Read real life stories writen by other parents of multiples

February 25, 2020

Fingerprints in identical twins

Do identical twins have the same fingerprints

Author: Anke

Fingerprints have been used as a means of identification for over 100 years as they are permanent and unique structures.

When are fingerprints formed?

Between the 10^th and 24^th week of gestation in the womb, the skin on the underside of the foetus’ hands, fingers, feet and toes develops and goes through rapid growth. The growth causes a huge amount of pressure and strains on the skin, causing it to buckle into folds. These folds reach all the way to the inner layer of the skin, i.e. the dermis, where it becomes anchored in place. The skin forms a complex friction ridge pattern and is the foundation of our permanent fingerprint.

What role does genetics play in determining fingerprints in identical twins and more?

The friction ridge pattern is determined by both genetic and unique physical conditions.

Genetics generally decide the timing and the position of the skin as it grows and buckles, which is why you end up with potentially similar looking fingerprints to your siblings and your parents. The similarities primarily occur on what they call 1^st level friction ridge detail; the overall flow of the ridges.

You can have loops, arches and whorls as overall ridge flow. A loop shows the ridges entering on one side of the finger, looping around and then exiting on the same side of the finger. An arch has a ridge flow that enters on one side of the finger, goes up, and then down as it exits the other side of the finger, like a wave. A whorl formation looks like a circle or sometimes an ‘S’ shape.

What role do environmental factors play in determining fingerprints in identical twins and more?

When you start looking a lot closer at the fingerprint, you start noticing 2^nd level detail such as a ridge ending or a bifurcation (where the ridge splits). These little details are called minutiae and when you compare your fingers to someone else’s, you will find that the patterns formed by these minutiae are different, no matter how similar the 1^st level detail looks.

This is because innumerable environmental factors are thought to influence the formation of fingerprints, such as blood pressure, hormone levels, the exact position of the foetus in the womb and the complexity and density of amniotic fluid. A huge number of variables decide how each ridge is formed. The complexity of the conditions within the womb prevents fingerprints from developing exactly the same way in any two foetuses.

are the fingerprints of identical twins the same

Study: A Computational Discriminability Analysis on Twin Fingerprints

Sharing similar genetic traits makes the investigation of twins an important study in forensics and biometrics.

In 2009, a study was done where fingerprints from both fraternal and identical twins were compared to test whether fingerprints from twins were more similar to each other than to those of the public.

298 pairs of twins were studied, and the results showed that 1^st level detail between twins were highly correlated in ridge flow and pattern (62.78% for both fraternal and identical) compared to the public (32%).

Minutiae characteristics (2^nd level detail) were similar between twins, however there was still a significant discriminable difference between twins and non-related persons despite having similar pattern types and ridge flow.

(Liu, Y. & Srihari, S.N. (2009) A Computational Discriminability Analysis on Twin Fingerprints. IWCF 2009 pp. 43-54)

Images of fingerprints in identical twins and more

The images of (a) and (b) are the index fingers of identical twins, while image (c) is the index finger of an unrelated person. You can see that the twins have very similar looking fingerprints and have more points of similarity between each other than compared to that of an unrelated person with similar fingerprints.

Twinfo provides a connection to resources, information, products and service providers who specialise in supporting multiple births at every stage of their life.

Connect with the Twinfo community via the Twinfo Website, FaceBook Page, Facebook Group, Pinterest or via the Twinfo Instagram page.

February 25, 2020

Talking Twins And More. Episode Three.

Talking Twins And More. Episode Three.

Join Nix and Naomi as they discuss health issues in the first trimester of multiple pregnancy.

Discover how they cope with long car trips and twins.

Hear all about the special way Naomi’s twins celebrated their recent birthday.

Plus check out their wins and struggles of the week!

Listen to Talking Twins and More. Episode Three HERE.

Twinfo provides a connection to resources, information, products and service providers who specialise in supporting multiple births at every stage of their life.

Connect with the Twinfo community via the Twinfo Website, FaceBook Page, Facebook Group, Pinterest or via the Twinfo Instagram page.

February 24, 2020

Twins born on different days. Twins born four days apart have different star signs.

Author: Emma Tyler

Our rainbow story I guess started like many others, it was eight years ago, with a desperate desire to add to our little family. This road was proven to not be an easy one after trying to fall pregnant naturally for so long and so challenged us both in all aspects; physically, financially, emotionally & mentally.

Finally falling pregnant………………. with twins

From the highest of highs with hope, unwavering determination and fleeting moments of excitement to the lowest of lows with absolute devastation and heartbreaking losses. We endured many medical procedures, including thirteen rounds of IVF and additional treatments. We experienced multiple miscarriages, a biochemical pregnancy and a still born and nearly gave up on our dream.

Then finally in our last desperate attempt we were blessed with our rainbow twin boys….our hearts were exploding with excitement and love when the sonographer said ‘can you see what I see’….and our cautious reply ‘uhhh no’ but thinking please no bad news, please no bad news and the sonographer then saying ‘there’s two sacs in there, you are having twins’. Our response; flowing tears of happiness.

Never did we suspect that we would end up with twins born on different days.

19 weeks pregnant with twins

My pregnancy up until the 20 week scan was relatively uneventful even though I was still following through with some medical treatments to decrease the chances of miscarriage and was extremely vigilant about everything especially my health and wellbeing. We didn’t want to take any chances.

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February 18, 2020

Cars for twins, the other kids AND all the extra stuff you need

Author: Jodi Collins

My two, his two, our two. Between us, my husband and I have six kids. Thank God, only the twins are in car seats. But still… that’s A LOT of bums on seats!

So, shopping for our plus-size family car was a sobering exercise in ‘if you find a shoe (or in my case, a car) that actually fits, just bloody take it!’

What I wanted was… a car with enough room for the eight of us, four school bags, a double pram and a shopping bag or two. USB ports and lots of cup holders. Oh, and, anything BUT a Kia Carnival.

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February 14, 2020

Triplets Starting School – Reflections of a Triplet Mum.

Author: Larissa Jordan

Since my trio were born, starting school has always been the ultimate goal. Now it is so close, just like a dangling carrot finally within our grasp. My multiple mum friends and I have joked about toasting our champagne glasses as the bell rings at 9am on the first day of school because surviving for five or more years as a mum of twins, triplets or more, really is a massive accomplishment.

I do not feel sad like so many other first-time school mums seem to be, in fact I am rather excited. I am excited to see how much my three will achieve in their first year at school because they have already accomplished so much.

Triplets born at 26 weeks and four days

For my triplets starting school, together, and ready, really is a miracle. Born at 26 weeks and four days, weighing under a kilo each, things were touch and go at the start.

In the early days there were mentions of surgeries, diagnoses and complications, but we were so fortunate and escaped relatively unscathed. We still have numerous appointments to attend and have had our fair share of medical issues but the three of them are truly excelling from such humble beginnings.

They are so eager to learn and I’m sure they will thrive in the vibrant school environment. As a primary school teacher myself, it is so exciting for me to see them grasp new skills and concepts that I know means that they are well and truly ready for school.

Separating triplets at school, or keeping them together?

The first question everybody asks when they hear multiples are starting school is will they be together or separate? Classroom placement is always a contentious topic and truly there is no one size fits all answer.

Starting school is a major transition and we have chosen not to add the further transition of separation at this point. Even though our children are quite different and very independent, it is reassuring to know that they will have a familiar face with them as they begin this new adventure. I believe that my children will be able to make the decision to separate in the future, once they have had an opportunity to find their feet, building friendships and confidence in their new surroundings.

There is not only the transition for the students to consider but also the parents. Navigating three classrooms, liaising with three teachers, helping out in three rooms, attending three Mother’s Day events is a challenge I’ll leave for another year. Starting school will be enough of a juggle for now without adding any more balls.

Fraternal triplets starting school

Being fraternal triplets means that my trio won’t face the additional challenge of identity confusion that many identical multiples face. Their school mates will hopefully recognise them as individuals, by name, and hopefully without the cringeworthy label of ‘the triplets’. Don’t get me wrong, I love the fact that they are triplets, but I don’t want that to be their primary identity.

Even though we have chosen to keep them together, I want their teachers and school mates to know that they are not joined at the hip and do not need to do everything together. They don’t need to do special jobs at the same time or get awards together. Families don’t have to invite all three to a party just because they are triplets.

We very much nurture their individuality even if we chose to do so together, in close proximity. The whole family is about to embark on this massive adventure together and I for one am very excited about this new chapter in our lives. Wish us luck xo

Twinfo provides a connection to resources, information, products and service providers who specialise in supporting multiple births at every stage of their life.

Connect with the Twinfo community via the Twinfo Website, FaceBook Page, Facebook Group, Pinterest or via the Twinfo Instagram page.

February 14, 2020

Talking Twins And More. Episode Two.

Talking Twins And More. Episode Two.

Join Multi-mums Nix and Naomi as they share the details of their journeys to pregnancy.

Two completely contrasting stories. One an IVF tale and one a surprise like no other.

Discover how they, their partners and families reacted to the news of not one but more bubs!

Plus check out their wins and struggles of the week!

Listen to Talking Twins and More. Episode TWO HERE.

Twinfo provides a connection to resources, information, products and service providers who specialise in supporting multiple births at every stage of their life.

Connect with the Twinfo community via the Twinfo Website, FaceBook Page, Facebook Group, Pinterest or via the Twinfo Instagram page.

February 12, 2020

Coles Stikeez

Note from Twinfo: This post has not been sponsored or endorsed by Coles and Twinfo is not affiliated in any way, I’m just sharing the news! Images courtesy of Coles.

Hold on to your hats, grab the tissues and weep fellow multi parents. The Coles Stikeez are back. And you know what that means…………….you need to get TWO or even THREE full collections. Triplet parents, this is one time I am glad I don’t have triplets (the other time is at fingernail cutting time!).

Yes, you read that correctly parents, as of TODAY the “delightful” Coles Stikeez are back. And you have until 11.59pm AEDT 24 March 2020 to collect not one, but TWO (or even three) sets. And that’s not taking into consideration any other beautiful singleton children that you may have.

Coles Stikeez terms and conditions

Let’s get the boring things out of the way first.

As per usual, you will be “blessed” with one Stikeez with every $30 you spend in one transaction. I will leave you to check out the Coles full terms and conditions and cut to the chase.

Note though, a maximum limit of twenty Coles Stikeez per qualifying transaction applies for Coles Online. Also the Collectables are for those aged 5 years and older. Adult supervision is advised for those aged younger than 5 years of age due to the risk of choking.

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February 11, 2020

Treetop Twins Adventures series at McDonald’s

Note from Twinfo: This post has not been sponsored or endorsed by McDonalds and Twinfo is not affiliated in any way, I’m just sharing the news! Images courtesy of McDonald’s.

Would you like a book with that? Yes, you read that correctly. Not fries, or even a toy, but a book! McDonald’s will now give you a choice when you order a Happy Meal – a toy or a book. And not just any book, but a book where the main characters are TWO sets of TWINS!!!!

Introducing the Treetop Twins Adventures series! An exclusive 12-book series written by Cressida Cowell, and only available at McDonald’s. This novel idea (see what I did there???) has been designed to promote literacy in children, something that, naturally, appeals to any parent.

Cressida Cowell is a mother of two children, and the author and illustrator of the “How to Train your Dragon” series. She is also the wife of Simon Cowell, the reality judge on shows like American Idol etc.

Cressida Cowell has written a series of 12 hardback books called the Treetop Twins Adventures, with two new titles available every eight weeks. The books are about two sets of twins, Asha and Alfie and Tulip and Ted, and their parents Professors Pablo and Penelope. In this series they travel in a time machine that can also travel under water, across snow and ice, through jungles and plains to study amazing animals, past and present. They will run with dodo birds, save pink dolphins and more!

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February 7, 2020

Why having twins was the best thing for me

having twins was not as bad as I thought it would be

Author: Natasha Stewart

You may not know this, but I was the one who actually had the idea for Twinfo and helped Naomi start it. My business, Business Jump helps lots of mums set up an online business, and whilst I am a massive fan of all the businesses we help start, I never in my wildest dreams imagined that I would become unexpectedly pregnant with twins and be one of Naomi’s biggest fans personally as well as professionally. What Naomi has done with Twinfo is just incredible and not only that, she has become a dear friend as well.

I was one of those mums that thought twins would be my worst nightmare

Secretly, I was one of those mums that thought twins would be my worst nightmare, my first two were tough, especially my son which resulted in an awful PND journey, I naively just couldn’t fathom how multiple mums possibly could manage it and thought two babies at once would be the end of me.

In June 2018 I very unexpectedly fell pregnant and bonded with my little baby quickly, only to lose her at 9 weeks. Realising that I actually really did want a third baby I convinced my husband and he reluctantly agreed to try again.

Finding out I was pregnant with triplets

A few months later, I was 6 weeks pregnant and convinced I was having another miscarriage, I raced down to the ultrasound place with my GP words of ‘it will be too early to see anything!!’ ringing in my ears only to discover THREE actual, live, beating, clear as day, heart beats.

I drove home with my ultrasound photo and three little heartbeats growing away in my tummy knowing that when I walked in the door my family would change forever, I videoed it and you can watch our twin journey from that day here.

At 8 weeks I noticed some bleeding again and an ultrasound later that day confirmed my triplet had left us and gone back to the spirit world. I’ve always had a belief it was my same little soul from the first miscarriage coming earth side to teach and share with me the lessons she wanted me to learn and that she is also my twins custodian.

Accepting I was having twins

Once I got to 12 weeks the numbness of the shock wore off and I realised these two little babies were here to stay, we were doing this. I was having twins.

The real fear set in. I was so scared, the assumptions I had about twins shocked me to the core, all I could think about was how PND nearly cost me my life last time and now I was going to go through that again, but double. The guilt and shame I felt about myself as a mother was intense and all I could think about was how I am not cut out of this.

Pretty much every day I cried to my husband, I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry. And when I was 20 weeks he said something that had a profound effect on me.

He said, you don’t have to do anything different. We love you the way you are, you are already enough to us.

The penny dropped for me that day.

You mean… I don’t have to try any harder? Or do mum life different? Or force myself to do double the craft, double the reading, double playing with toys on the mat?

No babe. You just do everything how you’ve already been doing it, he said.

In this moment I let go of all the expectations and labels I’d confined myself in and surrendered.

Maybe I would end up in a straight jacket, or maybe I’d be the best freaking twin mum ever.

Who knew?

Not me.

Managing my twin pregnancy and mindset

I managed the ups and downs like any other twin pregnancy, I was big, exhausted, tired and every day was a mindset struggle, my mantra was ‘this is simple, this is easy, this is fun’ and I repeated it over and over again.

I still had some fears and worries pop up that I had to pat back down, but overall I had made peace with the fact that these babies had chosen me for a reason and I would honour that.

31 weeks pregnant with twins

At 31 weeks I went into pre-labour which the hospital stopped and my babies had steroids just incase, I continuously had contractions for the next few weeks and was in and out of hospital being monitored. My gut told me they were going to come early, and fast.

35 weeks pregnant with twins

At 35+1 as I woke up to my husband leaving for an early morning appointment. I told him to keep his phone on, as I had a funny feeling that day.

At 9pm that night, as I was walking out of the bathroom my waters broke and about an hour and a half later I was getting prepped for an emergency c-section and was already 4cm dilated.

My babies were coming early, and fast.

having twins in Special Care was the best thing for me

Why having the twins in Special Care was the best thing for me,

We spent two weeks in special care, which I have to say was the best start for me as a twin mum with my history. I was able to go home, recover and get full nights sleep and probably because I already had two children, I was ok to leave the twins and not fret, I knew I had to be on my game not to have a PND relapse and sleep was crucial for me.

I never could have done that as a first time mum though, I would have stressed to the core about leaving them.

Life today, with 7 month old twins.

My twins are 7 months old now, and whilst we’ve had some ups and downs, I have to say, I am completely gob smacked at how different it is to what I expected. They are the happiest, smiley, content little babies I have ever known. Sure we have our moments, but overall, they have been so grounding and calming for me and I can see they were always meant to be.

You can follow Nat on her Business Jump Facebook Page HERE. Not only does she share some great business tips, but she also shares a lot about mindset, PND and of course twins!

Twinfo provides a connection to resources, information, products and service providers who specialise in supporting multiple births at every stage of their life.

Connect with the Twinfo community via the Twinfo Website, FaceBook Page, Facebook Group, Pinterest or via the Twinfo Instagram page.

February 5, 2020

Multiple caesareans and Placenta Accreta. My story.

Author: Jenny Cutting

I’m writing this to make other mothers aware of multiple caesareans and Placenta Accreta. I never knew the dangers until it happened with my last child. Here is my story.

My twin birth

2004 I was blessed to have given birth to two beautiful little twin boys via caesarean. This was my third caesarean but no complications other than my twins were 7 weeks premature but they were healthy. I wasn’t planning on having any more children.

multiple c-sections and Placenta Accreta

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