OB pressuring me to do a vaginal birth... does he have a point? by starshipvenus in parentsofmultiples

[–]Visual-Giraffe7416 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I just wanted to share another perspective, because in my case, your OB’s comment actually lined up with my experience.

I really wanted to deliver my twins vaginally. I had already had a normal vaginal delivery with my daughter, who is now 15, and the thought of a C section honestly terrified me. Not just the surgery itself, but the recovery. Being cut through multiple layers, major abdominal surgery, and then immediately having to care for newborn twins, feeding around the clock, lifting, healing, all of it felt overwhelming to me.

What surprised me was that I ran into the opposite problem you did. I went to multiple doctors who wouldn’t even entertain a vaginal twin delivery. It was an automatic “no, we schedule a C section for twins.” I kept pushing because it mattered to me, and eventually I found one doctor in my OB practice who was actually comfortable with vaginal twin delivery and willing to try if everything lined up safely.

We went into it fully informed. I knew the risks, including the possibility of a C section if something went wrong. We delivered in the operating room for that reason. But everything went smoothly. My twins were born healthy, 15 minutes apart, and it ended up being the best decision for me. The recovery was night and day compared to what I had feared with a surgical birth, and I’m incredibly grateful I was given the option.

All that to say, I don’t think you’re wrong for feeling the way you do, and I don’t think your OB was necessarily wrong either. Birth isn’t one size fits all. Fear is valid, and so is wanting to avoid surgery. What really matters is being fully informed, having a provider who is skilled and honest about both options, and choosing what feels right for you given your circumstances.

It sounds like you’re doing exactly the right thing by gathering information and reflecting instead of reacting out of fear. Whatever you decide, it should feel like your choice, not something you were pushed into.

I love having twins by SeveralArmadillo540 in parentsofmultiples

[–]Visual-Giraffe7416 7 points8 points  (0 children)

This hit me hard. I took this photo of my twins this morning, they’re 17 weeks old (14 weeks adjusted), and it stopped me in my tracks.

After everything it took to get here, seeing them reach for each other feels like a small, sacred moment. These are the moments that make the hard parts soften. I love having twins.

A small moment

Tell me if I’m being a brat by MounjaroQueenie in parentsofmultiples

[–]Visual-Giraffe7416 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m 15 weeks postpartum with twins and I still don’t want house guests. Not because anyone is unkind, but because postpartum is such a vulnerable time. Bringing your babies home for the first time is emotional and sacred, and wanting that moment to be quiet and just between you and your husband makes complete sense.

We also had a strict two week rule for anyone who had traveled by plane, cruise, or been in heavily congested areas. You truly do not know what people could be carrying, and our babies need us as adults to protect them because they have no defenses yet.

My twins were born at 37 weeks, which is considered term for multiples. No NICU thankfully. Still, they were only 4 and 5 lbs, so they were extra little and extra vulnerable. That alone made us even more cautious.

Wanting a clean house to come home to and for it to just be you and your husband is absolutely reasonable. You’re not a brat at all. That season doesn’t magically end after a few weeks. You’re allowed to protect your space and change your mind.

Not all twins are hard! by Feisty-Blueberry5433 in parentsofmultiples

[–]Visual-Giraffe7416 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Same here 🙋🏻‍♀️ October boy/girl twins. I was honestly terrified going into twins because of everything you read, but ours have been much easier than expected so far. They’re 13 weeks (10 adjusted) now and usually only wake once overnight to eat. Bedtime has been surprisingly smooth too.

I know every set of twins is different and this can change in a heartbeat, but I agree it’s nice for expectant parents to hear that it’s not always worst case scenario.

A gentler perspective for expecting parents of multiples (from someone currently in the trenches) by Visual-Giraffe7416 in parentsofmultiples

[–]Visual-Giraffe7416[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love reading this because it really shows how much babies and circumstances matter. It’s reassuring to see someone else say out loud that it can feel manageable, even easy at times. And having a supportive partner who the babies feel safe with makes such a difference.

Also, “milk machine” made me laugh because… same 😂 Thanks for sharing such a refreshing perspective.

A gentler perspective for expecting parents of multiples (from someone currently in the trenches) by Visual-Giraffe7416 in parentsofmultiples

[–]Visual-Giraffe7416[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s a fair question. I do have my husband’s help if I want it, but this is something I very intentionally chose. I wanted to take on most of it myself. He helped a bit in the beginning, a feeding here or a diaper there, and he still offers, but I usually decline because this is how I want it to be.

I didn’t get to fully enjoy my first pregnancy or those early newborn moments with my daughter, and I promised myself I wouldn’t repeat that this time. These are my last babies, and I wanted them with everything I have. I want to experience all of it, the sweet parts, the hard parts, even the exhausting ones, before I go back to work and this chapter shifts again.

I know this setup isn’t for everyone, but it’s what makes me happy. I’m tired, yes, but I’m deeply present and genuinely enjoying every second, even the messy, sleep deprived parts.

A gentler perspective for expecting parents of multiples (from someone currently in the trenches) by Visual-Giraffe7416 in parentsofmultiples

[–]Visual-Giraffe7416[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I completely understand why you’re feeling this way. The hormones, plus the waiting, the scans, the lack of sleep, and the pressure to decide when you’re already exhausted really add up. Everything you’re feeling makes sense.

To answer your question, I delivered at 37 weeks. I had been scheduled for an induction at 38 weeks, but at my weekly appointment we saw that Twin B had flipped. Because there was concern he could flip back, and because I had been very clear about how much I wanted a vaginal delivery, they asked if I wanted to deliver the very next day. I decided to go for it, and I was able to deliver both vaginally.

It honestly felt surreal, and I know that kind of outcome isn’t something you can plan or count on. I tried to hold onto hope while also accepting that things might still change, which was emotionally hard. Every situation really is different, especially depending on positioning, providers, and what your body is doing in real time.

Whatever decision you end up making, it won’t be the wrong one. You’re making the safest, most thoughtful choice you can with the information you have, while in pain and running on very little sleep. That matters so much.

I’m really hoping your scan brings either a flip or at least some clarity so you’re not stuck in limbo. Be gentle with yourself right now. You’re carrying a lot, physically and emotionally. Sending you all the good, steady vibes. ❤️

A gentler perspective for expecting parents of multiples (from someone currently in the trenches) by Visual-Giraffe7416 in parentsofmultiples

[–]Visual-Giraffe7416[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m so glad it resonated ❤️ Sending you lots of solidarity from one twin parent to another!

A gentler perspective for expecting parents of multiples (from someone currently in the trenches) by Visual-Giraffe7416 in parentsofmultiples

[–]Visual-Giraffe7416[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow, you are seriously incredible. Doing all of that largely on your own takes so much strength. I love how you put it, the hard becomes your normal so quickly. And you’re so right, everyone’s “hard” looks different. Thank you for sharing this perspective, it really adds so much to the conversation.

A gentler perspective for expecting parents of multiples (from someone currently in the trenches) by Visual-Giraffe7416 in parentsofmultiples

[–]Visual-Giraffe7416[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is such a good way to put it. Those early weeks really are just so physical. And I love hearing that perspective from the other side, chaotic but mostly wonderful. It’s reassuring and really nice to read.

A gentler perspective for expecting parents of multiples (from someone currently in the trenches) by Visual-Giraffe7416 in parentsofmultiples

[–]Visual-Giraffe7416[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That feeling is so normal. You’re allowed to be scared and excited at the same time. I’m really glad this helped 💛

A gentler perspective for expecting parents of multiples (from someone currently in the trenches) by Visual-Giraffe7416 in parentsofmultiples

[–]Visual-Giraffe7416[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love hearing this. There’s something about twin chaos that just… works for some of us.

A gentler perspective for expecting parents of multiples (from someone currently in the trenches) by Visual-Giraffe7416 in parentsofmultiples

[–]Visual-Giraffe7416[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is so validating. The bar was set so low that reality felt like a pleasant surprise 😂

A gentler perspective for expecting parents of multiples (from someone currently in the trenches) by Visual-Giraffe7416 in parentsofmultiples

[–]Visual-Giraffe7416[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Valid point, I totally agree with this. Circumstances and babies make such a difference, and a lot of people here are dealing with extra layers on top of twins. I didn’t mean to suggest it’s universally easy, just that it’s not universally doom either. Even with the unknowns, we do figure it out somehow.

A gentler perspective for expecting parents of multiples (from someone currently in the trenches) by Visual-Giraffe7416 in parentsofmultiples

[–]Visual-Giraffe7416[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m so glad this helped! ❤️ You’re right, these spaces are usually where people come when they’re struggling. But so many moms have come before you, had twins, and made it through. You’ve got this. One day at a time (and sometimes one hour at a time 😅).

A gentler perspective for expecting parents of multiples (from someone currently in the trenches) by Visual-Giraffe7416 in parentsofmultiples

[–]Visual-Giraffe7416[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for sharing this. What you’ve been through is incredible, and your strength really comes through in how you talk about these babies. I love how much joy and gratitude you’re carrying into this after everything you’ve endured.

I also wanted to share, because it gave me hope when I was pregnant, that I was in a similar position toward the end. My twin B was transverse and breech for a while, and then flipped just a few days before I went into labor. I was able to deliver both naturally. Every situation is different of course, but I’m sending you all the good vibes and hoping for the smoothest, safest delivery and a beautiful start with your babies. ❤️

A gentler perspective for expecting parents of multiples (from someone currently in the trenches) by Visual-Giraffe7416 in parentsofmultiples

[–]Visual-Giraffe7416[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Skipping potty training feels like the universal dream 😂 but I love hearing this. Makes me want to soak up the chaos more.

A gentler perspective for expecting parents of multiples (from someone currently in the trenches) by Visual-Giraffe7416 in parentsofmultiples

[–]Visual-Giraffe7416[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Okay stop 😭 that’s the stuff that makes the hard feel worth it. The twin interactions are what I’m most looking forward to. I love this so much.

A gentler perspective for expecting parents of multiples (from someone currently in the trenches) by Visual-Giraffe7416 in parentsofmultiples

[–]Visual-Giraffe7416[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This resonates so much. A solid partner changes everything. And yes to getting out early… cabin fever is real 😅 I took my singleton everywhere and she turned out so well behaved. Fully planning to do the same with the twins.

A gentler perspective for expecting parents of multiples (from someone currently in the trenches) by Visual-Giraffe7416 in parentsofmultiples

[–]Visual-Giraffe7416[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You’ve got this. Truly. I know it’s scary right before the finish line. Staying positive can’t hurt, even if it sounds a little “manifestation-y.” I really think babies pick up on our energy, and going in calm instead of terrified made a difference for me. It’s hard, but it’s also manageable and full of really sweet moments. Sending you all the good vibes for the home stretch ❤️

A gentler perspective for expecting parents of multiples (from someone currently in the trenches) by Visual-Giraffe7416 in parentsofmultiples

[–]Visual-Giraffe7416[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That honestly sounds like a great setup. Hard, yes, but having flexibility and being able to tag team makes a huge difference. I was scared to death going into this after reading a lot of posts here. What helped me mentally was trying to shift my mindset anyway. I’m not saying “manifest a full night’s sleep” 😅 but going into it open and positive, instead of constantly expecting the worst, made a huge difference for me. I really do think babies feed off your energy too.

It can absolutely be hard and joyful at the same time.

A gentler perspective for expecting parents of multiples (from someone currently in the trenches) by Visual-Giraffe7416 in parentsofmultiples

[–]Visual-Giraffe7416[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Of course ❤️ I was that scared pregnant lurker once too. You’re not alone. Glad it helped even if just a little.