The girls are a month old, but I’m finally getting around to sharing my birth story!
I had known for a few weeks now that I was going to have a c-section since Baby A was breech and I was so nervous about it! I did as much reading about it as possible but still wasn’t sure how ready I was for it. The night before the surgery, we went out to dinner with our parents and Hayden and then he went off to spend the night with my in-laws. I was so sad to say good-bye to him that night and couldn’t stop my hormonal self from crying because I had such fears from the surgery! When Heath and I got home that night we watched the Oscars and then The Walking Dead. By then it was midnight and we had to be at the hospital at 5:30am, leaving our house around 5. Sleep was not going to happen that night!
4am came quickly and I was up to shower and make sure I had everything packed in my hospital bag. I also had the diaper bag packed with two presents for Hayden from the babies so I had to make sure to bring that too. Then we were off to the hospital!
When we arrived, we headed to the Family Birthplace and I let them know I was there. We were the first scheduled c-section of the day which somehow made me feel better. They took me to a room where I had to change into a gown and then 3 nurses came in to start taking some information and have me sign some paperwork. They explained to me what would happen and as I laid on the bed, time was passing by a lot quicker than I thought. I originally thought it would feel like forever until 7:30am, when the surgery was scheduled.
My doctor popped in to see me and to ask if I had any questions but I didn’t really have any. She had been great about going over the whole procedure with me at my last two doctor’s appointments. Next, the anesthesiologist came in to go over what would happen and scared the crap out of me! I had an epidural when I delivered Hayden but I didn’t remember hearing all of the risks that could happen then. Since I was having a spinal though, I know it was different. She let me know that she would try the spinal twice and if it didn’t take, then I would be put completely under and my husband wouldn’t be able to come in then. I remember looking at my husband and nervously laughing while praying that wouldn’t happen.
More questions, more nurses….my husband got his gown, hat and booties that he would have to change into soon. The anesthesiologist then came back and put an IV in my other arm in case I had to have a blood transfusion. More nervous laughter from me but I knew that was especially a risk when pregnant with multiples. My nurse then asked if I wanted to have my catheter in before or after. I asked her what she would do and she said after. Sure, more people would be around but I wouldn’t have to feel any pain. No pain it is! I opted for after.
Then the time came to go back to the Operating Room. They had me stand up and walk there, it really wasn’t too far. I thought my husband was behind me so I didn’t really get to say goodbye to him. It wasn’t until we were in the operating room and I asked that they reminded me that he had to stay out there until they got him.
I had read and people had told me that the room would be bright, filled with people and cold but it still shocked me a bit. They had me sit up on the table to get my spinal and while it was just like when I received my epidural 5 years ago, I still started shaking and almost crying. I had a wonderful nurse who held my hands and told me to breathe and that it was okay to cry. The anesthesiologist kept asking me where I could feel anything in my back until I told her nothing. They quickly had me lay down and they helped lift my legs up onto the bed since I already couldn’t feel them.
Once I was laying back, they worked quickly, putting the drape up and then giving me some oxygen. They called my husband in and gave him a stool, so he could sit down by head and hold my hand. The wonderful anesthesiologist stayed by my side letting me know when I would feel pressure and to remember to keep breathing. He also told me to look to the screen on my right so I could see that my oxygen number was at 100. So even if I felt like I couldn’t breathe, I was getting plenty of oxygen.
Everyone had told me that I would feel a lot of tugging and pressure, but honestly I barely felt anything so I’m going to consider myself very lucky! My OB let us know what was going on and she announced that she was pulling Baby A out. I did’n’t hear any crying or anything so I remember being really worried but she soon started crying and they brought her over to the warmer. There were two warmers and two sets of nurses and a pediatrician for each baby. I thought it was forever in between taking Baby B out so I was shocked to learn that Baby A was born at 7:55am and Baby B was born at 7:56am!
They started cleaning up both babies at the warmers and let my husband and I know that Baby A was 5 pounds, 10 ounces and Baby B was 6 pounds even. They were both 19.5 inches long. The pediatrician came over and let me know that both babies looked great. Even though I made it to 38 weeks, I was still worried that something could be wrong. My doctor let me know that they would begin sewing me up again but I was so distracted looking at the girls I didn’t even pay attention or feel anything.
Once the girls were cleaned up and dressed, they gave both of them to my husband to hold.
Welcome to the world, Olivia (Baby A) and Evelyn (Baby B)!
Now this time, I thought time was flying by but he told me it was almost 40 minutes that he sat there holding them while they stitched me up. Once they were done though, they put the girls in my arms and then wheeled me back to the room which would be mine for the next 5 days!
Once we were settled into the room, they let me breastfeed the girls one at a time. Both of them latched on very quickly – much better than my son 5 years ago – but I was happy when they told me that a lactation consultant would be in later to help me. I knew that nursing twins was a whole new experience!
Once I was able to do that, my husband went to the waiting room to get our son. We wanted him to be the first person to meet the girls. He ran into the room and after saying hello to me and glancing at the babies, he was much more excited to see the presents we told him the girls would be bringing him (two new Skylanders}. After we had a little time just the 5 of us, we then let the grandparents in to see the babies!
I had been scared to have a c-section but I have to say it honestly wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. They had originally told me that I wouldn’t be able to eat anything until the next day, but a nurse gave me some crackers that night. The next morning I was desperate to get my catheter out and also to get moving. I had read that it was important to start moving as soon as possible after a c-section so that next day I made sure to get up and move around the room. The next few days I took walks through the halls with my husband and son.
I ended up staying 4 nights in the hospital and I have to admit, sometimes I miss it! It was nice having so many nurses to help us and to order room service at any time and have housekeeping come in and clean up after us. But it was also great to finally come home and get into a routine as a family of 5.
Do you have questions about having a c-section or twins? Let me know! I know that I tried to learn as much as possible so I’d be happy to answer any questions!
Gina says
Glad everything went so smoothly for you. LOVE that pic of Hayden making faces at the babies – priceless!!
Sippy Cup Mom says
Thank you so much – he has been loving them!
Carrie with Children says
Yay! I loved reading their birth story! I didn’t have a c-section with either of my girls, but I’ve never really known exactly how it all worked – now I do! 🙂 I’m so in love with these babies – they are precious! So glad Hayden is doing well with them too! xoxo
Sippy Cup Mom says
Thank you – there’s a lot more details to the c-section but I am already forgetting some things! I should have written all this down sooner! 😉
Cinny says
How cute! Congratulations!
Sippy Cup Mom says
Thank you!!
Natalie says
Loved this!! The whole fam looks PERFECT!
Sippy Cup Mom says
Thank you Natalie! 🙂
mel says
Aw! Congrats! What a beautiful family! I had two Csections and it was the best decision for me!
Sippy Cup Mom says
Thank you so much Mel!
Angela says
Thanks for sharing you wonderful birth story with us:}
The girls are beautiful.
Sippy Cup Mom says
Thanks for reading, Angela!
Dede says
Congrats on the babies! I love that you gave your son a gift from the babies, what a special touch! I had c-sections too, and it was scary before but not as bad as I thought it would be.
Sippy Cup Mom says
Thanks so much Dede! I think I was definitely more scared beforehand!
Jennifer @ Mom Spotted says
How sweet! I always tear up reading these. I swear I have double the tears with this one! Congrats one the girls!
Sippy Cup Mom says
Aw, thank you Jennifer!!
Amber Edwards says
Congrats on your new bundles of joy! I don’t envy you your c section. Those take more time to recover from. But I’m glad all went well and that the twins made it here alright.
Sippy Cup Mom says
Thank you Amber! I’m just glad I didn’t have to labor so long and push the two of them out LOL!
Kathleen Kennedy-Leon says
congrats and God Bless your whole family!! I loved all your bump pix and of course–this post was a fav!! love the girls nose to nose and your son making a face!
you all look wonderful! thank you for sharing!
Sippy Cup Mom says
Thank you so much for reading Kathleen!
Danielle says
What an amazing experience! I’m so excited for you and your family. Your girls are absolutely precious.
Sippy Cup Mom says
Thank you Danielle!
Samantha K says
Wow! Thanks for sharing your story. You have a wonderful family!! Congrats!
Sippy Cup Mom says
Thanks so much Samantha!
Debi@thespringmount6pack says
I love reading birth stories. Thanks for sharing.
Danielle @ We Have It All says
OMGosh I LOVE this post, I am totally all teary. They are so so sweet, you are so blessed! I’ve had one c-sect. out of 5 so I was totally re-living it through you haha. And I’ve always wanted twins, I can’t imgine how blessed you must feel! Congrats again 🙂
Sippy Cup Mom says
Thanks so much for reading, Danielle! 😉 So blessed!
FiddleDeeAshley says
I’m a crying mess right now. I’m still so excited for your little girls and so happy the delivery went smoothly. Love you!!!
Sippy Cup Mom says
<3 Thank you!!!
Tammy S says
Congrats! you have a beautiful family. I had all 3 of my kids by c-section and once you get in there it’s not as scary as everyone makes it sound. I think a lot of it has to do with how much you trust your doctor.
Sippy Cup Mom says
Thanks so much Tammy!
Carol L says
A great post. The girls are just beautiful. Your son’s silly face is indeed priceless. 🙂 You have a beautiful family and so happy for you everything went off on schedule and it all went well. Congrats on your adorable twins.
Carol L
Sippy Cup Mom says
Thank you so much Carol!
Jen says
I remember when they told me that I had a weird neck and would have to use a special tube if I went under with my c-section. All the risks scared the crap out of me and since I was really sick I was so confused! Lol I was one of the lucky ones breathing wise because I always breathe so shallow I never noticed. The girls are beautiful and you did such a great job. I am so happy it went so well. <3
Sippy Cup Mom says
Oh, no!! Yes, the risjs scared me so much! I’m so glad it went well for you too! Thank you, Jen!
LeeAnn says
I was wondering when you were going to get around to posting about those two little cuties over here. 🙂 I’m glad everything went so well during the delivery!
Sippy Cup Mom says
Thanks, LeeAnn! I know, I took so long to get this up I forgot some parts of the delivery, LOL!
Olivia Rubin says
That was so great that Olivia & Evelyn brought him sky lander! That is what my mom did for my sister, so she would like me. It worked!
I guess they were born February 25th?
Do you know if they are identical or fraternal?
How super cool of your body to,produce two babies.
I wonder how you came to their names.
Sippy Cup Mom says
That’s awesome! I knew he would love if they gave him toys! 😉
They were born on the 25th! They are fraternal – at first I had trouble telling them apart but now I see they are so different.
My husband and I just started going though baby name lists and Olivia and Evelyn (Evie) were just two names we loved and I liked that they aren’t TOO popular right now. Although Olivia is getting to be popular again! Do you love your name? Do you have any nicknames?
Jen says
I love Olivia, I have an Olivia Anne. 🙂
Terra Heck says
Congratulations on the birth of your beautiful babies. I think sometimes we get ourselves worked up and our nerves get the best of us. I’m glad to hear everything went smoothly and that everyone was helpful during the whole thing.
Sippy Cup Mom says
Thank you so much Terra!
Natalie says
I’m so happy for you and your family! It sounds like you had a great experience, even with the surgery (I don’t think actual surgery is ever really a good time 🙂 ). But it’s the best surgery you will ever have! (2 of my 3 were c-sec) Congratulations!!
Sippy Cup Mom says
Thank you Natalie!! 😉
Cori says
Way to go mama!!!! Those babies are beautiful!! Congratulations!
Joy says
Beautiful Babies! Congrats to you all. A coworker of mine just had a baby and named it Evelyn and I really like Olivia too. Can’t wait to see more photos 🙂
Janet W. says
Wow! Congrats to you and your family!! Such a blessing. I know my daughter really missed the nursing staff after she got home, so with twins I’m sure you will, too!
laura says
Congratulations! So glad your birth went well! I agree moving sooner than later is much better. The girls are adorable!
Karen Y. says
Congrats on twin girls. I have twin girls who just turned 6. It gets better everyday. I had a c section too and mine was rough to heal from, but it sounds like you are doing well. My girls are Olivia Rose and Kayla Veronica. They are a gift to me every day as I’m sure yours will be !
Sippy Cup Mom says
Thank you so much, Karen! I feel like I’m doing pretty good from the c-section and now surviving them! It’s pretty amazing!