Everything you read about raising twins will tell you the same thing, how hard it is. As a mother of two sets of twins I can honestly tell you it is more than hard work but putting the challenges and the difficulties aside, I love being a mother of twins! Its enormous fun!
You may be overwhelmed at first but you will soon learn to adapt and enjoy your new role as a twin parent.
The first thing I would say about raising twins is to be prepared for a period of very little sleep. Its quite simple, newborn twins bring sleep deprivation to their parents. This is probably the most common complaint from twin mums. It doesn't last forever and you will get through it.
Coping with the demands of one newborn baby is hard enough but two newborn babies can send any normal household into a state of chaos. At first it will seem like life is one long feed with very little sleep, rest or time to do anything else in between.
I would advise that you take any offers of help during the first few months. If family and friends want to help but don't know how to then be bold and tell them what they could do to assist you. Taking the babies for a walk so you can take a nap, preparing the dinner or even just being there with a spare pair of hands during feeding or bath time can be an enormous help.
The thing with twins is this; you have to find practical and creative ways for one pair of hands to be enough to manage them. Even when your partner is at home to help and not at work you will discover that two pairs of hands still doesn't allow for a break. If your partner takes over to give you a rest they too have to manage with one pair of hands.
You have to adapt all the practical tasks to cope with the care of baby twins. These are some of the common questions surrounding the practical side of raising twins:-
How can I feed two babies at the same time?
How do I bath two babies at the same time?
How do I get up and down the stairs with two babies at the same time?
How do I comfort two babies at the same time?
The answer is creatively!
Getting out of the house with twins is another challenge and it's important to have the right kind of twin pushchair. It will take longer than usual to get out of the front door remembering everything you need and even in and out of car seats takes longer, so think carefully about your options before you make your purchases.
As twins get older and start to crawl and move about you will need to create a couple of "twin safe" areas where you can leave them to play whilst you nip to the toilet or pop to the kitchen to prepare food. It's easy to scoop one baby up and take them with you but it's not so easy scooping two up. I would recommend putting up safety gates as soon as they are crawling.
Aside of the practicalities of raising twins there are the emotional issues you may experience as a twin mother. Feelings of inadequacy and guilt can often set in when you face the challenges of juggling their care. You may experience feelings of frustration because it is so difficult to split yourself in two and may be annoyed that you need to ask for help and support from family and friends. Twins are hard work and you should not think that you should be able to cope alone. It does get easier and even this statement from a twin mother who is out of the difficult phase may annoy you when you are in the thick of the hard times.
Hard work and challenges aside, raising twins is never dull. It's a fascinating time watching two babies of exactly the same age grow and develop. You get to see two different personalities unfold and how they react to everything new. It is lovely to see them interacting with one another. By the time they are toddlers you will be dealing with squabbles and fights and issues over sharing as well as the times when they are playing perfectly with one another.
When you become a parent of twins you join a special club whereby complete strangers will stop you on the street to talk. Twins are fascinating to most people and you can expect many a stranger to stop to admire your babies. You will get used to questions and statements such as "Are they identical?", "Are they good?", "How do you manage?" and "Double Trouble" and "Buy One Get one Free!"
This brings me to the next issue with raising twins, finances. You may be worried about how you will cope financially. It's not just the baby items that are costly with twins it's the time constraints they bring too. Caring for baby and toddler twins leaves little time for anything else including work. If both parents need to work and you have to organise child care this is going to be very costly. Even if only one parent has to work there is pressure on the working parent to spend more and more time at home to assist with their care especially if the twins arrive prematurely or have feeding difficulties.
Other issues with raising twins include dividing your attention, ensuring you and everyone else treats them as individuals and not as one half of a pair. As they get to school age you may need to think about separating them if they are reliant upon one another. You may need to find ways of encouraging them to play alone or without one another and help them to make friends of their own. As twins they will share a special bond due to the amount of time spent together from the very beginning, however, it is important that they find their own way in life.
Most importantly, enjoy having your twins because before you know it they will have flown the nest.
I am a mother of two sets of twins both fraternal and identical. I have created a website to assist others during their twin pregnancies and afterwards. http://twinstips.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angela_Manton
Monday, 19 October 2009
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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