Charlotte is a dedicated single mother of three, half French and half American, who now calls Australia her home. After moving to Australia seven and a half years ago, Charlotte decided in 2019 to become a single mother by choice via a fertility clinic, using an unknown donor. She now has a three-year-old son, Theo, and 13-month-old DCDA twins, Arthur and Ella, all from the same batch of embryos. Charlotte shares her unique and empowering birthing experiences, focusing on her commitment to natural childbirth and navigating the complexities of the healthcare system as a high-risk twin pregnancy patient.

In this episode of "Birthing Twins," host Bibi, a midwife and twin mother herself, dives deep into the world of twin births with her guest, Charlotte. Charlotte, who decided to become a single mother via donor embryos, shares her incredible journey of giving birth to her twins, Arthur and Ella. This insightful conversation highlights the challenges and triumphs of a twin pregnancy, focusing on Charlotte's determination to have a natural birthing experience despite the typical high-risk categorization of twin pregnancies. The discussion moves from her first unmedicated vaginal birth with her son Theo to her extraordinary twin birth story.

Charlotte's episode is a must-listen for those interested in understanding the nuances of giving birth to twins under the Australian healthcare system. She emphasizes the crucial role of informed decision-making and the need for better postpartum care. Detailing her transition from the high-risk twin clinic to the more supportive MGP (Midwifery Group Practice), Charlotte's account provides invaluable insights into advocating for the kind of birth experience you desire, even within the confines of a medical system that often prioritizes intervention. Her successful natural birth of a breech-first twin stands as a testament to the potential for positive outcomes when mothers are supported and empowered.

• Role of Informed Decision-Making: The importance of being well-informed and advocating for the birth experience that aligns with one's values and desires.
• Challenges in High-Risk Clinics: Issues such as lack of continuity of care, high intervention rates, and limited support for natural births in high-risk clinics.
• Success with Natural Birth: Charlotte successfully gave birth to her twins naturally, with the first twin being breech, demonstrating the possibility of positive outcomes with proper support.
• Impact of Birth High on Postpartum: The positive emotional high following a natural birth can significantly support the mother's mental health and bonding with the baby postpartum.
• Importance of Supportive Healthcare Professionals: The critical difference made by having compassionate and understanding healthcare providers who respect and support the mother's birthing choices.

• "I wanted to see what my body could do because I was like, we're made to give birth, right?"
• "As soon as he came out, I was like, I want to do this again."
• "Pregnancy after loss is really hard. I was asking for a lot more scans… I had double the anxiety almost."
• "That appointment just changed everything. His approach was, 'How can I help you?'"
• "I wanted to experience a water birth. I want to be able to stay in whatever position I want. I don't want to be pinned to a bed."

• Charlotte's Facebook: Charlotte Romanet, reach out to Charlotte for more insights and support on navigating twin pregnancies and advocating for natural births. You can find her on Facebook and send her a message via Messenger.

Tune into this enlightening episode to grasp the full spectrum of emotions and practical advice Charlotte offers from her unique journey. Stay tuned for more empowering stories and expert discussions on "Birthing Twins."