Name: Jerusha Chicoine
Where do you currently live? New Gloucester, Maine
How far along were you when you found out you were expecting twins? 7 weeks
Any issues during your pregnancy? Once we got past the mono-mono scare, my pregnancy was only notable for hypermesis, which sent me to the ER twice. Amazingly, I took care of my other child and worked part time until 30 weeks.
Memorable/funny moment when you were pregnant: Initially, there was a concern that the boys were monochorionic/monoamniotic twins. It was a long four weeks we waited to find out they were mo-di twins instead. It was even harder because I had hypermesis and a child who was just 18 months old at home. The ultrasound that showed a dividing membrane between the boys was a relief.
I was sick the whole pregnancy. In fact, I lost quite a bit of weight at first. It was a matter of "what can I eat" for the first few months. That was primarily slushies, jello, and grilled cheese.
Looking back, what is one thing you would tell your pregnant self? Stop worrying so much! When we found out it was twins, I sobbed and kept saying "I ruined your lives." We were going for #2 and got #2 and 3. The thought of twins never even crossed my mind. I feared taking care of three children all the time. I can't say it has been easy, but we survived and now they all are thriving.
How many weeks/days were you when your twins were born? 37 weeks, 3 days
Baby A's Information: Weston
August 27, 2012
6 lbs, 1 oz
Baby B's Information: Foster
August 27, 2012
5 lbs, 11 oz
Are your twins identical? Yes
Did you have a c-section or natural delivery? I had a c-section. With my first, I had an uncomplicated vaginal birth just past 40 weeks. At my 37 week appointment with the twins, baby A was ready but baby B was still transverse. Rather than risk a vaginal and c-section delivery, they recommended going for a c-section. The MFM said they would do another ultrasound when we got to the hospital and decide if we would do an induction or a section. By that morning, they were both back to transverse. So c-section it was!
Any NICU time? If yes, for what reason and how long? Weston visited the NICU for a few hours due to low blood sugar and rapid breathing. He was discharged to us by the evening.
The NICU nurse told me she wanted to give him formula to stabilize him while I was still open on the table, even after I had explicitly stated that I wanted to breastfeed. I refused and said that they could do finger feeding or a tube if necessary because I didn't want to jeopardize getting him to latch later. She argued with me for a while but he ended up having an NG tube for less than 12 hours until I could nurse. He latched on the second we were reunited.
Did you have any complications after delivery? I vomited, continually, for the rest of the day. There is nothing worse than tossing your cookies following abdominal surgery while holding a newborn, trust me.
How long did you (the parents) stay in the hospital? Three days
Did your twins stay with you or in the hospital nursery at night? Roomed in
What are three things you are so glad you had (or wish you would have had) at the hospital?
I ordered extra food every meal to squirrel away in the fridge in our room. Once the boys were out and my vomiting was under control, all I wanted to do was eat. I also covered myself in lotion because it was incredibly dry.
Describe one of your favorite moments while you were at the hospital: Seeing my oldest (26 months at the time) hold his brothers for the first time. He was so sweet and attentive and kept saying "cute baby" over and over.
If you had one piece of advice you could give an expecting mom of twins, what would it be? It is possible to nurse two babies, even with other children. My boys never took a bottle. I stayed at home with them so it was easier, but they moved straight to sippy cups at four months. I only had to pump when I was going to be away from them (like when one of the twins was in the hospital for eye surgery). My oldest knew that I had to feed his brothers, so I would read to him or do something to entertain him so I could feed the babies. We got hit with a lot of issues (one of my twins had eye cancer at six months) but still nursed until fourteen months. It takes planning, scheduling, and discipline but it is possible.
Jerusha's Blog: Mommy, We Can Be Pirates
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