twins…my birth story

meetingmybabies

twins-birth-story

meetingthebabies

 

It took exactly 35 1/2 weeks to accomplish the biggest, toughest, and most beautiful achievement of my life. The determination to deliver Henry and Marie early was made after I became pre-eclamptic. I’ll spare you the long list of issues I was having, but I was nearly incapacitated. With my health having the possibility to affect the babies, it was time. We were prepared (as much as you can be), and had been for quite some time, expecting they might make an early arrival. Still, when the time came to leave for the hospital, the fear (and excitement) kicked in big time. 

My parents came over to care for Billy (our first and furriest child), and I nearly squeezed him to death. I was so terrified that after the babies were born we would think of him differently, you know, as a D-O-G (as many had warned us). I am happy to report that nothing has changed, he is simply another child. After many kisses, hugs and tears all around, we took the the grueling (ha) 2 minute drive to our (neighborhood) hospital.  They were expecting us, and I was immediately wheeled in to the pre-op room. Preparations got under way, and within an hour or so I was ready for surgery. I should preface this by saying we had known it would be a c-section for a while, since Marie was “baby A” and was breach.

The operating room wasn’t as scary as I had imagined it. Since my husband is a registered nurse, he was allowed to be with me as I got the spinal. The numbness from my chest down was anxiety inducing, albeit preferable to feeling everything. The next hour was a bizarre cocktail of emotions. Feeling your body being rearranged is not very comforting, and the pressure was intense. The anesthesiologist explained that they were getting ready to deliver “baby A”, aka Marie. Moments passed, and no sounds except suction, and beeping…the longest minute of my life. And then…the sweetest sound I have ever heard, and tears of relief and joy. Two minutes later…Henry followed, and I began to sob as they held him over the curtain for us to see. Thankfully, both of them were in great shape and big for twins (6 lbs 3/4 oz each), and so they went directly to the nursery while my surgery was completed. The worst was over, or so I thought. 

Not surprisingly, my uterus had been stretched to scary limits carrying twins, causing excess bleeding and complications. My blood loss was significant, but I remained conscious…I almost wish I hadn’t, given the poking and prodding that occurred in the recovery room. The next 12 hours were (unfortunately) spent stoned out on dilaudid. A blood transfusion was discussed, but never happened, after my hemoglobin stabilized. My first steps were not too painful but ended up with 5 nurses rushing in after I passed out, and fainting would continue to be a concern. My husband never left my side, sleeping on a miserable piece of foam next to my bed. His care, love, and support were, and are, immeasurable. 

Meanwhile, the babies spent a great deal of time in our room, and I was able to nurse for the first time (what a euphoric, incredible experience that is). Henry was the first to latch, but by the time we went home they were both getting the hang of it. Breastfeeding two is quite the challenge, whew. My body has been through a lot, and the belly that was once their home is now a saggy mess. But every time I look at our beautiful babies, I am overcome with gratitude. I know there are so many that are denied this experience, and so I am thankful for every beautiful and painful moment. My body will heal in time, and the painful memories will fade. For now, we are still reveling in the miracle of it all and are drunk in love.

 

Notes

  1. I wish you a speedy recovery. Take in and enjoy ever single second even the tough ones. Those first couple of years, the little ones grow at warp speed.

  2. Such a touching story, Susan! I wish you a quick recovery but above all the endless happiness of being a mum to two little cuties!

  3. thank you so much for sharing; helps me understand what an amazing thing giving life is

  4. I know I’ve said this before, but I am so happy for you and your family. Thanks for sharing your incredible story. xo

  5. Huge congrats, Suzi. So happy that everything went well and that you are recovering with the support and love of your sweet hubby. Bonne continuation et a bientôt!

  6. “Feeling your body being rearranged is not very comforting” >.I feel you girlfriend. I’m in awe of you! I could barely handle one. Thanks you for sharing your sweet story, Your children are amazing–more power to you!!

  7. I can’t even begin to imagine what the experience felt like but I’m sure the few memories of discomfort will completely fade the longer you’re immersed in motherhood. Your body is capable of amazing things!

  8. Oh Suzi, I just went on here and saw this account of the birth. It really makes it all so real and wonderful.
    I can almost feel the pain you went through from your words and am very relieved you were okay after all that. I know looking in those sweet faces makes it all worth it. They are so adorable and I look forward to the day I can meet them in person. How lucky are you! You have gorgeous twins and a loving husband.
    I am very happy for how your life turned out.
    Keep posting those photos for those of us who are not in PA.
    We miss you girl, more now than ever. I so wish you lived closer to me.
    Love you,
    Joni

Leave a Reply to Will @ Bright.Bazaar Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.