My Twin Birth Story

Firstly, this birth was very different from my singleton births, which you can read about here.

Wednesday 11th May was d-day.  It felt weird to know that we’d be meeting our babies on that exact day instead of having the anticipation of not knowing when they would arrive.  Having an elective c-section did make it easier to plan and make arrangements for Aiden and Amélie.  My brother had volunteered to stay on Tuesday evening and look after them on Wednesday so that was one less thing to worry about.

It was an early start on Wednesday morning to make it to the hospital for 7.30am. We said our goodbyes to the kids knowing that when I came out of hospital we’d be a family of 6.  I was feeling all the emotions at this point but wanted to stay focused on the day ahead.

For the most part, I managed to steer my mind away from the fact I was about to undergo major abdominal surgery.  I tried not to think about it and fast-tracked my mind to the end result: holding my sweet babies in my arms and coming out the other side safely. However, naturally, the sense of trepidation was always at the back of my mind despite my efforts.

When we arrived at the hospital, we were whisked to a private room where we were told to wait for someone to come and see us.  I got settled on the hospital bed while Alfie sat on the chair beside me.

A lovely nurse came in and talked us through the proceedings who was later followed by a doctor to insert the cannula into my arm. Luckily for me, he managed to get the cannula in the first time.  I’m not overly squeamish about needles, but I don’t like to see them going in.

After that, the anesthetist came in who was like a ray of sunshine, so bright and bubbly.  She immediately put me at ease, especially over having the needle inserted into my back for the spinal – something I’d been fearing.  We were laughing and joking as she explained her role, what would happen and possible sensations I’d feel. I knew every step that would happen by that point and felt reassured I was in safe hands.

Next, the consultant who would be doing my c-section came in who coincidentally was also a twin. He had been called in from another hospital to help with the list that day due to the hospital being short-staffed.  Unbeknown to me, he actually specialised in gentle c-sections, something that I’d never even heard of before until discussing c-sections with my friend a few months before.

After the consultant left the room, Alfie and I put together a quick playlist on Spotify.  Then it wasn’t long until we were led by the nurse to theatre at around 8.45am.  I remember feeling a mix of anxiety and excitement about the prospect of meeting our little ones very soon.  I think the anxiety came from the obvious pending surgery, but also the chance that the twins could need extra care due to their size, which had been a concern throughout the pregnancy.

We were led into a room where we met the surgical team.  They were doing their checks and again we were laughing and joking, which instantly put me at ease.  I couldn’t believe how relaxed and lovely everyone was.

Then it was time to sit on the operating table and have the much dreaded spinal.  Our anesthetist was amazing and again talked me through everything that was happening.  She first administered a local anesthetic, which stung a little, but it meant that I felt nothing when the spinal went in. Thank goodness!

After the anesthetist had confirmed that I was totally numb from the waist down by spraying cold water up my legs and waist several times. My playlist went on and it was time to start.

Everything was calm and gentle, almost serene. I didn’t feel a thing other than some tugging.  I did make the mistake of looking up at the reflective surgical light and saw my insides, which I don’t recommend. Thankfully the scrub nurse kindly held the blue curtain high up and over so I didn’t have to see it again.

At 9.14am, twin 1 was out who we now know as Alessia Valentina Mae, 5lbs 7oz. Then at 9.15, twin 2, Arabella Sophia Grace was born, 4lbs 14oz. I couldn’t believe how swift it all was.  As the twins were well and healthy we were allowed to do delayed chord calming and skin-to-skin, which were my preferences with my previous singleton vaginal births.

Relieved doesn’t even cover how we felt that the babies were safe and healthy.  I couldn’t be more grateful to the medical team who looked after us and the aftercare we received on the ward as we had to stay in hospital for 5 days.

The choice of how the babies were going to be born was completely taken out of my control due to how they were positioned.  I felt slightly daunted by undergoing a medical procedure. I’d had no medical intervention with my other births which I preferred. However, I’ve always been open to a c-section if medically necessary for the safe arrival of my babies.

My elective c-section was such a positive and smooth experience and I couldn’t have asked for anything more. All of my anxieties were put at ease and any concerns quickly disappeared.  I totally appreciate that my experience is personal to me.  Sadly not everyone has such a happy c-section story, especially with emergency c-sections which can be extremely traumatic (or not) for a variety of reasons. I’ll be forever thankful to the NHS and how well we were monitored and looked after.

Now, 3 months on we’re home, everyone is doing well and we’re settling into our new normal as a family of 6.

I feel so blessed that these miracle babies chose us to be their parents.