You can’t demand your body perform something its not prepared for and expect high chances of success. Pregnancy and birth is a physical, mental, and emotional journey.
Anna Lopez, Intuitive Birth
If you found yourself here there is no question that you, yourself are desiring the choice to have a natural twin birth. Maybe you are just curious if its possible. I am here to tell you as a mother who has done it that YES! It is possible. But there are a lot of things to consider, and plenty of things you need to arm yourself with before your birth plan is written.
1.) YOU ARE YOUR BIGGEST ADVOCATE:
I repeat. You are your biggest advocate. This is your body, your birth, your babies. The moment that we discover there are 2 heart beats the medical reach grows through the roof in comparison to a singleton birth. Suddenly you are high risk, you need to be monitored more frequently, more ultrasounds, more appointments, more “medically necessary” interventions. And I am here to remind you, you are your biggest advocate. Do not fear asking questions about procedures, asking about alternative methods, and pressing your doctors, as well as being firm in your stance on your birth wishes. This is especially true if you don’t understand what you are being told. Always ask more. If you are a woman with a clean bill of health, seemingly low risk (besides carrying multiples) there is no reason that you need to succumb to being feared into a birth you don’t desire or a seemingly out of your hands birth scenario. If this is your first birth take the time to fully educate yourself on your hospitals birthing practices, c-section rates, preparedness for a twin birth that is not scheduled, or induced. Research the topics, and procedures you are presented with at your appointments and most importantly research twin births. Advocate hard, and trust your instincts.
2.) Choose the Right Birthing Team:
In all births it is so important to have the right people on your side supporting you through every stage of your pregnancy and birth. In a twin pregnancy where you are required to see specialists and will be seeing your O.B very frequently. You want to make sure you are going to be uplifted in your birthing wishes, as well as respected and treated as an equal part in your birth. You want to know and trust that the medical partners involved are confident and have your, and your babies best interest in mind. As well as open and honest about all the avenues a twin birth can take. I encourage you to check out Motherboard Birth, they are a great resource for parents and can supply you with a list of questions to ask as you interview birthing professionals to find the right fit! And don’t forget about a Doula! Birth and Postpartum Doulas are amazing birth support partners that will make sure to advocate hard on your behalf while you are in the tho-roughs of labor and preparing your mind, body, and soul for the transition into motherhood. They will be the calming voice and cheerleader, bringing methods and expertise to support and create an amazing birth experience in which you feel confident. They will help support you and your partners needs, and guide you through such a crucial transition from pregnancy to motherhood and bringing home 2 precious bundles!
3.) Get Your Birthing Team on the same page:
Who makes up your birthing team? Your husband, your Doula (which I would highly recommend), your O.B/ Midwife and maybe another trusted person you want to witness your birth. The last thing you want in an already the grand event that is birthing twins is for the people around you to not support your birthing plan, or to not understand your wishes when it comes to a natural twin birth. Be open and honest with all those involved. Make sure your care provider understands your desires, talk through the possibilities of every outcome, the risks and the benefits at every appointment. Let it be known your desire is to birth naturally if safely able to do so. And the same goes for your husband, Doula, and other loved ones. They will be your biggest advocates while you are birthing making choices that you may not be able to make yourself in labor.
Its ok to write out your birth plan, birth desires, or wishes and give everyone a copy and its ok to also acknowledge medical intervention may be necessary. A birth plan does not go out the window because intervention may be necessary. A birth plan is a guide for all those around you and yourself for how you wish for things to go even in the event of a medically necessary intervention. Alternatives, and Interventions should all be discussed before the Due Date. Its a red flag if your O.B scouffs at your birth plan, or is uncomfortable with the idea of a natural twin birth. There are doctors out there that will! Don’t be afraid to “shop” around and find one.
4.) Prepare Yourself Mentally for a “Natural” Twin Birth:
Avoid horror stories. Avoid negative comments and the modern day “birth culture” that believes its impossible, or can not be done. Birth hurts. But its not impossible. Your body was made for this. I repeat! YOUR BODY WAS MADE FOR THIS! From a mother who has had 2 unmedicated deliveries of singletons and 1 unmedicated twin birth, I will tell you that going into labor with twins was not more intense than a singleton. My body followed through with the same process, the final stage of labor just doubling as you deliver each baby separately. Find a birthing class you will enjoy taking! Most often hospital birthing classes cover a tour and interventions but some can feel like they lack the preparation step for the actual birth. So along with your hospital tour think about finding an outside birthing class. Your Doula may be able to suggest one or a simple google search in your area my let you know whats available. Seek out more success stories, and birthing books to prepare yourself for a beautiful, calm, natural birth. I highly recommend reading HypnoBirthing, Fourth Edition the Monogan Method, or Intuitive Birth by Anna Lopez. Create your own birthing mantras to repeat to yourself as you near labor. Make them Twin specific, or even positive reaffirming messages to talk you through if a medical intervention becomes necessary. You can also purchase a beautiful set of pre-made affirmations like this set for Pregnancy and Birth by Renegade Mama.
5.) Take care of your health!
Assuming everything stays free of medical complications with your sweet babies and yourself. You want to prepare your body to take on the taxing task of birthing twins, and growing two babies! We have all heard the statement “Eating for Two” or maybe in this case its “Eating for Multiples,” but try replacing that word “Eating” with “Nutrients.” Think of it as “Nutrients for Two,” but don’t forget to also give yourself grace for those indulgences here and there! Some great resources for staying on top of pregnancy nutrition are, The Brewers Diet for high risk pregnancies, The Fertility Diet, and The Prenatal Nutritionist.
Get Moving! Again assuming everything is safe to do so, always consult your provider and stay in tune with how your body feels. Keep stretching, moving, and keeping your body fit! You wouldn’t run a marathon without training right? SO the same goes for birth. Find what feels good to you. Maybe its modifying an exercise routine you are used to, finding a prenatal specific exercise group. OR maybe its simply waking up and coming to a mat to stretch and breath every morning. Another great resource is just seeking out chiropractic care with someone who is a certified prenatal chiropractor.
Now take a deep breath, and remember you’ve got this! You were chosen for this whole mom of multiples thing for a reason! I am wishing you a safe, and happy delivery.
Featured Twin Photos: Lyndsey Lew Photography