Preparing for twins is 2 fold; psychological preparation and practical preparation. To be truthful, I do not believe that any person is really prepared for the parenting of newborn twins and all that they bring; even people who have had a singleton baby or people who have more than one kid already can’t actually understand the impact 2 newborn babies bring to a household.

I have 2 sets of twins and the 1st set of twins certainly prepared me for the second set of twins as I knew what to anticipate vis the practicalities of having 2 babies. I could apply my experience and knowledge to the situation so helping us make it straightforward upon ourselves but you can not plan for every eventuality. For us the challenge was growing from a family of 4 to a family of 6 and the incontrovertible fact that our second set of twins were born prematurely and I myself got sick due to complications after the birth didn’t help the situation.

What I am trying to emphasize is that twins can bring surprising complications so if you can get organised and look after the things you can control then do so. For instance, stock up on diapers and baby formula, ensure the refrigerator is full of pre-cooked meals, ensure you have enough basics for the 1st few weeks and if possible enlist help from friends and family and have a contingency plan prepared. Ensure your hospital bag is prepared by 30 weeks maximum because you honestly do not know when twins are going to arrive, particularly, if they’re identical twins.

You should ensure that any baby furniture or equipment is assembled and tested and prepared for action; you won’t have sufficient time to read manuals when your twins have arrived so get it done before they do! It’s a good idea to have a checklist which should also help with budgeting; twins do not come cheap.

I would like to suggest getting a supporting system in place for the initial few weeks after delivery and even the last few weeks before delivery, especially if you already have kids to take care of. A twin pregnancy can really put the tension on the body and bed rest on occasions is required. During the initial few weeks you’ll need an additional pair of hands while you adapt to managing 2 babies. Friends and family members are the obvious choice but even kindly neighbours or a responsible teenager wanting to learn childcare could help. If you can afford it seek the help of a Doula (ladies who help mums following childbirth). Don’t feel guilty for asking for help, you’re a twin mummy not superwoman.

I’d also advise connecting with other twin mums who will relate easily to your present position and be in a position to offer information and comradeship and even some playmates for your twins!

Mummy of 2 Sets of Twins chats about her own pesonal experiences of having twins on her website TwinsTips.com

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Tags : Pregnancy
Categories : Pregnancy