If you could give helpful tips to parents of multiples what would they be? This being either during the pregnancy, how to survive bedrest, things to do, ways to cope, tidbits of helpful thoughts, etc, what to do when you are outnumbered...LOL My local twins group is trying to do an outreach type information packet for the local doctors and hospitals to hand to parents of multiples, and we are trying to see what was helpful to us more experienced moms and what information that we have found our on our own and could share with others. Thank you for your help, Sherri
If you could give helpful tips to parents of multiples what would they be? This being either during the pregnancy, how to survive bedrest, things to do, ways to cope, tidbits of helpful thoughts, etc, what to do when you are outnumbered...LOL My local twins group is trying to do an outreach type information packet for the local doctors and hospitals to hand to parents of multiples, and we are trying to see what was helpful to us more experienced moms and what information that we have found our on our own and could share with others. Thank you for your help, Sherri
I would just say this. Resign yourself to the fact that the first 3 months are going to feel like a bit of the twilight zone. 1. I would recommend getting on a very regimented schedule from day one, for your sake as well as the babies. This way you'll develop a daily system which will help you cope. 2. Don't push yourself too hard. When it comes to meals, keep it simple. There are lots of pre-prepared foods, and frozen foods that can fill in for this stressful time. 3. Take off work! I would recommend taking off work for the first 3 months. After that time period, you should be able to acclimate better. If you work from home, tell employer you can really only put in 2-3 hours a day. 4. Try to nap when they nap. Everyone says it, but I never do it! 5. I have found that we are able to save $$ on store brand diapers. They are just as good to me, and cost half. Good Luck!!
Wait, I think you were asking about tips during pregnancy. Sorry. I wasn't put on bedrest. Can imagine a laptop would be a best friend though!!
1. relax and enjoy your pregnancy - don't rush it - don't be overly upset at bedrest - it may just be the last rest you get! and you will need it once the babies arrive! 2. Accept help!! esp. at first. Even your older kids can help - and every bit you can get is GREAT!! 3. housework can wait - you may feel better tomorrow and trust me the mess won't go anywhere! 4. take care of yourself!! if you don't you won't be any good to anyone - esp. your babies - 2 babies is alot more than 1!!
I am looking for any information that you could share that would help in any way.....before, during, or after pregnancy of multiples (or single babies). Thanks, we are off to a great start.
'reconnect' with DH or SO as soon as the doctor says it is okay. I was terrified the first time after babies but it is a really good stress reliever and makes you both feel more like husband and wife and not just mommy and daddy. Be honest with people and tell them if you are being too crowded even if it means hurting their feelings a little. Our first day home I was so overwhelmed with everything that more than anything I just needed space and time to myself with my babies to adjust. I told everyone to go home and spent the whole day with the babies by myself yes it was hard but that is what I needed. If you want to breastfeed limit your visitors at the hospital to ones that you will feel comfortable breastfeeding or pumping in front of. I believe that the biggest reason I failed at breastfeeding is because there were too many people around and it made me very uncomfortable, especially with two babies who were having difficulties latching on. While in labor if they tell you to take a nap DO IT. I was so exhausted while pushing because I didnt listen. You are only one person if both babies are crying at the same time and you are alone one will just have to wait. Its a very hard thing to do but you dont really have any other choice. If you feel like your going to lose it put the baby / babies down in a safe place and take a breather. Walk outside for a few minutes and just take a deep breath. It may sound mean to leave a screaming baby but if thats what you need to do to compose yourself both you and the babies will be better for it.
Get help -- either paid if you can afford it, or volunteer if you have friends & family who want to help. Specifically, one of the best things anyone did for us was set up a dinner-delivery schedule. DH's colleagues took turns bringing us meals every few days for the first few weeks after the girls were born. They would also often call before they came over, to see if we needed anything from the grocery store. Emotionally -- try to trust that the first few months are NOT what the rest of your life is going to be like. You will see the sun again someday -- you will even read a book, just for fun (and it will be before your children start school). Also emotionally -- sometimes it takes time (like, months -- not just days) to bond with your kids, especially when you are exhausted and overwhelmed. You're still a good mom/dad, even if you feel like you hardly know these little screaming beings in your house.
mods, could you link this to other forms too!!!! We need all of the information that we can get to give these parents....
