Having My Twins

There I was 38 weeks pregnant with twins. Never did I expect my pregnancy to go so long. It hurt to walk. It hurt to sit. I’d say it hurt to sleep, but I wouldn’t know because I couldn’t. At this point I had heard many birth stories: “I had my twins at 35 weeks!” “My water broke at 36!” “I went in for my 37 week appointment and they said I need to have these twins today!” “My fluids were low and next thing I knew I was delivering!”

With all this in the back of my mind at Every. Single. Appointment. I was waiting to hear my: It’s got to be today!

After waddling in for my umpteenth amniotic fluid check, once again, all was fine. These babies were hanging in there, albeit still breech so that meant I did have a C-Section appointment… in 5 days. Sounds like nothing unless you have been 38 pregnant with twins… then you know how grueling each day can be.

Don’t get me wrong – I know how very lucky I am to have twins go full term. Each week I made it was a huge relief… it’s just that this was now 38 and these babies had no plans to budge.

But then IT happened.

No, not my water; not contractions… just me trying to get up from the exam table. I huffed, I puffed, I tried rocking side to side… I couldn’t get up. My beloved Dr. Gafori grabbed my arm and tried to help. We couldn’t get me up. Finally, I was hoisted with all her strength and mine and she paused… then asked, “Do you want me to see if we can make your C-Section appointment sooner?”

This was a Friday and we changed it from Wednesday to Monday. She made me promise to take it easy over the weekend because she had a baby shower and would be out of town and wanted to be the one to deliver them. I love her.

Pumped with adrenaline, I forgot that Friday how bad I felt. By Saturday, I was remembering and it wasn’t fun. I only had to make it to Monday, and sure enough Monday came.

The C-Section
Our super heroes Grandpa Mark and Grandma Judyth arrived from a 9 hour drive to come stay with our other three children for the duration of our hospital stay (brave, brave people) and my STARVING self (last meal I was allowed was 11 hours earlier, Dr’s orders pre-surgery) and the hubby headed to the hospital. Generally, when about to bring human life into the world, I am a ball of nerves but this being my first C-section, I was scared. Real scared. As I was about to be wheeled in to the operating room, Dr. Gafori gave me a reassuring kiss on the cheek and said, “I’ll see you in a minute.” Naturally, this sweet gesture put me somewhat at ease, all things considered.

The hubby had to wait outside the operating room initially … I knew this wouldn’t go over well with him. We’ve never been separated as we anticipate our kid’s arrival. Sure enough, Dr. Gafori came into the room and said, “Eli isn’t looking so good out there.”

Soon  we were reunited and holding hands. Aside from that warmth, the whole concept of the C-Section is so cold to me; I just laid there with only a view of a blue sheet as people are clearly very busy on the other side of it. As Alex and I have talked about, if you have only had a C-Section, you love it. If you’ve delivered vaginally THEN had a C-Section, you hate it. I fell in THAT group.

Nonetheless, it was very quick when all of a sudden I heard that sound that you wait 9 whole months for: The cry of my child… sweet, sweet music to my ears and I immediately welled up with tears. I got a brief peek, but otherwise had to rely on the expressions of the hubby’s face… which were mainly shock.

Our beloved Dr. Gafori

Less than a minute later, out came the other, with another quick peek and then me just staring at the ceiling, listening to all that was going on. Finally, FINALLY the first baby was handed to me; then the second. It was amazing but slightly awkward because I didn’t have much use of my arms when – POOF – they were whisked away again.

The hubby left with the nurses and twins (both our preference that he stay with them), as I laid there listening to everyone discuss their Thanksgiving plans while they did their business to put my body back together. Next,  my hospital bed was wheeled back to the recovery room. Again, having given birth three other times previously vaginally, this was all so awkward for me. Um, where are my babies?!

After what seemed like an eternity, they soon came in one after the other. Alex had sent me an article about the importance of skin-to-skin contact after a C-Section, so I immediately made sure we were touching skin… and what a magical feeling that was.

Happy to be home.

I feel incredibly lucky. Having not one, but two new people to love has been amazing. Granted, the first two weeks at home have been a rough roller coaster ride (more on that another day) as we adjust to no sleep and our new family of seven, but our friends, family and preschool have kept us well fed and our “big” kids very entertained. In fact, I don’t know how we could get by without them!

As we sat around the dinner table the other night eating yet another delicious dinner friends brought, each of us holding babies and surrounded by our other children, the hubby said, “Our cup runneth over.” It couldn’t be more true. Thank you to everyone who has helped us through the end of my pregnancy and on our new journey. We love you all!

And I am SO HAPPY to not be pregnant.

Want to keep up on all the latest? Subscribe to receive Breezy Mama in your email in-box — it’s free! Plus, be entered to win a $699 Valco Baby Double Stroller! Enter your email address here: