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23. Allegra Twins Hospital Birth USA
Allegra is a registered dietitian and IBCLC lactation consultant with over eight years of experience in the birthing world. She specializes in prenatal nutrition and postpartum care, with a strong focus on breastfeeding. Allegra transitioned her dietetic practice to emphasize the postpartum period and the importance of protein and electrolyte balance during pregnancy. Besides her professional expertise, she is a mother of four, including a set of identical twins. Allegra runs her consultation practice via Aloha Nutrition and actively shares insights on healthy pregnancy and postpartum practices on her Instagram. In this compelling episode of "Birthing Twins," host Bibi, an experienced midwife and mother of twins, welcomes Allegra, a registered dietitian and lactation consultant, to share her journey through twin pregnancy and childbirth. Allegra discusses her transformative experiences with each of her pregnancies, the unexpected discovery of carrying twins, and the strategies that helped her achieve a healthy and full-term twin pregnancy. Allegra sheds light on the critical role of nutrition, particularly the intake of sufficient protein and electrolytes, in managing a twin pregnancy. She delves into her personal and professional insights on handling the physical and emotional challenges of carrying twins, the importance of advocating for oneself in medical settings, and her meticulous approach to preparing for labor and delivery. This episode is rich in practical tips and empowering messages for expecting mothers, especially those anticipating twins. Nutrition is Crucial: Allegra emphasizes the importance of a protein-rich diet and proper electrolyte intake during pregnancy to support both maternal health and fetal development. Advocacy in Healthcare: Building a good relationship with your healthcare provider and advocating for your preferences can significantly impact your pregnancy and birthing experience. The Role of Family Support: Having a strong support system, including family and doulas, is vital during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, especially when dealing with multiples. Unique Birth Experiences: Allegra's varied birthing experiences highlight the unpredictability of childbirth and the importance of being prepared for different scenarios. Postpartum Recovery: Proper nutrition and support are essential for a smooth postpartum recovery, which can affect breastfeeding success and overall well-being. "Our body speaks through us, through symptoms, through cravings. I just realized I really was not getting enough protein." "It's so funny how much of a mental game birth is. You say you can't, and you just need that affirmation that yes, you can." "I really wanted to show that food is fuel and implementing what I know as a dietitian, how can I support a twin pregnancy with that?" "Even though, yes, I did have to be induced, it felt like that redeeming birth I was looking forward to." "Twins are a blessing. Double the blessing, double the hardship, but twin moms wear something else." Allegra's Instagram: @aloha.nutrition Books Mentioned: "Real Food for Pregnancy" by Lily Nichols Diet and Nutrition Resources: Weston A. Price Foundation Discover the incredible journey of twin pregnancy from a professional dietitian’s perspective, packed with tips on nutrition, childbirth, and postpartum recovery. Listen to the full episode for an inspiring and informative discussion that every expecting mother should hear. Stay tuned for more insightful content from "Birthing Twins"!
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22. Charlotte IVF Twins Breech Hospital Birth Australia
Charlotte is a dedicated single mother of three, half French and half American, who now calls Australia her home. After moving to Australia seven and a half years ago, Charlotte decided in 2019 to become a single mother by choice via a fertility clinic, using an unknown donor. She now has a three-year-old son, Theo, and 13-month-old DCDA twins, Arthur and Ella, all from the same batch of embryos. Charlotte shares her unique and empowering birthing experiences, focusing on her commitment to natural childbirth and navigating the complexities of the healthcare system as a high-risk twin pregnancy patient. In this episode of "Birthing Twins," host Bibi, a midwife and twin mother herself, dives deep into the world of twin births with her guest, Charlotte. Charlotte, who decided to become a single mother via donor embryos, shares her incredible journey of giving birth to her twins, Arthur and Ella. This insightful conversation highlights the challenges and triumphs of a twin pregnancy, focusing on Charlotte's determination to have a natural birthing experience despite the typical high-risk categorization of twin pregnancies. The discussion moves from her first unmedicated vaginal birth with her son Theo to her extraordinary twin birth story. Charlotte's episode is a must-listen for those interested in understanding the nuances of giving birth to twins under the Australian healthcare system. She emphasizes the crucial role of informed decision-making and the need for better postpartum care. Detailing her transition from the high-risk twin clinic to the more supportive MGP (Midwifery Group Practice), Charlotte's account provides invaluable insights into advocating for the kind of birth experience you desire, even within the confines of a medical system that often prioritizes intervention. Her successful natural birth of a breech-first twin stands as a testament to the potential for positive outcomes when mothers are supported and empowered. Role of Informed Decision-Making: The importance of being well-informed and advocating for the birth experience that aligns with one's values and desires. Challenges in High-Risk Clinics: Issues such as lack of continuity of care, high intervention rates, and limited support for natural births in high-risk clinics. Success with Natural Birth: Charlotte successfully gave birth to her twins naturally, with the first twin being breech, demonstrating the possibility of positive outcomes with proper support. Impact of Birth High on Postpartum: The positive emotional high following a natural birth can significantly support the mother's mental health and bonding with the baby postpartum. Importance of Supportive Healthcare Professionals: The critical difference made by having compassionate and understanding healthcare providers who respect and support the mother's birthing choices. "I wanted to see what my body could do because I was like, we're made to give birth, right?" "As soon as he came out, I was like, I want to do this again." "Pregnancy after loss is really hard. I was asking for a lot more scans… I had double the anxiety almost." "That appointment just changed everything. His approach was, 'How can I help you?'" "I wanted to experience a water birth. I want to be able to stay in whatever position I want. I don't want to be pinned to a bed." Charlotte's Facebook: Charlotte Romanet, reach out to Charlotte for more insights and support on navigating twin pregnancies and advocating for natural births. You can find her on Facebook and send her a message via Messenger. Tune into this enlightening episode to grasp the full spectrum of emotions and practical advice Charlotte offers from her unique journey. Stay tuned for more empowering stories and expert discussions on "Birthing Twins."
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21. Ruth Twins Hospital birth at 33 weeks
Ruth is a resilient and passionate mother of twins, a missionary kid, who grew up in Haiti and France, and is currently residing in Missouri. She is an advocate for natural birthing and breastfeeding, having undergone extensive training to become a doula. Her personal experiences with home birthing, miscarriage, and successfully breastfeeding her preterm twins have inspired her to support and educate other expecting mothers. Ruth is dedicated to promoting holistic and natural birthing methods.In this captivating episode of "Birthing Twins," host Bibi, a midwife from Australia with personal and familial experience with twins, delves into the often challenging but deeply rewarding journey of naturally birthing twins. The episode features Ruth, who shares her compelling story of discovering she was pregnant with monodi twins at 20 weeks and the subsequent trials and triumphs of her pregnancy, labor, and breastfeeding journey. Ruth’s narrative illuminates the power of perseverance, community support, and faith in navigating unexpected challenges.Ruth discusses the complexities of her second pregnancy following a traumatic miscarriage, highlighting her determination to maintain a natural birthing plan despite numerous obstacles. Key to her story is her interaction with Dr. Stu and her supportive midwife, who helped her navigate the medical system's pressures. Ruth's account of laboring at 33 weeks, her hospital transfer experiences, and advocating for a vaginal birth under challenging circumstances provides invaluable insights into the practicalities and emotional strength required for such a journey. Her eventual success in exclusively breastfeeding her premature twins underscores her commitment and the possibility of overcoming difficult odds with determination and support.Perseverance and Faith: Ruth’s journey demonstrates the importance of perseverance, strong belief, and faith in successfully navigating pregnancy and childbirth challenges.Community and Support Systems: Surrounding oneself with supportive and knowledgeable individuals, such as midwives and doulas, is crucial in maintaining a natural birthing plan.Natural Birthing Advocacy: Ruth’s story emphasizes the feasibility and benefits of natural birthing, even in complex cases like premature twin births.Breastfeeding Challenges and Triumphs: The episode provides insight into the difficulties and rewarding outcomes of committing to exclusive breastfeeding, despite initial struggles.Holistic and Patient-Centric Birth Planning: The importance of creating a birth plan that aligns with one's values and finding medical professionals who support holistic approaches is highlighted throughout Ruth’s experience.“I always wanted to be a mom. I wasn't thinking about birth until my college years when I heard about my aunt’s home births. That's what I want.”“When I found out it was twins, our world was turned upside down for the better, but at the same time, there was so much to consider and prepare for.”"I made a decision that I wasn't going to go into the hospital if I went into labor at 35 weeks. I asked my midwife to support me, and she agreed."“The only words that came out of my mouth during the most painful labor moments were ‘Jesus,’ and I was so grateful for the strength to persevere.”“Teaching my daughters to breastfeed was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but the perseverance paid off. They're both exclusively breastfed now.”Ruth’s Instagram: @ruth_itsamullerfullifeDr. Stu’s Podcast: Birthing InstinctsWeston A. Price Foundation: Nutrition and HealthListen to the full episode to explore Ruth's inspiring journey and gain valuable insights into natural twin birthing and breastfeeding. Stay tuned for more enlightening content from "Birthing Twins" as we continue to share stories and tips on twins' pregnancies and beyond.
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20. Hannah Twins Homebirth (baby n6 and 7) USA
Hannah is a devoted stay-at-home mother and homeschooler of seven children, including a set of fraternal twin boys born via a home birth. She has extensive personal experience in natural home births, having successfully delivered five babies at home before her twins. Her background and passion for natural childbirth have driven her to support and empower other mothers through their birthing journeys, especially those facing the unique challenges of twin births. Join us for a compelling episode of "Birthing Twins" with host Bibi, a seasoned midwife from Australia, and her insightful guest Hannah Favela. Hannah, a mother of seven, takes us through her extraordinary journey of delivering die-die fraternal twin boys at home. This episode delves into the intricacies of natural twin births, the challenges posed by medical systems, and the significance of advocating for one's birthing choices. Hannah shares her firsthand experiences of facing fear-based medical practices and emphasizes the importance of having a supportive birthing team that trusts the natural birthing process. Listen as she recounts her labor story, including the pivotal moment when she had to find a new midwife late into her pregnancy. Hannah's detailed recount of her twins' birth, including the support she received from her final midwife, Sherry, offers valuable insights and inspiration for expecting mothers, particularly those anticipating twin births. The significance of selecting a supportive birthing team that respects natural birthing processes. Understanding the potential pitfalls of fear-based medical practices in twin pregnancies. The importance of advocating for oneself and questioning medical advice when necessary. Insights into preparing for a home birth, especially in the context of a high-risk pregnancy. Emphasizing the role of informed consent and the rights of expecting mothers to make educated choices about their births. "You are hiring them. They work for you. It's your body, your baby, your birth." "A fear-driven birth ultimately, a lot of times, it's like a self-fulfilling prophecy." "If one door shuts, don't just give in and say, well, that's it. Now I have to go have this hospital birth that I really don't want." "Listen to your God-given intuition. We've been given this amazing gift to bring life into the world." "Every intervention brings consequences; it's vital to educate yourself about what's necessary and what isn't." Hannah Favela on Instagram: @hannahfavela Documentary Recommendations: Pregnant in America The Business of Being Born Midwifery Resources: Traditional Midwife: Sherry Holly (with 46 years of experience) Books and Classes: Bradley Method Natural Childbirth Classes Explore more about the empowering stories from mothers like Hannah and valuable insights into natural twin births by tuning into the full episode. Stay connected for more inspiring discussions on "Birthing Twins" and share this episode with friends who might benefit from these incredible experiences and advice.
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19. Kate Twins Hospital birth at 35+3 weeks
Kate is a dedicated health coach specializing in women's health, with a particular focus on fertility treatments, pre and postnatal nutrition, and support for twin mothers. She lives in New Hampshire, USA, with her husband, young daughter, and twin boys. Kate's profound passion and commitment stem from her own personal journey through fertility challenges and experiencing pregnancy and birth, including the birth of twins. In this compelling episode of "Birthing Twins," Bibi, an experienced midwife and mother of twins, welcomes Kate—a twin mom and health coach from New Hampshire—who shares her dramatic and inspiring story of giving birth to her twin boys. From initial fertility struggles to the surprising revelation of twins, and ultimately to the challenges of birthing twins against medical advice, Kate's story is a tale of resilience, trust in one's own body, and advocating for one's birth choices. Throughout the conversation, Kate delves into the specifics of her pregnancy journey, marked by significant anemia and low platelets that labeled her as high-risk, necessitating hospital care. She navigates through the complexities of choosing the right birthing strategy, vividly recounting her resistance to a coerced early induction and her determination to deliver vaginally despite pressure from medical professionals. This episode provides rich insights into twin pregnancies, the importance of self-advocacy, and the incredible power of maternal intuition. Trust Your Intuition: Kate emphasizes the importance of trusting in one’s own body and intuition during pregnancy and birth. Advocate for Yourself: Despite medical pressure, advocating for the birth experience you want is crucial, as illustrated by Kate’s insistence on a vaginal birth. Preparedness for Complications: Kate’s story highlights the need for being prepared for potential complications and having a clear birth plan. Importance of Support: Support from loved ones, such as Kate’s husband, can be vital in maintaining confidence and focus during labor and delivery. Postpartum Challenges: The episode also touches on the postpartum period, including breastfeeding challenges and the unique needs of twins. "We knew that most likely that would be the position they were going to be in when I went into labor." - Kate "Listen to yourself. Trust in your body and do what you think is right." - Kate’s Husband "We have this incredible, incredible strength and power as women, and we have to tap back into that and to trust ourselves in it." - Kate "Being a parent is hard. Being a mother is hard. Being a mother of twins, it's not twice as hard." - Kate "My boys just kind of, in the last month, have really started playing together, and there's nothing better than watching your twins and their little language they have between each other." - Kate Kate Santucci's Website: www.katesantucci.com Be inspired by Kate's resilience and her empowering journey through twin pregnancy and birth. Tune in to hear more about her story, advocate for yourself, and find support and resources tailored for twin moms. Don't forget to share this episode with someone who might benefit from this incredible account and stay tuned for more enlightening stories from "Birthing Twins."
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