How to prepare when you’re pregnant with twins

Hearing you’re expecting not one – but two – babies can be a little overwhelming! We share a few expert tips on how you can prepare for the birth of twins.

Make sure you are happy with your doctor

Check your gynaecologist’s reputation, especially their experience with multiple pregnancies, as these are sometimes prone to more complications. Unless it’s a healthy pregnancy, you may also need to consider having a C-section rather than a natural delivery. The most important thing is that you and your babies are healthy.

Seek support

The South African Multiple Births Association is a great platform to consider joining. Here you get to speak to other mothers who are pregnant with twins or already parenting twins, and they can share their experiences with you and coping strategies for caring for twin babies.

Be prepared for preemie

Many twins and multiples can be born premature or have low-birth-weights. There is a likelihood that one or both of your babies may have to stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Prepare for this by going on a NICU tour before the birth to ensure you are familiar with the surroundings and understand how it all works. Because of the coronavirus, some hospitals have amended their visiting times and their safety policies, so it’s a good idea to determine what policies your chosen hospital has in place. It’s perfectly fine if your babies have to go to the NICU as they are in very safe hands and get the best care possible.

The same or separate cots

Some parents choose to let their babies sleep in separate cots, while others prefer investing in one cot and letting their twins sleep together. This is a personal decision. Your babies can easily share a cot for the first month or two when they’re smaller and not very mobile. If, however, you’re worried about letting your twins sleep together in the same cot, you can always speak to your paediatrician for their professional opinion on the subject.

Choose between a twin pram or stroller

When choosing a stroller, you’ll be lost for choice (think side-by-side vs tandem). Lugging two tiny people around requires your strollers to serve different purposes, and luckily there are plenty of options. It’s recommended that you opt for models that will fit through a standard door and fold up easily when not in use with twins. Take into consideration your lifestyle needs, as well as your budget.

Car seat

Along with a stroller, you’ll need to buy a car seat for each of your babies. The good news is that most cars can comfortably fit two car seats.

Create a routine

Having a routine can be a lifesaver when it comes to twins. Investing in a journal may help you keep track of feeding times, nappy changes, sleep times, and so on. Create a structured routine for your babies, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you can.

Do what works best

Don’t be pressured by other people to raise your children according to their standards. Do what works for you. This includes getting a night nurse to help for those night feeds if your husband is not so hands-on, and if the tandem breastfeeding is just not working after a valiant attempt, then consider bottle feeding one of the babies. It may be daunting raising twins now, but you will feel joy as you see them grow side-by-side.