1. Join a twins club and go to meetings while you are pregnant. You can also get a subscription to TWINS Magazine. Try to Learn everything that you can learn about the twins now.2. Eat a high protein diet and/or drink Ensure or Boost to reduce risks associated with twin to twin transfusion syndrome.
3. Drink lots of WATER, until your urine is clear yellow. Plain water, not a lot of coffee, tea, soda or juice.
4. Use a "belly" support brace, especially later in a multiples pregnancy, to help reduce stress on your back and the risk of preterm labor.
5. Be prepared for the possiblity of bedrest, in case it happens (often at 24 weeks or earlier with multiples, especially if it is your first pregnancy). Ready with a supply of magazines and books, borrow a laptop computer if you can, get craft supplies, etc. You can even use the baby monitor to communicate with the rest of your family when you need them.
6. Don't wait till the last minute to prepare the nursey. You don't want to be caught unprepared. We suggest it is ready by 6 months. You can also put a small refrigerator and/or microwave right in the nursery. Also consider having two diaper changing areas if you live in a two-story house. Most moms agree that twins can share a crib for at least the first 4-6 months, until they start to roll around. You may want to keep one crib in their bedroom, and one in your bedroom, or downstairs at first. Pack 'N Plays are also nice for frequent naps in the living room.
7. Take this time to teach the dad-to-be about baby care. He needs to be involved in changing messy diapers, giving baths, getting up during the night, etc.
8. If you have other children, plan ways ahead of time for them to be involved in the twins care. Teach them their roles and rules ahead of time, and practice with dolls. Often hospitals offer sibling classes to teach young siblings about new babies in the house.
9. Take a tour of your area hospital's labor and delivery unit and NICU early in your pregnancy. Learn about the different levels of the NICU and their routines and rules. Learn about the neonatologists at your local hospital, and meet them if possible while you are pregnant.
10. Check into area pediatricians ahead of time. Interview them before delivery if possible. Find out how much experience they have with twins. Find out how they handle twin appointments and will they schedule them together?
11. Take a birthing class specifically for multiples, if possible. Take your birthing class earlier than if a single birth, preferbaly by 18 weeks. Even if this is not your first delivery, try to take a birthing class that is designed just for multiples.
12. If you plan to breastfeed, attend a breastfeeding class by 18 weeks. Call your hospital's lactation consultant while you are still pregnant. Check to see what information they have specific for multiples. Get information on breast pump rentals, often available from the hospital.
13. Set up a schedule of helpers for when the babies are born. Family, friends and neighbors who are willing to help with laundry, cooking, cleaning, bath time, walking the dog, yardwork, shopping, and just time for you to catch up on your sleep. Never say no when someone offers to help.
14. You can cook casseroles and dinners and freeze them while you are pregnant, so they are available on hectic days once the twins arrive.
15. Shop at rummage sales for the many clothes and equipment you will need. They outgrow everything so fast, there is no need to pay twice the full price for everything.
16. Look around for reduced diaper and formula prices.
17. Have your carseats checked in your vehicle by a certified inspector before you deliver. Often police and fire departments will do this by appointment.
18. Get a twin "Boppy" pillow for bottle or breastfeeding, and bring it with you to the hospital when you deliver.
19. Bring your own pacifiers and bottles to the hospital with you when you deliver, so your babies get used to your style right away. They can get fussy when they get used to the hospitals brand and then you try to switch them once you get home.
20. Get a chart ahead of time to keep track of the twins' daily schedules. Sleep time, feedings, wet diapers, bowel movements, medications etc. It is very easy to get confused about who ate last in your busy day once they are born.
21. Tell everyone you know to call ahead before they come over to your house once the twins are born. Your days will be hectic enough without unexpected guests ringing your doorbell while you are still in your pj's in the middle of the afternoon.
22. Think twice about having houseguests stay with you immediately after the twins come home. You will want time to bond as a family, and get a routine started. You will not have time or energy to be a good hostess, and you will appreciate some time alone, especially if dad can take some family leave time to be home for awhile, too. Some help for a few hours each day is great right away, but houseguests may be better after a few weeks, when dad goes back to work.
23. Don't compare a twin pregnancy to your previous singleton pregnancies. Every pregnancy is different, but with multiples things can be very, very different.
24. Get plenty of rest!
If you have any other tip that you wants to share then feel free to share the same in comments below...
Tips Courtsy: Waukesha Mothers of Twins Club
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