Reading Dr. Luke's Book - Talk Me Down

Dragonfly1226 · November 2012

I just read the section where she talks about all of the things that can cause PTL. It seems like everything causes PTL! I am a SAHM to an energetic toddler who keeps me on my toes. How do I take it easy with him? How do I not pick him up? I live in a city where we walk everywhere. Even if we are driving, we have a 10 minute walk to the car. How do I stay off my feet? It seems impossible! I literally had to put the book down because I was starting to panic. I guess my questions are how closely did you follow her recommendations and when did you start really taking them seriously? Any SAHMs carrying twins who can tell me it is possible?

zeehill · November 2012

I am currently 29 weeks pregnant with twin boys. Are you talking about the book when expecting twins, triplets, and quads (or is it other multiples)? If so, I just took it as "precautionary measures." I was active before I became pregnant and was doing a lot of walking and prenatal yoga up until this point (I am now only allowed to walk 15 minutes at a time to prevent preterm labor). Other than being huge, my life pretty much carries on as is. I have slowed down quite a bit, and can't pick up little ones (they tell you to kneel down, and let them climb up you like a wall instead of bending over to pick them up). You'll probably have to slow down later on in pregnancy, but unless your doctor tells you not to do something, don't worry! Besides, as your pregnancy progresses, you just won't have the energy!

besu-chan · November 2012

I took it as a warning to be taken seriously, but also remembering that many people do not have any PTL with twins. I just had to really pay attention to my body. I was teaching elementary school music, so that's plenty of running, walking, standing, and lifting- not to mention dancing! I had to really try to sit as much as possible. I told all my co-workers and my students that I needed to sit more and they really helped me remember. I also found a couch in the staff lounge and went there for every break and ate a snack while I lay on the couch. Tell all your friends, YH, and other family members about what you read and ask them to help you try to sit and lie down as much as you can. It really makes a difference if you can put stools in strategic places and get others to take over some of the tasks. Plus I thought it would be important to have people mentally and emotionally prepared for me to have to go on bedrest early.

Having said that, I never had any PTL. Not even BH. Nothing. So remember that plenty of people have no problems. I worked until 34 weeks. I was supposed to work 1 more week but I could tell my body was done. I sat in the recliner pretty much 24/7 until my c-section. HTH! You'll be fine as long as you don't try to push yourself too much and listen to your body!

scorch · November 2012

There is a lot in her book that seems alaming. Honestly, I read it cover to cover, tried a couple of recipes and didn't really follow any of her advice. I didn't gain the weight by the week that she recommends , didn't eat even half the calories she recommends, I didn't have an MFM. I didn't rest the way she recommends. I really didn't do any of it. I worked full time until 20 weeks , 6 hours a day til 34 weeks, 4 hours a day til I gave birth. And I had a toddler under the age of 2. I was very lucky to have an easy pregnancy with the twins. I had Gestaional Diabetes so there was no way that I could eat everything she wanted me to. I started my pregnancy overweight so I didn't need to gain the weight. I gained 30 lbs.

and my babies were born at 38 weeks, both of them weight 6#12 oz.

rest when you can. Take your son to a mall or indoor play place and let him run out his energy. Rest when he naps. But don't get stressed out because of a book, it's not worth it.

Ourfamilyof5 · November 2012

I never read that book even though I saw it recommended on here many times... I ended up getting most of my information from this board! Anyway, I carried my twins until 36w4d and I'm sure I would have gone longer, but I was induced right away due to low fluids surrounding my baby B during my routine visit with my OB.

I'm a SAHM to a very active 22 month old DS and I honestly never had a chance to truly rest throughout my entire pregnancy. I never had any PTL symptoms nor was I put on bed rest. I listened to my body and sat down when I needed to, but overall, I felt pretty good until about 34 weeks. Don't let the book scare you too much!

lynn0926 · November 2012

I just listen to my body. I hit a physical activity wall at 22weeks. When you start to feel slow, sit and put your feet up. When you are getting BH, sit and drink water. I went to the mall for 2 hrs yesterday. At the end of the 2 hrs my body just felt exhausted. So, I took it easy for the rest of the day. Today, I cleaned the floors, and took my time with breaks. Just trust your body and don't push it when your body says it is time sit and rest. Drink lots and lots of water! I aim for 2 L a day.

HisGirlCridey · November 2012

I did read the book throughout my pregnancy. Like PP said, I took it as precautionary measures and I also listened to my body. I did make a point to eat more protein and eat lots of small meals as mentioned in the book to keep my blood sugar up, especially during those big growth spurt times. Just listen to your body, especially when you hit those walls. You will know exactly what that feels like.

Sharonie1977 · November 2012

I totally needed to read this thread today. I have been reading a lot of books and posts and feeling like it was impossible to get through a twin pregnancy without bedrest or preterm labor. I was starting to worry that I should not do anything for fear of something bad happening. It's very comforting to read that there are moms who have made it full term. I would love to read some other sucess stories.

macchiatto · November 2012

I didn't find out I was having twins until 12w and by the time I heard about and read the book, I was more like 14-15w. I followed it as much as I could from that point. I was lucky though; I finished my MA and my part-time (student worker) job at 18w and after that since I planned to SAH when the babies were born, it didn't make sense to start a new job so I spent the time studying for my licensure exam and getting ready for babies. I was very lucky to be able to rest a good bit those last 20 weeks. I'm sure it would've been a lot more challenging if I'd had a toddler to take care of. I agree to take it as precautionary measures, do what you can and listen to your body. If you feel like you're overdoing it, try to get more help or find ways to rest more but if your body seems to be handling things fine then do what you need to do and rest when you can.

Mrs. Alice · November 2012

I read her book too and think she has some very informative evidence and research based information which are good to be aware of but.... You can do everything "right" and still end up with pregnancy comlications/PTL, it's just the increased risk that come along with a multiple pregnancy. I was in her "high risk" category as a nurse who worked long shifts on my feet all day but I didn't really have an option to just stop working. I never experienced PTL or cervical changes in my pregnancy, but I had to stop working at 22 weeks and they were born early due to TTTS. My sister carried her twins to 36w with a 3 year old at home. She was never on bed rest, stayed fairly active and just was sensible about resting enough. She was also a Dr. Luke reader too.

Dragonfly1226 · November 2012

Thanks so much for all of your calm words of wisdom! I feel a little better about everything now. I will definitely just listen to my body and not push too hard - especially as I get further along.