Twin Birth Story: Erin Kellogg

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Name: Erin Kellogg

Where do you currently live?  Round Rock, Texas


 
How far along were you when you found out you were expecting twins? 9 weeks, 1 day. At my first doctor appointment and ultrasound. The sonographer looked at my husband and I and said, "So...there's two." All we could do was giggle.

Any issues during your pregnancy? I was amazingly blessed during my pregnancy. I was a teacher and summer break began when I was 18 weeks. So after that I became a stay-at-home wife until my babies were born. Staying home allowed me to rest and relax and I truly think that helped me not to have any complications.

Memorable/funny moment when you were pregnant:  My most memorable moment was Father's Day.  My husband was leading worship at church and I was 20 weeks pregnant.  It was the first time I felt the babies move. S till to this day they love listening to daddy lead worship.

Looking back, what is one thing you would tell your pregnant self?  I would tell myself to sleep. Sleep deprivation with twins is no joke. I'm lucky if I get two hours of sleep before one of my babes wakes up.

How many weeks/days were you when your twins were born? 38 weeks exactly

Baby A's Information: Abigail Lynn
October 28, 2013
8:43 pm
5 pounds, 12 ounces
19 inches long

Baby B's Information: Harper Grace
October 28, 2013
9:35 pm
6 pounds 2 ounces
19 inches long

Are your twins identical?  Yes

Did you have a c-section or natural delivery?  Natural. My doctor knew I wanted to try everything I could to have them natural and she supported me. Baby A was head down and ready for action but once Baby A was born Baby B was excited to have the womb to herself so she got comfy and wouldn't come down. So almost an hour of pushing and she wasn't really budging so my doctor had to stick her arm all the way up to her elbow (ouch), grab baby B and pull her down. Both babies were born naturally and were big and healthy.

Any NICU time? If yes, for what reason and how long? Nope! Personally my biggest fear was my babies having to go to the NICU and having to leave the hospital without them. I knew there was a good chance that was going to happen since it is very common for twins to need to go to the NICU, but I was very blessed with two big healthy babies who were able to stay by my side.

Did you have any complications after delivery? I had two tears that needed 12 stitches.  The recovery, for me, was honestly harder than the labor and delivery. I couldn't get out of my hospital bed without excruciating pain for the next two days.

How long did you (the parents) stay in the hospital?  3 days

Did your twins stay with you or in the hospital nursery at night?  They stayed with us. I was a little protective and didn't want anyone taking them from me. Haha.

What are three things you are so glad you had (or wish you would have had) at the hospital? 
1. Shower supplies. 

Taking a shower the second day at the hospital honestly made me feel human again. Even though I could barely stand, I would totally recommend bringing shampoo and bodywash so you can shower.
2. My twin nursing pillow.

Tandem nursing twins is really hard. Anything you can bring to help is crucial. 

3. Clothes. 

I brought yoga pants and nursing tanks, and anything loose fitting. I did not want to be in that hospital gown any longer than I had to be.

Describe one of your favorite moments while you were at the hospital:  That shower. It was a sweet moment because I could barely stand up so my husband had to wash me and help me stand. He was so sweet and loving and told me how proud he was of me. It's a moment I'll never forget. 

If you had one piece of advice you could give an expecting mom of twins, what would it be?  Follow your motherly instincts. I tried doing tons of research but there is so much conflicting info out there (twins should share a crib or they should have their own, you should sleep train or you shouldn't sleep train and so on). It took a few months but I'm finally realizing different things work for everyone, and to just trust my motherly instincts.

Erin's Blog: The Joyful Dwelling