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A multiples pregnancy is a unique experience, certainly more challenging than our first pregnancy, and we anxiously awaited the arrival of our twin girls. The multiples clinic team was responsive to all our questions and concerns. In particular, the team was instrumental in creating a supportive and trusting relationship, guiding us through all the stressors of multiples pregnancy. There were many ups and downs as we decided on when to stop working, how to prepare for delivery, and how to manage expectations of the birth itself. Having this trust made it possible for us to focus on our excitement while knowing that the multiples team would (and did many times) help us through the various challenges of the pregnancy and delivery. We now have two healthy and thriving girls, and I was able to breastfeed exclusively, which was important to me. We are enjoying watching this two grow into little people.

– Kaissa, mother of monochorionic twins

During my high-risk twin pregnancy, I was referred to The Multiples Clinic at The Ottawa Hospital. I didn’t know at the time how important that transfer would be to the outcome of my pregnancy. From our first meeting, I felt at ease and confident in the care I would receive. As my health declined fairly quickly early in my third trimester, my babies and I were all regularly and carefully monitored. I was kept informed of my status and I was involved in all decision-making – which included an extended stay in the obstetrics unit for the last two months of my pregnancy. During this time, I was treated with compassion and respect at every turn. By following the recommendations of the team, I managed to make it to 36 weeks – full term for twins! When the babies and I all needed intervention during the delivery, we received timely, expert and compassionate care. After delivery, our need for care continued, and we all received great support even beyond our discharge a week later. They even continued to check in on us after we went home! Almost six years later, I’m delighted to say that I have two happy, inquisitive and energetic boys. The team’s expert knowledge, practical approach and genuine kindness will forever be part of our happy family story.

– Linda, mother of dichorionic twins

The two most terrifying experiences of my life occurred while at the high-risk clinic. I was pregnant with monochorionic diamniotic (mono-di) twins and the multiples clinic team had informed me of all potential risks and outcomes.

Suddenly at 28 weeks gestation, while undergoing my routine ultrasound I was overcome by an extreme headache and sudden high fever of 41°C; the babies had remarkably elevated heart rates. The high-risk team took immediate action to determine the cause and admitted me to the hospital with full 24-hour monitoring of the babies. Bacteria was discovered in my blood, I was treated with the appropriate antibiotic, and the babies and I recovered. I still consider myself fortunate that I was at the clinic that day otherwise the outcome may have been different for both myself and my twin daughters.

The team ensured I was observed more routinely following my discharge. My next ultrasound at 29 weeks gestation revealed my biggest fear: TTTS. It had appeared suddenly and progressed rapidly. I was stage 4; the recipient twin had fluid accumulating in her abdomen, scalp, heart, lungs, and was in cardiac distress, while the donor twin had no amniotic fluid and no visible bladder.

My hopes of trying to deliver my twins with minimal intervention around 36 weeks were shattered. I was immediately prepped for an emergency caesarian and delivered one crying 900g (1.9 lb.) baby and one silent 1300g (2.8 lb.) edematous baby, who was resuscitated by the amazing NICU team. The team stayed by my side during surgery and was there to support my husband while he waited in the hall alone.

After 72 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the General Campus, my beautiful strong girls were discharged home, having fought their battle. My battle, however, was just beginning. About 2 months later I was hit abruptly with postpartum anxiety and began experiencing panic attacks, extreme hyper-vigilance and compulsions. I endured bouts of insomnia lasting weeks and my milk supply temporarily dried up. Using the strength, I witnessed in my tiny girls, I fought back, but I couldn’t succeed alone. I reached out for professional help, only to learn that postpartum mood disorders are common following multiple births and are easily treatable. Resources exist, keep contacts readily available.

My beautiful, smart, resilient and funny little ladybirds: Cecilia Lincoln and Alexandria Estelle, are now thriving and have completely captivated us. I truly believe that I have the multiples team to thank for their survival. Few weeks pass that I don’t think back on my insistence that my OB transfer me to an MFM at the high-risk clinic. I fully appreciate my good fortune of living in Ottawa and having access to the expertise, benevolence and proficiency of the high-risk team as well as the nurses, respiratory therapists and physicians of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

– Cynthia, Mother of monochorionic twins