Expecting Twins? Here's Your Essential Preparation Guide
Navigating the journey of twin parenthood requires careful planning, emotional support, and practical strategies. Here are some key tips to help you prepare for this unique experience.
Educate Yourself
To gain a comprehensive understanding of what to expect during pregnancy, childbirth, and the first year with twins, consider reading trusted resources such as Natalie Diaz's book What To Do When You’re Having Two. This book provides valuable insights into life with twins.
Mental Health Support
It's essential to acknowledge that multiples increase the risk of perinatal mental health disorders by about 43%. To combat this, have a mental health support plan ready. This could involve support groups and postpartum therapists, which you may want to consider before the babies arrive.
Seek Help and Accept It
The early weeks of twin parenthood can be intense. Don't hesitate to enlist family and friends to assist with feeding, diaper changes, and holding babies, allowing you to rest.
Feeding Twins Efficiently
Feeding twins simultaneously can save time and avoid constant staggered feedings. A twin feeding pillow can be a valuable investment to facilitate this.
Stock Up on Essentials
Invest in double clothes, diapers, and basic baby gear. However, prioritize items that make tasks easier, such as an automatic formula maker for bottle feeding. Bathtime can be done one at a time with one baby bath initially.
Prioritize Rest
Sleep when your babies sleep and don't hesitate to nap. Taking care of yourself is as important as caring for your twins.
Trust Your Instincts
Don't hesitate to communicate concerns or ask for help. It's crucial to trust your instincts.
Plan with Your Healthcare Provider
Discuss work accommodations and timing for stopping or reducing work during pregnancy with your healthcare provider.
Join Support Groups
Connecting with other twin-mothers can provide valuable advice and emotional support.
Learn Your Twins' Cycles
Understanding your twins' sleep and feeding cycles will help you schedule feeding and bathing time accordingly.
Professional Help and Medical Support
Preparing for twins can be challenging, so hiring professional help or seeking support from family members is highly recommended.
Clothing and Nursery
While it's not necessary to buy everything in pairs when preparing for a twins' nursery, it is recommended to buy different clothes for twins. One can easily interchange wardrobes.
Antenatal Care
Antenatal care is highly important for twin-mothers and includes frequent scans and tests. It's advised to approach a team of obstetrician/gynaecologist, paediatrician, and sonographers who have handled many cases of multiple pregnancies.
Dietary Considerations
Consult a dietician for advice on a healthy diet, particularly focusing on sufficient protein intake and avoiding food containing fatty acids and sugars.
Preterm Labor
Learn about the signs of preterm labor and seek medical consultation to prepare for it mentally and physically.
Fertility Factors
Maternal ancestry plays a greater role in the likelihood of conceiving twins compared to paternal ancestry. Conceiving late (in middle age) increases the likelihood of multiple pregnancies. Fertility treatments can also increase the likelihood of conceiving twins.
Twin Births on the Rise
Twin births have seen a significant increase this century compared to the previous century, particularly in the UK. Well-designed single strollers to accommodate twins are available.
Emotional Wellbeing
Remember, it's okay to feel overwhelmed. Laugh, breathe, and give yourself grace. Every phase will pass, and flexibility combined with reliable support will help you navigate the unique challenges of twin parenting.
[1] Diaz, Natalie. What To Do When You’re Having Two: The Smart New Parent's Guide to Raising Twins, Triplets, Quads, and More. HarperCollins, 2018. [2] American Pregnancy Association. (2021). Twins Pregnancy and Birth. https://americanpregnancy.org/multiples/ [3] What to Expect. (2021). Twin Pregnancy: What You Need to Know. https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/twins/ [4] Twins and Multiple Births Association. (2021). Preparing for Your Twins. https://www.twinsandmultiples.org.uk/preparing-for-your-twins/ [5] NHS. (2021). Twins and Multiples. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/twins-multiples/
In the process of understanding twin parenthood, reading reputable sources such as "What To Do When You’re Having Two" by Natalie Diaz can offer valuable insights for the journey ahead. During pregnancy, antenatal care is crucial, and it's advisable to consult a team of healthcare professionals who have experience with multiple pregnancies. The early weeks can be demanding, so it's important to have a mental health support plan and not hesitate to accept help from family and friends. Furthermore, to maintain personal health and wellness, it's essential to prioritize rest, follow a nutrient-rich diet, and understand the signs of preterm labor.
