in?

On my back for twin a and c-section for twin b.

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

I was so relieved to know that they were here and healthy.

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

Believe that your body is amazing and can do this! I'd encourage other mamas to hire a doula because they can keep you calm and speak those encouraging words that you need to hear.