THE BABBLE TAKE
The first months with a newborn are never easy, but parents with twins and multiples face some additional logistical hurdles. Breastfeeding twins is entirely possible — and some say easier than bottle-feeding two little guys at once — but it is more of a production than feeding a singleton. Everything, from getting your babies to sleep and diapering, to buying new clothes takes twice the effort with twins, compared to just one baby. On the bright side twins provide double opportunity for love and they have each other for added company and comfort. Last but not least any parent of twins will tell you that they do eventually grow out of infancy. Tips from seasoned parents of twins include prioritizing, not being shy about asking for extra help, and letting go of any ambitions you might have to vacuum or cook much in the first three months.
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BabyCenter ®
"Caring for one child is daunting enough for many new parents, and the prospect of having two (or more) at the same time can be a real jolt. [...] Remember that no parents receive all the support they need; every new mom and dad could use more time, help, training, money, and emotional backing. With twins, these needs double, and more. You'll require much more support than just your partner can give, so to avoid blaming him — or yourself — when stress starts to build, plan ahead and line up additional help for after the birth."
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iVillage
"Most families need regular outside help with twins during the first year. Set this up ahead of time if you can. You can get help from people you trust and get along with, such as [friends, relatives, or hired help]. And you might be able to trade services with friends. Remember outside help doesn't always have to cost money. Call your county health and social services departments and ask what in-home services are available for families with new babies. (Programs differ from county to county.)"
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About.com
"Every family makes adjustments for a new baby but, for those who welcome more than one, the transition holds additional challenges. Your babies may be premature and require extra care, even hospitalization. The demands of caring for twins or more puts a strain on even the strongest marriage. With a little preparation, these tips will help make the first few months with multiples a bit more manageable."
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Parenting
"I sometimes forget that I didn't decide to have twins. It's so like me: I've been a lifetime subscriber to the if-one's-good-two-are-better philosophy of living.[...] But having survived those first few months of my sons' lives, I now know that mothering twins is very different from all of those other twos I took on. [...] But once I learned I was carrying twins, I was committed. [...] Think motherhood is intense? Motherhood times two is unbelievably intense. Herewith, some tenets that helped me to not only survive those early months, but also to enjoy my beautiful newborn sons."
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Dr. Sears
"Your babies will have distinct feeding personalities. One is probably bigger than the other, and one may want to nurse more often than the other. As the babies become more adept at latching on it will be easier to nurse them at the same time, at least for some feedings. (Feeding on both breasts at the same time will really boost your prolactin levels.) At times, you may want to encourage the less-demanding baby, or the one who is not very hungry yet, to nurse at the same time as his sibling, especially at night so that you can get some rest. There will be other times when you want to give each baby individual attention at the breast."
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