preparing for delivery

Discuss the birth with your doctor.

Consider some of the delivery issues ahead of time, and discuss them with your doctor. What is the doctor's policy if one of the babies is breech? Transverse? How long will the doctor allow the pregnancy to progress-- 38 weeks? 39? 42? Will the doctor induce if you approach that point?

I was so worried about pregnancy issues, bedrest, and possible health problems with the babies that I didn't ask any questions about going full term. At 38 weeks, the doctor stripped the membranes, and said labor should start soon. He did the same at 39 weeks. At 40 weeks, I came back, and he wasn't there! He'd been called up for reserve duty, and none of the other doctors were really prepared for me. They wouldn't induce with a twin pregnancy because of the risk to the second twin, and half of them wouldn't consider vaginal delivery with Twin B transverse. In the end we scheduled a c-section (40 weeks, 5 days). I didn't mind the c-section, but I wish I had asked more questions, earlier. I would have been quite happy to move the operation up a few weeks!

But I thought twins always come early!

Many doctors do not want their patients with twins to contine past 38-39 weeks. Besides the obvious discomfort for the mother, there's some research suggesting that the additional time in utero is more detrimental than beneficial: http://www.usatoday.com/life/health/lhs506.htm

How can I prepare for preemies?

Write a Birth Plan.

Some women hire a doula, or pregnancy assistant, to help them through the pregnancy, labor, and early days at home. More information is available at: http://www.dona.com/.

Whatever you decide, please remember that you may not be able to determine how things go. Keep in mind that in the end, delivering healthy babies is more important than whether they arrived vaginally or whether you needed forceps or a c-section. If you can maintain some flexibility during the delivery, you're well on your way to surviving the next 20 years!

What's a partner to do?

Tell your DH beforehand who you want him to be with if there's a quesion. It's natural for him to want to stay with you, but easier to go with the babies if he knows that is what you want. I was under orders to go with the babies no matter what.

When should I pack my bag?

I packed a hospital bag at 36 weeks and delivered at almost 41!

What do I need to take to the hospital?

• jolly rancher candies
• chapstick
• a disposable camera (less likely to be stolen)

• Phone list

  Don't forget the insurance company - most require notification of hospitalization with in 24 hours (even if you precertified).

• Breastfeeding supplies (bra, pads, cream-- even a nursing pillow if you'll have a private or semi-private room)
• Plenty of light-weight clothing-- if you can't stand the thought of wearing hospital gowns. But this may be your last chance to have someone else do your laundry!

  Remember those gallons of water you were drinking before delivery? Well, afterwards, you'll be sweating it out. Literally. Bring several T-shirts or similar large, light clothing.

• Old underwear and your preferred brand of pads.

  This was one of the biggest surprises for me. I had read about the bleeding and discharge after delivery, but didn't realize there would be so much! Take panties you don't care about-- or even disposables.

• A pregnancy book

  Some of my pregnancy books had good suggestions for post-natal exercises. I think doing some of these extra-mild ones made my c-section recovery easier.

• A heating pad might help with your incision soreness. You of course need to remove it if the babies will be in your bed.
• Going home outfits for the babies:

  I trusted DH to bring them later, but even with a detailed description he brought the wrong ones. Not really a big deal, but I'd have preferred them to have something closer to their size.

• Something special for the babies (especially useful if you suspect identicals):

  For our twins we had a pair of stuffed animals to put in their bassinets (or whatever you call those things the hospitals use!) Made it easy for friends and family to identify our babies.

Additional Suggestions

In lots of hospitals they do not offer pain killers - you need to ask for them - do not be shy!! I found it invaluable that the first few days I kept the pain at bay, and after 2 days I was off them. Also ask about a "durablock" which is something they put through the epidural at the end which keeps you pain free for 24 hours.