Friday, October 17, 2014

Twin Birth Story: Jessica

If you'd like to contribute your own twin birth story, CLICK HERE to fill out our questionnaire!

Name:
Jessica

Where do you currently live?
Lafayette, Indiana


How far along were you when you found out you were expecting twins? 10 weeks and a COMPLETE surprise!

Any issues during your pregnancy? 
With my son, I had gestational diabetes (diagnosed at 16 weeks) that I was able to control with diet no problem! The twins (diagnosed gd at 12 weeks) made it very difficult to maintain my blood sugar with diet. I visited an MFM (Maternal Fetal Medicine) doctor regularly. He wanted me to eat what seemed like double my weight in food! It was nearly impossible to eat enough and maintain my diabetes. I was quickly put on insulin and was injecting every time I ate...which seemed like every hour! Even with eating as much as I was, it was extremely difficult to gain weight. I was already overweight when I got pregnant, so when I gave birth I had lost 25lbs. My doctor wasn't too concerned. With the twins also looking like they were sharing a placenta, I went to the MFM every 4 weeks starting at 16 weeks for monitoring. The biggest concern was twin to twin transfusion. I eventually ended up going to the MFM weekly. I went on bed rest at 32 weeks due to strong, regular contractions and high blood pressure (which got slightly better on bed rest) I work on my feet 8 hours a day, 5 days a week and that didn't help!!

Memorable/funny moment when you were pregnant: 
My most memorable moment was feeling them move for the first time! It's a feeling and emotion the indescribable. Especially when there are two in there!!!
 
Looking back, what is one thing you would tell your pregnant self?  Be patient! The bed rest and constant pain/uncomfortable feeling was worth the health of your babies!!! Take one day at a time and you can do it!!!

How many weeks/days were you when your twins were born?
36 weeks and 3 days

Baby A's Information: 
Kinley Marie
March 28, 2013
8:08 am
5 lbs 7 oz
17 1/2 inches

Baby B's Information:  Kiley JoAn
March 28, 2013
8:09 am
4 lbs 11 oz
17 1/4 inches

Are your twins identical? Possibly...can't be 100% without doing DNA testing.

Did you have a c-section or natural delivery? I had a scheduled c-section. With my son I had and emergency c-section. The gestational diabetes accompanied by the possibility of them bring identical according to my specialist and history of previous c-section, we scheduled a c-section.

Any NICU time? If yes, for what reason and how long?  Baby A spent 5 days in the NICU. She originally went because her blood sugar wouldn't stabilize, even after attemping two feelings. Once in the NICU, she had problems feeding and was put on a feeding tube for a few days. On the 5th day she was able to eat and was finally stable enough to come home.

Did you have any complications after delivery? Yes I did. I had a repeat c-section. I had one baby in my room and the other in the NICU. I think I over did my activity level post c-section and developed a hemotoma under my incision which ruptured one day while I was alone walking to my bed from the bathroom. It was a VERY slow healing process and I had to pack the area with gauze for a little over a month after it ruptured before it healed.

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

Did your twins stay with you or in the hospital nursery at night? 
I had tiny baby b with me every night with me in my room. Baby a was in the NICU.

Describe one of your favorite moments while you were at the hospital: My absolute favorite moment was having my daughters meet for the first time after being born. With one baby in the NICU, it took 2 days until they were together again. It was only for short visits though.

If you had one piece of advice you could give an expecting mom of twins, what would it be?
Take one day at a time! Don't look too far ahead or you'll be overwhelmed.

When help is offered, take it! We all need support and rest!!! It can be very exhausting being up 24/7 with two babies. Take all the help you can get. You and your babies will be grateful you did!







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