Mom's of Twins

Congratulations! My girls are 4. The main thing is to have a game plan before you give birth. I knew that I wanted them to be on a schedule and at the same time. So I planned throughout-by reading and talking to others-and knew how I wanted to go about it. I think this helped me from being overwhelmed after they were born.

Hi A.,
Congratulations on your upcoming twins. I have twin boys who will be 4 on June 16th. I remember so clearly the day I found out there were two, wow was I one scared mama! Four years later, I can honestly say it wasn't quite as hard as I made it out to be in my mind. That being said, I was fortunate that my first child (a girl) was about to be seven when the boys were born so what a big helper she was. I agree with the first mom that scheduling is very important. What one does, the other must do, too. Eat, sleep, wake, etc. Mine slept together until about 4 months when they would be all over each other and then they went to separate beds but still in the same room. That has worked well for my boys. Yes, there were times that one would be up for some reason in the night and would have to be moved to another room in the playpen so not to wake the other but those were rare occasions. Being four now, I couldn't imagine them not being in the same room together. Long story short, one of my twins nearly lost his life last Sept. to MRSA septic shock and spent over three months in the hospital. When he finally came home, he was so damaged that he had to learn to do almost everything all over again, including walking. His healthy brother did such a great job (some times in the middle of the night) letting me know when Bryce needed something. It would be so sweet to hear Gage running back to the room saying "It's ok buddy, mommy's coming". I never realized why God gave me two at one time until one became sick and the other gave him the push and encouragement to get better. I guess in the beginning I would just remind you that you can only do so much because there's only one of you. So if they both need to be fed and you can only do one, it's ok for the other to cry for a few minutes. Another twin mom told me that and I'm so glad she did otherwise I would have made myself crazy trying to keep both happy at the same time when my husband was at work or trying to sleep so he could work. Best wishes, it will be an exhausting blessing!

Hi A., I have 2 1/2 year old twins and an 8 month old. I can tell you if I can do it, you can too! You will figure out a routine and what works best for everyone. I would definately say stick to a schedule, especially with twins. I had a very strict schedule (still do) with the twins and it really helps. I think that's the big difference between having just 1 baby and having 2. My 8 month old doesn't need that strict schedule like the twins. I also nursed all three kids for a year and will nurse the third baby for at least a year. You do have an advantage, a 4 year old can be a lot of help. Even one of my 2 1/2 year olds is helpful. I would try to put them in seperate rooms, at least after 6 months. one of my twins sleeps a lot more than the other. They say they learn to ignore each other while sleeping but in my experience, that only lasted the first 6 months or so. Just enjoy every moment, twins are such a blessing! My twins love each other so much and it's so fun watching them interact. Good luck!

My twin boys will be two in July and one of my daughters will be 4 in September. I also have a nine year old. I know EXACTLY how you are feeling and it is scary, but you can do it. There is nothing sweeter than seeing those two babies laugh at each other and help each other; it makes it all worth it! My advice would be to watch The Happiest Baby on the the Block (that saved my life) and give yourself permission to let go of a lot of ideas you might have about how to parent (like I had to accept that bottle-feeding combined with breast-feeding was okay, sometimes one kid will have to cry or wait until I can help them, it's okay for baby to sleep in the swing for as long as s/he will sleep). Like the other ladies said, being on a strict schedule is very important, even though it will limit you, it will also help you stay sane. Also, when other people offer to help, let them! Once you survive that first year, you will feel invincible. And when you try to remember it, it will mostly just be a blur anyway - so take lots of pictures.

hello!!!!!

i have a 4 month old twins boy/girl when the dr. told me i was having twins i was shocked because i don't have any family near me so i was so scare but the main thing i am learning is make a schedule for feedings ,nap time and bed time in the first 2 months and that way you can get some sleep and just remember you can not have the 2 babys always happy .and let you 4 y/o help you with little things that way he will not be so jealous.

Lastly, try to relax and enjoy your twins. I believe we were chosen to have twins because we're capable enough to handle it. Not everyone can and we're special because we have our twins. They grow so quickly. Take lots of pictures and forgot how dirty your house is!

My boys are almost two. They have been on a very tight schedule since birth. I'd highly suggest that. I'd also line up whatever help you can for at least 8 weeks. I don't have any other kids, and I was overwhelmed. It gets easier though once you figure them out. I did breastfeed both until they were 16months, so its do-able if you want to. Make sure you are off your feet as much as possible and drink lots of water. Good luck