Congratulations! You are expecting twins. So now what do you do?!

by Kate DiRienzo-Payne

Finding out you are expecting twins is a blessing and a shock rolled into one. Your initial reaction of “wow, we are having TWO babies” will likely be followed quickly by “HOW are we going to do it?!” You are not alone – these are the initial, confused feelings of ALL expecting parents of multiples.

Preparation is essential. As a mom to fraternal twin boys I’ve learned firsthand how important it is to be ready for twins. Unlike singletons you can’t just hope everything falls into place, because it doesn’t. Here are my five key points to keep in mind when preparing for your new babies

1.     Be as prepared as you can by 28 weeks: close to 50% of Moms expecting multiples are placed on some form of bed-rest and this is often around this time. Make this your cutoff point and save yourself the stress of being stuck in bed and unable to test strollers or pick out bedding. At the very least, make sure you have had your baby shower by then (if you are having one) and have done your maternity pictures!

2.     Don’t buy two of everything – it is a myth that twins can’t or don’t share. This is especially true when it comes to activity toys such as rockers, bouncers or anything electric. Instead buy different types so that you can rotate the babies between each. This will also ensure you don’t give over space at home to two jumperoos that neither baby enjoys, and save you a trip to the store to return them! Also look on your local twin groups and Facebook pages; moms are always parting with baby gear at a much lower price!

3.     Take advice from other moms of twins. You will find great comfort hearing from moms that have been through it, whether they’re new moms or more experienced. Parenting techniques evolve so recent experiences and techniques are useful. But the backbone to your twin learning may well come from older moms who are a wealth of amazing information and can act often as our lighthouse.

4.     Choose a medical support team that has experience with multiples – this applies in all areas from OB’s to pediatricians. Multiple births, twin development, even twin milestones can vary greatly from singletons so try and find experts that are experienced in this so you can feel 100% comfortable in their care.

5.     Plan to schedule everything from the moment the babies come home. Keeping the twins on the same feeding, sleeping, activity schedule means you can plan your day effectively and not feel like you are running around 24/7 with no respite. You can organize your partner, family and friends to chip in and take turns feeding as you will know what time the babies’ awake periods will be.

6.     Lastly, believe in yourself! Having twins is so thrilling and yet can feel overwhelming at times. Take it one day at a time. The days may feel long but the time really does go by fast. Enjoy the extra kisses, hugs, cuddles and unwavering love that only moms of twins have the benefit of receiving. 

Kate DiRienzo-Payne has experience working in the childcare industry as a caregiver and also in the pre-schools. Over two and a half years ago she began her journey of becoming a mom to multiples. Living far from her family, meant she and her husband were going to be traveling the road to twins without the close-by support of their families. She set out on learning everything thing there is to know about twins by taking classes, reading books, testing products, and speaking with other twin moms. Along with raising two happy, healthy, adventurous twin boys, she is focused on bringing other twin moms in the Los Angeles area together to give each other the support and TLC they need.

Kate also teaches The Pump Station & Nurtury's NEW Expecting Multiples Baby Care class in Hollywood. Topics covered are personalized to your TWINS! Topics include but are not limited to: Feeding, (breastfeeding, bottle feeding and Introduction to Solids. Sleeping: Rhythms and methods that will work for you. Scheduling: Effective tips to make your day easier. Baby gear: What you need and don't need (we save you money!)
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