On this week's episode of Sense by Meg Faure, we welcome back radio personality Zoe Brown, just weeks after the birth of her twin boys, Jordan and Luke! Joined by specialist midwife and twin mum Tasha Perreard, Zoe shares her incredibly raw, real, and ultimately empowering twin birth story. If you followed our last chat, Zoe was hoping for a vaginal delivery despite one twin being in a transverse position – listen now to hear how her journey unfolded.
The Birth Story: Trusting Instincts & Strong Support Zoe takes us minute-by-minute through her induction process in the Australian public health system. She candidly discusses the challenges – a slow start, needing oxytocin, and the surprise of feeling contractions despite the epidural. The climax arrives with the birth of Baby A, followed by a tense period when her cervix closed and Baby B needed help descending. Zoe highlights the crucial role of a strong-willed midwife who advocated for her wishes, leading to a successful vaginal delivery for both twins, against the odds. She shares the emotional moments, the relief, and the surreal feeling of meeting her boys.
Postpartum Recovery & Unexpected Challenges The journey didn't end with the birth. Zoe opens up about her experience with postpartum preeclampsia, including the symptoms and necessary monitoring. She also discusses the physical recovery after a twin vaginal birth, including diastasis recti (abdominal separation) and the early days of regaining core strength and bladder control. We touch upon the importance of hospital debriefs and physiotherapy support.
Newborn Feeding Journey: Realities of Twins How do you feed two newborns? Zoe shares her honest experience with combination feeding – breastfeeding, expressing, and formula top-ups, especially after one twin needed glucose support due to low blood sugar levels (linked to gestational diabetes). She talks about the different tandem feeding positions, the challenges of doing it solo, and the crucial support from her husband. Midwife Tasha Perreard offers a fantastic practical tip for managing bottle and pump part sterilisation to save time!
Expert Advice: Relaxing the Schedule & Co-Sleeping Zoe asks the burning question many new parents face: when can you relax the strict three-hourly feeding schedule? Meg and Tasha provide clear guidelines based on babies regaining their birth weight, advising on letting babies lead the way at night while maintaining a rhythm during the day. They also discuss the sensitive topic of co-sleeping twins, weighing the SIDS guidance against the reality that twins are often calmer together, emphasizing safe sleep practices. Consider tracking your twins' progress and routines easily with the Parent Sense app.
This episode is a must-listen for expectant parents (especially of multiples!)
📌 Episode References & Links:
📲 CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE
Web: megfaure.com
Facebook: facebook.com/MegFaure.Sense
Instagram: instagram.com/megfaure.sense
📱 Parent Sense Mobile App:
Web: parentsense.app
Google Play: Download for Android
iOS App Store: Download for iOS
💌 Support the Podcast: Subscribe or listen on Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating & review on Apple Podcasts.
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By Meg Faure
5
33 ratings
On this week's episode of Sense by Meg Faure, we welcome back radio personality Zoe Brown, just weeks after the birth of her twin boys, Jordan and Luke! Joined by specialist midwife and twin mum Tasha Perreard, Zoe shares her incredibly raw, real, and ultimately empowering twin birth story. If you followed our last chat, Zoe was hoping for a vaginal delivery despite one twin being in a transverse position – listen now to hear how her journey unfolded.
The Birth Story: Trusting Instincts & Strong Support Zoe takes us minute-by-minute through her induction process in the Australian public health system. She candidly discusses the challenges – a slow start, needing oxytocin, and the surprise of feeling contractions despite the epidural. The climax arrives with the birth of Baby A, followed by a tense period when her cervix closed and Baby B needed help descending. Zoe highlights the crucial role of a strong-willed midwife who advocated for her wishes, leading to a successful vaginal delivery for both twins, against the odds. She shares the emotional moments, the relief, and the surreal feeling of meeting her boys.
Postpartum Recovery & Unexpected Challenges The journey didn't end with the birth. Zoe opens up about her experience with postpartum preeclampsia, including the symptoms and necessary monitoring. She also discusses the physical recovery after a twin vaginal birth, including diastasis recti (abdominal separation) and the early days of regaining core strength and bladder control. We touch upon the importance of hospital debriefs and physiotherapy support.
Newborn Feeding Journey: Realities of Twins How do you feed two newborns? Zoe shares her honest experience with combination feeding – breastfeeding, expressing, and formula top-ups, especially after one twin needed glucose support due to low blood sugar levels (linked to gestational diabetes). She talks about the different tandem feeding positions, the challenges of doing it solo, and the crucial support from her husband. Midwife Tasha Perreard offers a fantastic practical tip for managing bottle and pump part sterilisation to save time!
Expert Advice: Relaxing the Schedule & Co-Sleeping Zoe asks the burning question many new parents face: when can you relax the strict three-hourly feeding schedule? Meg and Tasha provide clear guidelines based on babies regaining their birth weight, advising on letting babies lead the way at night while maintaining a rhythm during the day. They also discuss the sensitive topic of co-sleeping twins, weighing the SIDS guidance against the reality that twins are often calmer together, emphasizing safe sleep practices. Consider tracking your twins' progress and routines easily with the Parent Sense app.
This episode is a must-listen for expectant parents (especially of multiples!)
📌 Episode References & Links:
📲 CONNECT WITH MEG FAURE
Web: megfaure.com
Facebook: facebook.com/MegFaure.Sense
Instagram: instagram.com/megfaure.sense
📱 Parent Sense Mobile App:
Web: parentsense.app
Google Play: Download for Android
iOS App Store: Download for iOS
💌 Support the Podcast: Subscribe or listen on Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating & review on Apple Podcasts.
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