My husband and I happened upon your book in a public library after an early-pregnancy ultrasound showed that I was carrying not one, but two babies. We subsequently bought our own (now very lop-eared) copy, which was read and re-read whenever we felt we needed support and encouragement throughout the pregnancy.

I can hardly imagine what the outcome of this pregnancy might have been if we had not discovered Having Twins: we had been long-time patients at Brigham and Women's infertility clinic; at 34 I was definitely an "elderly" primip; the diagnosis of twins now clinched it that the medical establishment would view this as a high risk pregnancy. The first obstetrician I interviewed, in fact, assured me that a cervical cerclage and 10 weeks of bed rest would be quite necessary, and that "surgical assistance" would almost certainly be needed for delivery. We were so fearful of losing the pregnancy that I am sure I would have accepted his gloomy pronouncements, were it not for the encouraging words in your book. My husband and I did manage to find a supportive, optimistic, and non-interventionist obstetrician (Dr. Kenneth Blotner), and we made the best of Brigham and Women's requirements that a surgical delivery room be used in place of a birthing room for twins.

I followed Tom Brewer's diet as closely as I could (by golly, that is a LOT of food to eat!) and got used to stares of amazement on the streets as my weight gain approached 70 pounds at the end of the 9 months. (I outgrew two sets of maternity clothes before my 7th month, and eventually found that there were no commercially made maternity clothes that would stretch around a 53 inch belly--thank heavens I knew how to sew!) I swam regularly at the local "Y", however, and felt fit and comfortable to the end. It was a bit like being a ship in magnificent full sail, if that captures it.

Family and friends thought we were quite mad, no doubt, but I carried the little rascals to full term, delivered them vaginally 3 days after their due date, and then crowed with delight to have such fine and healthy sons! I think Dr. Blotner and the Brigham and Women's maternity staff were all a bit stunned at the size of the boys, and to this day I think we owe it all to the "crazy diet" and the good guidance in your book.

At any rate, here are heartfelt thanks, and two jolly photos just to show you the proof of the pudding: W_____ and J___ S_______ at 8 weeks, and 8 months of age. The boy-o's are the picture of health still, and their parents couldn't be more delighted.

Thank you so much!

S______ S_______