In the United States, since 1980 there has been a 65% increase in the frequency of twins and a 500% increase in the number of triplet pregnancies or higher-order births. The vast majority of this increase has resulted from assisted reproductive technologies(in-vitro or fertility drugs). The risk of a multiple pregnancy resulting from infertility treatments is a very high 25%.
Very recently reproductive endocrinologists have been trying to reduce the number of multiple pregnancies associated with in-vitro procedures by transferring only one embryo, even in older patients. Interestingly, however there is a much higher identical twin rate (identical twins result from one embryo splitting into two, three or even four embryos) associated with in-vitro techniques, so that even when only one embryo is transferred, a multiple pregnancy can result. When infertile couples are surveyed, many are actually thrilled to be "blessed" with a multiple pregnancy--as often they have waited for years before conceiving.
Although multiple pregnancies account for only 3% of all live births, they are responsible for a much larger percentage of pregnancy complications and poor outcomes. 17% of preterm births are the result of multiple pregnancy. 24% of low-birth weight infants are the product of a multiple pregnancy. It is interesting to note however, that although these statistics are accurate, the babies born to parents who have undergone infertility treatments, even if premature or low birth weight, tend to do very well. In part this is because of dramatic advances in care of the premature infant, but another factor is that the parents of these pregnancies are thrilled to be pregnant and are doing everything possible to optimize their outcomes.
What can you do to optimize your outcome?
Get in early with your doctor! If you have been diagnosed with a multiple pregnancy you are going to get to know your doctor very well! If you have been through infertility treatments, your RE (reproductive endocrinologist) will likely have a number of good references. Choose a doctor that you are comfortable with and that you feel will answer all your questions.
Eliminate any remaining bad habits! If you have been through infertility you have likely cleaned up your act pretty thoroughly already, but if there are any vices that linger, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, excessive caffeine intake, etc. now is the time to dispense with these!
Maximize your nutrition. You are going to want to gain a significant amount of weight, but make sure you do it gradually and by eating the right mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. You are also going to want to supplement iron, calcium and folic acid, and you are going to need to choose a supplement you can tolerate!(In another article, we'll talk about nausea of pregnancy!)
You are going to need plenty of rest and will likely end up on bed rest, so get a good bed! You may want to invest in a body pillow to help you position the body that you won't even recognize in a few months!
Get going on your nursery and stock up on supplies - you can't shop while you're on bed rest.
Join THE TRIPLET CONNECTION website - this site has lots of discount codes and suggestions for stores with hard-to-find items. They also have used items for sale by other multiples families which can be very handy and save lots of money!
Get lots of film, or even better, a digital camera or video camera. There are also some very neat baby books which allow you to document your babies' progress in the neonatal intensive care unit--a great site to check out is COME UNITY.
Finally, you are going to want to start making plans at work. You will almost certainly be out of work by 20-24 weeks if you are carrying more than 2 babies. You may want to consider starting a home business! After all that hard work bringing those babies into the world, you may not be eager to leave them in someone else's care when they finally arrive. See my box below for more information about the business I chose that allows me to stay home with my boys while they are babies and still send them to college down the road!
Elaine Brown, M.D. is a former Obstetrician/Gynecologist turned Internet entrepreneur. She is a successful marketer and mother of four including triplets. See her business at MyInternetBusiness.com (new link coming soon!). Or for something just for fun - go to her blog Dr Brown's MyInternetBusiness.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elaine_Brown
Showing posts with label having twins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label having twins. Show all posts
Tuesday, 20 October 2009
Monday, 19 October 2009
Double Pushchair - Twin Or Tandem?
If you have two young children, twins or just two under 3’s you will need a pushchair or stroller that can carry both of your children. It is obviously impossible for one person to push two buggies, so there are some very cleverly designed pushchairs that are suitable for two children.
There are two main types of pushchair/stroller that are suitable for two children. There is a twin pushchair and there is a tandem pushchair.
Twin pushchairs are by far the most common design and you will surely have seen many of these before. They have two front-facing seats side-by-side.
Tandem pushchairs have two forward-facing seats, one in front of the other, and are suitable for children of differing ages. To remember the difference, you can think of a tandem bicycle where two people are seated one in-front and one-behind.
How do you decide which is most suitable for you? Well, each type of pushchair has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages.
You will find that a twin pushchair (side-by-side, remember?) is most suitable for two newborns or children of differing ages. Twin pushchairs usually have adjustable seats with lie-flat position that operate independently, swivel front wheels for manoeuvrability and one or two shopping baskets. So, for example, your two year old can sit upright while your 6 month old baby lies flat.
A tandem pushchair will have adjustable seats with lie-flat positions that will operate independently of each other. They are quite long and not as easy to turn tight corners. They are narrower than twin strollers.
It is vital to make sure you choose the most suitable pushchair for you. Many parents often choose an unsuitable pushchair before they find the right one that suits their requirements.
Mark Hartshorne is a father with two young children and created a website to review pushchairs and strollers to offer parents a fair comparison on price, size, design and more. The website is My Pushchair
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Hartshorne
There are two main types of pushchair/stroller that are suitable for two children. There is a twin pushchair and there is a tandem pushchair.
Twin pushchairs are by far the most common design and you will surely have seen many of these before. They have two front-facing seats side-by-side.
Tandem pushchairs have two forward-facing seats, one in front of the other, and are suitable for children of differing ages. To remember the difference, you can think of a tandem bicycle where two people are seated one in-front and one-behind.
How do you decide which is most suitable for you? Well, each type of pushchair has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages.
You will find that a twin pushchair (side-by-side, remember?) is most suitable for two newborns or children of differing ages. Twin pushchairs usually have adjustable seats with lie-flat position that operate independently, swivel front wheels for manoeuvrability and one or two shopping baskets. So, for example, your two year old can sit upright while your 6 month old baby lies flat.
A tandem pushchair will have adjustable seats with lie-flat positions that will operate independently of each other. They are quite long and not as easy to turn tight corners. They are narrower than twin strollers.
It is vital to make sure you choose the most suitable pushchair for you. Many parents often choose an unsuitable pushchair before they find the right one that suits their requirements.
Mark Hartshorne is a father with two young children and created a website to review pushchairs and strollers to offer parents a fair comparison on price, size, design and more. The website is My Pushchair
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Hartshorne
Preparing For Twins
So, you're having twins! Now what? Preparing for twins does not have to be complicated. And it's not a bad idea to start preparations in the early part of twin pregnancy. You'll have a lot more energy to tackle projects, go shopping, and perhaps, even put together some cribs.
There is certainly more gear needed for twins then singletons, as well as a bit more space. Making a list of the key items needed to prepare for your twins eventual arrival will help with setting a budget and keeping you on track with the essentials.
The first thing you will need to think about is lifestyle. Will you have your twins in separate rooms or one room? Will you be nursing or bottle feeding? Cloth or disposable diapers? What type of double stroller will suit you? And, of course, finances!
Buying for two can become costly. Keep in mind that there are many things your twins will not need or use when they are newborns. Obtaining these items later is a nice way to spread out the expense and the fuss. If you're on a tight budget or tight on space, you may want to forego two cribs, initially, and get one crib to share or two bassinets instead. Twins can sleep in bassinets until around 6 months or so. Not to mention, a bassinet can be moved from room to room with ease...A huge plus when you've got two babies! You won't have need of two highchairs for a while either so, if space and expense is an issue, you can save a bit here. You may also want to check out secondhand shops and garage sales for some of the pricier items. And don't forget your sister or friend who had a baby and needs to get rid of some stuff. If neither cost or space is an issue for you, happy shopping!
The following is a recommended list of the essentials for your twins homecoming:
1-2 Cribs or 2 bassinets
2 car seats
Double stroller
4-8 crib/bassinet sheets
6-10 receiving blankets
2-4 heavy blankets (for winter babies)
Diapers! (100 or so per week)
Cloth Diapers! (if you go this route, your local diaper service will let you know how many you will need)
2-4 boxes of baby wipes
Twin diaper bag
10-14 one piece undershirts
10-14 one piece pajamas and/or gowns
4-8 pairs of socks/booties
4-6 hats
4-6 blanket sleepers (for winter babies)
Baby wash and lotion
1-2 bath cushions or 1 portable tub
4-8 washcloths and towels
Diaper rash ointment
2 thermometers
2 bulb syringes
Tylenol for infants
6-14 bottles and nipples (if you will bottle feed)
2-4 large cans of formula (approx. a can a week)
1 bottle brush
6-12 burp cloths
4-8 bibs
1 twin nursing pillow (great even for bottle feeding)
If you have the above items on hand, you will be pretty well prepared for infant twins. If it's within your budget and you have the space, you may also want to purchase a baby monitor, 1-2 baby swings and/or bouncer chairs, 1-2 changing tables and a good quality breast pump (if you will breastfeed your twins). As mentioned earlier, lifestyle will play a role in deciding what items to obtain. So, use this list as your guideline when preparing for twins. Best of luck!
By Kellie Asaro: Mom-treprenuer, Author, Designer of Twin Clothing & Gifts
Kellie is the proud mother of identical twin boys and a daughter. She is the founder and author of http://www.twin-pregnancy-and-beyond.com , a wonderful resource for parents and families who have or are expecting twins. She also owns Trends In Twos - http://www.trendsintwos.com , a chic boutique specializing in clothing and gifts for twins and their families.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kellie_Asaro
There is certainly more gear needed for twins then singletons, as well as a bit more space. Making a list of the key items needed to prepare for your twins eventual arrival will help with setting a budget and keeping you on track with the essentials.
The first thing you will need to think about is lifestyle. Will you have your twins in separate rooms or one room? Will you be nursing or bottle feeding? Cloth or disposable diapers? What type of double stroller will suit you? And, of course, finances!
Buying for two can become costly. Keep in mind that there are many things your twins will not need or use when they are newborns. Obtaining these items later is a nice way to spread out the expense and the fuss. If you're on a tight budget or tight on space, you may want to forego two cribs, initially, and get one crib to share or two bassinets instead. Twins can sleep in bassinets until around 6 months or so. Not to mention, a bassinet can be moved from room to room with ease...A huge plus when you've got two babies! You won't have need of two highchairs for a while either so, if space and expense is an issue, you can save a bit here. You may also want to check out secondhand shops and garage sales for some of the pricier items. And don't forget your sister or friend who had a baby and needs to get rid of some stuff. If neither cost or space is an issue for you, happy shopping!
The following is a recommended list of the essentials for your twins homecoming:
1-2 Cribs or 2 bassinets
2 car seats
Double stroller
4-8 crib/bassinet sheets
6-10 receiving blankets
2-4 heavy blankets (for winter babies)
Diapers! (100 or so per week)
Cloth Diapers! (if you go this route, your local diaper service will let you know how many you will need)
2-4 boxes of baby wipes
Twin diaper bag
10-14 one piece undershirts
10-14 one piece pajamas and/or gowns
4-8 pairs of socks/booties
4-6 hats
4-6 blanket sleepers (for winter babies)
Baby wash and lotion
1-2 bath cushions or 1 portable tub
4-8 washcloths and towels
Diaper rash ointment
2 thermometers
2 bulb syringes
Tylenol for infants
6-14 bottles and nipples (if you will bottle feed)
2-4 large cans of formula (approx. a can a week)
1 bottle brush
6-12 burp cloths
4-8 bibs
1 twin nursing pillow (great even for bottle feeding)
If you have the above items on hand, you will be pretty well prepared for infant twins. If it's within your budget and you have the space, you may also want to purchase a baby monitor, 1-2 baby swings and/or bouncer chairs, 1-2 changing tables and a good quality breast pump (if you will breastfeed your twins). As mentioned earlier, lifestyle will play a role in deciding what items to obtain. So, use this list as your guideline when preparing for twins. Best of luck!
By Kellie Asaro: Mom-treprenuer, Author, Designer of Twin Clothing & Gifts
Kellie is the proud mother of identical twin boys and a daughter. She is the founder and author of http://www.twin-pregnancy-and-beyond.com , a wonderful resource for parents and families who have or are expecting twins. She also owns Trends In Twos - http://www.trendsintwos.com , a chic boutique specializing in clothing and gifts for twins and their families.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kellie_Asaro
Twins - Double Trouble?
If You're Having Twins..is it double the headache, or double the joy? Probably both!
What Causes Twins?
The number of twins is on the increase, probably because of IVF treatment where more than one fertilised egg is placed in the womb.
Of the non-IVF twins, there are two causes:
Two eggs are released during ovulation and both are fertilised by separate sperm - it is possible twins can be fathered by two different Dads! In this case the twins are not identical (even if they have the same Dad!). Non-identical twins are also known as fraternal, they share about half their genes so they may or may not look the same. It is even possible for a couple of mixed race to have one white and one black twin - now wouldn't that be fun! You could just imagine the comments from some dumb folk.
Identical twins result when the egg splits into two during the first 14 days. In this case both twins have similar looks - the saying 'two peas out of the same pod' has more than an element of truth! If the egg splits into two after around 14 days, the result could be Siamese (conjoined) twins, but this is extremely rare. The reasons why the egg splits are not really known, although a recent study has remarked that medical treatment to encourage ovulation may cause the wall of the egg to weaken thus making it more likely to split.
So, you found out from your ultrasound scan that you are expecting twins. How do you know if they will be identical? Do you have to wait until they are toddlers before this is apparent? Maybe.
Firstly a boy/girl pair are not identical. If your scan reveals two babies of the same sex, you need to find out whether there is one or two placentas: if there's one, your twins are probably identical; two placentas and the jury's still out. Even after birth you still may not know. Again, a
single placenta places the odds heavily in favor of identical twins, two placentas either fused or separate are inconclusive; the only way then to get the answer is through a DNA test, or you can wait until they start to grow up.
Feeding Twins
In the first few days you will think this is impossible. It is possible to breastfeed two babies but a bottle is easier, especially if you have help. It is also easier to monitor how much each baby has taken if you use a bottle.But you probably want to breastfeed because it is better for your babies. It can take several weeks before your breasts produce sufficient milk, so a combination of your milk and a formula feed may be necessary until your milk production gets up to
speed. Try to feed both babies at once otherwise you will be at it non-stop.
Raising Twins
There's no denying it's hard work. According to Tamba, the Twins and Multiple Births Association, twins should be encouraged to achieve a sense of individuality. To this end don't dress them in matching clothes, if you are given matching clothes as a gift try to ensure they wear their identical
outfits on different days. Ask family and friends to send individual cards and presents, and try not to refer to them as 'the twins'.
It has been known for many years that twins' language is about six months behind their peers. They talk later and in shorter sentences. This can lead to reading difficulties later and problems when they start school. You can
help by ensuring that you find time to talk and read to them, individually if possible as if you talk to them as a pair the dominant one will respond and the other may just opt out. If you can't find the time or energy for a bedtime read, play them a story tape.
Above all, try to raise two individuals. There's a story of one mom who took her two boys to nursery: one was asked what his name was and his reply was 'Michael and John'! Sad.
****************************************************************
Author: Tony and Katy Luck who have a website about raising babies.
****************************************************************
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_Luck
What Causes Twins?
The number of twins is on the increase, probably because of IVF treatment where more than one fertilised egg is placed in the womb.
Of the non-IVF twins, there are two causes:
Two eggs are released during ovulation and both are fertilised by separate sperm - it is possible twins can be fathered by two different Dads! In this case the twins are not identical (even if they have the same Dad!). Non-identical twins are also known as fraternal, they share about half their genes so they may or may not look the same. It is even possible for a couple of mixed race to have one white and one black twin - now wouldn't that be fun! You could just imagine the comments from some dumb folk.
Identical twins result when the egg splits into two during the first 14 days. In this case both twins have similar looks - the saying 'two peas out of the same pod' has more than an element of truth! If the egg splits into two after around 14 days, the result could be Siamese (conjoined) twins, but this is extremely rare. The reasons why the egg splits are not really known, although a recent study has remarked that medical treatment to encourage ovulation may cause the wall of the egg to weaken thus making it more likely to split.
So, you found out from your ultrasound scan that you are expecting twins. How do you know if they will be identical? Do you have to wait until they are toddlers before this is apparent? Maybe.
Firstly a boy/girl pair are not identical. If your scan reveals two babies of the same sex, you need to find out whether there is one or two placentas: if there's one, your twins are probably identical; two placentas and the jury's still out. Even after birth you still may not know. Again, a
single placenta places the odds heavily in favor of identical twins, two placentas either fused or separate are inconclusive; the only way then to get the answer is through a DNA test, or you can wait until they start to grow up.
Feeding Twins
In the first few days you will think this is impossible. It is possible to breastfeed two babies but a bottle is easier, especially if you have help. It is also easier to monitor how much each baby has taken if you use a bottle.But you probably want to breastfeed because it is better for your babies. It can take several weeks before your breasts produce sufficient milk, so a combination of your milk and a formula feed may be necessary until your milk production gets up to
speed. Try to feed both babies at once otherwise you will be at it non-stop.
Raising Twins
There's no denying it's hard work. According to Tamba, the Twins and Multiple Births Association, twins should be encouraged to achieve a sense of individuality. To this end don't dress them in matching clothes, if you are given matching clothes as a gift try to ensure they wear their identical
outfits on different days. Ask family and friends to send individual cards and presents, and try not to refer to them as 'the twins'.
It has been known for many years that twins' language is about six months behind their peers. They talk later and in shorter sentences. This can lead to reading difficulties later and problems when they start school. You can
help by ensuring that you find time to talk and read to them, individually if possible as if you talk to them as a pair the dominant one will respond and the other may just opt out. If you can't find the time or energy for a bedtime read, play them a story tape.
Above all, try to raise two individuals. There's a story of one mom who took her two boys to nursery: one was asked what his name was and his reply was 'Michael and John'! Sad.
****************************************************************
Author: Tony and Katy Luck who have a website about raising babies.
****************************************************************
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_Luck
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