Twins. Two babies. Two babies! You probably went into a blind panic when you first discovered you were having twins, but hopefully, things are a little calmer now that they’re actually here. Caring for twins is exhausting, that’s for sure. You don’t often get the luxury of napping while your baby naps because your babies seem to nap at different times. There’s always somebody waiting to be fed, changed or cuddled. It’s not easy, but it is rewarding. Two babies means twice the love, twice the cuddles and twice the giggles. There are few things more rewarding than watching your twins develop a strong bond that will last them a lifetime. It will get easier, but for now, caring for twins is going to be tough at times. Here are five helpful tips to help you cope with twins:
- Lower your expectations
This is something all mamas need to do. Life isn’t the same now you’re a mom. You won’t have an immaculate house, a perfectly tweezed brow and your finger on the pulse of popular culture when you’re looking after newborns. It’s just not possible. You can choose to spend the next few months miserable because you’re not superwoman or simply lower your expectations and accept that you’re taking a few months off from life as a high-achieving woman. Slow down, enjoy the moment and forget about the list of things you think you should be doing.
- Don’t compare
The absolute worst thing you can do is compare yourself to other parents – especially singleton parents. Each and every mom has her own unique set of challenges, so you simply can’t compare yourself. You’re all individuals facing different circumstances. Just because that mom from baby group managed to shower and do her make up this morning, it doesn’t mean you should have. Remember, you are your own worst enemy. Try to be positive about your own achievements instead of wishing you were other moms.
- Reach out to twin moms
The only other people who really understand what you’re going through are the people who are right there with you. Twin parents are the only people who really know what it’s like to have to leave your baby to cry because you’re busy caring for the other one. They’re the parents who really understand sleep deprivation because they’re experiencing two sleep regressions at once. And they’re the people who can share tips and tricks that might just change your life. There might be a twin support group in your local area, offering parents the chance to meet up regularly. If not, you could consider starting your own. If you don’t feel up to that, you could look for online twin parenting communities to join.
- Accept all the help
You don’t need to do this all by yourself. Two babies is a lot of babies and accepting help is not a sign of failure. In fact, it’s a good sign that you’re being realistic and trying to take care of yourself as well. You will no doubt have plenty of offers of help from friends and family members desperate for a cuddle with the new babies. Say yes, accept their help with hoovering, food shopping and baby cuddles so that you can tick these jobs off your list. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. If it takes a village to raise a child, imagine how many people it takes to raise two!
- Don’t forget about yourself
You’re rudely awoken by the cries of one twin early in the morning. After a change, feed and cuddle, that twin falls soundly back to sleep only for the other to wake up. You spend your day desperately trying to meet the needs of two beautiful babies and that is exhausting. You’re sleep deprived, rarely find the time to drink a hot drink and can’t remember the last time you had a bath. It’s hard, but it won’t last forever. Soon you’ll have time to yourself again, but until then, you need to snatch time as and when you need it. After a particularly hard day, leave the babies with your partner so you can enjoy a bath in peace. Go out for a run or simply meet a friend for coffee. Spend a little bit of time doing something that makes you feel a little more like you. You deserve it and you’ve certainly earned it.
What are your top tips for coping with twins?
Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.
