Twin Birth Story: Renee Wojtanik

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Name: Renee Wojtanik

Where do you currently live? Buffalo, NY


How far along were you when you found out you were expecting twins?  8 weeks
 
Any issues during your pregnancy? At 26 weeks, while at a hockey game between periods, Joey and I were talking with a couple of friends when I felt as though I was peeing my pants. Come to find out it wasn't pee, but blood and a lot of it. I was rushed to the hospital and after many tests they couldn't really figure out why I was bleeding, and to this day don't know the real reason. They guessed I had placenta previa, where my placenta tore away from my uterus. So after that I was placed on bed rest at 26 weeks.

As time went on, my blood pressure slowly got higher and higher until they couldn't ignore it anymore. They sent me to the hospital and told me there that I had very high levels for preeclampsia. They were shocked I didn't seize with how bad it was. After that I was faced with the decision of starting pitocin or having a c-section because the babies had to be delivered now. I opted for the c-section.

Memorable/funny moment when you were pregnant:  I always laugh whenever I had to go to a doctors appointment.  It was the only place I could go on bed rest so it was a joy and ended up being three times a week.  I always had to have Joe put on and tie my shoes for me, I felt like a toddler! That always gave me and Joe a good laugh!

Looking back, what is one thing you would tell your pregnant self?  Every ache, pain, shot, and moment of discomfort is all worth it! Laugh at every embarrassing moment you have because that comes with being pregnant.  Embrace how beautiful being pregnant is! I loved it, because I knew at the end my girls would be here to love!

How many weeks/days were you when your twins were born? 34 weeks/1 day

Baby A's Information:  Kylie Elizabeth
March 20, 2013
9:18 am
5 lbs 1 oz
19 in

Baby B's Information:  Kayla Marie
March 20, 2013
9:18 am 
5lbs 7oz
19 inches

Are your babies identical? No

Did you have a c-section or natural delivery? I was planning a natural birth my whole pregnancy, but after being hooked up to every machine in the hospital for two days straight I just wanted my babies here, so I opted for the c-section! It was the best decision for me to make.

Any NICU time? If yes, for what reason and how long?  Yes, for both the babes. They were born with low blood sugar so it was just to monitor their eating and weights. They were in the NICU for 11 days.

Did you have any complications after delivery? I had no complications and recovered quickly from the c-section. By the time the babes were ready to come home I was feeling much better and ready to tackle bringing home the twins!

How long did you (the parents) stay in the hospital?  4 nights

Did your twins stay with you or in the hospital nursery at night?  They were in the NICU

What are three things you are so glad you had (or wish you would have had) at the hospital?  
1. Slippers! My feet were so swollen there was no way I was fitting my feet into shoes!
2. My body pillow! This was my best friend all pregnancy and even after for comfort while sleeping in the hospital bed.
3. Headbands.  When you don't get that shower right away it'll hide your not-so-great looking hair.

Describe one of your favorite moments while you were at the hospital: The girls were born on a Wednesday morning and I was not able to go down to see them until the next morning. The moment I officially laid eyes on those girls, I swooned. I loved them more than anything in the world.

If you had one piece of advice you could give an expecting mom of twins, what would it be? Don't let other's comments get to you. I remember when I was asked what I was having (a couple times a day) and I told them two girls, the looks I got were unflattering. They made comments like, "You'll have your hands full," "kiss sleep goodbye," and very sarcastic "good lucks" like I was carrying two demons inside me. Having twins is a complete and utter double blessing and I wouldn't have it any other way! Sure it's double the work, but you get twice the love and joy from two precious babies!

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Don't forget to send me your 30-week baby bump!  Email your name and the twins' birthday (or due date) to twintalkblog@gmail.com.  If this was your last bump picture before you delivered, let me know their stats (names, weights, etc.)!