Since this blog is predominately about mine and my family’s journey through a variety of endeavors, I felt it makes sense to also share some personal stories that may be relatable and even helpful for other mamas.
** Please note that this is my personal experience and none of this is medical advice**
Let’s start at the beginning – when I found out I was going to be a mama to twins! Before I get into this and- my fellow twin moms will understand — we did not do IVF, yes, I can tell them apart, I do have my hands full, and even though it’s A LOT, it’s such a blessing and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Those questions were a solid standard anytime I’d leave the house.
Oh Sh!t
So the twins were a complete surprise for us. I’ll never forget the day I found out. Leading up to it I knew something was off. I felt nauseas, I was late, moody, doing half as*ed workouts at the gym, eating complete junk as opposed to my usual gym rat clean eating regimen. But I was in denial. No way could that even be possible. I figured what the heck, let’s take a test just to rule it out. So I went to the supermarket, grabbed a bag of BBQ chips that I’d been craving all day, took a test off the shelf and headed home. Needless to say, a “+” sign showed up right away and I went into oh sh!t mode. I didn’t feel like I was ready for this. I had just started a new job and had other things in mind for the future. But, God had other plans for me. And I’m so grateful for this path he’s led me on. And then, plot twist! We go in for our first ultrasound and get asked, “Did you do IVF? There’s two in there.” My husband just about fainted right there in the room. 
High Risk Pregnancy
The “it’s twins” bliss wore off sooner than I wanted. Not because we weren’t thrilled, but because of the interactions that followed. Due to it being a twin pregnancy, we were warned by my OBGYN that it would be high risk. We were fortunate to have a highly recommended team of doctors throughout those 9 months, however the experience was not great. If there’s one piece of advice I can offer to new moms it’s that you want to really trust and like your doctor. Especially if it’s a high risk situation. Being told things like, “this is not good, don’t be excited,” and “this probably won’t end well,” were horrible things to be told being pregnant for the first time. Fear was the last thing I wanted in this journey.
Thankfully, all was good throughout my pregnancy. The only hiccup was failing the glucose test and having gestational diabetes, which I credit to the chocolate cakes I craved every day of my first trimester. We monitored and managed it, I cleaned up my diet and the boys were growing healthy, strong, and on track. One regret I do have is not being active in this pregnancy. Going from gym rat mode to doing the bare minimum was hard – and it was out of fear of doing something that I thought would cause harm or make me go into preterm labor. I didn’t educate myself enough, or stand up for myself as much as I wish I would’ve – but I’m so proud to say that I made it to full term for a multiples pregnancy! I had a scheduled C-section at the end of my 37th week.
My C-section experience was a doozy and left me with quite a bit of trauma, but I am so thankful that all turned out well and everyone was healthy and safe. Pregnancy, labor, delivery, postpartum.. it’s a lot. It’s worth it, no doubt. But man, it can take a toll. If there’s one benefit I think social media has brought us in between all the toxicity it’s the community, relatability, and helpful information for moms who can feel so alone in this ever-changing journey. I was pregnant with twins when Instagram was just becoming a thing, so the reels, helpful info posts from doctors and physical therapists weren’t there, and i really wish they were.
If you enjoyed this post or found it helpful and would like me to share more leave a note in the comments below!
Talk soon.
Kath
