Name: Samantha
Where do you currently live? Toronto, Canada
How far along were you when you found out you were expecting twins? 6 weeks
Any issues during your pregnancy? I had an irritable uterus which is what led to so many false alarms (I had contractions all day every day from about 18 weeks until delivery). But otherwise, I was really lucky and had no major issues.
Memorable/funny moment when you were pregnant: I had a friend who had twins and I remember when she was pregnant she would run to labour and delivery for every little thing and I thought that was crazy... until it was my turn and I did the same thing. I had so many scares and false alarms that had me running to labour and delivery, it was embarrassing. In the end, I went to 37 weeks!
Looking back, what is one thing you would tell your pregnant self? I would tell myself not to wish it away. I mean, I remember the fear and the nerves over carrying twins and I sympathize with my pregnant self. I just wanted healthy babies in my arms!! Now looking back, I wish I would have relaxed and enjoyed the moment more. We don't plan on any more babies, so I would have liked to enjoy my one and only pregnancy.
How many weeks/days were you when your twins were born? 37 weeks
Baby A's Information: Mia Veronica
December 28, 2010
1:28 pm
5 lbs, 5 oz
Baby B's Information: Alexa Victoria
December 28, 2010
1:29 pm
6 lbs
Are your twins identical? No
Did you have a c-section or natural delivery? When we first met my OB, he recommended a c-section based on current research which indicates that vaginal births can be dangerous to twins, particularly the second twin. I’m risk averse by nature and was already anxiety-ridden by the thought of carrying and delivering two babies, so I elected to have a planned c-section. The OB didn't push me into having a c-section but he was definitely pro c-section. My c-section was scheduled for 38 weeks and 5 days. I always felt like I would give birth sooner than that date.
Once I hit 36 weeks, my discomfort turned to real pain. I started having sharp, shooting pains in addition to the Braxton Hicks. I also started to vomit several times a day. I knew something was happening. I had a routine non-stress test at 36 weeks and 6 days at which the on-call OB told us that I was in the early stages of labour and would not make it to my planned c-section date as I was already fully effaced and a fingertip dilated. He sent us home with instructions to return if my contractions started coming 10 minutes apart, and to otherwise see my OB the next morning at an already scheduled appointment. That night we did all of our last minute pre-baby tasks although I think my husband wasn't fully convinced that I was so close to giving birth!
The next day, I saw my OB at the already scheduled 37 week appointment. We updated him and he examined me, confirmed I was then a few centimeters dilated and sent me to the hospital. It seemed surreal when he told us our babies were going to be born "today"!
The c-section itself was uneventful and I had an easy recovery. Because I wasn't scheduled for that day we had a few hours to wait in pre-op before I was brought into the OR. We called our parents and siblings to let them know to get to the hospital. I had a wonderful nurse that got me ready, set up my IV and catheter. I was surprised when she told me that I had to walk myself into the OR!
The OR was full of people: the OB, another surgeon, a pediatrician, my nurse, nurses for each of the babies and an anesthesiologist. They had me lean forward and hug my nurse as the anesthesiologist gave me the spinal. It made me feel warm and tingly, not nearly as scary as I had expected. By the time my husband was in the room things started to happen quickly. He got to stand and peak over the curtain to watch the girls being born and take photos. I remember feeling really nauseous during and after surgery. The anesthesiologist was the person that I had the most contact with during the surgery. He was very attentive and made sure I was okay.
And then just like that.... our daughters came into our life and changed everything. Both girls, though teeny tiny, were completely healthy and did not spend any time in the NICU. Mia was born first weighing 5 pounds 5 ounces and Alexa followed weighing 6 pounds 1 ounce. I wish I could have held them in those first few minutes after they were born but I could catch glimpses of them in their warmers and could hear them cry. I was instantly overwhelmed with love for them, and also for Matt. He and I dreamed about that moment for a very long time.
Any NICU time? If yes, for what reason and how long? Nope (very lucky)
Did you have any complications after delivery? I had a very easy recovery with no complications except that I bled for 10 weeks afterwards. I had to have an ultra sound to rule out any "retained matter" which I did not have.
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? With me
What are three things you are so glad you had (or wish you would have had) at the hospital?
1. My blow dryer (I showered and blow-dried my hair as soon as they allowed about 12 hours post surgery)
2. My own pillow
3. Yoga pants
Describe one of your favorite moments while you were at the hospital: Once I was wheeled into recovery, I got to have skin-to-skin contact with both girls and we tried to get them to nurse. I don’t remember how long we were in recovery but I do remember being wheeled to my room. As I was wheeled out, with a baby in each of my arms, we were met by our parents and siblings. And we were showered with love. It was a special moment.
If you had one piece of advice you could give an expecting mom of twins, what would it be? Enjoy every single moment. It's cliche but it goes by way too quickly!
Oh and also, don't listen to advice from moms of singletons... they may mean well but they don't "get" what it's like to have two babies at the same time. Listen to other twin moms!
Samantha's Blog: Loving You is Cherry Pie
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