Anyone else pregnant with twins - or more? Or anyone who has twins - or more - who wants to hold our hands...

[GettingBiggerBird]

Hoping to drag my fellow pregnant mums and those whose bodies have been recently or not-so-recently liberated over from our ante-natal thread. We're not as experienced as those on the d'y ever ones but a lot slower . And any new ladies please join us, here's the list so far:

PazzaPlusTwo: twin girls born April 28th 2008 - Anais and Carmen
Neenztwinz: twins born May 6 2008, Esther and Theo
Accessorizequeen: twins born Sept 27, Felix and Bridget - East Yorkshire
Merrymarigold: non id twins (girl and boy) born 22 Oct, Jude and Mirissa - Forest Gate, East London
jennyroper: id girl twins due dec 15th - New Zealand (but am proudly British)
Anjlix: id twin girls due 24 dec (37 weeks) - London, booked at St Thomas.
GBB: b/g twins due Dec 25 - Hackney, London
PBH: twin girls due 9 Jan 2009
MEL2005: twins due(40w)10th jan 2009, Norfolk
Pheonixnights:Non ID twins due 17th Jan
Ewemoo: id twins due end Jan 08
Tallulahbelle: twins due Jan 08
Nellstar: id twins due 18 Feb 2009 (well, that's 40 weeks)
Balamorybaby: twins due 11th March - East Sussex
Barbarella: triplets due 9th April 2009
Swerve: twins due 28 May 2009

Blimey..., I go away for a week and there are loads of you! How fabby!

A few people on here have mentioned their birth experiences, it is very early for me to be thinking about it but I'm meeting the consultant for the first time next week and would like to know a bit more before he bullies me in to anything!

If you don't mind, it would be great to know if Mums on here who've had their twins already had a vaginal or cesarean birth, whether it was overall a positive experience and mostly, if you could have your time over would you do it all the same / anything you would ask for or insist on differently...?

Thanks very much
Binky x

Hi BinkyB Congratulations on expecting twins! I had my non ID girls in Feb at 34 weeks by CS due to pre-eclampsia and cholestasis. They were born by CS because both were breech. It couldnt have been further from the birth I'd wanted when I first found out I was pregnant - I had been planning a home birth! Despite that it was absolutely fine and the op was OK, nothing to be scared of. I'd have loved to have a vaginal birth and hold out hopes of this for future babies (if I'm mad enough!) but I'd say that really it doesn't matter how you give birth because you will have two gorgeous babies regardless. I would say do your research and ask lots of questions - you're right to be determined not to be bullied into anything - but also don't pin your hopes on a particular type of birth. I felt disappointed in myself that I'd not 'managed' to have a 'normal' birth and also felt guilty that my being ill meant the girls had to be born early and were in special care. In retrospect this was stupid and they are two big bouncing bruisers now! Good luck! xx

Oh and anjlix I think the drawer for the babies sounds kind of cute!

I reckon maybe there are all sorts of things you are supposed to 'need' that you don't really. Like a changing table - it's just a chest of drawers, right? Maybe I can get away with using a changing mat on the floor or on top of a chest of drawers. The list from John Lewis just seems endless!

thanks twinmam! Seems everyone has an opinion on it when you don't want one (am getting used to that) so it's great to get some first hand opinions that you actually DO want...

I spoke to another twin mum who said she'd loved having her c-section as no nasty surprises or disappointments. I didn't know what she meant but reading your story think I do now. Think you're right, I just have to accept that what will happen will happen!

Hang in there outinthesticksmummy when colds have gone I'm sure you'll quickly settle back to routine.

"easier than you thought" - that's good news, so I'm expecting the worst, I might be pleasantly surprised. I'm trying to be as prepared as possible, I am armed with dummies, swaddles, womb sounds cd, 'Baby Secrets' book which has lots of advice and routines to follow, which I will do my best to stick to. I will have them sleeping through at 3 or 4 months.

With our first little boy we were a bit airy fairy, demand feeding every few mins, no routine for sleeping (until we got to the point where husband and i could take it no more), he was nearly 2 before he started regularly sleeeping through the night, and still his sleep is easily disturbed. That was really tough so I don't plan to make the same mistakes with two.

How have others managed to get their little duos sleeping well?

BinkyB you definitely don't have to buy all the stuff 'they' tell you to. I've used changing mat on floor for first little boy, worked well, it means that you can move changing area to wherever it needs to be when it suits you ie downstairs in day and upstairs at night. Also they can't roll off the floor.

Also someone recommended Elizabeth Noble's book having twins and more to me. It has lots of info, the good and the bad. Good info on diet. She's very pro vaginal birth, but as twinmam says don't pin your hopes entirely on that, you never know how things will go. My twins are both head down at the mo so think vaginal birth is likely but trying not to get too attached to the idea just in case.

My consultant was a bit of a bully to begin with, but was much more prepared to listen to my view points once I brought my husband with me to back me up. Hope your appt goes well.

BGG, are you still out there?

Well, it's hitting me now!

Hi ladies, can I join you? Had an early scan at 7 weeks (having had clomid). Consultant said definitely only one baby. Bleeding over weekend so scanned at EPU today (10 weeks)at which the lovely nurse said oh there's the baby and it's fine and there's the other one! Have 2 year old too so am in for a busy time, though I know it's early days - but they did both wave at us

Hello newcomers and never fear, MM, just being a bit slow and not on the computer much. All seems to be OK, feeling a bit crampy now and then but not BHs, and no other signs of anything happening. Which is good, as we need another week to be fully prepared (ha!).

MM has the exhaustion hit you, have the DTs woken up?!

Anjlix I know just what you mean about pelvic pain - it is the relaxed ligaments and it HURTS. I find it takes a good few hours for it to settle to something manageable every day after getting up, I can't walk too far too early on.

Outinthesticks what a start with your DTs, good for you for being so positive. Kind of puts things in perspective, I guess. I'm 34 weeks now, would be nice to keep them in a few weeks longer (for them rather than me, obviously!).

Yeah, tiredness and fed upness at constant bfing...think I need to start a thread about that one...HELP MARS!

GBB thanks for sharing. I was a bit scared of the pain. It is manageable. But not knowing what it was is more scary than the actual pain. I find that it goes away with some rest and returns when I get too tired.

Oh and ladies I be-friended the idea of a c-section a long time ago. Nothing is more important than having the kids out safely. Repeat after me...

I read a saying somewhere "Give me the strength to change the things I can change, the patience to accept the things I can't change and the wisdom to know the difference between the two".

Apply it to birthing, it worked for me...

Any ways enough of the heavy duty stuff, I knit two bonnets so far. Finishing a scarf for me now. Hopefully new yarn comes tomorrow and I can start another project. I had to beg the lady to ship it soon by using the "but I am pregnant" excuse.

Hi anjix. It is called 'the serenity prayer'. The AA use it a lot (Alcoholics Anonymous).

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Good to remember in childbirth, I agree!

It's hard to know what is safest for the babies, but you can definitely judge what would be best for you and your family. I wanted a c-section as I had a bad birth last time, and also was easier to have it planned not to mention I was so huge (2 large babies) and getting ill all the time in the last 2 weeks, so it was definitely a good decision for me. I was pleased with how well I recovered from my c-section (I was really worried it would interfere with breastfeeding and taking care of my toddler), but am well aware it's not so easy for everyone.

Hi anjix. It is called 'the serenity prayer'. The AA use it a lot (Alcoholics Anonymous).

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Good to remember in childbirth, I agree!

It's hard to know what is safest for the babies, but you can definitely judge what would be best for you and your family. I wanted a c-section as I had a bad birth last time, and also was easier to have it planned not to mention I was so huge (2 large babies) and getting ill all the time in the last 2 weeks, so it was definitely a good decision for me. I was pleased with how well I recovered from my c-section (I was really worried it would interfere with breastfeeding and taking care of my toddler), but am well aware it's not so easy for everyone.

Binky B The one thing I found as a sanity saver was 'Mozart for Babies' CD from my mum. Sounds a bit woosy, but the babies really calmed down when they were going through whingy patches and I calmed down too (you know those moments when you have to walk out the room). Today, 11 months on, the cd still works a treat, especially in the car if they are over tired.
Also, DS is a really sucky baby and after the first (knackering) night at home, I sent to DH out to Toys r us to get different types of dummy. I was so anti them before hand but to see him visibly relax when he found one he liked was bliss! DD spat one out in absolute discust when we tried to calm her.
The feeding pillow is a must if you intend to BF. I have one from theraline which is a big long bean bag and I love it. Really great to have in hospital as their pillows are pants to try to arrange.
Never understood why people gave me lots of cotton buds...

Teasleepfood: Boy / girl twins born 5th Dec 07
PazzaPlusTwo: twin girls born April 28th 2008 - Anais and Carmen
Neenztwinz: twins born May 6 2008, Esther and Theo
Accessorizequeen: twins born Sept 27, Felix and Bridget - East Yorkshire
Merrymarigold: non id twins (girl and boy) born 22 Oct, Jude and Mirissa - Forest Gate, East London
Frangipani74: Due 29th Nov 2008
jennyroper: id girl twins due dec 15th - New Zealand (but am proudly British)
Anjlix: id twin girls due 24 dec (37 weeks) - London, booked at St Thomas.
GBB: b/g twins due Dec 25 - Hackney, London
PBH: twin girls due 9 Jan 2009
MEL2005: twins due(40w)10th jan 2009, Norfolk
Pheonixnights:Non ID twins due 17th Jan
Ewemoo: id twins due end Jan 08
Tallulahbelle: twins due Jan 08
Nellstar: id twins due 18 Feb 2009 (well, that's 40 weeks)
Balamorybaby: twins due 11th March - East Sussex
Jerin:non id twins due March 26th - Surrey
BinkyB: non ID twins due 7th April - SW London
Barbarella: triplets due 9th April 2009
1stMrsF: non ID twins due 14th May - Surrey
Swerve: twins due 28 May 2009

Hope you dont mind me joining- added myself to your list. Probably wont get to pop in too often as have a 12 month old I spend my time running after as well as working full-time. Shattered constantly!! 2nd scan next week - nervous and a little excited. Looking forward to getting some idea of the care I'll receive as been told nothing so far. DS born at 32 weeks so hoping to hold onto these for longer. Anyone been offered the vaginal scan to determine whether you are at risk of a prem birth? A friend was offered it routinely but it's not available under my health trust...

Tea LOL about the cotton buds

Jerin hello. My friend with twins had the internal scans every fortnight, but she paid for private maternity care. Think there'll be none of that on the NHS unless there's a specific risk like something has shown up about your cervix on a previous scan / you've had a cone biosy previously etc.

When it comes to the birth of twins one of the best things you can do is ask your hospital for a copy of their Multiples Policy. They do have one, all of them do. Then you can start to be informed about your choices and the things that you want.

I have been to different twin births (I had a c-birth myself because my DTs were lying sideways). I would have gone for a vaginal birth if I could have. There is a lot to consider when you look at both types of birth. As with a singleton a VB is a better option for you and the babies unless there is a clear medical reason.

Anyhoo... am here to hold hands with any that need it. My wee weapons of mass destruction are now in Reception and loving it.

Morning people. 31 weeks today and still counting. Starting to experience some back discomfort while sleeping. I was looking at the full body pillow from Mothercare. Kinda pricey but I don't know if it will be worth it.

What are you sleep solutions. Also does any one recommend anything special to sit up in the bed?

jerin I think I read in one of these threads that the Fetal Medicine Center would do a scan for 50 quid to tell you if you have a chance of early delivery. Might be worth it if NHS wont give you any.

The nesting instinct has truly taken over, or I have OCD! Scrubbed bedroom floor on hands and knees and have buggered my back, washing barely hits the bottom of the basket before its whisked away to the machine, booked someone to clean carpets - probably foolish as still have toddler to potty train.

I have become obsessed with making sure everything is just so, just in case they make their appearance today. Anyone else find themselves behaving in this irratic manner when they should be putting their feet up?

Hi Fran - I am 30 weeks pg and today I have stripped and washed 2 beds and cleaned all the windows. My house is gleaming!! DH is mocking me over my "nesting" but I have told him that it is just due to the fact that I am on maternity leave and doing all the jobs I have been putting off! There is a cupboard in my bedroom which needs to be sorted but it is an all day job and I just don't know if I am up to it!!

Evening all....

32 weeks on Friday - 1 more week in work
4 weeks tomorrow c-setion booked...

and I am thoroughly fed up...

I can't stand people fussing round me all the bloody time...
No one can talk to me without asking me if I am feeling ok, do I want to sit down?? Gosh you're big now aren't you? ETC ETC ETC

And I know I'm being irrational, hormonal, ungrateful etc etc, but I am still the same headstrong stubborn opinionated woman I was before I got pregnant. If I want to sit down I will sit down, if I want a drink I will get a drink (or make you get me one), if I am tired then I won't offer to do something for you...

EVERYONE STOP FUSSING OVER ME I'VE HAD A GUTS FULL...if I'm feeling shitty then trust me you'll be the first to know...

as you were -
sorry ladies (feel so much better now...)

Glad you were able to get that off your chest PBH, no point in bottling it up! I'm beginning to get bit fed up of walking in room and literally all eyes staring at me, then turning to friends and whispering. Mostly it amuses me but sometimes it embarrassing. I guess I do look odd, I'm fairly petite and look like I've shoved a beach ball up my t-shirt. If I turn to quickly at play group I knock several small children over with my bump without even noticing.

Go easy hey Pheonix - I'm giving you the advice that I fail to follow myself. Although I haven't done much today. Once you've got that job in your mind that needs doing it will irrate the hell out of you till it's done.

Ahhhhh - another night of pants sleep!! This sucks! We had a power cut again last night so phones and alarms were going off. It then took me another 2 hours to go back to sleep. I will be taking it easy today Fran!

PBH - Peoples reactions to twins are so funny. I get asked the same 3 things!! I feel like I should make up a t shirt to wear with the answers.

Do you know what you are having?
Are they identical?
Are there twins is your family?

No, No and yes my dads a twin, Job done! God I am so grumpy! I'll go now!

He he Pheonix, I know exactly what you mean about the questions. And Fran, my friends all rolled around laughing at me at a party on Saturday - they laughed even more watching my belly wobble as I laughed with them.

Hello Jerin - you will be able to add a fourth thng to Pheonix's list "My, you're going to have your work cut out, aren't you?" Sorry, no idea about tests for prem birth.

I am ashamed to say there is only a vicarious nesting instinct going on with me. I just want to shout orders at my DH all day about what needs doing, but have absolutely no inclination whatsoever to do it myself. I spent about 6 hours yesterday lying on my bed - DH had to come home early from work to look after DD. Not quite so pathetic today thankfully. I have just started getting really swollen hands though - nowhere else but my fingers are really quite sore to clench. I presume I don't need to worry about pre-eclampsia unless I've got other symptoms too, do II?