Twin Birth Story: Jen Thompson

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Name: Jen Thompson 

Where do you currently live?  Dallas, TX

How far along were you when you found out you were expecting twins? 7 weeks

Any issues during your pregnancy? I was placed on hospital bedrest at 32 weeks because my water had broken. They immediately gave me a steroid shot to help with the babies' lungs in case I went in to labor. I never actually did go in to labor though, which was a HUGE answer to prayer. The doctors guessed that I had a high tear in one of the sacs that must have just healed itself, because the leaking stopped, and I was able to go home at 35 weeks. Hospital bedrest was no fun (Umm hi we did not have the girls room done, so I had to "design" it from my bed via FACETIME while my besties put the room together), but God used this time to quiet my worried heart, and show me that He was in control.

Memorable/funny moment when you were pregnant: My most memorable moment occurred on a night that my husband and I had gone out with some friends to our favorite Mexican restaurant. A great little custard shop was right down the street, so we all walked down there for dessert after dinner was over. I was 32 weeks along, and feeling super uncomfortable, but I just chalked it up to normal pregnancy woes. As we were leaving, I headed to the restroom for like the 87th time, and then met up with everyone out in front of the custard shop. We took a few steps towards the car and I stopped dead in my tracks. Why? Because my water broke. in public. on the sidewalk. in front of our friends. I was mortified and terrified-- we were not ready for these babies yet!! After what seemed like the fastest trip to the hospital ever, my doctor confirmed what we all pretty much knew. My water had broken, and I was put on hospital bedrest in hopes that we could prolong their delivery for a little while.

Looking back, what is one thing you would tell your pregnant self? Not to worry so much, and REST, REST, REST!

How many weeks/days were you when your twins were born? 37 weeks, 1 day

Baby A's Information:  Catherine "Cate" Lavinia
July 19, 2013
6:43 am
5 lbs 4 oz
18 1/4 in

Baby B's Information:  Reese Louise
July 19, 2013

6:51 am

5 lbs 15 oz 

19 3/4 in

Are your twins identical? Fraternal

Did you have a c-section or natural delivery? I was able to deliver the girls vaginally. They were both head down for the entire pregnancy, and my doctor was willing to let me try. I pushed for an hour in our room, and then was wheeled into the OR for the actual delivery, in case they needed to do an emergency c-section.

Any NICU time?  If yes, for what reason and how long?  No.

Did you have any complications after delivery? I struggled with post-partum depression after the girls were born. I knew that a lot of women dealt with baby blues, but after two weeks of anxiety, non-stop crying, and not wanting to be around the babies because they stressed me out, I knew that it was time to talk to my doctor. She was so great (seriously wonderful) and prescribed a low-dose antidepressant. I took it for about six months, and it made a world of difference.

How long did you stay in the hospital? 3 nights

Did your twins stay with you or the hospital nursery at night? Nursery, but they brought them back for me to feed them every 3 hours.

What are three things you are so glad you had (or wish you would have had) at the hospital? 
1. Yoga pants and soft comfy tops. WAY better than the hospital gown ;) 2. My phone- for listening to music, snapping pics of my precious girls, and keeping in touch with friends/family. 3. A suite. We spent one night in a regular room, but then upgraded to a suite the second night. It was nice in so many ways, but mostly for all of the extra room we had to entertain visitors.

Describe one of your favorite moments while you were at the hospital:  My very favorite moment was a quiet moment between me and the girls. They had just brought me back to my room after delivery, and my husband had gone down to get us breakfast (um hello-- had not eaten in like 18 hours!!). One of the nurses wheeled the girls in, and I got my first really good look at them. They were all snuggled together, cooing a little, and I couldn't take my eyes off of them. This sweet moment, alone with my girls, was a day we had prayed many years for. They were really here, and they were finally ours. I will never forget it.

If you had one piece of advice you could give an expecting mom of twins, what would it be? 
If someone offers help-- take them up on it! :) During the first few months, we had friends and family bring us meals, mow our lawn, do our laundry, & watch our babes. It definitely made life a little easier, in what was such a crazy, crazy time :)