Make double trouble twice as nice!
You’re pregnant with twins! Congratulations! But while you may be thrilled at the thought of those two lives growing inside you, you’re sure to have worries too. It may be the physical aspects (what’s going to happen to your body?) or the practical (how will you afford two of everything?). But it’s after the babies arrive that the fun really starts, so try these top tips for managing…
1. Ask for help
Don’t be afraid to get as much help as you possibly can. Twins are an awful lot of work, and you will need support. Don’t turn down any offers, and get if you have family and friends who are ready, willing and able to lend a hand, work out a simple timetable that guarantees they’ll be in situ for helping with feeds, baths and trips out so you can catch up on your rest during the day or spend quality one-to-one time with your other children if you have any. Other parents of twins can be a great support too – find out about ocal twins and multiples groups where everyone will understand your situation and you’ll have an endless supply of tried-and-tested tips and solutions.
2. Which is which…
If your twins are identical it may be difficult to tell them apart in the early days, especially if you dress them alike. Use ID bracelets or dab a spot of nail polish on one of your twin’s big toenail until you have it figured out – it’ll save you feeding the same one twice!
3. Hoping to nurse?
Yes you can do it with twins, using the ‘football hold’, with one under each arm. As they get bigger and stronger they’ll feed quickly enough so you can do one at a time in 15 minutes or so before swapping to the other. Use a double pump to stimulate your milk supply – and make sure you consume enough calories to cope with breastfeeding two babies (you’ll need around 1000 extra per day) and drink enough fluids to help maintain your milk supply.
4. Learn to juggle!
As you get more accustomed to caring for two, you’ll learn all sorts of shortcuts. Two cranky babies wanting a cuddle? Wear one in a sling and hold the other in the crook of your arm. Still napping separately? Going for a walk with them in the stroller at naptime or taking them for a spin in the car with gradually get them to synchronize with each other.
5. Don’t beat yourself up
You’ll want to give both of your babies equal attention as well as not ignoring any older children you may have. But you need to accept that sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day and you can’t be in two or three places at the same time. Just do your best and don’t feel guilty about it.
6. Get organized
Having twins can introduce you to a world of chaos and when each day is full of feeding, changing nappies, and winding, it’s easy to get disheartened. A proper routine can help you make sense of it all and give you back a feeling of control.