Pregnant with Twins? Read This Mamas!

From a mama with three babies including twins, here are my top tips for the birth and arrival of multiples.

I am lucky enough to be a mama of twins, particularly because I have a boy and girl – Rio and Sienna. When I found out I was having twins I couldn’t believe it (my first daughter was just 3 months old -yikes!). Working out the dates meant that the twins would be born before my eldest was one year old, meaning three babies all under the age of three! Scary I know, but I felt so blessed that I had to  look at the future as an adventure.

So – for any of you faced with similar circumstances, here are my top tips to help a pregnant mama of twins to be prepared for their arrival.

1. Dr George Michailidis runs Genesis clinic and was my personal life saver.

Dr George Michailidis is well known for his excellent interpersonal skills and counselling manners that help parents at challenging times of the pregnancy. He specialises in the best management of high risk pregnancies (twin pregnancies, mothers with diabetes etc)  prenatal screening (first trimester /anomaly/3D-4D ultrasound scanning), prenatal diagnosis (CVS, amniocentesis) and counselling. With his combined Fetal & Maternal Medicine skills and extensive obstetric experience, he provides the comprehensive care needed for mamas with all of the above!

2. You will most probably have a c section as this is the most common way to deliver twins in Dubai hospitals.

I had mine at City Hospital and found the service and staff wonderful and very helpful. The neo natal clinic is great, don’t be alarmed if your babies spend a day or two in the neo natal ward as its standard procedure for babies born under 2.5kg (and most multiples are born small).

3. Buy prem baby clothes.

The little bundles of joy won’t fit in standard new born onesies as they’re usually born teeny tiny! It’s best to be prepared.

4. While pregnant take note and listen to your body.

You will feel the twins moving; I knew that my son was on the right side and my daughter was on the left side. I knew which was quiet and which was kicking away. I would recommend getting as much rest as possible as you won’t get any once the babies are born (If you’re not feeding one baby you are changing the other ones nappy). Not to scare you mamas but I never had any sleep in my twins first year as they would wake up throughout the night and at different times – but it goes fast I promise!

5. When the twins were first born, I let them sleep in the same Moses basket together so as they could feel each other as they are used to being together.

The bond between twins and multiples is amazing and they often love to sleep together. Initially their crying will wake each other up, but eventually they get used to it and they sleep through and love being close to each other.

6. Research good help as believe me, you will need a good nanny.

I personally found it hard breast feeding both babies. Even though I managed the first 2 months, I wanted my husband and family to enjoy feeding the twins too. This meant the babies were on the same schedule so I always needed two pairs of hands. And then there’s bath time with 3 kids!

7. If you do choose to breast feed, I would recommend the Medela breast pump which is a comfortable, silent and efficient breast pump.

The Swing Electric Breast pump combines a multi-award-winning design with the latest technology. The electric breast pump is very quiet and therefore represents the ideal solution for regular and discreet breast pumping. With the Swing Breast pump you can pump more milk in less time (honestly sometimes you’ll feel like a cow!). The pump is easy to use: easy to assemble, use and clean. The quiet and compact design, ideal for discreet pumping.

8. Purchase a good stroller.

I bought the Mountain Buggy Duet which I love and still use today for the twins who are two. The Duet fits through a standard door frame and comes with bassinets and chairs that face forward. Perfect.

9. Aden + anais swaddles are perfect for swaddling, temperature control and versatile to use as a cover up when breast feeding and a sun shade on the stroller.

With so many beautiful designs and styles once you buy an Aden + anais product you will want the entire range of products. My twins were so happy swaddled and I’d cover their stroller to keep them sleeping or lay them on a swaddle to practice tummy time. Many kids also love using them as a comfort blankie at night.

10. There is a wonderful support group on Facebook for mums.

It’s all run by a lovely lady called Suman who has triplets. You have to be accepted, so visit twinsplus ME on Facebook.

My final tip is to enjoy the moment. It’s a special and unique experience having twins so remember to step back and take it all in. Create lots of bonding time and cherish the feeling as the memories will last a lifetime but the twins are only babies for a very short time.