For many women, being pregnant with twins automatically comes with expectations of induction, medical intervention, or cesarean birth. It is often presented as the only safe option. In this episode of the Pain Free Birth podcast, Anastasia Malyk shares a story that challenges those assumptions in a profound and deeply faith-filled way.
Anastasia’s twin birth journey is not only remarkable because she delivered both babies naturally and pain-free, but also because she carried identical mono-di twins to 41 weeks and 4 days. Even more astonishing, both babies were born at home on the bathroom floor before the midwife arrived, without pushing, without tearing, and with overwhelming peace.
This story is a testimony of trust in God, confidence in the body’s design, and courageous advocacy in the face of medical pressure.
A Foundation Built on Trust and Prior Free Births
Before becoming pregnant with twins, Anastasia had already experienced two free births. Her first pregnancy began under the care of an obstetrician, but late in pregnancy she was told her baby was measuring small and that induction was necessary. Despite normal Dopplers and a healthy pregnancy, pressure mounted.
Anastasia knew in her heart that she wanted a natural birth. She made the decision to leave that care and free birth her first child with the support of a doula. She carried that baby until 41 weeks and 5 days. Her daughter was born weighing 7 pounds 4 ounces.
That first birth deeply shaped Anastasia’s confidence as a mother. She learned that if her body could grow a baby, it could birth that baby too.
Her second pregnancy followed a similar path. She again carried past 40 weeks and delivered naturally. Labor was fast, smooth, and empowering. Her son was born weighing 8 pounds 4 ounces after a brief labor that lasted only minutes.
Those two experiences laid the foundation for everything that followed.
Finding Out She Was Pregnant With Twins
Anastasia found out she was pregnant with twins just seven months postpartum while exclusively breastfeeding. The pregnancy was completely unexpected.
She already had two children under two, and the news felt overwhelming. She remembers crying out to God, asking why He had chosen her for this journey. She did not feel capable or strong. She felt afraid.
As she began processing the news, she remembered a dream her doula had shared during her previous pregnancy. In the dream, Anastasia delivered twins, one in the living room and one in the kitchen. At the time, the dream made no sense. But now, it carried new meaning.
Rather than clinging to fear, Anastasia clung to the belief that if God had given her these babies, He would also walk her through the pregnancy and birth.
Understanding Mono-Di Twins and Medical Risk
Anastasia learned that she was carrying mono-di identical twins. This means one egg split into two embryos, resulting in twins who share one placenta but have separate amniotic sacs.
This type of twin pregnancy is often labeled high risk. Doctors quickly warned her about twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome and other complications. From the beginning, fear-based conversations were common.
Anastasia is a researcher by nature, so she educated herself thoroughly. She acknowledged the risks but also trusted her intuition and faith. Throughout the pregnancy, both babies measured nearly identical in size and showed no signs of complications.
Despite this, finding a provider willing to support a physiological twin birth was extremely difficult.
Searching for Supportive Care
Anastasia initially hoped for a home birth with twins, but struggled to find a midwife willing to take her on as a client. Many midwives were hesitant to attend twin births at all, and almost none were willing to attend mono-di twins.
Because of this, Anastasia pursued dual care. She remained under the supervision of an obstetrician for ultrasounds and monitoring, while also working with a midwife who agreed to support her if everything continued to look healthy.
Throughout the pregnancy, both babies measured within an ounce of each other. There were no signs of twin-to-twin transfusion. Everything looked stable.
Still, pressure increased as she approached 36 weeks.
The Hospital Ultimatum at 36 Weeks
At 36 weeks, Anastasia went in for routine monitoring. During contractions, one baby’s heart rate dipped slightly. Though it was not classified as an emergency, hospital staff transferred her to labor and delivery for observation.
What happened next became a pivotal turning point.
An obstetrician informed Anastasia that they were not comfortable sending her home and wanted to induce labor immediately. Then another doctor entered the room and stated that vaginal birth was no longer an option. He would only offer a cesarean.
Anastasia was alone. Her husband had not yet arrived. She was scared, emotional, and overwhelmed.
As she began asking questions, the urgency of the situation shifted. Staff admitted that the heart rate was not at a dangerous level and that the recommendation was preventative rather than emergent.
This inconsistency raised red flags.
Anastasia made a courageous decision. She refused the cesarean and requested to be discharged. She signed paperwork and left the hospital at 36 weeks pregnant with twins.
She later messaged her OB and formally ended the relationship.
Choosing Faith Over Fear
Leaving the hospital was not easy. Anastasia faced criticism from medical professionals, church members, and even friends. People questioned her judgment and expressed concern for her safety.
Protecting her mental and emotional space became essential. She leaned heavily on prayer and surrendered her fears to God.
Physically, the pregnancy was extremely difficult. By the end, she could barely move. Her husband often had to help roll her over in bed. She wondered how she could possibly birth twins when walking felt impossible.
Each time doubt surfaced, she felt peace replace it.
She knew, deep in her spirit, that God would carry her through.
Carrying Twins to 41 Weeks and 4 Days
Most twin pregnancies are induced around 36 to 38 weeks. Anastasia carried her twins more than five weeks beyond when doctors had wanted to intervene.
At 40 weeks, she lost her mucus plug and began contracting regularly. A full midwifery team arrived, expecting labor to progress. But contractions stopped.
This happened again the following day. Anastasia went to bed still pregnant, wondering if labor would ever come.
Despite moments of doubt, she continued to feel peace.
Labor Begins Suddenly and Gently
Late one evening, around midnight, Anastasia began feeling mild cramping. She did not believe it was real labor. She asked her husband to run a bath and spent over an hour soaking while watching a show.
Contractions were steady but not painful.
Around 2:00 AM, the water grew cold, and she stepped out of the tub. Immediately, a powerful contraction hit. It was intense but still not painful.
Her husband woke up and became concerned by the sounds she was making. Contractions were now three to four minutes apart.
Still, Anastasia doubted she was in true labor because there was no pain.
At 2:54 AM, she finally called the midwife, who lived thirty minutes away.
Within minutes, Anastasia felt the baby descending. She could barely walk. Her body began bearing down on its own.
Labor was happening fast.
Baby A Is Born En Caul on the Bathroom Floor
The doula arrived at 3:16 AM. Anastasia leaned over the bathtub, praying through each contraction. On her exhales, she thanked God for life.
At 3:30 AM, Baby A was born.
The baby slid out naturally, still completely inside the amniotic sac. Anastasia did not push. There was no tearing. There was no pain.
Her husband lifted the baby and gently opened the sac.
Baby A weighed seven pounds exactly.
Baby B Arrives Minutes Later
Because of the shared placenta, the plan was to clamp Baby A’s cord immediately. The doula did so carefully.
Anastasia had two more contractions.
On the third contraction, Baby B was born. Again, there was no pushing. Her body simply released the baby.
The midwife arrived just two minutes before Baby B was born and was stunned by how quickly and smoothly everything unfolded.
Baby B weighed seven pounds one ounce.
Fourteen pounds of babies were born within minutes.
A Pain-Free Twin Birth With No Tearing
Anastasia describes the experience as intense but completely pain-free. There was no ring of fire. There was no fear. There was only focus and peace.
Everyone in the room began laughing in disbelief.
The midwife called it the most straightforward twin birth she had ever attended.
After the birth, Anastasia moved to the bed and began nursing both babies. About thirty to forty minutes later, she delivered the placenta easily in one piece.
She never felt shaken or fearful. She trusted that God’s hand was over everything.
Encouragement for Twin Moms
Anastasia shares a powerful message for other women, especially those pregnant with twins.
She believes that God specifically chooses mothers for the babies they carry and equips their bodies accordingly. She encourages women to surround themselves with a supportive care team and to never be afraid to fire providers who do not align with their birth goals.
She emphasizes education, advocacy, and faith.
Despite criticism and claims of survivor bias, Anastasia stands firm in her belief that this was not luck. It was trust in the way God designed her body.
A Story That Redefines What Is Possible
Anastasia’s pain-free twin home birth challenges deeply ingrained beliefs about birth, risk, and the female body.
Her story is not a prescription for every woman, but it is a powerful reminder that physiological birth is possible, even in circumstances often labeled impossible.
This episode invites women to question fear-based narratives, seek informed care, and trust both God and their bodies.
More about Anastasia:
Anastasia is a stay at home mama of 4 under 4! Just a mom who’s greatest mission is to raise my littles for the glory of God!
Connect with her:
IG: Anastasiamalyk_
TikTok: @anachenko
Want to Experience a Faith-Filled Birth Too?
If you’re ready to transform your mindset and birth with peace and purpose, check out the free Unlocking a Pain Free Birth Masterclass. Discover the 3 keys to a Pain-Free birth so you can experience the joyful, supernatural power of birth the way God designed it.
