My Unmedicated Twin Birth

It’s been a whole year since I delivered the twins! I know this birth story is long overdue, but life with kids means things don’t always happen on time—better late than never! 😅

Even though a year has passed, the memories are still fresh in my mind. This was my redeeming birth experience, one I truly needed after two previous births that didn’t go as planned. You can read about my first birth with my daughter, Audrey, [here], who was taken to the NICU, and my second birth with my son, Elijah, [here] who was almost a c-section birth. So here is my unmedicated twin birth story:

Pregnancy Recap

Overall, this was my best pregnancy, but it took intentional effort. I focused on getting 30g of protein per meal, drank daily mineral mocktails (upping it to three times a day in the third trimester), attended consistent chiropractic appointments, practiced yoga weekly, stretched daily, and took beetroot to manage my blood pressure, given my higher risk for hypertension with twins.

You can find more behind-the-scenes details about my pregnancy in my Instagram highlights.

At 32 weeks, I had a Nesting Party, assuming I’d go into labor around 36 weeks. Everyone told me to be ready by 35 weeks, with delivery likely by 37 weeks. But 37 weeks came and went—still nothing.

My OB mentioned she usually induces at 38 weeks, but since there were no medical concerns, it was ultimately my choice. At 38 weeks, I had an ultrasound and a cervical check (which I usually decline), only to find out I was 0% dilated.

My mom flew in at 37 weeks, expecting me to deliver at 38, but when 38 weeks passed, she had to reschedule her flight for when I’d be 40 weeks.

I tried every natural induction method: chiropractor, sex, clary sage essential oil, red raspberry leaf tea, Miles Circuit, walking, evening primrose oil, pineapple, spicy food, laughing, nipple stimulation—I even drank the Midwives Brew (which included castor oil).

And still, nothing!

The castor oil only gave me diarrhea and made me vomit twice.

I thought labor was starting a couple hours after having the Midwives Brew, so I called my doula at 2 a.m., and she came over. But after a short nap, I woke up with zero contractions.

Decision to Induce

At my OB appointment on Monday, March 4, everything looked great with the babies. My OB reiterated that induction was her preference but not medically necessary as both babies looked great. My mom was set to leave on Friday and couldn’t change her flight again.

I was exhausted. I had gained 50 pounds, my back and pelvic floor were killing me, and even with all my stretching and massages, I was achy all over. Knowing my mom was leaving, I decided to go ahead with the induction at 39 weeks and 4 days.

Of course I had to do my makeup 😆

Induction Process

At 4 a.m., my husband and I arrived at the hospital. A cervical check showed I was 3 cm dilated, 50% effaced, and Baby A was at stage +1—my body just needed a little nudge. They started Pitocin at 6 a.m., and by 7 a.m., they broke Baby A’s water. (This wasn’t originally part of my birth plan, and I still have mixed feelings about it, but I understand it’s a common part of induction.)

Contractions became steady and strong, and my body was able to take over, so they turned off the Pitocin. My doula arrived, and my husband helped with counter-pressure on my hips, which relieved a lot of pain. I also used a wooden comb to clench during contractions.

My contractions lasted 30-45 seconds, similar to my previous labors. I focused on breathing, closing my eyes, and counting through each wave.

I think this photo is so amusing of my husband – just smiling 🤪

Labor & Delivery – Go Time

Around 9:50–10 a.m., I felt the urge to push. Since hospitals typically require twin deliveries to happen in the OR in case of complications, they transferred me there.

I labored for about 20 minutes standing over the bed, but when the urge to push intensified, they had me lie on my back on the bed. I asked to get on my hands and knees, but the narrow OR bed made me feel unsteady. I requested dim lighting and music to keep my oxytocin flowing.

Pushing & Birth

When it was time to push, I gave it everything I had. It was incredibly painful, and I kept telling my husband, “I can’t do this.” He kept reminding me, “You CAN do this.” With three pushes, Baby A arrived at 10:32 a.m., screaming immediately—such a relief, since my first two babies didn’t cry due to fetal distress.

As I held Baby A, Baby B flipped into a breech position, which my OB had warned might happen. She reached inside me, used ultrasound guidance and external pressure, and successfully turned him head-down. It was uncomfortable but nothing compared to pushing out Baby A, so I was just grateful she could do it.

My OB broke Baby B’s water (which I was fine with at that point—I just wanted him out). With each contraction, I kept clenching and pushing down while holding Baby A on my chest. The pediatrician was concerned about Baby A and took him to the warmer, but I was told he still got about two minutes of delayed cord clamping.

With two big pushes, Baby B was born at 10:36 a.m. They placed him on my chest, and Baby A was brought back to me. They were just four minutes apart!

Baby A weighed 7#8oz and Baby B was 6#3oz.

Postpartum & Recovery

I got to experience delayed cord clamping, the golden hour, and both babies cried at birth—none of which I had with my first two deliveries.

I also didn’t tear and didn’t need an episiotomy!

Once both babies were out, I delivered both placentas. My OB said they were some of the healthiest placentas she had seen, which I credit to my nutrient-dense prenatal diet.

Although I had hoped to go into labor naturally, I made it to 39 weeks and 4 days and was able to have my parents meet the twins. All three of my births have been inductions for various reasons, and honestly, knowing exactly when I’d go into labor made coordinating childcare much easier. But yes, I still would have loved to experience spontaneous labor! (No, we are NOT having more kids 😝).

They transferred me back to the delivery room with both babies on my chest. A few hours later, I moved to the postpartum room.

I was ravenous afterward, and thankfully, lunch was served at 11:30 a.m. I devoured everything, plus the food I had packed (eternally grateful to myself for that!). You can see what I brought here.

 

Final Thoughts

This was my redeeming birth. No NICU time like with my first. No tearing or episiotomy like my second. We did delayed cord clamping and the golden hour, which I hadn’t experienced before.

I’m so grateful my OB honored so many of my birth wishes. It was an incredible experience, and I’m beyond thankful for the healthy arrival of my twins. Thankfully they both latched and breastfed great! It’s definitely possible to have an unmedicated vaginal twin delivery and “just because” you’re having twins, doesn’t mean it’s an automatic c-section or induction. ❤️