In this episode, I’m welcoming Layla back to the podcast as she shares her second birth story a positive NHS hospital water birth of identical twins, planned outside of hospital guidelines. Layla talks about being strongly encouraged towards a planned caesarean, choosing instead to educate herself, understand her rights, and advocate for a vaginal twin birth. We discuss navigating consultant care, negotiating access to the birth pool, and securing permission for her doula to attend during COVID, which became a crucial source of emotional safety and continuity.
She shares the emotional decision to agree to an induction at 36+5 due to growth concerns, managing CTG monitoring and repeated pressure for a C-section, and how strong midwifery and doula support helped her stay calm and grounded. Layla describes birthing her first twin in water, followed by a more urgent assisted delivery for her second twin, with both babies born safely.
We also touch on the early postnatal period, including breastfeeding support, jaundice, a five-day hospital stay, and the ongoing importance of self-advocacy.
This episode reflects personal experience and is not medical advice.
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