Name: Jessica Motley
Where do you currently live (city/state)? Midland City, AL (close to Dothan)
How far along were you when you found out you were expecting twins? 7 weeks exactly. We found out in the ER at 4 am.
Any issues during your pregnancy? Let me preface this section by stating that I was really, really looking forward to being pregnant. The glow, getting to eat whatever I wanted, feeling the babies kick, etc., but that, unfortunately, didn't happen for me. I had hyperemesis gravidarum (an extreme form of morning sickness) and was so sick. I couldn't stay awake and when I was it was just to be sick. I was constantly in and out of the ER to replenish fluids. It got to the point that my doctor finally sent me for an overnight stay in the hospital for a PICC line so that I could give myself fluids and zofran from home. Zofran was my best friend. It made me human again for a little while at least. Then came the heartburn. Wow - the heartburn. That was some intense pain and I am thankful it went away after the twins arrived. Towards the end of my pregnancy I was put on strict bed rest due to contractions and signs of preeclampsia. I was only allowed out of bed to use the bathroom and go to my twice weekly doctors appointments. I really looked forward to those appointments. They kept me sane. I hated bed rest, especially since no position was comfortable anymore.
Memorable/funny moment when you were pregnant: I always loved when the kids got the hiccups! It was such an awesome feeling, especially when they both had them. Next best thing was floating myself in a pool. Man, there was nothing like it! It was nice to feel weightless for at least a few minutes!
Looking back, what is one thing you would tell your pregnant self? SLEEP! Relax and pamper yourself. I would give anything for some alone time these days!
How many weeks/days were you when your twins were born? 32 weeks, 6 days
Baby A's Information: Jayleigh Blair
November 15, 2012
8:10 pm
4 lbs 3 oz
Baby B's Information: Jaxson Bryce
November 15, 2012
8:11 pm
4 lbs 8oz
Did you have a c-section or natural delivery? Since I was only 32 weeks and had gone into full blown labor, I was rushed via ambulance 2.5 hours away to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, FL. We were under the impression they were going to try to stop the contractions, but when we arrived they did an ultrasound and said that the babies' heart rates were irregular. Instantly that tiny room was flooded by doctors and nurses rushing me to the OR for an emergency c-section. None of my family had made it and everyone was panicking. It was the most hectic situation I have ever been in and I was terrified. After I woke up, my parents were finally there and were with Justin. They were able to tell me that they got to see the babies while they were being taken to the NICU.
Any NICU time? If yes, for what reason and how long? They stayed in the NICU for three weeks, mainly to learn how to eat and gain some weight. They were little troopers! That was such a tough three weeks and we couldn't thank the patient NICU nurses enough for all of their help and compassion.
Did you have any complications after delivery? After my c-section it was determined I had contracted a bacterial infection, which caused me to go into labor so early. I had to be quarantined to my room and wasn't allowed to see or hold my sweet babies for 48 hours. What an emotional time that was for me. I was thankful for technology so that I could at least see pictures and videos. It was such a surreal moment when I finally got to hold them for the first time. It still makes me tear up just to think about it.
How long did you (the parents) stay in the hospital? Three days
Did your twins stay with you or in the hospital nursery at night? NICU
What are three things you are so glad you had (or wish you would have had) at the hospital?
I wish I would have had anything! Since we were rushed so far away so quickly I had nothing! My parents brought a few necessities and the most valuable were my maternity jeans, depends, and my camera. I know you have to be thinking "Depends?!" but hear me out - those were a lifesaver! It was better than the bulky pads they give you and the compression around the waist helped keep pressure on the c-section scar which helped with the pain.
Describe one of your favorite moments while you were at the hospital: My hands-down best moments were holding them for the first time, holding them together for the first time, and the skin-to-skin contact. I loved my skin-to-skin time and would always try to time it when it was (relatively) quiet in the NICU. It was so relaxing and helped me forget about all the stresses of NICU life. I miss it!
If you had one piece of advice you could give an expecting mom of twins, what would it be? Remember that no two stories are the same and google can be your biggest enemy! Trust your instincts because they are usually right :)
Jessica's Photography Website: CLICK HERE
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Yay! What an incredible story. I had no clue your babies were born at 32 weeks! <3 I love seeing pics of those adorable little Motley twins!
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