The Business of Being Born Message Board

Q: What is the current perspective on delivering twins at home?

A: First of all, check this out: Inspirational video for multiples moms

This is one of the most inspiring and moving videos I have ever seen. It is really cool and all about natural childbirth with twins.

Now, the topic of twins at home is an interesting one. I was even asking the same question not long when I had a set of twins scheduled to be born at home in April, 2008. (see Desmond and Abigail). Certified Nurse Midwives clearly have guidelines that prevent them from catching twins at home. But is the same true for Certified Professional Midwives? I had to ask around because there is no clear guidelines like that for CPMs. Regulations are usually more spelled out by each state. Anyway, in asking around, I found that many midwives attended home twin births and that others did not feel that it was within the midwife’s scope of practice. I, personally, have had the honor of attending 3 twin births at home. I will admit that these births are more complex than a singleton, but with attentive care and a committed family, this may be the right decision for some people. It also may be hard to find a midwife in your community that has enough experience and is willing to take on twins at home. I know there have been many twin births on The Farm in Tennessee. Desmond and Abigail were happily born at home, it was an amazing experience. So, you’ll have to ask around your community and also search your own heart to know if twins at home is the right thing for you. Here’s another story you might be interested in: Ixchel and Kali.
And here is the poem I wrote for their mom after their births:

For Tara, the mother of goddesses
Blessed are the births
of those who trust life,
of those who trust the babies,
of those who trust themselves.

Blessed are the births
of those who are willing to stand
at the precipice of life,
acknowledging our vulnerability,
and the uncertainty of tomorrow.

Blessed are those that stand at the edge.
Blessed are those that call out to the universe
in celebration
and wonder
despite the fear of falling.

We embrace the edge with arms outstretched.
From here,
we see out to the horizon of possibility.

A strong gust of wind could knock us off balance,
or
our feet
firmly planted
can hold us in place
facing the truth.

Blessed are the births
of those who trust life,
of those who trust the lessons,
of those who trust within.

Blessed are the births
of those who stand together
of those who are willing to stand alone
of those who call birth: peace
and hope
and love.

Blessed are the births.

Good luck,

Maria Iorillo, LM, CPM
www.wisewomanchildbirth.com
wisewomanchildbirth.blogspot.com