Coping With Twins and Multiples

"Congratulations, you're having twins."

I remember the first time I saw both of those little "beans" wiggling around on the ultrasound screen as I was filled with happiness and excitement. The doctor was watching me like she expected me to burst into tears. Apparently that's what most mother's of twins do, from what she told me. She kept asking me if I was okay and I had to assure her a dozen times, that I was.

From that day on my life was never the same. Thinking back, I probably should have burst into tears. I had a pregnancy filled with unbearable bed rest and went into premature labor three times. My twins were born two months premature and spent a month in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. But the real fun started when I got them home.

Did I mention that I had an eleven month old son at home when my twins were born?

I may be the mother of twins but more often then not I feel like the mother of triplets. When people find out I have two year old twins and a three year old I often get asked how I possibly do it. It's really not as bad as most people would think. Oh, it can be overwhelming at first but you do indeed get use to it.

If there was one thing I'd advise new mothers of multiples it's to learn how to manage your time. Sticking to a schedule was and still is the key to my success and the fact that my three toddlers have yet to drive me completely crazy . . . And trust me, they try! Having a less rigid schedule with singleton's may work well for some parents but with twins things are always a bit more hectic. You'll find that good time management with multiples will definitely make your life a lot easier. Set a routine and stick with it the best you can. When one newborn is hungry and demands to eat make sure to offer food to their twin as well even if they aren't demanding food at that time. Initially, getting them on the same feeding schedule is really important for you. Feeding your babies ever two hours or so is much better for your well being then having to feed one baby every hour and cuts down on your stress. Once your twins or multiples get into that set routine, things will run a lot smoother.