Pregnant for the first time with twins...what should I expect?

Molli - posted on 06/10/2009

The best advise is - DONT FREAK OUT!!!! DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU READ ON THE INTERNET!!! My first pregnancy was with twins - I have a boy/girl! They were born at 31 1/2 weeks and I had them vaginally! They were born in September and they came home from the hospital NOV 5! People scare you when they tell you that they will come early and have to stay in the hospital, but remember how technology is. My kids were 3lbs 7 ounces and 3lbs and 1 ounce they both were 15.5 inches and 15.1 inches long! They could fit in there fathers hand alone! What I liked the best when they were in the hospital, they got on a strict schedule! The bells and sounds in the hospital was a great thing b/c they were used to noise and were able to sleep! (And I was able to still vaccuum! and other noisy chores around the house) I didnt mind the dog barking or doors slamming! The feedings where great! One would be up- eat and then by the time she/he were done the other one would wake up as the one already done eating was just about to sleep. Also, try and get as much sleep as you can! My last feeding was at 1130p and went all the way to 630a! It was easy! I swaddled my babies all the way up until they were able to get out of it! And let me tell ya, it was the greatest thing ever!!!! I never woke up at night. Try and keep them in the crib together as long as possible. I believe this connects a special bond! My little girl had to be transfered to a different hospital b/c the one she was born at didnt have the best equipment if her lung collapsed-I kept my little boy with me -and when she got to other hospital, the lung collapsed. She wasnt doing so well and I wanted my boy with her. It finally took the 3rd day for him to get there, and when he did, she started to improve quite a bit!!! So I believe they know that they are together...To this day, they protect eachother, wonder where the other is at when one is out of the house, and most of all they still sleep together.....That is the best feeling when you wake up and look into there room and you see that one of the crawled in one or the others bed! I love it when they are sleeping and they are holding eachothers hands! Its the best feeling!!! Things do get overwhelming and another thing I must say....IS HAVE PATIENCE!!!! Im working on that myself....I dont have much patience!! But it will come naturally - Good luck to you and if you ever want to talk- go ahead and email me!

Catherine - posted on 06/09/2009

I feel the same way I'm 7 months preggo ( I have a 15 month old) with b/g twins and I'm scared I'm gonna die from lack of sleep or something.

Kate - posted on 06/09/2009

I completely agree with having two swings and I would advise getting a swing that plugs into the wall because its really easy to use up batteries quickly. I just had my twins and I got the Graco "Soothing Station" which is great because it also fits a Graco Car seat so if you register for one of those its simple to just walk in the door and set one or both in their swings. Also the main thing that I had to realize was that the calmer and more relaxed I was the better it would be for the babies. If you just look at things as if they are going to happen their going to happen you can live with whatever comes your way. Also realize that at certain points one of the babies is going to have to cry while you are taking care of the other. I think that if you realize this early on its easier to cope with them when they're fussy. Either way as I said in my earlier post you will be fine. I think that everyone goes through this same set of feelings when they find out they're pregnant with multiples. Just think if you weren't having these feelings you wouldn't be ready to be a responsible parent.

Julee - posted on 06/09/2009

I agree with baby swings. My twins slept in the from about 5months to 7 months every night. It worked for us and they wouldn't sleep any other way at the time.

Julee - posted on 06/09/2009

My twins were pregnancy # 3 for me as well and it is such a blessing. The 1st few months were really difficult and a lot of sleepless nights but we made it through it. My husband was a tremendous help. Things I never expected were having to stay in the hospital for 5 days after they were born at 37 weeks. I thought we'd be home free since I carried that long. Baby A had jaundice so he was in nursery for 1 day and Baby B kept spitting up and had some fast breathing so he stayed 4 nights in the nursery. My oldest 2 boys came home right away. Have them co- sleep. Mine slept better together. They needed that since they had it for 9 months. It's so much fun with twins because they keep each other company as they get older they'll play together and you can get house work done. You can dress them a like if you want. There are so many great things about having 2. It IS a blessing and don't let anyone change your mind about that. I cried when I found out I was having twins because I didn't think I could do it until my sister said to me that God chooses special mothers to have multiples. Ones who He knows can handle the job. So consider yourself blessed. At first it's hard. There were nights when I would just fall back asleep after nursing them both and an hour later one would cry and wake the other and I just laid there and cried and cried and cried but I would tell my self I WILL get through this day and I did. Try to keep them on the same schedule. It worked better for me. It gives you a little more free time when they both are asleep. Good Luck. We are all here for you.

Michelle - posted on 06/09/2009

Oh my gosh I can't believe that anyone would suggest that you won't be able to handle it! My twins were my first and like you said you won't know any differently. I actually look at some of my friends that have just one baby and it looks like my work than two! Two happily play together and keep each other company. It is certainly not double the trouble. More like double the love and fun. Don't get me wrong there will be times when you want to rip your hair out but find me a mother that doesn't! Remove those prople that are being negative from your life and just relax. It really won't be as bad as people are saying. It is awesome and you are going to love every minute of it.

Carolyn - posted on 06/08/2009

Just expect everyone to have an opinion, especially if they don't have twins or any children at all. Enjoy every minute of it and have a great sense of humour after they are born. I continually heard "double trouble"that i answered with double the kisses and cuddles, "how do you cope" which I would answer with chocolate and scotch, and when people told me I wouldn't be able to cope, I asked for their phone number and a time they can come and help seeing as they are so capable. You will recieve, smiles, laughter, love and the time of your life in double.

Sarah - posted on 06/06/2009

My first pregnancy was with twins too and I also say that this is normal for me because I don't know what a singleton feels like. It's a lot of work and you are always going to be on the move (great for losing the baby weight:) so when they are asleep, try to get as much sleep as posible even if it's for 10 mins at a time! I haven't doen anything alone though and I am lucky ecause since the girls were born my mom and aunt have been with me. You need help (even if it's a neighbor or a babysitter)! Don't freak out, it's wonderful and such a blessing to experience 2 totally different personalities even if they are identical in looks. Good luck and God bless!

Donna - posted on 06/05/2009

Sorry just to explain the feeds - one drank less during feeds is what I meant when I said one fed less but more often... so he needed more feeds to make up as much as the other one.

Donna - posted on 06/05/2009

Hi, I have twins now 20 months old. Like you say, because you don't know any different you just see 2 as normal and you get very efficient very quickly. You learn to be organised. I had a fantastic pregnancy but delivered early at 32 weeks so be prepared even if you think it's all ok (as I did sitting in hospital refusing to believe I was in labour). The first 6-8 months are full on and then it justs gets easier and easier and better and better. It's so worth it. I have limited help and my husband is away a lot with work but I cope. One thing... I never woke them for feeds when the other woke at night time. I found they had quite different needs - one fed less but more often so why would I wake the other baby that didn't need as many feeds at night?!? It may have made it a bit harder for me but I still maintain that just because they're twins they might not have the same needs. Happy to chat with you again.

Kate - posted on 06/04/2009

Hey there I am a mom of 7 week old twins and I can tell you that I was soo scared of how things would turn out...I wasn't even sure how I would handle one let alone two at the same time. I can honestly tell you that having them is the best thing that has ever happened to me. It is definitely work but it really seems that some of my friends with singletons have it much harder. The twins are still so small but they really entertain each other a lot of the time. Don't let people scare you...you will do fine...the fact that you are already thinking about how things will turn out shows that you will be a good mother. Its amazing to see how easily you can fall into parenthood.

Jennifer - posted on 06/03/2009

Expect a lot of fun, excitement, maybe depression....but the best advice I can give you is they will be the best blessing you could ever recive!!! Plus if you need cribs my twins are going to be 3 on July 3rd and I dont need their cribs anymore. They are yours if you would like them.
Sincerely,
Jenny

Amy - posted on 06/02/2009

Don't freak out..my first (and only) babies were twins, boy and a girl. It's really not that bad. My husband says its only 1 1/2 times the work and we're getting it over in one shot. The most important thing I found from day one was to keep them on the SAME schedule...I found this to be critical for myself and them. It's pretty cool and they learn independence sooner than singletons because they have to..It will work out fine..I freaked out too but now it's a piece of cake..their 14 months old and I'm still alive! Good luck..you'll do great!!

Dana - posted on 05/28/2009

i agre with the clothing too depending when yours are born i would only get a few preemie outfits for each and just do lots of laundry because they grow out of preemie and newborn really quick! mine were in the for 7 weeks. Babies r us gives a discount if you buy two carseats there thats how i got mine and i got my double stroller on discount also because i was having twins! you have enjough time to hit the rummage sales and get bouncys and even swings i totally recommend having 2 swings it will be a lifesaver and maybe your new best friend! and keep stock of diapers! newborns go through them VERY VERY quickly!! everytime they eat they have an icky diaper! i prob went thru 20 to 30 a day! it was crazy but it slows down over time!

Dana - posted on 05/28/2009

my first were twins also and like you said everyone tells you how hard it is but honestly i didn't know the difference and it was just natural and normal for me. It does come to you naturally and as far as feedings go i was lucky and mine were on the ssame schedule so that helped a lot! and yes they are a blessing and if you only wanted two kids your done! i pregnancy one labor and one birth...but two beautiful little blessings! i know its hard to do but try to stay as calm and relaxed asyou can.and they will have a built in playmate! you will be absolutely fine and you will find a routine that works for you! My twins fed every 2 hours they were only 4lbs 14oz when they were born at 37 weeks. and as far as everything goes your right you don't have anything to compare it too so doing double the work will be natural for you! it was for me! my mom used to tell me how hard it was and i didn't think it was at all..but she never had twins just singletons. trust me it really will work out just fine and you will adjust! good luck! i'm here if you need to talk! good luck!!

Sara - posted on 05/27/2009

Don't worry. My twins were my first as well. I didn't know any other way until my youngest was born. And you know what I said after having her.....I can't believe moms of single babies complain!!! This is EASY!! There will be rough time, I cried sometimes. But I got through it fine. And you will too. Since you don't know any other way it will come naturally. And tell all those people that are saying you won't be able to handle it to "Shut UP!" What a way to encourage a new mom. Being a new mom is hard, being ones with twins is harder, you need help not to be put down. Honestly if someone said that to me I would tell them that unless they get a better attitude I don't want them around me. I needed positive people to help me through it.

Megan - posted on 05/27/2009

I got pregnant with my twins at 19 and had them now at age 20. They're now 4 weeks old and definitely a full time job.

What to expect..hmm. Well, during pregnancy, expect quite a bit of back discomfort especially once you get towards the end of the pregnancy. Lots of hip pain when you're trying to get that much needed sleep, once your ligaments loosen up. Expect people to walk by you and say "man she's huge" or "you must be having twins" and once you say yes, they act all shocked. But enjoy the attention, even though it will get annoying by the end..cause once the babies are born, you get bombarded with -- "are they twins" "are they boys or girls" (even if theyre in blue or pink)..."are they identical" (even if it's one of each) and don't be afraid to ask for help, or take the help thats offered. It will very much be needed.

As for expenses with twins. We bought our double stroller($60), carseats with bases($30), and bouncy seats($20) off of Craigslist. Don't be afraid to get used items, cause they will not use them very long at all. Dont stock up on preemie items, cause they outgrow them so fast! My girls never even wore their preemie sleepers because they were too long (though yours could be completely different and you may not even carry to your due date like i did).

People will always be so amazed with you having twins and say the whole "double trouble" thing, but really with it being your first pregnancy and with twins. If you ever have a single baby, it will be a BREEZE. When i let my mom keep one of the babies, it's so easy just having one, i get bored!

You will love it. It's a true double blessing from God and no matter what, you will always have people to ask advice from and any questions you have, hit us moms up and we'll help ya out the best we can!

Amanda - posted on 05/16/2009

I too completely freaked out when I found out I was pregnant with twins. I just knew I would not be able to handle two babies, but when they got here it did come naturally. I was very surprised that two babies really did not seem so difficult after all. I did have a huge help in my husband - he is great with the boys. Not that some days aren't difficult, but the reward of having two babies to love, love you and love each other far outweighs any difficult times. Be flexible is the biggest piece of advice I can give...

Angela - posted on 05/16/2009

Throughout my pregnancy (first pregnancy and boy/girl twins) I kept reminding myself not to expect anything. That way when I brought them home I would not have to worry about meeting mine or others expectations. I was as prepared as I could be, but also allowed for plenty of changes once they got here. Everyone still asks me how I do it and they will often say that they couldnt do what I am doing but i remind them that they could. It is not that difficult and as long as you stay flexible you will be just fine. What people dont tell you is just how proud you will feel when carting your twins around town and people look at you with admiration for doing what you are doing. You are going to love it and you will be a great twin mom!!

Christina Lane - posted on 05/16/2009

I am a first time mom of twins and while some days were harder than other you get through it and I promise you will be fine! I guess the best advice I can give is to not have expectations-Don't put any unnecssary pressure on yourself-The best thing I did was get them on a schedule right away~and don't be afraid to ask friends and family for help. Get everything organized early in case you deliver early and have some meals frozen so they are easy to heat uup-You are totally right-You dont know any different so this will be your normal-There are certain items you are going to want two of(like the bouncy chairs and boppy) and what has worked best for me is gettting things that last like I got the double stroller that is infant up to age 5 http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp...

Good Luck! & Enjoy! my girls just turned one and the time has flown by!

Lisa - posted on 05/16/2009

all this stuff is great advice, my piece of advice is its ok to let them cry, expect lots of it, if they are crying that much and they wont stop after u have done it all walk away, turn the tv up or music til u have calmed yourself then go back and try again..i completely understand how mothers with PND think about hurting their babies i dont condone it and never would do it myself cos i am lucky enough not to have had it but the WALKING AWAY THING IS SOOO IMPORTANT if u r feeling stressed cos u certainly dont want to hurt ur precious lil ones...i used to get real anxious and think "please dont wake up yet please" but then i got over it and just remembered they are safe they are ok they are not going to jump out of their cots they will be there when u have finished attending to the other one... my girls are 4 1/2 months old and i tell u they are my best friends they are starting to do so much now i cant not just sit there and stare at them ( i m sometimes even tempted to wake them up just for another cuddle..lol but NEVER do..) for me the first 8 weeks was our honeymoon period then BAM all went crazy, but now have settled again, we even sometimes get to sleep about 6 hours straight they have slept through the night twice now and i still kept waking through the night just to see if they ok... also im breast feeding my twins i highly recommend it, i dont seem to fulfill them the whole day so i also top them up with formula which my hubby loves cos he gets to feed to.. when they are crying so much i stick them on the boob and its a saviour ..peace.. my twins were also my first and only so far which i believe is better u can focas all ur time and energy on them and urself of course.. oh and dont forget to shower sounds weird but i forgot a few times lol but nevermind some days are like that.. best of luck..im sure u will enjoy, u will be the envy of all the women around u cos all i hear is how lucky i am and that they always waned twins hee hee lucky me is right

Kelle - posted on 05/16/2009

Dont be worried. Yes its hard work.. but usually not any harder then one baby. For me the only hard part is when one baby is crying but you are changing the other baby.. and stuff like that. Once you realize you can not always get them both to stop crying at the same time... it is easier. Its still hard because no one likes listening to a baby cry.. you just have to realize that it is going to happen.

And if your babies end up in the NICU at all... just stay come and dont blame yourself. Thats what I did. It just makes it harder.

Christine - posted on 05/15/2009

Don't listen to any negative people!! Do not let anyone discourage you. This is exciting and special. There will be times when it is hard and you will get through it. I have identical twin boys that are now 21 months old. They are my first and I don't know anyone with twins. I don't know what it's like to only have 1 baby but I can not even imagine only having 1. There are a lot of perks of having twins too! They always have a buddy to play with - they always have each other & that is huge! Sharing and empathy comes naturally to them - they don't have to learn to share, they just share because that is what they know. They learn patience at a few months old - because they know their brother needs help too. I keep mine on the same schedule - and always have. Eat, sleep, change, play all at the same time. Feeding 2 at the same time took time to get used to. You adapt to what needs to be done to take care of your babies. If these are the only children you will have then you got a bonus - 2 down in 1 pregancy lol! You get to go through all the stages at the same time - like teething & potty training. Try to rest before they come. The hardest part for me was delivering early at 32 weeks and they spent 7 weeks in the NICU. It is amazing to be a mother of twins. ENJOY!

KYM - posted on 05/15/2009

My twins were my first also and people told me the same thing..... "DON'T LISTEN TO THEM !!" Its really not that hard. Actually it was easier than when I had one after them.

As they are growing they keep each other company and if you do like I did and make sure I did everything together. Like feeding them (one at a time) one then the other. They will soon get into the habit. Same as sleeping. Try to get them into the routine of sleeping at the same time. And when they are sleeping SO DO YOU....That is a must. You will find you have more patience and energy as they are growing. When going out either to friends or just simply shopping, have a everything you may need handy. You will find that a simple shopping trip may take a little longer but make it fun for you and them. Have snacks from home on hand but make out you bought them from the shop. (Good ole Pretending works for a few years... LOL) You will find that people cant help themselves and want to stop you and ask questions.... We are a strange breed us twin mothers. It is funny the things you will get asked.

But as for the pregnancy stages you will learn to read you own body. I made the mistake once or maybe 2 or 3 times of falling asleep on my back in the later stages of my pregnancy and when I woke up I found my belly GONE... Well sort of. It just moved to each side. That is the hardest thing slowly moving them back into place. It can be uncomfortable for a few minutes but they do go back. You just can't standup straight away. But as others have said to you. You more than likely will deliver early. Mine were 5 and half weeks early and were 6 lb 1 oz and 6lb 11 oz. I dont know what that is in Kgs but they were a good size. (And so was I !!!) I had to express for them for the first couple of weeks but I soon had them on the breast.

If someone you trust like a good friend or a family member wants to help...... TAKE IT !! You will be thankful. It is Not a sign of you Not copeing. It is a sign that you have people that care and want to help. Remember these people have never done what you have done so they are a little intrigued to. When they are with you and helping they soon learn that what you do is Pretty Amazing. So enjoy being pregnant and enjoy your babies. You could have a Hubby like mine and made some "L" plates and stuck them on my shopping trolley and was threatening to make me a t rolley for my belly... LOL

But really just enjoy being Pregnant and everything will eventually fall into place. Remember NO ONE has all the answers and you are not doing things Wrong you just haven't found the best way for you yet... Oh and my twins (boy and girl) are now 19 and they turned out OK. One is now modeling / working and dancing professionally and the other has just been accepted into the Army. I have 5 altogether. And I am still SANE.

Lisa - posted on 05/14/2009

I was a 24yr old mother of twins that was 15yrs ago, It will be a little rough the first few weeks just until you get a routine down but after that it's a piece of cake.

Just remember to breath and know that God does not give you anything that you cannot handle. Make sure you stock up on diapers. Maybe someone in your family can throw you a diaper party it helped me out the most.

Gretchen - posted on 05/14/2009

They are wonderful....my twins were my second pregnancy...i thought i had lost THE baby and then to find out it was TWINS...well it was a blessing...2 instead of 0...God gives you what you can handle and believe it or not I am handling...you will hear "Bless your heart" at least 500 times but you just say, Yes I am blessed and I can do it! Never in a million years would i have guessed that i would have twins...especially since there was no help(fertility) but i would not change it for the world.....If you have never had one you will never no the difference...my oldest child is 7 and I started all over again...the twins are now 16 months and different as night and day....both boys...and so is the 7 year old...i am so out numbered!!!!!! Never be discouraged....it is a lifetime experience that most will never have and you are the lucky one...always remember that....if you ever have any questions please do not hesitate to facebook me....by the way did you know that TWINS come from the FEMALE side not the male...i found that out from one of my dr. visits...there are so many easy things to do to make the most of your time and ways of doing things...you will learn many new trick...i could teach you a few...my boys were all healthy when they were born...one was 7lbs and the other 5lbs 12oz...stayed with me the whole time no NICU....Please don't hesitate to ask me anything....even though you don't know me from ADAM....Good Luck... I know you can do it!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

Danielle - posted on 05/14/2009

hey! i found out i was preg with my twin boys at 19, and every1 told mi i wasnt going to manage blah blah, but it did come naturally, the minute i saw then i knew.the first few weeks were hard, tryin to adapt to bein a mother of twins, but then everything fell into place. please dont let people put you off, there probably only jealous because you have been blessed with two :) mine are 18 months now and having them was the best thing i ever did!!! :) gud luck!!! xxx

Pamela - posted on 05/14/2009

You will do great! Be prepared to laugh and cry all at once! If people are willing to give you a hand let them. I have a 3 year and 7 month old b/g twins so it was always nice when someone wanted to come over to help. Every baby is different twins or not, so remember to treat them that way. It's not always easy but it is a lot of fun. Good luck!

Janine - posted on 05/12/2009

Hi Ashley, I had 3 singletons before having my twins. I assure you that it is very different having twins then just one but in saying that, if i were to have two straight off the bat so to speak, I wouldnt have known any different i suppose. It is daunting the prospect of having two little babies at once. I struggled with the feeding at the start as they were both trying to bring my milk in at once and it was a very awkward uncomfortable feeling holding both up to my breasts. I suggest strongly, a very helpful partner indeed. I hope he his that man for you. Even with one child, when a bub wakes in the night, I would ask hubby to change bub so i would get an extra few minutes rest, then i would feed bub. I was lucky in respect of my twins that hubby would stay with my and help me when feeding two. If one finished before that other, he would burp bub, change bums etc. So, you will need a hands on daddy! Secondly, I found expressing into a bottle or even just bottle feeding (formula for both) if you prefer helps aswell as it means that both of you can get the job done in really have the time. I tell you, I couldnt wait for them to get a little older or to start interacting just to take that pressure of me for a while. I guarentee you though by 6 months of age be it 1 child or 3.. You will be happier, less tired and more contented with your babies. As i mentioned, they will start taking notice of their sourrounding more and not just focus on you, their mum! They will start to acknowledge each other more which will preoccuppy them more. And when they begin crawing or even just moving on their tummies, they wont be so frustrated that all they are doing is laying on their backs, in turn you will feel less frustrated also. I also suggest one day a week in day care by 6 or 7 months just to give you the break you will certainly deserve. Support from your friends and family will not go astray but let me assure you, before you know it they will be little walking, talking machines and you will wonder where the time went.

Dont stress honey, just do your research, get some advice but all in all, believe in yourself and your capabilities.. It will be natural and you will be proud of how well you ever coped...

Karen - posted on 05/12/2009

You seem to look fairly young in your profile pic, so I should think that you'll do just fine. My first and only pregnancy was twins also, but I was in my mid-thirties. Things were rough, but I didn't know what to expect since I had never been pregnant before. Just take it one day at a time, and you'll do fine. I also moved in with my parents for a year. So, I had help for the first year. I was working and nursing around the clock, so that was the hardest part for me! Good luck, and enjoy your babies!

Stacy - posted on 05/12/2009

I have twin boys who will be three next month, and they are my first and only children. The first few months are tough. Ask for help, and don't be afraid to turn down "fake help". As a minister and wife of a minister, we got a lot of both.

Real help is good food already prepared and taking care of the babies so you can get a nap.

Fake help is, "I want to come help you hold the babies, but you cannot leave the room." I did not take that offer up, needless to say!

Twins are really cool! You will love it when they start to play with one another. My boys are each other's best friend.

And you may find, like we seem to have, two is enough. Two kids, one pregnancy, not bad!

also, you should plan to hire a post-partum doula if you need lots of real help, we did with money from a baby shower we asked people for, just like some do for a diaper service. And, plan to visit with a lactation consultant 2-3 times after the hospital if you are breastfeeding.

And, if you have a low income, like we did, you can qualify for WIC because twins are a high risk factor. You can actually apply now before they are born. This can help with food for you, formula for them, and breastfeeding support too. I asked for, and received an electric pump, because I was "high risk".

Good luck, and blessings!

Amanda - posted on 05/11/2009

Don't listen to people's negative comments. God is blessing you with two wonderful babies and you are going to do just fine. Don't stress out because that could lead to things like miscarriage and blood pressure spikes.



Being a mom of twins is stressful but there are so many blessings that come along with it. You don't have to worry about playmates because they will have each other. You will get double hugs and kisses too.



I didn't have a clue about babies when I had my twins at 19 and I felt overwhelmed. I was a single mom and I didn't know what to do. My mom came over and helped a lot. She told me to sleep when the babies slept and I would recommend that at least until you got into the routine and they started sleeping longer.



Don't be afraid to ask for help! It does come natural to some women but not all to be a mother. You will get frustrated at times and be cranky but that's all normal.



I'll tell you what I did, when my boys were old enough to eat baby food, which is about 5-6 months old, I would stock up and literally fill the bottom of my cart and wipe out the baby food section. That way I didn't have to leave the house for a while for food. I stocked up on diapers and wipes and all the necessary things. But, I was a single mom so things were different for me.



Good Luck

Rikki - posted on 05/11/2009

Don't lesten to what people say. You will know what to do when they come. Be prepared to be asked "are they twins?" This is the number one question we get asked about our boys. You wont beleive how many people have good things to say about twins. So many people so we are so blessed and others don't know how we do it. But you will be able to do it, and don't be afraid to ask for help.

Jenny - posted on 05/11/2009

YOU CAN HANDLE TWINS ON YOUR OWN....I HAVE AND MINE ARE 3 MONTHS. THIS IS WHAT I WENT THROUGH........I HAD MY TWINS AT 37 WEEKS AND 6 DAYS...I HAD A C-SECTION CAUSE MY DAUGHTER WAS BREACH...THE FIRST WEEKEND I HAD HELP BUT ONLY FOR TWO DAYS. IT WAS ROUGH FOR AWHILE ALMOST NO SLEEP AND I BREAST FED BOTH BABIES......DECIDE NOW WHAT FORMULA YOU WANT CAUSE IF YOU BEAST FEED YOU WANT TO DO ONE AT A TIME DUE TO THE FACT THAT YOU WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT BABY LATCHES ON RIGHT OR IT WILL MAKE YOUR NIPPLE CRACK AND BLEED SO IF BOTH OF THEM ARE HUNGRY ONE GETS BREAST THE OTHER FORMULA. ALSO GET A PUMP!!! MEDELA ELECTIC/BATTERY PUMP IS A LIFE SAVOR WHEN YOU ARE IN PUBLIC. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HEAR MORE OF MY JOURNEY OF TWINS FEEL FREE TO ASK......YOU CAN ASK ANYTHING .......ANY WAY I CAN HELP I AM GLAD TO ...JENNY

Holly - posted on 05/11/2009

My twins were my first and so far only pregnancy. They just turned 3. Just try to get them on a schedule as soon as you can, it will make it easier for you. Also enlist any help you can get. Be prepared to get stopped all the time when you take them out. Also, ask about twins discounts at stores. I know Babies R Us and Baby Depot at Burlington Coat Factory will give you 10% off of your big purchases if you are buying two of the same thing, but you have to ask. Good luck and don't stress about it. Just follow your own instincts and you will do fine. Just remember it gets easier.

Jamie - posted on 05/10/2009

Congrats on the twins! Rest and Help are the two things I suggest. My boys are 5yrs. old now but they were my first pregnancy. I was flipping out too, which is normal. My first night home with them was extremely hectic! I didn't no more then 3hrs of sleep that night or anymore then that for the first 6 months. I would take my boys to my mom's house the first 6 months so I could get a nap in while she took care of them for me. When they were only 6 wks old my boyfriend couldn't handle it so he left me to care for them without a job or money coming in. That was the hard part. My best friend and now husband came into the picture a week later to help out and stayed. We then had a baby girl 15 months later. I'm always asked if I have triplets. Once you have the twins keep track of their feeding times and diaper changes. Those are key! Also getting a swing and/or bouncing chair help out while you're trying to rock them to sleep. If you have any questions or help don't be afraid to ask you'll need it! Good luck and happy soon-to-be mother's day!

Tracy - posted on 05/10/2009

You are EXACTLY right, you won't know what it's like. My twins were my first two, and my husband left when they were two months old...I'm still doing it and I love it! I wouldn't have it any other way! I can't lie, it's stressful at first because there is two, but just give it a little time. And I do mean just a little time...after the first few weeks I felt much better! Now I love that they can do things together and it's great to know that they will always have someone there. Mine just started really paying attention to each other not long ago and it's the greatest thing! Everyone always told me it'd be hard too and I was in over my head, but once you do it, it's not really that bad! You know that you have to do it, so you just do it! It gets easier as you get used to taking care of them and get a routine of what to do! Don't stress about it! It really does come naturally, I promise! You'll learn that if you're home alone and they're both hungry, one will just have to cry for a little while until you can get to them. It doesn't hurt them. Mine sleep together in a crib and do everything together. They've started to reach over to the other one and they'll hold hands or try to grab the other one's face or foot, but I just let them as long as they're not hurting the other one. They seem to really like being together! I went to 38 weeks before the doctor finally said I could stop waiting! I was HUGE!!!!! I mean, completely massive! I got stares everywhere I went! The entire pregnancy and all the stress is worth every second of having your babies! If I can do it, I know you can too! Good luck to you!!!

Tanika - posted on 05/10/2009

Don't let anyone discourage you. I was also told I wouldn't be able to handle mine but they were proven wrong. Now my older siblings and n-laws are saying what a wonderful job my husband and I are doing with our kids. We have a 6 yr old and twin 4 yr olds and we're 27 yr old so we were kinda young. Do it for your babies not for your family and they'll see what a wonderful mom you can be. Take Care!!

Laura - posted on 05/10/2009

i have too agree with what everyone else has said enjoy them. It comes too you once the babies are born. i was 23 when i had my twins and i had a 12month old also. i also got how will you cope etc. but in the end i have. i have my good days and my bad days but its all worth it at the end of the day. My kids are now 5 and the twins are now 4. They get into every thing. but i just learnt too deal with the mess and just clean it up. i don't keep anything nice as my kids like too distroy.. lol.. but i wouldn't change them in anyway.



Just keep it easy. try and not let too many people nurse them as i found that it was hard when everyone went home and i was left with the crying babies.

Lori - posted on 05/09/2009

You have two gifts!!!! Enjoy!!!! Listen to the positive and don't respond or acknowlegde the negative. After a while you won't even hear the negative anymore. I don't think people really know what they are saying sometimes.

Melissa - posted on 05/09/2009

Don't let anyone else tell you what it's going to be like! I got the same response when I first found out that I was having twins. My twin boys are 3 months old now and I am loving every minute with them! I recently had to go back to work but I have still found a way to manage to balance all of the business of life. You will love having twins and you are right; you won't know the difference since you have never only had one! Good luck!

Michele - posted on 05/09/2009

DON'T FREAK...EMBRACE IT!!:) They are truely a blessing and don't let others tell you you can't handle it. YES it's hard,BUT it's AWESOME! If you take the time now to prepare yourself,your homeand you and your spouse talk a lot on how to do things it will all go smoothly.:) A schedule is key (for me) because the doctors are always asking for feeding amounts/lengths,how many diapers and all sorts of those things.So I found if w kept the boys on the same feeind/sleeping schedule it was easier for everybody(them and us).When one was up to eat so was the other one so we weren't constantly having a baby in our arms and could get things done around the house! Writing the feeding times and amounts down also helped at the dr. and at home to know when (about) they would be hungry again.With my husband in the military and (at the time) a 4 yr. old organization REALLY helped us all to be happy (not stressed) and enjoy the babies so much more!:) GOOD LUCK!

Sharon - posted on 05/09/2009

Hi Ashley. Get ready for one of the best joys of being the mother of twins!! Yes it is scary, but so rewarding. We had our twins first also, so we learned everything with 2 babies instead of one. Please do not let anyone discourage you..once they are born you will do what u need to do to take care of them. One of the most important things you must do is keep them on the same schedule. I also did not keep the house quiet when they were sleeping and I found they were able to sleep through anything..even the other one crying. When they nap u need to make sure u take time to relax and refresh yourself. Do not stress if the house isn't clean or the laundry needs done. The most important thing is to take care of yourself and those sweet babies. They grow so fast so take the time to enjoy them while they are young. You will have days when you would like to pull your hair out, but then u will see their smiles and all that frustration just melts away. Good Luck to u and enjoy your pregnancy while u can :)

Ashley - posted on 05/05/2009

thanks so much, yall make me feel sooo much better about the situation! i think I was just haveing a freak out day when it was reallly hitting home that I was haveing 2. You all helped put me at ease. thanks.

Shannon - posted on 05/05/2009

My twins are now 8months old. Like you I was incredibly nervous and scared about having two babies at once. They were also my first pregnancy. Don't listen to the people that say you won't be able to handle it. You will... If I can do it and other moms can do it so can you. I always tried to remember that the good Lord wouldn't give you anything you couldn't handle. Being pregnant with twins was the best and by far the most exciting time of my entire lift. I loved being pregnant! Always remember whats actually growing in your tummy. It's all worth it. Every single up and down. Don't spend your time worrying about whether you can handle it or now. Cause you can and will. Spend your time thinking about how amazing these little lives are growing inside you.I'm not gonna lie. There is many many tough times. Times when I'd cry myself to sleep because the babies wouldn't go to sleep... I'd fall asleep thinking... why couldn't I just have one. But when you get up in the morning and go into their room... and they give you this great big beaming smile all the hard times are forgotten. There is so many more ups then downs. Your are gonna love it!! Your mother in law will be a blessing. Any family is a blessing. Every once in a while you'll need a time out and its nice to have family there to help you. About 3 wks after I had the girls I'd take 1 afternoon a week and go out by myself away from the babies. Usually every. Wed. It just refreshed me. Clear my head. Even if I just got groceries.. or visited a friend. I alway felt like I was starting from fresh after my break. I highly recommend it. I'd love to help you or give you any advice you need. Or if you have any questions or anything I can help you with I'd be more then willing. But try to enjoy your pregnancy. Try not to worry. The Pregnancy goes so fast and when its over... you wish you could do it again... well ... maybe thats just me. Good luck!

Liz - posted on 05/05/2009

Their baby swings were the best thing we could have gotten for them. when they refused to sleep in anything else during the day they napped in their swings.

Liz - posted on 05/05/2009

My first ( and only pregnancy so far) I was also pregnant with twins. I get the ' How do you do it" question all the time. Going from zero to two, you do what you have to do. though just because a person has twins you have to keep in mind that all twins are different, and what worked with one set may not work with another set. My sister has a set of boy twins and I have a set of boy/ girl twins. Hers are almost five now and mine are almost 11 months. She doesn't realize that just because something worked with her boys doesn't mean it'll work with mine.

One of the biggest things you have to keep in mind is that there is a strong possibility that you will deliver early, and there is a strong chance that your babies will have to remain in the hospital for a while. i delivered at 33 weeks 6 days via an emergency c-section. My son came home after 8 days, and my daughter came home after 12 days.

If you want to talk don't hesitate to message me.

Devon - posted on 05/05/2009

I was 19 when i had my girls and i was nervouse at first but when they were born and brought them home, my motherly instinct kicked in and i did fine. plus i had alot of help. make sure that you are going to have lots of help. try to get plenty of rest, and just stay positive. don't let people scare you. you will do fine. alot of people that say negative stuff are people that never had twins so they automatically think it is going to be hard, but it isn't. just make sure that you feed them at the same time and you take naps when they do or you will be overwhelmed. bouncy seats are a great thing to have as well, it keeps them content and it can be a life saver for when they get cranky. i suggest getting two of those. just do the best that you can and good luck with everything. also, enjoy your twins!!!

Janet - posted on 05/04/2009

Get lots of rest, try to enjoy the belly as much as possible. Once they are here, try to get someone to help out for atleast for a month or two. Nap when they are napping, even if its sleeping most of the day. Keep them on schedule, feed at the same time, nap at the same time from the beginning. Organization, when going out or even starting you day do it in the same order everytime, my girls already know the routine and now at 19 mths old are able to help.

If you have a baby shower, ask for diapers. I had enough diapers to last me until my girls were 6 months old! Shop on craigslist or ebay for the bigger items such as walkers, strollers, trikes, jumpers/swings, etc. Items that they won't use for to long.Twins can get pricey so anywhere you can save is always good.

Good luck!!

Jennifer - posted on 05/04/2009

Hi, Really don't let them scare you , it is not that bad! My twins were preg # 3 for me and it was the best for me ! with this being your first you should have no problems making it to 37 weeks or over...the delivery was ok for me , I had mine vaginal and it was not bad they turned baby b around because she turned breach right after her sister was born lol! I tryed to breats feed but had to hard of a time doing so with 2 other kids running around... and it will take a couple of weeks to get a pattern down but once you get that you will be a pro at doing both feedings at the same time (i so recomend that ) that was the only way I got anything done other than feeding every1 :) I think for me the hardest thing for me was going out in public with the girls ...a shopping trip that should have taken us 30 min took us 2 hours !!! strangers..... but to we would always see someone that we knew and well it was all down hill from there lol I all ways tell people that it don't get better it gets diferrent .... it never gets worse but it just changes form poopoo diappers at the same time to playing in the poopoo together lol at the same time and much much more lol but it is never a boring moment here at my house! I would have to say get 2 swings and i found that if you don't want to work to pay for batteries for in them find the swings that plug in the wall they are a little more money but they save you so much more ! I found them online at baby r-us and they were a must have ! Good luck ! Jennifer