1. It’s going to be OK
Stay strong. Don’t be disheartened if you need a c-section. As long as the babies are OK, that’s all that matters. Remember that it’s normal to feel lots of emotions – you’ve literally made life! Take a deep breath, everything is going to be OK.
2. Be informed
Ask lots of questions so you feel comfortable. Don’t worry about being ‘annoying’; your questions are important and it will really put your mind at ease. Books such as Your Baby, Your Birth: Hypnobirthing Skills For Every Birth offer skills and tools to make any birth feel safe, calm, connected and empowering.
3. The needle will hurt, but you won’t feel anything else
Although the process can be uncomfortable, it’s over extremely quickly.
4. You’ll be in (lots of) safe hands
It’s common for over a dozen doctors and nurses to be on hand for a twin delivery (compared to only 4 for a singleton).
5. Move as much as you can
Once you’ve been cleared by the doctor, get up and move as much as possible. Do laps around the ward if you can – it will help with recovery.
6. Don’t wait to pee
It hurts a ton to try and get up out of the hospital bed with a full bladder.
7. Don’t rush recovery
It’s important to move, but it’s equally important to listen to your body. Take your time. Don’t lift anything heavy. Drink LOTS of water.
8. Accept help
Don’t be afraid to recruit help for the weeks following the birth. Your body needs time to recover. You will be in pain, and you can’t do everything by yourself. If you can, have someone at the hospital with you at all times to help with the babies. But be sure not to overwhelm yourself with too many visitors.
9. Take. Your. Medicine.
You can’t take care of your babies if you aren’t taking care of yourself! Don’t try to be ‘tough’ – take your meds. They truly help.
10. Buy post-partum support
Invest in c-section recovery gear, like this Belly Bandit to give your stomach the support it needs post-surgery and post-pregnancy. Top tip: wear it for 2 weeks longer than you think you need to.
11. Stock up on maternity pads
You will experience some postpartum bleeding and cramps. Buy as many maternity pads as possible – you’ll need them!
12. Choose your underwear wisely
Pack some granny panties in your hospital bag. They’ll be the comfiest option – especially while you’re wearing big maternity pads. It’s important that the waistband is well away from your incision to avoid irritation. Once the scab has disappeared, consider investing in a few pairs of comfy c-section compression underwear. They help to reduce discomfort and swelling around the incision.
13. Don’t rush out of hospital
The longer you can stay in the hospital with care for yourself and babies, the better.
14. Hold your babies
You can ask for skin to skin and nurse your babies immediately.
15. Buy a pillow
Get a twin feeding pillow to avoid putting pressure on your wound if you breastfeed. The TWIN Z Pillow is a popular choice.
16. Set up everything within arms reach
At first, moving will be difficult. Make life easier for yourself by keeping everything you need close by. Bassinets such as the HALO Bassinest Twin Sleeper are designed specifically for moms healing from c-sections. It makes it possible to tend to both babies from the comfort of your bed.
17. Massage your scar
If you’re concerned about the appearance of your scar, take a few minutes each day to look after it. It won’t be even and straight, but that’s OK. Treatments such as Scar Away can help to speed up the process.
18. Have a few meals in the freezer
Cooking will be the last thing on your mind. Prepare some meals in advance so you can heat up something quickly. You’ll really thank yourself for this one!
19. Include yourself in photos
You might feel that you look ‘terrible’, but it’s so important to have photos of you and your babies together. They will cherish the photos when they’re older. Remember to give yourself a break – you just grew two humans. Even if your body looks a little different now, you are strong and beautiful.
20. Be patient and heal first
The first 2 weeks will be tough, both mentally and physically. You’re likely to be in a lot of pain, and you’ll probably find yourself thinking you’ll never be able to move again. It’s a slow process, so give it time – and remember to be kind to yourself and your healing.
“Twin pregnancy is way worse than c-section recovery – you got this!” – A Twin Mom
