<p>jlauer95: I think that these embryos must have been defective and could not have developed into a child or they would not have been aborted. It obviously was not us since we carried these boys full term. My doctor said it happens frequently. I only found out because I sensed it; my doctor thought I was crazy because hormone levels indicated that I was still pregnant. I think D would have been miserable with two younger brothers conspiring against her (yes, I think of fetus as a boy with no evidence.)</p>
<p>I miscarried my second child’s twin, but fortunately, was left with what would become a beautiful baby boy. Too bad I didn’t appreciate the blessing at the time. The entire pregnancy was unplanned, and occurred during a time of serious financial strain. The LAST thing I wanted was to be pregnant, and was so in denial concerning the possibility, that I didn’t run a pregnancy test until I was almost 12 weeks along. I was actually relieved when the spotting turned into hard cramping and copious bleeding a month later. Finding out that I was still pregnant two days after that was not a welcome revelation. </p>
<p>Post pardon depression, which lasted for two months made it very difficult to parent this kid. I remember coming home with him within 24 hrs of delivery (the hospital kicked us out), and forcing myself to stroke him tenderly and whisper sweetly in his ear, “Mommy loves you!”, even though all I wanted to do was put him back in his room and forget about him. He’d wake up for a feeding, and all I could think was, “Oh God, that baby’s awake again!” (That baby!) Being horribly sleep deprived didn’t help. But somewhere deep inside, I must have acknowledged that I was the only mother he had, so I had best get my act together. Fortunately for me, he was not only a strikingly beautiful child, with chocolate brown eyes the size of saucers (I was told this over and over), but a sweet tempered one as well. After awhile, the rocking, and caressing, and affirmations of love turned into the honest to goodness real thing. Such a relief! It was then that I went into mourning over the loss of his twin. Sigh… </p>
<p>I can only hope that the decision to sue her OB stems from temporary Hormonal imbalance (postpartum depression can really skew your judgment), and that the Aussie Mum will soon realize what a blessing she’s been granted. I’m sure she’s had more than a few offers to relieve her of not just one of the twins, but both.</p>
<p>Good point, poetsheart. From everything I hear, twin pregnancies are extremely difficult, and the woman may not be in her normal state of mind.</p>
<p>I just want to say how very sorry I feel for the circumstances some of you had to go through, and how happy you must feel for the children - biological and non-biological - that you ended up being blessed with. God bless.</p>
<p>Yes, maybe this is just temporary post-partum depression.</p>
<p>But I do think this woman’s reaction to her multiple pregnancy also suggests that we, as a society, sometimes inadvertently “set ourselves up” to have these kinds of reactions. We have become so used to “controlling” everything that when life throws us a curve (a multiple pregnancy, a surprise pregnancy, a baby of the “wrong” sex, a “special needs” baby, etc), we get angry, depressed, annoyed, etc… (and I’m not talking about anger/annoyance that lasts just for a short time after hearing the news.) </p>
<p>Too bad there aren’t more articles, stories, etc, that detail how “surprise” and “unwanted” babies (multiples or singletons) can bring real joy to people’s lives. </p>
<p>My own parents had a surprise baby (#7) when my mom was in her 40’s and my dad was 50 (very unusual back then to be a dad at 50). My mom was disappointed at first, “another baby” (she thought) “I just got my figure back and have started playing tennis again.” (my mom was a bit of a jock!!) But… my little brother (who is also my Godson) brought so much joy to my parents. He kept them young. This brother is my dad’s best friend (dad is now 87). </p>
<p>I think if stories, such as my parents’, were more readily available, people would have some real hope (and less despair) when they are faced with these situations. (Obviously, I’m not talking about some 15 year old facing an unplanned pregnancy - I’m talking about “grown ups”)</p>
<p>My only brother was born when I was 14. He was very much wanted; my mother had problems having children. Now my delightful brother and his wife just had twin girls last Sunday! They and my little nephew are so ecstatic. Yippee!</p>
<p>Sounds like this woman just wants some free money. I truly hope she is a better mother than she appears to be.</p>
<p>The only part that encourages me here is that the judge is not releasing the name of the mother involved. I <em>hope</em> that is as a result of the wishes of the parents and that they do realize the potential impact on a child if this was ever to be made public. Of course, who wants to take the chance - someone in the family is bound to say something at some point, etc. </p>
<p>This may, in fact, have been a screw up by the embryologist that went against the doctor’s express understanding with the patient. The pram comment may or may not have been taken out of context (cost of a double stroller) , or been hyperbole to make their case. But personally, I wouldn’t have taken a chance in a million that a child or children of mine would ever come to know such a thing and would have been thrilled with the result - even if there was “malpractice” or a mistake involved. </p>
<p>From the sound of it this woman does not know how lucky she is, and it’s sad. But maybe this is all for the appearances of the case, and she doesn’t really feel this way. I hope so.</p>