Twins hints and tips
- It will be OK. You can cope. God planned this, chose you and He knows what He is doing!
- Say yes to all offers of help
- Take a day at a time, when it gets hard an hour at a time, or even 15 mins a time!
- You will become a popular curiosity (out in the street, at church etc) so protect yourself : keep a low profile initially unless you can face it
- Don't allow too many visitors early on. If you are breast feeding the twins you are pretty exposed (!) and need peace and quiet to make it work
- Don't be too strict about not feeding in bed. Sometimes it is the only way to get through the night.
- Everything takes longer so allow enough time.
- Have easy clothes for them and you.
- Have a good place for changing nappies (that won't strain your back) as you will be changing lots
- For you two as parents, adapt how you share out your day to day roles and responsibilities and keep adapting as the children grow
- Simplify all logistics, and make sure they work (this make take time and effort at the beginning but it is worth it)
- Consider a playpen once they can move. At least you know where they are for a while
- Make some times when the twins have to fit round you (rather than always the other way round)
- Babies are strong and resilient. If you need to shut the door and have a long bath just to get some energy for the next feed, that is OK
- Cut corners sometimes - you don't have to be a perfect 'home cooked home made' mother
- Remember that each phase passes (they won't always be 2 months old) and remember that from 18 months it is easier having twins than just one
- Don't forget to enjoy it all: enjoy each individual child and also the growing and changing relationship between them. I am still doing that 30 years on and it is wonderful.