Conceiving and growing two (or more!) babies at once rather than one is a pretty big deal. There are two tiny humans inside of you, which means your body is responsible for the development and health of double what a singleton Mom is responsible for. Is this a reason to panic?
Absolutely not!
Womens' bodies are capable of the most amazing feats and they have, after all, been carrying and birthing multiples for a long time. A multiple pregnancy is, however, a reason to do your research diligently, understand some of the differences between a single and multiple pregnancy, birth and postpartum, and take some practical steps to ensure the best for you and your babies. A good rule of thumb before we go into particulars is this: everything that applies to a singleton pregnancy also applies to you, only more so!
Some things you can do to help achieve a healthy pregnancy and birth are:
Drink plenty of water!
Yes, everyone and their mother will likely tell you that until you are sick of hearing it. But the importance of that dictum cannot be overemphasized. A properly hydrated body is functional and fully capable of this task, but a dehydrated body is asking for trouble. Drinking enough water will help you stay energized and healthy so you can focus on growing two babies at once. It's totally fine to mix it up if you get sick of plain water; throw in a little lemon or lime, try fruit and vegetable infused water, drink some fresh fruit juice or try a cup of soothing chicken broth. Remember that caffeine can be dehydrating so go easy on the coffee or tea if you drink those!
As for nutrition, a twin pregnancy is double the work of a singleton pregnancy when it comes to things like developing organs and brain tissue, and helping those baby lungs mature in preparation for birth. While that doesn't necessarily mean that you have to eat double what a singleton Mom consumes, you do need to remember there are two little people completely dependent on you.
The key here is twofold: eat often and eat well.
Eating full meals plus snacking on healthy foods throughout the day can really help keep your blood sugar stable and your energy levels high. A lot of the ailments of pregnancy and birth, especially twin pregnancy and birth, can be eliminated or greatly minimized by hydration and proper nutrition. You should be getting lots of protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates. Meat, eggs, beans and dairy products are good sources of protein. Butter, olive oil and oily fish are great choices for healthy fats, as are most nuts and seeds. Leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes and whole grains are examples of good carbohydrates that will keep you going during the day.
Giving birth to two or more babies rather than one can be an intimidating prospect for the expectant mother. While it is a good idea to know the special aspects and risks of multiple birth, it is also important to remember that multiples can be born without complication and many of them are. It is true that things like breech presentation and premature birth are more common with twins than singletons, but a skilled caregiver can often work with complications and provide a positive outcome.
Tips to maximize your chances of a healthy, uncomplicated birth include healthy eating habits during pregnancy and getting plenty of rest and regular exercise. If you haven't already, you may want to consider hiring a birth doula to offer extra support during your birth. Whether you choose a vaginal delivery or schedule a Caesarean section, a doula can make all the difference in ensuring you are supported and heard through your birth. Since twins can be more complicated than singleton births, it is helpful to have an extra voice, particularly since a doula is professionally trained in labor support. Obviously, every case is different and its very important that you are seeing your midwife or OB regularly, taking the advised prenatal supplements and alerting your care provider if anything seems off to you.
Perhaps the most challenging part of twins is the postpartum period. Especially if you are a first time Mom, but even if you are not, the task of taking care of two tiny babies can be frankly overwhelming. Here are a few tips to keep in mind. If you are breastfeeding, make sure you start nursing as soon as possible after birth.
Although the ideal is to be able to nurse two babies at the same time, its better to start one at a time until you have become totally comfortable with it. Then you can move up to nursing two simultaneously with a greater chance of success. It's a good idea to enlist the help of a certified breast feeding counselor or international board certified lactation consultant, preferably before you leave for home with your babies. They can help with the initial breastfeeding session and ensure that you and the babies have established a good latch. If you get off to a good start with breastfeeding, you will be saved a lot of potential trouble later on.
Always keep in mind that it is never too late to ask for help with breastfeeding so if you've been home for a few days and things are difficult, get in touch with a CBC or IBCLC. Another thing to think about is getting your twins on a sleep schedule.
While this may be feasible and practical later on, newborns don't do well with it so hold off until the babies are a few months old.
Hire a postpartum doula for extra sleep and extra hands!
Family and friends can also be a huge help. Most people love to bring meals and hang out with the babies, which can take a load off of your mind and maybe give you a chance to catch a quick nap. If you don't have family close by, or you don't feel comfortable asking for extended help, consider hiring a postpartum doula. Postpartum doulas offer a variety of services including baby care, meal planning and preparation, light housekeeping, care of older siblings and overnight infant care. Even if you only enlist the help of a doula for a week or two, it can be a tremendous aid for you and your partner and ease the transition in your family.
Article written by birth and postpartum doula Samantha Stancliffe
