On March of 2017 I delivered my identical twins 8 minutes apart “naturally,” vaginally and un-medicated. There are so many factors that played a role in this being successful for me and undoubtedly the experience is and will be different for so many women out there. This however is why I believe it worked for me.
Lets start here:
My twins were my second pregnancy. My first was also delivered naturally and VERY quickly. Within 2 1/2 hours from my water breaking he was in my arms. I did not have a long drawn out labor with him and I felt very in control of my experience. So when I found out I was having twins I honestly feared delivering them any other way. Not because I viewed other methods negatively but because I had gone through a natural delivery before. I knew what to expect (for the most part), I knew what my body was capable of doing, and I believed I could with the right doctor and support do the same with my identical twin boys.
I was open with my Doctors about what I wanted and I also remained open to the possibility of other birth methods. Which became a true reality after being monitored heavily for TTTS (Twin to Twin transfusion syndrome). I had wonderful, experienced Doctors confident in delivering twins. They were open and honest with me every step of the way through my twins development and when and when not they would be confident enough to deliver my boys. I educated myself on other twin deliveries and my Doctors qualifications and on the matter. The key to delivery in all cases is the babies positioning, my boys remained head down all the way until the end which made me even more confident.
Your support system counts! My husband, Doctors, and Nurses were all my personal cheerleaders. It is so important to truly feel comfortable where you deliver. Trust your gut and intuition with this. My husband knew what I wanted, my Doctors knew what I wanted, and everyone clearly communicated with each other when I arrived to deliver my twins. They all worked hard to safely bring the twins into this world and keep me focused on doing just that! You want to be surrounded by calm, caring people that are going to have your best interest at heart.
This is how it unfolded:
At about 35 weeks it was becoming very evident that it was nearing time to deliver. With slowed growth in both the boys we weren’t sure how much longer they were going to stay in there along with a few other natural signs of labor nearing. At my 36 week appointment my Doctor made the call to schedule an induction at 37 weeks and 2 days. I was so nervous. In my heart I just felt like it wasn’t going to unfold that way. I wanted them and me to be fully aware and functioning especially if they were coming early and small. At the time we believed they were 5 lbs 1oz and 6 lbs 1oz. At 36 weeks and 6 days I woke up and its like my body just knew! I took a shower, did my makeup and I had a giant lunch. I was filled with excited anxious vibes and I could sense babies were ready. Bags were all set and we knew the plan. As my husband and I got ready for bed that night I just knew the timing was perfect. My husband had just gotten through his final interviews for his new job and we were headed into a long weekend! At 11:45 pm my water broke! Now without the lengthy details of a full birth story (for another time) by 12:58 am Baby A arrived 5 lbs 1 oz, and as my Doctor guided me into the second labor process Baby B arrived at 1:06 am at 4 lbs 1 oz. I had done it! Exhausted, but I had followed through with something medical professionals have told other expectant twin moms would not be possible.
What you should keep in mind.
About 1 hour after my water broke my twins arrived. I did not have to endure a long drawn out labor. But I do believe we are capable of so much as women. There is no experience quite like it. With every contraction and push the pain lessened, I felt so in control over what was happening. It is truly magical what our bodies are meant to do and with the right people surrounding you and guiding you it can go from a fearful experience to a beautiful one.
I never had a “birth plan” I had a I know what my heart, mind, and body are capable of doing and I am going to allow my body to guide me when the time is right. If that time line changed due to unforeseen medical problems or a life and death situation for my littles you better believe I would have gone with the best route for them. The only things planned were my hospital bag, and talking through different outcomes with my husband and Doctor.
You are your number one advocate! Your intuition, and your gut instinct as a woman is not going to steer you in the wrong direction. Only you can choose what is best for you and your babies. It is important to educate yourself on all possible medical interventions, the reality of NICU babies, and ASK QUESTIONS! Don’t ever sell your self short as a mother or let fear stamp out what you feel is right. You are strong, you are capable of more than you could possibly imagine, and you were meant to do this. From the very beginning as a mother of multiples all odds have always been against us and yet so magically for us. Your birth story is bound to be an adventure in itself.
Good luck Momma! If you are considering a natural delivery, I highly recommend the book: HypnoBirhing, 4th Edition: The natural approach to safer, easier more comfortable birthing.