Naomi and Nix discuss the importance of ‘self-care’ what does it mean and how do you balance it while raising multiples
Author: Kath Doyle
When parents find out that they are expecting multiples, on top of the inevitable shock they are faced with a whole new language. Terms like chorionicity, amnionicity and zygosity along with acronyms like MCDA and DCDA start to be thrown around very early and it can be confusing and overwhelming. For the sake of simplicity we will just refer to twins in this article.
So, here is a quick breakdown of these terms.
Note from Twinfo: You can read our “Dictionary for Common Multiple Birth Terms HERE.
Zygosity in the context of multiples refers to how genetically similar or different they are. While there are uncommon cases which do not fit neatly into these two categories, the vast majority of twins are either monozygotic (identical) or dizygotic (fraternal).
In the first part of this article, we looked at how long it takes to look after newborn twins.
If you haven’t read the first part of our article, check it out:
Looking after twins takes approximately 19 hours a day.
As you’ve probably worked out, when you are caring for newborn twins or triplets, your schedule leaves A LOT of things out of your life. Most days you will be lucky to do anything non-baby related or move beyond a basic animal need just to keep yourself functioning.
Things, like looking after your house, spending quality time with your partner or friends, or doing something just for yourself like reading, watching tv or exercising, will rarely happen in the first few months of your babies lives.
It is reasonable to expect that taking care of twins will take up to 19 hours a day for one carer. But it is possible to improve on this, especially as you get into some sort of rhythm.
To find extra time in your day, check our handy tips below.
Looking after twins can take up most of the day. With changing nappies, feeding and settling your babies to sleep, plus all of the washing of baby bits and bobs, we estimate it can take up to 19 hours a day.
The quick answer is – all of them! This sounds like the start of a bad joke, or a very scary story. But seriously, if you are facing the birth of twins or multiples you might really want to know how much time it can take up.
You can probably imagine that it does take many hours of the day and night to look after even one newborn, let alone two (or more). You need to consider fitting in the following tasks:
Your priorities will probably be in that order, and you will only get down to spending time on yourself and with your partner when everything else is done first (which many days it won’t be).
But how much time does this all actually take?
And how can you manage your time better to magically find a little more of it up your sleeve?
Author: Paige Bell-Male
I started expressing for my twins less than six hours after they were born.
Both were in the NICU at the time and neither were really up to nursing (although they could both suck feed). While I reduced output at work I didn’t take a break there and was back working two days after they were born while still in the hospital.
I purchased the Spectra S2 shortly before hospital discharge. It ended up arriving on the day I was discharged (with Twin A who was readmitted the next day) but I didn’t know that at the time. So I’d organized to hire a pump for a fortnight so I had time for my pump to arrive.
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Part two of Nix and Naomi’s chat with twin dad Neil Ward.
Neil reveals how his online community – the Multiple Dads Sanctuary came about, the amazing support it has both received and continues to give.
And the ladies get Neils top tips on being a multi dad.
Nix and Naomi are joined by Neil Ward, twin dad and founder of the Multiple Dads Sanctuary.
Neil shares part one of his incredible journey to twin dadhood.
This week Nix and Naomi here the inspiring, wonderful story of twin mum and blogger Katie Bowmans natural, 38 week birth.
Did she have a unicorn twin birth?
A fantastic story to share.
Nix and Naomi discuss sleeping options for your multiples when you first bring them home.
Did their plans work and what are their tips for the best sleeping options for multi’s.
Author: Jade
Congratulations they said You’re now a mum Little did they know What I’d actually become... Crippled with feelings Eating me up inside Not wanting to leave the house In the bedroom I would hide I’d do my face Cake on lipstick so red Little did they know I felt safer in bed A mask to hide behind From what I did not know Trying to be everything to everyone a super mum, go go go You look beautiful they said You’ve recovered so well I’m so scared of dying I wanted to tell Yes the baby is great She growing for sure But my chest is heavy And breathing’s a chore Frightened of leaving I’d picture my death Each day each movement Scared it’d be my last breath Things were hard This had never been so true Desperate for help But didn’t know what to do Hardly eating or drinking Not a thought for myself Not realising my lack of appetite Was my deteriorating mental health I felt so stupid and so dumb I couldn’t concentrate Unable to connect my thoughts to my tongue The old me was there A picture hanging on the wall I’ll find her someday And dance once again without a care So lonely so raw I needed some help Not cooking not cleaning I needed so much more You’re not a bad mum You’re not to blame This parenting gig It’s one hell of a game You’re not alone Once you speak up you’ll see These feelings I had It wasn’t just me Postnatal anxiety Is this you too Speak up and shout it loud There’s help waiting for you .....Continue Reading →