As a mother to twins, it’s pretty natural if you’re perpetually overwhelmed. Even before the babies arrive, twin mammas lose their sleep fretting over how they are going to manage things with two infants. Giving equal attention to the needs of both at all times can be quite a challenge; hence we’ve put together these points to help you out. The first year surely can’t be a cakewalk; however, it need not be a nightmare either.
Here’s how mothers of twins can make life a tad more manageable in the first year:
1. Set a common schedule for both
This is arguably the first advice any twin mama will give. You surely don’t want to feed one right after the other; or you’ll end up doing nothing but this all day long. Even when it comes to sleep schedules, having them sleep at the same time is always much better. Once they get a little older, you can figure out which works better and accordingly get them on a consistent routine.
2. Keep telling yourself it’s not forever
There’s no denying that the first year is going to be extremely difficult. Your life will be all about baby food, natural baby wipes, diapers, and so on. It’s natural for you to feel that you’ll never get a good night’s sleep again or never feel normal again; the trick is to remind yourself repeatedly that it’s not forever. This is a temporary stage that you’ll soon get over, and life will return to “normalcy”. It can also act as a reminder to give it your best shot because years down the line, a part of you may crave to have this stage back.
3. Don’t be swayed by others’ opinions
People will have different takes on what you should or shouldn’t do, where you should or shouldn’t go, how you should or shouldn’t feed them, and so on. You cannot let such a deluge of suggestions overwhelm you; instead, let most of these go over your head, for you know what’s best for your twins. As a first-time mother, you’re in survival mode; only you get to decide how you want to set your schedule or how you want to tackle different situations with your twins.
4. Create good sleeping habits
It’s a good idea to let your twins learn self-soothing to get the quality sleep they need; likewise, you also need to sleep well in order to function. Try to set a sleep regimen wherein they can learn to put themselves back to sleep even if they wake up in the middle of the night. For starters, you should make it a habit to put them in their own cribs for naps. They should still be awake but be drowsy so they can fall asleep on their own. Use natural baby diapers with high absorbency that keep your babies dry and comfortable while they are sleeping.
5. Get organized
Initially, you may find it difficult to set a strict routine, but in a few months, you should be more sorted. For example, you can start off with washing pump supplies, bottles, etc., right after you’re done feeding twins so that you’re ready before the next feeding. Try setting up a wash and drying station, as it will also help you save any breast milk you must have pumped. Keep a stack of natural baby wipes handy. Again, while washing your supplies, place both babies in a safe place so that you can take five minutes to wash, sanitize, and store milk for the next feeding.
6. Don’t feel guilty for not breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is anyway not easy with one baby, and when you have twins, there can be several hurdles ranging from latching issues and inadequate breast milk to tandem nursing and so on. This can build up stress, sleeplessness, and clogged ducts. If you’re physically not in a position to breastfeed or it’s a conscious choice not to breastfeed, you need not feel guilty. You can supplement with formula at some point, if not right from the beginning.
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