Twin Birth Story: Emily Reed

November is Prematurity Awareness Month.  You can read more about it here.   In observation of this, all twin birth stories in November will be about precious preemies.

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

Name: Emily Reed

Where do you currently live?  Irving, TX



How far along were you when you found out you were expecting twins? My first ob appointment at 8 weeks

Any issues during your pregnancy?  I started contracting at 28 weeks and was put on mild bed rest then got super sick at 30 weeks with heavy vomiting. I was in and out of the hospital 4 times between 28 and 31 weeks with contractions.

Memorable/funny moment when you were pregnant: I was sitting at my desk at work realizing it was almost Christmas, it was still 80 degrees out and all I wanted to do was to get all bundled up, go get Starbucks and go christmas shopping while it was cold. I started crying hysterically because it wasn't cold, I was at work and not shopping. All of my employees just stared at me not knowing wether to hug me or laugh.
 
Looking back, what is one thing you would tell your pregnant self?  Slow down and relax. I had a picture perfect pregnancy until 28 weeks and I thought I was untouchable. I thought I would end up having my delivery scheduled and so I didn't take it as easy as I should have.

How many weeks/days were you when your twins were born? 31 weeks and 3 days

Baby A's Information:  Aurora Ellen (Rory)
March 14, 2013
10:35pm
3lbs 14oz
16.5 in

Baby B's Information:  Asher Roy
March 14, 2013
10:36pm
3lbs 7oz
16 in

Did you have a c-section or natural delivery?  C-section. At 31w3d I went into the hospital because after 5 days of vomiting and being unable to keep anything down I needed fluids. While there Asher's heart rate started dropping with every contraction. They were able to stop my contractions and get his heart rate stabilized but told me I wasn't going anywhere. They told me there was a possibility they would deliver me because of Asher so I met with all the specialists from the Nicu. At about 10pm all the DRs and nurses ran into my room and told me to call anyone I needed to call, it was show time, Asher's heart rate was dropping again getting lower and lower with each contraction. My parents and fiancé had both just left so I called them and told them all to turn around. They rushed me to the OR and got everything hooked up and ready to go. 35 minutes later I heard Rory's first cries. After that the room went silent. I kept waiting to hear Asher but it never came. I asked when they were taking Asher out and my fiancé said they already had but wouldn't let me see him. He was not breathing and had to be resuscitated on the spot and intibated.

Any NICU time? If yes, for what reason and how long?  Rory was in the Nicu 6 weeks- breathing issues for the first week then feed and grow after that.
Asher 8 weeks- chronic preemie lungs. He also was very touch sensitive for the first week he refused to let anyone touch him. Severe anemia, he had blood transfusions. He was brought home on oxygen, pulse ox and apnea monitors. He was a sick little boy!

Did you have any complications after delivery? After delivery I bounced back pretty quick. I felt as though I had to for the babies and was up and walking alone the next day.

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

What are three things you are so glad you had (or wish you would have had) at the hospital?
Lotion! All the hand washing was killing my hands. I wish I had even more prepared though, pack that hospital bag early!!

Describe one of your favorite moments while you were at the hospital: The day I was discharged I got to hold Rory for the first time. I was terrified leaving them since Asher was so sick and both so tiny. Getting to hold her made me feel like I was actually her mom. Before that they felt like someone else's babies!

If you had one piece of advice you could give an expecting mom of twins, what would it be? Expect the unexpected. Twins will always leave you baffled. From my delivery to our Nicu stay to our day to day lives, nothing is the same ever. Enjoy that. Don't get too wrapped up in a strict schedule, enjoy your babies! They grow way to fast!