Advice for Twin Pregnancy from a Mother of Twins

A mother of twins advice to those who are about to give birth to a set of twins. First, try not to be overwhelmed as your belly grows, and grows, and grows, you know what I mean. Get plenty of rest, go to your ob/gyn regularly, take all those vitamins and anything else your doctor has recommended. You're going to need it, because those babies can literally suck the vitamins and minerals, your body needs, right out of you. Read everything you can get your hands on about twins, raising twins, twin births, believe me, the more informed you are, the more prepared you are, and even then you won't be completely prepared.

Here is my advice, from my own experience. My twins were born by c-section six weeks early. Yes, they were tiny, but doing really well. Both were put on heart monitors, which would be constant companions for the next six months. Don't panic if your twins are put on monitors, they are a very important piece of equipment that warns you when your babies have stopped breathing. Because they are premature, their lungs aren't as developed as a full term baby. Don't be surprised, if your babies don't get to go home with you. Most twins aren't 5 lbs at birth, and so they won't be able to leave until they are.

Go ahead and put your babies in the same crib. I put their heads at opposite ends. Just think, they have been together in your womb for months now, they are use to being together. If one wakes up, then wake the other one up. No, this isn't cruel, it is a way to get them on the same schedule, which should be your number one goal. Feed them at the same time. I breast fed mine for two months. I used the football hold, which means their little heads are in your hands and their feet are behind you, or underneath your arm pits. You can do it, just relax and give it a try. To burp, simply, sit on a couch, lay one baby across one leg, and the other baby across the other leg, gently pat until you get the burp.

Most of all, if you need help, by all means ask for it. Whether it is your mother, mother-in-law, sister, best friend or a church lady ask for help, if you need it. I was fortunate enough not to really need outside help, because my husband helped as much as he could. My two older children, ages 5 and 7 were a big help also. Join a mother of twins group if you have one in your area. The amount of knowledge you can learn from each other is unmeasurable. You can tackle the huge job of having twins, just go about it with the right attitude, get them on the same schedule and remember what a gift twins really are.