The Twins Birth Story

The Twins Birth Story

First, let me say the birth of our twins was an amazing experience. If I could do it all over again I would.

Girls Together

It all began Tuesday afternoon. We went to my weekly doctor’s appointment at 4pm. I have been on bed rest for about 10 days at this point. So, I was ready to see if I had dilated any more and to find out what was going on and when we might meet our twins. It was a typical prenatal appointment. We found out I was still dilated to a 4, no change since last week. We scheduled my induction for Sunday, July 7th and at this point I really thought we were going to make it to induction day. I wanted to make it as long as I could, but I really didn’t want to be induced. I know Pitocin contraction are the worst and I would much rather go into labor on my own. There is nothing like going into labor on your own; the excitement and wonder. Tuesday evening after my appointment I had come to the conclusion that we would be induced. I figured I had made it 10 days at a 4 and my cervix was going to continue holding strong.

During this appointment we started to talk more about the delivery. Our doctors have known we wanted a vaginal delivery unless medically necessary. At this time Baby A (McKayla) was head down, very low, ready to go and Baby B (McKenzie) was transverse/sideways (under my ribs). Our doctors said that a vaginal delivery was more than possible. With the position McKenzie was in they thought she was more then likely to turn head down after Baby A comes out. Our doctor said even if Baby B doesn’t turn head down he would simply deliver her breech; no big deal. We are all still ready to deliver vaginally; which made me feel great.

After that appointment we had a regular evening with our older girls. I was still on bed rest until Thursday, 34 weeks, we wanted to keep our babies in a little bit longer. Well, we went to bed that evening thinking we would have a few more days and most likely make it to Sunday’s induction.

I had trouble sleeping that night, simply a lot on my mind. I was happy to still have our babies in my belly, but not happy thinking I was going to be induced. I hated the thought of electively giving birth early (even though it was medically necessary) to our girls. I really wanted our girls to decide when it was time to come into this world. I really wanted healthy, full term babies.

At about 2:30am I started having consistant contractions, but nothing too painful so I simply fluffed them off. “I mean I have been having contractions for months, I was just checked this afternoon and I had not progressed so these must be nothing.” Even though they weren’t painful they kept me awake for about an hour. I finally fell asleep at about 3:45am.

Then I was suddenly awaken at 4:10am by something running down my leg (I know TMI). I quickly jumped out of bed and ran to the bathroom to see if my water broke (with my first two pregnancies my water always had to be broken at the hospital so this was all new to me).

Sure enough my water had broken. Now what?!?!

I flipped the bathroom light on and said “Uh, babe my water broke I think we have to go or something”. I have never seen Steve jump out of bed so quickly before. He was so flustered, it was quite cute. Luckily, our bags have been packed for a couple weeks so we simply threw in some of our toiletries and were ready to go.

I immediately called my parents to get here to stay with the girls. My dad answers the phone I tell him my water broke, he says ok. I paused for a second and said so are you coming? He said of course. I find out later when the phone rang my mom jumped out of bed immediately and started to get her shoes on, she already knew. They live about 15-20 minutes away, but that night they made it here in 13 minutes. I guess when your daughter calls and says her water broke you hurry.

Right after calling my parents I called my doctor to fill him in on what was going on. He said to get to the hospital within the hour. But, I knew I simply wanted to get there ASAP. I knew with my first two pregnancies labor went quickly, very quickly. Seriously there was amniotic fluid just flowing out (TMI) and it was quite uncomfortable. At this point the contractions weren’t very painful, but I knew they would be coming.

We got to the hospital at about 5am. They took me to room 7 (right across from the OR where I would be delivering). They got me hooked up to the monitors to keep a close eye on the babies. The girls looked great and the contractions were coming every 5 minutes. Still pretty comfortable.

Dr. G came in at about 7am to see how we were doing and to check the babies on ultrasound. He wanted to see whose water broke and the positions of the girls. Baby A’s water broke (McKayla wanted out) and Baby B was still transverse. Dr. G said he was still confident that a vaginal delivery was going to be great. Of course, we asked a few questions about the possibility of having to have a C-section for Baby B. He said “both babies are coming out from down there even if Baby B comes out breech”. He went on to talk about how he has no problem delivering Baby B breech and I am a perfect candidate if it happens (since I have already delivered two babies vaginally). We took his word for it and decided to continue on the path of a vaginal delivery. I was excited and ready!!

Of course, I was ready to see were I was in dilation, but Dr. G said since we didn’t have my group b strep test back yet he didn’t want to check until I had medicine for it, in case I was positive. They treated me as if I was positive since we didn’t know (I just got the test taken the day before). I hated not knowing where I was in the labor process, but there was nothing I could do about it. He said since my water had broken he didn’t want to cause an infection, so we had to wait for the medication.

At this point I was still pretty comfortable. They were definitely getting stronger and closer together, but nothing over the top.

By 8am I was in quite a bit of pain; gripping the bed rails and all. The pain was starting to show in my face. The contractions were about 3 minutes apart which meant not much relief between them. This continued for about an hour. Steve kept saying I think it’s time to get the epidural. I told him I wanted to know how far a long I was before I do anything. However, the pain was getting pretty bad, I was starting to get miserable. But I still simply wanted to know where I was in the labor process.

Well, by 9am I was ready for the epidural even though we still didn’t know how dilated I was at that point. With a twin birth they highly encourage an epidural no matter what, just in case a C-section is needed or if they have to flip Baby B internally (quite painful). Steve called our nurse and told her I was ready for the epidural.

At 9:30am the epidural was in place and starting to work. The contractions were getting less and less painful.

Finally, at 10am Dr. G came in to see how far along I was (at this point I was feeling much better; thanks to the epidural). He checks me looks at our nurse and says she’s complete. I look at him and say “you mean I am a 10 ready to go?” He said yes, but since you are looking comfortable and not getting the urge to push yet I am going to deliver someone else and I will be right back. So, he walks out of our room and so does our nurse. I couldn’t believe how quickly everything had gone thus far. I feel like we just got the hospital.

I look at Steve at about 10:10am (seconds after the doctor and nurse leave) and say “these babies are coming right now you need to get someone in here or you are going to deliver these girls yourself”. He immediately calls our nurse and she gets everyone in the room. Meanwhile, I am doing everything I can to try to keep these babies in (shaking and holding my knees together, as best I could). McKayla wants out and she wants it now. So, I am shaking trying my hardest not to push. We still have to wheel my bed to the OR and Steve has to put on scrubs. They are seriously throwing scrubs at Steve as the nurse pushes my bed out the door (10:15am).

We get to the OR and it is a busy place filled with a lot of people. Dr. G tells me to push whenever I feel the urge, so it begins.

I push a few times and…..

McKayla is born at 10:20am (5 minutes after leaving our room).

Everything happened so fast that one of the labor nurses had to call the NICU and tell them Baby A is already out we need a nurse. There was a NICU doctor, but no nurse at that moment.

They have an ultrasound on Baby B and Dr. G has his hand on her to see which way she is going to turn. They brake her water and of course she flips feet first. Oh my! Dr. G looks at the nurse and well says she’s coming out feet first, like it is no big deal. He grabs her feet and pulls her down. Now he looks at me and says it’s time to push again. I begin to push and out she comes.

McKenzie was born at 10:27am.

Both girls were screaming and looked wonderful. McKayla looked very tiny, but healthy and McKenzie was small and healthy too. Steve and I looked at each other and said, “WE DID IT!”

Of course this moment was priceless. Steve and I were both crying.

I was able to hold both girls I can’t tell you how special that felt. After we had a few minutes with them they had to be taken to the NICU.

Family Picture After Birth OR touchedup

Quite frankly it all went a little too fast. I know most women would NEVER say that about labor, but with this one being my last I am truly going to miss giving birth. I love the entire process. This is all truly a miracle. We are so very blessed.

Thank you for sharing this wonderful journey with us!!

35 comments on “The Twins Birth Story

  1. Carrie on said:

    So exciting! Makes me think I really can do it myself here in a few weeks. The thought of delivering two is a little intimidating!

    • You can!! It was an amazing delivery. It is so surreal when you actually deliver two babies. It is truly wonderful.

  2. Rachel on said:

    I’m doing exactly what you did. Trying my hardest to keep my babies in as long as possible. Doctors are keeping me in the hospital until I hit 28 weeks and I might get to go home on bed rest. Knowing that you did it and made it to 34 weeks with your twins gives me hope that I can go the distance with mine :-).

    • I cant imagine being in the hospital on bed rest. But you will do great at home I am sure. Simply listen to your body and any signs of labor call or go in to get it stopped until you are farther a long. 🙂 You can do it!!

  3. Rachel on said:

    Thanks for sharing your story … so wonderful! What a blessing, again, helps me look forward to the miracle of our twins births in the coming weeks!

  4. Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries on said:

    Oh my goodness, what an amazing story! It brought tears to my eyes. 🙂 So so so happy for you guys. And how awesome they were both delivered naturally! I hear that’s pretty rare in twin pregnancies. LOVE that last photo of you, Steve, and the girls. xoxo

    • Thank you. It truly was the best labor and delivery I could have ever asked for. I will never forget that day for so many reasons. 🙂

      That is my favorite photo of the day!!

  5. Ashley on said:

    Thank you for sharing! I’m 29 weeks pregnant with twin girls…I have loved reading your updates and now hearing how the twins are doing! I hope I can make it as long as you did! 🙂

    • It was so much fun writing my birth story. I felt like I was reliving the whole day all over again. You can do it!! Just remember to take care of yourself. 🙂

  6. Samantha on said:

    I love reading this! You are one tough cookie mama! So glad everything was good <3

  7. Giselle@myhealthyhappyhome on said:

    Oh my goodness I got chills reading that! I am so happy that everything worked out so well for you! Can’t believe it happened so fast though! That is crazy but good! I can’t wait to start seeing more pictures and updates of the girls as they grow 🙂 I’m going to get baby fever!

    • Thank you, it seriously was the best ending to our entire pregnancy. 🙂

      I can’t stop taking pictures of them so I will be posting a ton!!

  8. Katrina on said:

    Hi Renee,
    I am 23 weeks today with identical twin boys. On Monday, I started bleeding and went to the emergency room, and found out I was in labor. Dilated to 2-3 and 80% effaced. I am on total bed rest in the hospital while they try to stop my contractions and get me to at least 24 weeks. I see that you say that were having contractions for months… your story gives me hope… what type of contractions, were they regular? Right now we are focused on mini-goals… 7 more days to viability! and we will move on from there.

    • I am sorry you went into labor so early, but it is wonderful that you caught it in the early stages.

      Remember to take always take it day by day and week by week. I started having minor contractions at 16 weeks, so yes it is possible and keep remembering that. Every once in a while they would be regular, but for the most part they were random. You can do it you are almost at viability. 🙂 I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

      • Katrina on said:

        Thanks Renee… today my contractions have stopped, so it is a good day… 6 more days. At this point I will be in the hospital on bed rest until I give birth… I am hoping that is a while from now. Thanks for your kind words and support

  9. Heather on said:

    Thank you for sharing your story. Brought tears to my eyes. I am so glad to see that both girls are happy and healthy. I am expecting twins, a boy and a girl, this coming January 2014. I lost my first son at 40 weeks (stillborn due to detached cord) and have labored and delivered. Although it was a sad day knowing I would be delivering my first child sleeping, it was still one of my proudest moments. I so delight in hearing other people’s happy stories. I only hope I can take these two little ones home this time. Take care of you and yours!

    • Oh thank you. It was an amazing ending to our pregnancy adventure. Congratulations on your twins. I am so sorry to hear about your son, I can’t imagine how you felt. You are an amazing women for being so strong. 🙂

      I love reading birth stories as well. It is one of my favorite things to read on blogs.

      I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers!!

  10. Woww, that was an awesome birth story!

  11. Kristi on said:

    Hi Renee,
    I know this blog was from a while ago, but I just researched twin pregnancy and came across your blog and became engrossed reading it. I am 20 wks with fraternal twins. (We know baby A is a boy and we are waiting on baby B still. Doctor thinks it’s a girl, but we couldn’t get a clear shot on the last ultrasound. We go on Monday for the anatomy scan so we should know then.)
    Anyways, I just am so amazed at you. I applaud you for taking such good care of yourself during your pregnancy and it resulting in two beautiful healthy little girls! I am trying to do the same! I’ve been feeling pretty yucky the last couple of weeks. I’ve had a constantly congested nose since I’ve gotten pregnant and recently caught a cold so it makes it all the worse. On top of that sleeping is difficult for me when I cannot breathe through my nose so I get extreme anxiety. I normally take medication for the anxiety and insomnia but I haven’t since I got pregnant. This is my third pregnancy too. I have a daughter who is almost 13 and the second pregnancy ended in miscarriage. I didn’t have such congestion with the first, it was an easy pregnancy.
    I am measuring at 29 wks so far and feeling all of it! Been getting more and more uncomfortable each day. How did you feel breathing wise? Did you have problems with having the room to breathe?
    I am going to have a scheduled C-section at 37 wks (beginning of May) because I had a previous C-section (emergency) with my daughter. I wanted to try vaginal this time, but once we learned it was twins, my doctor said I would need to go the c-section route due to there being possible complications. I am sort of happy about that because we know when they will be here then (as long as they stay in there!) but unhappy thinking about the recovery. It will be longer before I can work out again. I avidly ran and did boot camps prior, but once twins came into the picture the doctor put the kabosh on that. He said I can walk and do stretching or yoga. I’ve done prenatal yoga only a couple of times, it is hard to get to the class on Saturdays sometimes.
    Well your story has inspired me. It also has given me the craving to go to Trader Joes. I am going to try and make it there after work today! Thanks for sharing your story!

    • Thank you for reading my blog. I am so glad it has helped you. It sounds like you are taking wonderful care of yourself. I did have a lot of congestion throughout my pregnancy. I loved being pregnant the first two times, but with the twins I was miserable pretty much the entire time. Don’t beat yourself up about not being able to workout, simply take care of yourself and your babies. You can get back into once you are ready. Keep me updated. xoxo!!

  12. Kristi on said:

    Thanks for your encouragement! Well we had the anatomy scan and the other baby is definitely a girl! We are thrilled! Both babies looked great on the scan, although it was nerve wracking watching them measure and scrutinize every last inch.
    How did you combat the congestion? I have it so bad. I just don’t know how to cope! My doctor gave me Claritin D which helps with the nasal swelling, but I am producing so much mucus I am still congested. I can’t sleep and I feel so unraveled. Don’t know how I will make it 114 more days! (that’s right, I am already counting down the days!)
    Also how did you deal with the uncomfortable factor of the ever growing tummy? I feel like mine is going to bust open! And I have so much longer to go! Yikes, I’m worried! I panick about that! I don’t think I will ever sleep again! It’s rough not sleeping then having to work full time. I was in tears earlier at work because my emotions feel so out of control without good rest. My anxiety goes out of control! Not sure how to deal with that.

    • Oh my I know what you mean about the ultrasounds. I was always nervous watching them measure and nit pick everything. I never knew what to expect every week. I am so happy everything is going so well.
      To help with congestion and sleeping I would take a Benadryl before bed. My doctor gave me the okay. You can do it!! Coconut oil was the only thing that made me feel as though I wasn’t going to burst. 🙂 Try to think positively, I know it is difficult, but it will all be worth it.

  13. I loved reading your story! I’m pregnant with twins and reading other mom’s birth stories is so helpful. I’m so glad I found your blog!

    • Oh thank you. I love reading birth stories too. 🙂 I am so excited for you, it is a wonderful experience. Please keep me updated!!

  14. Tamara on said:

    You have such an encouraging birth story. I’m currently 17 weeks pregnant with twins (hoping to find out genders at the end of April). We have a 4 year old son and a two year old daughter. I haven’t met with the OB yet, but I’m really hoping I can have a vag delivery, even if baby B is breech. My firstborn was 9.7 and my daughter was 10lbs so I think they paved the way! Thank you so much for sharing your story. I’ve been reading as many as I can find and have learned so much through other people’s experiences! I’ve started my own blog to keep track of this journey and help me process the shock of twins, and one day (hopefully early Sept), I will add my birth story too!

    • I am so excited for you!! You will be very busy, but a fun busy. 🙂 Make sure that as soon as you talk to your OB tell them you want to deliver vaginally and make sure they are comfortable with it and if not find a doctor that is. Like you I love reading everyone’s birth stories. 🙂 Blogging is such a wonderful way to document this wonderful journey!!

  15. kasey on said:

    This made me bawl like a baby! I’m 30 weeks now with mo-di identical girls and have been on bed rest since week 21 after TTTS laser surgery. I hope I make it as far as you did!

    • Awe… I am sorry I made you bawl, but it truly was an amazing experience. I am still sad I will never give birth again; I love everything about it. You are doing amazing. I will keep you in my thought and prayers!! xoxo

  16. I am 29weeks with boy and girl twins I am very nervous cos it’s my 1st pregnancy baby A is breached and baby B is diagonal (I don’t know wat that means) I quit my job to just stay home n rest. No health scare yet n I hope we make it to 37 to 38 weeks cos I can’t stay in NICU. I want them home with me. I feel great my husband is always worried. So proud of you my chances of natural vaginal birth are slim. How will I have other kids?

    • You are doing an amazing job. I can’t imagine how you are feeling, since this is your first pregnancy. You will do great and everything will turn out just as it is supposed to. Hugs to you!!

  17. Susanna on said:

    Hello, I’m a young 23 year old woman pregnant with identical twins and I am very interested in leaning as much as I can so I can be prepared for anything that my pop up in my pregnancy. I’m only 15 weeks and I have read a lot about ttts and I was wondering if that is what happened with your girls or why you went so early? I have so many unanswered questions about twins.

    Hope your family is doing well and I enjoyed reading your birth story it made me teary eyed because soon enough I will have my own twin birth story.

    • Hi Susanna – Congratulations on your twin pregnancy. You are amazing for wanting to learn as much as you can about your mo/di pregnancy. It is definitely quite an adventure. Yes, my girls had TTTS (this was the reason my doctors were going to induce me early). I went into labor on my own at 33 weeks and 6 days (baby A broke her water). Please let me know if you need anything else. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. 🙂

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