kiddi
So you have had your twins and you are home now. It may have already been an exhausting and stressful time getting to this point, especially if your babies had to spend some time in the SCN or NICU. Now that you are home, there are plenty of ways to help you to survive those first few months. Chances are there are going to be a lot of nights with broken sleep and days where you are too tired to do anything. These tips can help to make it a little bit easier.
Shopping & Bulk Buys
Leaving the house with a newborn is hard enough as it is. Leaving with MULTIPLE newborns sounds like a mission and a half. Try to do as much of your shopping online, have someone else do it or leave the babies at home with someone whilst you are doing it (this way you get a little break as well). Where possible buy things in bulk to eliminate having to go to the shops too often. Things like nappies and wipes are essentials that you do not want to run out of and with twins you will be going through a lot of them, so try to have a good back up supply so that you do not run out – because when you do run out unexpectedly it is normally in the middle of the night!
Food Prep
Your babies are going to be taking up a lot of your time. With multiple feeds throughout the day and night, there will be times when all you feel like you are doing is feeding babies and changing nappies. You need to ensure that you are still eating well and getting your recommended amounts of nutrients, more so if you are breastfeeding. Try and premake meals that can be frozen and taken out when needed. This eliminates needing to be in the kitchen every day and also ensures that you are still eating well.
Double Pram
Choosing a double pram that is not only comfortable for the babies but also easy for you to push and pack away is essential. These days you can get double prams that are suitable from birth right through to the walking stages and many you can attach your capsules straight from the car meaning the transition from car to pram is a lot easier. Take the time to research and choose one that does everything you need it to.
Ample Clothing
The last thing you want to be thinking about is whether you have enough clean clothes for your babies for the next day. On top of everything else you are doing, you do not need to be doing laundry every day. If possible, try to have enough clothes for the babies so that you can have a day or two off laundry at a time.
Say YES
The biggest suggestion we have for surviving the first few months at home with twins is to say YES. You are likely going to have a lot of people wanting to come over or asking you if you need anything. Do not try to be wonder woman and do everything on your own. If someone offers to come over and watch the babies so that you can have a nap, or if they offer to bring meals over for you or to tidy up or simply just to come over to chat with you then say YES.
Accepting help or admitting that you are struggling is not a sign of failure. It is a sign of strength and you should be proud of yourself for asking for help.
The first few months are going to be hard and if you have support around you then it will make it that little bit easier.
You may also like to read:
Understanding the needs of your newborn
