Birthing Twins – Details, episodes & analysis

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.

1. "Our body speaks through us, through symptoms, through cravings. I just realized I really was not getting enough protein."
2. "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."
3. "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?"
4. "Even though, yes, I did have to be induced, it felt like that redeeming birth I was looking forward to."
5. "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"!

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."

Dr. Stu, an obstetrician from the United States, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the discussion on birth practices. Having trained at the University of Minnesota Medical School and completed his residency at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, he has spent a significant part of his career transitioning from a more medicalized obstetrics approach to one that closely collaborates with midwives. Dr. Stu is an advocate for home birthing, teaching breach and twin delivery skills around the world, and hosts the "Birthing Instincts" podcast.

In this insightful episode titled "The Twin Birth Conversation with Dr. Stu," host Bibi discusses the intricacies of twin deliveries and the option of home birthing in medical practice. With a focus on choice, trust, and the natural process of childbirth, Dr. Stu provides valuable perspectives to debunk myths and empower expectant mothers carrying twins.

Starting with an overview of types of twins and their implications during pregnancy, Dr. Stu details the distinctions between diamniotic-dichorionic (die-die), monoamniotic-dichorionic (monodie), and monoamniotic-monochorionic (monomono) twin pregnancies. He further elaborates on the protocols for each kind, emphasizing the potential for normal vaginal deliveries under specific circumstances. Highly experienced in home birthing, Dr. Stu passionately argues for the demedicalization of childbirth and the importance of informed consent, shedding light on the risks and misconceptions propagated by a system overly reliant on interventions.

• Understanding the differences between die-die, monodie, and monomono twins is crucial for managing twin pregnancies.
• Vaginal births for die-die and monodie twins can be a safe and viable option when managed by a skilled practitioner.
• The medical system often operates from a place of fear, potentially leading to unnecessary interventions for twin pregnancies.
• Home birth with twins, attended by a knowledgeable practitioner, has been shown to have high success rates and can provide a fulfilling experience for the mother.
• Dr. Stu advocates for the normalization of vaginal breach deliveries, which are often portrayed negatively by mainstream obstetrics despite evidence of their safety when properly handled.

• "The decision of how to give birth does not belong to the medical institution or the physician. It belongs to the informed woman." - Dr. Stu
• "Nature is formidable but it's not intentionally dangerous." - Dr. Stu
• "Most twin moms don't have a problem. The problem is the way they're managed in the hospital." - Dr. Stu
• "Midwives, because they are experts in normal, are so quick to recognize abnormal." - Dr. Stu

• Instagram: @birthinginstincts Dr. Stu's website: www.birthinginstincts.com
• Podcast: www.birthinginstinctspodcast.com

Dive into the full episode to explore Dr. Stu's patient-centric philosophy of birth, especially regarding twins, and learn how empowerment through knowledge can lead to better birth experiences. Stay tuned for more enlightening content that can transform your understanding of childbirth and the choices surrounding it.

Sophie is a dedicated doula and assistant at a birth center in Quebec, Canada. Having extensive experience in birth support, she has also had personal experience giving birth to twins unassisted at home after her hospital experience felt unwelcoming. Sophie is a mother of four, including two sets of twins, and has navigated the complexities of pregnancy and childbirth firsthand. Her insights and personal journey offer a unique perspective on natural birthing, especially in the context of twins.

In this enlightening episode of "Birthing Twins," host Bibi, a seasoned midwife from Australia with personal and familial experience in twin births, sits down with Sophie, a doula from Quebec. The conversation navigates through Sophie’s remarkable journey of giving birth to twins at home, unassisted, after feeling unwelcome at the hospital. Detailing her pregnancy experience, Sophie shares how she managed cholestasis, the challenges of finding accommodating healthcare, and her revolutionary shift to having a home birth.

From discovering her twin pregnancy during a 12-week ultrasound scan to navigating an unsupportive healthcare system, Sophie shares how she tackled each obstacle. Despite enormous pressure to induce labor, she held out past 41 weeks, focusing on her well-being and body’s natural cues. Sophie’s journey emphasizes the significance of informed decisions, trust in one’s body, and advocating for respectful birthing conditions. This episode is a testament to the resilience and empowerment that pregnant women can harness, particularly when confronted with institutional pressures.

• Sophie's journey highlights the importance of advocating for a birth plan that respects your preferences.
• The risks associated with medical interventions, especially induction, underscore the necessity of being informed and confident in making decisions.
• Personal health conditions like cholestasis should be managed with thorough research and continuous monitoring.
• The transformational power of a supportive environment and mental relaxation in triggering natural labor processes.
• Trust in the natural process of childbirth can lead to empowering and positive birthing experiences, even in challenging circumstances.

• "The whole pregnancy, the babies were doing so, so, so well… I felt that they were doing really well." - Sophie
• "It's impossible…you cannot let the baby like that too long. And, you know, a contraction happens at some point." - Sophie
• "When I decided that by the next Tuesday it was over no matter what, I felt really good." - Sophie
• "You can make them kiss, and say hello, brother. Nobody talks about that." - Sophie
• "I was really open, if anything, would have not felt right, to go to the hospital." - Sophie

• Follow host Bibi on Instagram: Birthing Twins

Don’t miss out on this inspiring and informative episode that challenges conventional twin pregnancy narratives. Listen to the full story and stay tuned for more empowering content from "Birthing Twins."

Viviane is an experienced midwife living in Australia. Originally from Brazil, she has a rich personal and professional background in midwifery. Having given birth to twins herself, Viviane's journey into midwifery was inspired by her own birthing experiences. She previously worked as a speech pathologist in Brazil and is now dedicated to supporting women through their pregnancies and birthing processes. Viviane has been deeply involved in the movement to humanize birth practices in Brazil and is a passionate advocate for women seeking vaginal births, particularly those carrying twins.

In this heartfelt episode of "Birthing Twins," host Bibi engages in a compelling conversation with midwife Viviane about the nuanced and empowering journey of birthing twins. Bibi, an Italian midwife residing in Australia with personal experience in twin births, offers a platform for Viviane to share her unique story.

Viviane narrates her adventure of carrying and birthing twins in Brazil, highlighting the challenges and triumphs she faced. She discusses her initial plan for a home birth, the struggle to find a supportive obstetrician, and how she ultimately achieved a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) with the help of a diligent team of midwives and doctors. Key SEO keywords such as "vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC)," "twin birth," "midwifery," and "birth stories" are intricately woven into their discussion.

Listeners will gain insight into the realities of the Brazilian healthcare system, the importance of having a supportive birth team, and the emotional journey of labor and delivery. This episode is a treasure trove for expectant mothers, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in midwifery and birthing practices. Bibi and Viviane emphasize the significance of self-education, trust in one's body, and the crucial role of continuity of care, particularly for women expecting twins.

• The Power of Continuity of Care: Viviane stresses the importance of having a consistent and supportive birth team when expecting twins.

• Educate and Empower Yourself: Self-education and understanding one's body are pivotal in achieving a positive birthing experience.

• Brazilian Healthcare System: Insight into the challenges of birthing in Brazil, including the prevalence of cesarean sections and the journey to finding supportive healthcare professionals.

• Personal Growth Through Birth: Viviane's experiences underscored the profound personal growth and empowerment that can come from the birthing process.

• Natural Twin Births: The episode dispels myths about twin births, showing that full-term, natural, vaginal twin births are possible and beneficial.

1. "Nobody gives you power. Either you find it inside yourself and make it grow, or you're right." - Viviane
2. "Once you've seen, you cannot unsee." - Bibi
3. "Our body is just amazing because it is capable of growing two full-term babies." - Viviane
4. "We give the poison to sell the antidote. When you interfere unnecessarily, you create problems that didn't exist." - Viviane
5. "The system should serve the women, not the other way around." - Viviane

• Viviane's Facebook: Viviane Coentro
• Bibi's Instagram: Birthing Twins

Explore Viviane's profoundly inspiring journey and gain valuable insights on birthing twins by tuning into this episode. Don't forget to share with friends, leave a review, and stay connected for more enlightening content on "Birthing Twins."

Jessica is a remarkable mother of three boys, including twin boys, and a nearly three-year-old son. Living right outside Louisville, Kentucky in the United States, Jessica shares her personal journey through her second pregnancy with twins. She is connected with a supportive community of young families through her church and enjoys working part-time from home, alongside her husband who has his own business.

In this enlightening episode of "Birthing Twins," Bibi welcomes guest Jessica, a mother of three boys including a set of twins, who shares her incredible home birth story. With 38 weeks and four days into her pregnancy, Jessica navigated the complexities and challenges of carrying and birthing twins with the assistance of experienced midwives. This episode dives deep into the prenatal care system, the intricacies of twin pregnancy, and the personalized approach Jessica experienced through home birth.

Throughout the episode, Jessica recounts the discovery of her twin pregnancy, the decision-making process for home birth versus hospital birth, and overcoming the obstacles of a breech birth and an asynclitic position during labor. Key topics include the importance of a supportive birth team, managing unexpected complications during labor, and the benefits of home birth in creating a personalized and comfortable birthing experience. Jessica’s story is not only inspiring but also offers insightful perspectives for other expectant mothers considering home births for their twins.

• The significance of choosing a supportive and experienced birth team, especially for twin pregnancies.
• Understanding the options and regulations surrounding twin home births and midwifery care.
• The impact of physical and emotional preparation in managing a labor that involves breech and asynclitic positions.
• Importance of being open to both natural birth processes and necessary interventions to ensure the safety and health of both the mother and babies.
• Insights into breastfeeding twins and navigating the postpartum period.

• "Pursue the birth that you want. Do research for yourself. Look into stories of other twin, even triplet, home birth moms."
• "For me, I just chose to have her break the water… I don't think that just prolonging it at this point is really going to change much."
• "I was starting to just get completely physically exhausted, emotionally, and I was honestly kind of like, okay, I'm pushing. The baby said down, why isn't he coming out?"
• "It was kind of like my determination and my experience with Juan Tina's years of experience with breech and twins, just knowing what to do and not being fazed."
• "We try to do a few times a day breastfeeding them together if they'll do it, but a lot of the times I'm just nursing one at a time because it’s more practical."

• Instagram: @jesster_chen - Jessica's Instagram profile where she documents her journey.

• Instagram: BirthingTwins - Bibi's Instagram profile for more inspiring stories and information.

Stay tuned for more enlightening content from "Birthing Twins" and make sure to listen to this full episode to immerse in Jessica’s compelling twin home birth narrative.

Bianca del Carmen is an expatriate living in Daegu, South Korea, for the past twelve years. She is a mother of three, including three-month-old twins. Bianca has a unique birthing experience, having given birth to her twins in a natural birthing center in Korea. Additionally, she is the founder of Boram Language Institute, where she teaches Korean online.

In this enlightening episode of "Birthing Twins," Bibi, an experienced midwife, hosts Bianca del Carmen, a mother of three and founder of Boram Language Institute. Bianca shares her profound journey of giving birth to twins naturally, highlighting the challenges and triumphs along the way.

This episode dives deep into the intricacies of twin pregnancies, from the initial discovery to the final moments of labor. Keywords like "twin pregnancy," "natural birth," "birthing twins," and "midwife in Australia" revolve around Bianca's narrative as she discusses the differences between birthing in a traditional hospital versus a natural birthing center. She recounts her experience with Clomid, a fertility medication, and how it led to her twin pregnancies.

Bianca’s narrative provides crucial insights into the natural birthing process for twins, challenges faced, and the importance of advocacy for one's birthing choices. This episode is an essential listen for anyone interested in natural childbirth, especially expecting mothers of twins, healthcare professionals, and birth educators.

• The discovery and journey of twin pregnancy, influenced by fertility medications like Clomid.
• The comparison of traditional hospital births versus natural birthing centers in South Korea.
• Importance of advocating for one's birthing choices and understanding the possibilities of natural birth for twins.
• Detailed recount of Bianca's induction process, labor, and eventual natural birth of her twins.
• Insights into post-birth experiences, including the significance of immediate skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding.

1. "After hearing her story, it just really scared me. I was like, this is not what I want." – Bianca del Carmen
2. "I wish I would have enjoyed it a little bit more rather than being so stressed out about trying to find a hospital." – Bianca del Carmen
3. "I think that I was given the chance to actually have them naturally, you know, vaginally, and that's all I wanted, just the chance to do that." – Bianca del Carmen
4. "So from the time she broke my water to getting both of them out, they were out within 3 hours. Both of them." – Bianca del Carmen
5. "Listen to your body, because I definitely felt that when I was actually in labor and listening to my body, that is when I knew, okay, this is when they're coming." – Bianca del Carmen

• Follow Bianca del Carmen and learn Korean: Boram Language Institute

Embark on this captivating journey with Bianca del Carmen as she shares her story of birthing twins naturally in a unique environment. Tune in, gain valuable insights, and be inspired to explore more episodes of "Birthing Twins" for a wealth of knowledge on twin pregnancies and childbirth.

Kaitlyn Tripp is a dedicated mother from Anaheim Hills, California. She is a passionate advocate for home birth, having experience in delivering her three children at home with the help of midwives and doulas. Kaitlyn's twin birth journey included collaboration with esteemed professionals such as Doctor Stu and Doctor Flores, highlighting her commitment to a holistic and personalized birthing experience.

In this heartfelt episode, Bibi, our holistic midwife host, welcomes Kaitlyn Tripp, a mother of three from Anaheim Hills, California. Kaitlyn's experience encompasses the joys and challenges of home birthing, a journey she undertook with her first child and continued with her twins. Their conversation delves deep into the emotional and logistical aspects of planning and executing a home birth.

Kaitlyn shares her first experience with home birthing her son Jackson during the COVID-19 pandemic, detailing the unique circumstances that led to her decision. SEO keywords explored in this episode include home birth planning, midwife vs. OB care, and overcoming fears in home birth. The discussion transitions into her surprising journey of discovering and preparing for twins' birth at home, emphasizing the importance of personalized care and the supportive role of doulas and midwives.

• Home Birth Planning: Kaitlyn's story highlights the importance of considering home birth options and preparing for them mentally and physically.

• Support Systems: The role of doulas and midwives in providing comfort and expertise during the home birth process.

• Navigating Twin Births: Insight into the challenges and solutions for handling twin pregnancies and births at home.

• Postpartum Realities: The reality of postpartum recovery, including managing hemorrhages and breastfeeding challenges.

• Motherhood Joys and Challenges: Reflections on balancing motherhood with multiple young children, including the joys of watching sibling bonds develop.

1. "I told him I was like, I don't want to be in a hospital. I don't want to be an operating room. I don't want to be treated like, you know, I'm like, this is a medical procedure. I want it to be peaceful and relaxing, and I want to be able to hold my babies after."

2. "The day of birth, like, you really never forget it unless someone, you know, puts something on your head and knocks you out, then you lose your memory, but otherwise, it's like something that you have to live with forever."

3. "It was those birth affirmations, all the work you put in before it really becomes a fruitation while you're doing it."

4. "You had time to unlearn. It was just the most beautiful experience. It's hard, but it's the most rewarding thing in your life."

5. "I feel like, so far, really the safest place to have a natural birth. It's actually at home."

• Doctor Stu and Doctor Flores: Expert OBs consulted by Kaitlyn for her twin home birth.

• Midwives Jennifer and Lisa Marie: Key players in Kaitlyn's home birth team.

Kaitlyn Tripp's story is an inspiring testament to the power of personalized, home birthing experiences. Tune in to hear more about her transformative journey and stay engaged for more enlightening episodes on holistic midwifery and home birth stories.

Kristine Lauria is a certified professional midwife with 35 years of experience. She began her career as a community-based midwife in the Amish country, practicing without registration for 17 years, learning hands-on techniques essential for traditional midwifery. Kristine furthered her credentials by becoming a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM). She now works with Doctors Without Borders, delivering maternal and infant healthcare, including contraceptive care, safe abortion care, and sexual violence survivor support in humanitarian settings.

In this episode of Birthing Twins, Bibi hosts Kristine Lauria to dive deep into the world of twin pregnancies, childbirth, and beyond. Bibi, an experienced midwife from Australia with a personal history of twins, alongside Kristine's vast expertise, creates a rich dialogue filled with valuable insights and practical advice for expecting mothers of twins and birth professionals.

The discussion begins with Kristine recounting her career path from a traditional midwife in the Amish community to her current role in humanitarian aid with Doctors Without Borders. She shares her hands-on learning experiences and the evolution of her practice over the years. As they delve deeper, Kristine emphasizes the importance of prenatal care, diet, exercise, and mental health, highlighting that twin pregnancies don't necessarily classify as high-risk by default. They also explore various configurations of twins (dye/dye, mono/mono) and the considerations for home births, the roles of midwives, and the birthing setting for multiples. Throughout, Kristine reassures that with adequate preparation, home birth for twins can be a positive experience.

• Understanding the different types of twin pregnancies (dichorionic diamniotic, monochorionic diamniotic, and monochorionic monoamniotic) and their implications for birth plans.
• The importance of holistic prenatal care, including diet and exercise, for mothers carrying multiples.
• Encouragement and practical advice for midwives to support twin home births, focusing on the safety and autonomy of the mother.
• Insights into the process of delivering twins at home, including monitoring, decision-making, and handling potential complications.
• The significance of intuition and hands-on palpation skills in managing twin pregnancies and childbirth.

1. "If you have identical twins, theoretically they're going to be usually within a few ounces of one another. But if you have fraternal twins, they're going to be just as different as your first baby weighs this much, and then your next pregnancy, your next baby, they don't weigh the same thing."
2. "Preparation for birth for twins is actually your prenatal care. So I want you to eat a high protein diet…start exercising. Because your body is stretching and you are not at full capacity right now."
3. "Less is more when it comes to birth, and even more so with multiples, quite, quite honestly."
4. "Understand that if you are comfortable with your skills in singleton birth, then by all means, you have the skills to attend a twin birth."
5. "We have to challenge them to face that fear and realize there's nothing they were afraid of. Nothing that wouldn't happen in a singleton birth."

• Instagram: @globalmidwife64 Website: midwifewithoutboundaries.wordpress.com
• Kristine Lauria on LinkedIn
• Doctors Without Borders
• Breech Without Borders Workshops

Don't miss this episode filled with transformative insights and knowledge. If you’re an expecting mother or a birth professional looking for evidence-based guidance on twin births, this conversation is for you. Stay tuned for more enlightening content from Birthing Twins!

Georgia is a 31-year-old family photographer based in Tasmania, specializing in motherhood and family shoots using film. She is also a mother of three children, including recently having twins. Georgia had a traumatic first birth experience, which influenced her journey towards having a free birth after a wild pregnancy for her twins. Her commitment to trusting her body and intuition has been a significant part of her birthing journey.

In this compelling episode of "Birthing Twins," Bibi, an Australia-based midwife from Italy, sits down with Georgia to explore the transformative journey of her twin births following a traumatic hospital experience. Georgia shares her decision to trust her body and opt for a wild pregnancy and a free birth, which ultimately led to the unexpected delivery of twins without prior knowledge of a multiple pregnancy. Her story highlights the significance of intuition, the need to listen to one's body, and the empowering nature of informed birthing choices.

Georgia’s narrative begins with a recount of her first pregnancy, marked by hospital interventions and a highly distressing forceps delivery. Despite a diagnosis of gestational diabetes, daily CTG monitoring, and coercion into medical procedures, she navigated an arduous labor. This deepened her resolve to explore alternative birthing options. In her second pregnancy, Georgia opted for no ultrasounds or routine interventions, instead relying on her body’s signals and intuitive guidance to navigate the pregnancy and subsequent free birth labor with surprising results. Her experience underscores the importance of autonomy and personalized choices in the birthing process, presenting a powerful case for women to reclaim their birthing power.

• Trust Your Body: Georgia emphasizes the importance of tuning into and trusting your body’s natural signals throughout pregnancy and childbirth.
• Empower Birth Choices: Exploring alternatives such as wild pregnancies and free births can provide empowering and positive birth experiences.
• Handling Medical Interventions: Her story reflects the potential challenges and implications of hospital-based births and medical interventions.
• Twin Birth Preparation: Adequate dietary preparation and iron levels are crucial for managing a healthy twin pregnancy and reducing complications.
• Support Systems: It’s vital to have a supportive partner and birth team who respects your birthing choices and advocates for your needs.

1. "If I thought you were stupid, I wouldn't have chosen you."
2. "I was adamant that it was just one baby and that it was a girl."
3. "You really, really can trust yourself to know what's best for you and your baby."
4. "I have so much pain when walking, but everybody says I have to exercise. No, you don't."
5. "That birth was so necessary because it forced me to step into my own power."

• Georgia’s Instagram: @georgia_lilley_photography

Encouraging listeners to delve deeper into Georgia's journey, this episode of "Birthing Twins" paints a vivid picture of resilience and self-empowerment in the face of medical adversity. Tune in for this and more enlightening stories on birthing and twin pregnancies. Be sure to share this episode with anyone navigating their own birthing journey and leave a review to support the podcast.