Parenting Twins

Welcoming newborn twins into your life is a joyous occasion that brings double the love and happiness. However, being a twin mom also comes with unique challenges that require careful consideration and preparation. In this article, we will explore the top challenges twin moms may face with their newborn twins, offering insights and practical solutions to help them navigate through this exciting yet demanding journey. 1. Sleep Deprivation: One of the most common challenges twin moms face is endless sleep deprivation. Caring for two newborns means that their sleep patterns are disrupted, leaving mothers exhausted and drained. The unborn twins were accustomed to sleeping when their mother was resting. After birth, they tend to carry on this. Establishing a consistent sleep routine and enlisting the help of a partner, family, or a trusted caregiver can significantly alleviate this challenge. Consider synchronized feeding and sleeping schedules, taking turns during night duties, and accepti...

 Most people think twins are very adorable which I totally agree with. They are very cute; physically. As a twin parent, I sometimes have to remind myself of the advantages of having twins. Don't judge me, the little monsters are two years. These are the few advantages that twin parents get to enjoy. 1. Two kids in one pregnancy As one who didn't enjoy pregnancy, I find myself grateful every day for getting two babies at a go. I would have loved to get another baby had I given birth to one baby. I am just glad that nature did me this favor. 2. More to love and love back There is something special about the twins fighting about who to hug a twin mum or who wants to be picked up. This however is a nightmare when they are infants and don't know the other exists. 3. Enjoying the twin bond Twins have a very special bond. For identical twins, it might be a bit stronger. Watching the twin bond is very beautiful and it makes any twin mum smile and just be grateful that she got the ...

 The moment an ultrasound shows that a mum is expecting twins or multiple babies, she is immediately labeled a high-risk pregnancy. As a first-time twin mum, the first instinct is to research and find the risks that are associated with a twin pregnancy. The twin mum's mind is definitely full of worries, especially about what would go wrong, and if she is an obsessive thinker like me, things to worry about never run out. Here is a list of things that I found useful in easing my worries during my twin pregnancy; 1. Praying If you believe in a higher deity, this will definitely come in handy. The knowing that there is a higher power and force watching over the twins is something that gave me comfort and calmed my worries. There is not much you can do when the twins are implanted to make sure that they are okay. Your efforts are very limited. 2. Having the best Doctor You Can Afford and Can Trust Having a professional who knows exactly what they are doing is definitely very calming. Ta...

 Twins, triplets, and generally multiples are more likely to be placed in NICU than singletons. This is to the higher probability of them being born earlier and smaller than single-birth babies. Once your twins are born, the doctors assess them to determine if they are going to be placed in the NICU or not. As a twin mum, there is nothing you can do about this as you already gave the best you can give. Here is a list of things to expect when your twins are placed in the NICU. 1. Emotional turmoil The doctors are going to inform you why they are placing your twins in the NICU. Most times twin mums beat themselves up wondering if there is something they could have done better. Dear twin mum, you gave the best you can. Your body is exhausted and beating yourself up will only get you even more tired which isn't good for you or the babies. Give yourself grace mama. You are amazing. As a mum, you will also get so scared by the what-ifs. The best way to overcome this is to have strong emo...

Waiting for the big day for your twins is a nerve-wracking affair; much so if you are a first-time mum. In most countries, the average viability age of a fetus is 24 weeks so from 24 weeks, one should have their hospital bags packed. Prior to packing your bags, the expectant twin mum should visit the health facility where she is planning to have them and question what they provide for new mums and what they do not. In most developed countries, they provide diapers, mom's pads, and formula for infants. However, in developing countries, the twin mum has to find out what they have. Here is a list of what you should pack depending on the hospital you are having your babies in; 1. The twins' clothes Pack clothes that are enough for the twins. Most times multiples will require NICU time so the safe number of days the twin mum should be packing for is 6. Just to be on the safer side, 8 sets of clothes.  Something for their head, arms, and legs. Carry with you 6 swaddles with you. If b...

 Most people are fascinated by twins or multiples which is very okay. However, there are things that will probably make the twin mum more tired than she already is. It is very okay to just say they look cute and keep walking or just keep walking. Here is a list of things that a twin mum would wish you didn't say. 1. You Look So Tired I would really love to answer this question on behalf of every other parent of multiples, 'I have been tired since week 20. That is no news, Candice. Keep walking.' 2. You got your hands so full Honestly, every twin mum out there wonders what point you are trying to make when you say this. It is like someone randomly stating that you have a head. Just keep quiet, please. 3. Are They Twins? This is the most annoying question, especially in the infant stage. Any twin mum will have a thousand other answers in her head before she says yes. Like she got one free after she bought one. Please don't ask this if one woman has two tiny babies with he...

 Dear Lord,  This twin mum is very grateful. In your kindness and love, she wanted a baby and you gave her two. Instead of getting one hug, she gets two. Instead of getting one to kiss, she got two.  Lord, instead of listening to one magical laugh, she listens to two. This twin mum is awed. Now Lord, as all things come in twos, the cries too come in two. Instead of one looking for attention, there are two that do not understand that there exists another. Please give this twin mum the grace Lord. To stand the cry of one as she attends to the other. May her breasts overflow with milk so she can feed two and express. Give this twin mum energy so she may tandem feed. May your grace carry her through the nights she will barely sleep. As you give her grace, may you please extend it to her partner so that he may not pretend that he is asleep. Dear Lord, If this twin mum can't produce enough milk for her babies, may you give her the financial ability to buy the ever-expensive for...

Mother's Day is almost here and every mother is looking forward to feeling appreciated. You may argue that you appreciate your mother every day but does appreciating Jesus every day make you not celebrate Christmas? Mothers will definitely appreciate gifts that are well thought out and are for them personally. If you are planning to buy a dishwasher for her, please do so; Just not on mothers Day. Most times people will think you need lots of money to buy gifts but you could get these thoughtful gifts without spending too much. However, if you have the money please do spend on the woman. She totally deserves it. 1. Flowers Starting the day off with a bouquet of beautiful flowers never hurt any woman. Make sure they are fresh and they are her favorites. Also, make sure to remember what she is allergic to. 2. Box of Chocolates If your mum or partner is a sweet tooth, this could be part of the gifts that you can easily get. Does she love dark chocolate? Is it white chocolate? What does...

 When you get from the hospital, you may realize that parenting is not as easy as it was with the help of nurses. You're probably fatigued, trying to breastfeed and manage. You know the babies are fragile so you want to handle them yourself. For most new borns, they barely sleep for more than four hours. With multiples, their sleeping patterns are different and you may find yourself up for the whole night and day.