Twin Birth Story: Jessica Baskerville

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Name: Jessica Baskerville

Where do you currently live?  Oxford, MS



How far along were you when you found out you were expecting twins? 8 weeks

Any issues during your pregnancy?  Nothing serious, just terrible horrible morning/all day sickness. I had aversions to most foods and woke up vomiting many nights. I worked full time up until I had my girls and the nausea throughout the day made life very difficult. Remove all of the nausea and sickness and I wouldn't have much to complain about!

Memorable/funny moment when you were pregnant: The moment we found out that we were pregnant with twins is definitely a memorable one! We were intently watching the screen as I had my first ultrasound. I couldn't tell what was what but I saw two blobs. In my mind, one blob was the head and the other was the body and, somehow, they just didn't appear connected on the screen. The u/s tech asked "Do you see what I see?" I said, "No, what?" She said "There are two in there!" Adam, my husband, said, "You have got to be kidding me!" I just laughed hysterically.

Looking back, what is one thing you would tell your pregnant self?  Don't buy so much stuff!! I am a planner and I like to be prepared but I was over prepared. I felt the pressure to have every thing ready times two. However, there were many things that we never used or that didn't fit. It would have been better to wait until we needed something in many cases.

How many weeks/days were you when your twins were born? 36 weeks, 1 day

Baby A's Information:  Avery Jane
March 7, 2013
1:42 pm
6 lbs
19 in

Baby B's Information:  Hailey Elizabeth
March 7, 2013
1:43 pm
4 lbs 10 oz
18.5 in

Are your twins identical? No. We were not sure at first- they shared a placenta but were in two amniotic sacs. We later found out they have different blood types. Their placentas must have fused early in the pregnancy. It all still confuses me!

Did you have a c-section or natural delivery?  I went in for my 36 week check up and had an ultrasound that revealed that my twin girls were getting further apart in weight. The discordance was enough that my OB thought that they would be better out than in. She told me I need to have them soon, "How about tomorrow?" I knew the day was approaching quickly, but that took me by surprise. Up until that point, my pregnancy had gone very smoothly. My girls were born via c-section the next day. Avery arrived first and I got a quick introduction to her before she was whisked away to the nursery. Hailey came next but had trouble breathing. She was given CPR and then immediately taken to the nursery before I got to meet her. My sweet husband was trying to block my view so I couldn't see what was going on, but I knew. Everyone in that room was so amazing but it was still a terrifying experience. I still can't think about it without tearing up!

Any NICU time?  If yes, for what reason and how long?  Yes. Both girls were transported to the NICU in Tupelo, MS the following day (Friday). They continued to have difficulty breathing and were diagnosed with hyaline membrane disease. My mom went with the girls to the NICU as I was not able to discharge from the hospital in Oxford until Saturday afternoon. I stayed in the NICU with them after I was discharged. Avery was put on a ventilator for a few days. Hailey required a nasal cannula. They both had difficulty regulating their body temperature. There were so many monitors and noises and lines. It was such a scary, exhausting (physically and emotionally) yet amazing time.

Did you have any complications after delivery? My feet and legs were grotesquely swollen. My feet looked and felt like they would pop when I walked. My shoes did not fit. It was quite miserable! I tried sleeping with them elevated and wearing compression socks, but nothing worked. They finally started going down after about a week when I started sweating profusely in my sleep. Gross!

How long did you (the parents) stay in the hospital? I stayed 3 days in the hospital and 7 days in the NICU. My husband had to go back to work on Monday so he only stayed with us 4 days then a couple nights toward the end of the NICU stay.

What are three things you are so glad you had (or wish you would have had) at the hospital? 
Three things that my family brought me when we were in the NICU:
1. Food!
2. A sports bra that I made into a hands-free pumping bra.
3. Comfortable slippers that my huge feet would fit in.

Describe one of your favorite moments while you were at the hospital:  Finally getting to hold my babies and have them skin to skin for the first time after waiting and watching for 4 days.

If you had one piece of advice you could give an expecting mom of twins, what would it be? You will be busier than you can ever imagine. Don't think you can do everything- accept help when people offer!