If you are expecting twins there are of course special preparations that you can make in anticipation of their arrival.
A very wise piece of advice is to get lots of rest! This will help nurture a healthier pregnancy and also parents of twins do say that unless you are lucky enough to have a round the clock nanny, it will be many years before you are getting all the sleep you really feel you need.
I have put together a list of practical tips for those parents expecting the special arrival of twin babies:
- It is expensive having twins and it is a good idea to start stocking up as soon as you can. Begin buying nappies, clothing, bedding, wipes, cotton wool and other supplies early on so you have more than enough of everything you need before the little ones arrive. This can help spread the cost rather than leaving everything towards the end of the pregnancy. Oh and by the way, it is estimated that parents of newborn twins go through approximately one hundred and forty nappies per week, or more! Buy easy, no-nonsense interchangeable clothes and buy in bulk as this is less expensive.
- Buy a sturdy, good quality double buggy which will also hold their car seats. A tandem-type is best which usually fit better down shopping aisles and through most doorways.
- Importantly, you will not have to buy two of everything! For example you could buy one bouncy seat and one swing seat. Also many twins share the same crib for the first few months of their lives.
- If you intend to breast feed then a high quality double pump is an important investment. Even if you plan to only breast feed you will still need to pump milk so that others can assist you with feedings. It will get an enormous amount of use so do not make the mistake of skimping on the type of pump you buy.
- Get to know your paediatrician and have him prepared to help care for your twin babies whilst they are still in the hospital. Twins are very often born prematurely and so usually spend longer in hospital than single babies.
- Adequate preparation also includes planning for others to be at hand to help you for at least the first month or two. Think about enough paternity leave being allowed for the father-to-be. Do you have parents or other relatives that can alternate their visits so that you maintain cover continuously for a couple of months? If there is a mature and reliable teenager in the family who could do with some extra pocket money it might be a good idea to get them lined up too. This continuous support will help even if it means you can get a few hours of nap time that really will help and rejuvenate you.
It is an emotional rollercoaster for expectant parents of twins. Initially they feel shock and this quickly turns to joy but then sheer panic can be felt as the enormity of the job ahead sinks in. Parents of twins need to be ahead of the game compared to parents of singleton babies in terms of preparation. Be reassured though, that as soon as you have those two bundles of love in your arms at home you will realise you will have more than enough love for the both of them.
By Eirian Hallinan