1. What Makes a Twin Pregnancy Different?

A twin pregnancy comes with its own unique set of experiences. The most apparent difference is that two babies are growing simultaneously, which means your body has to support both. This can lead to a higher intensity of pregnancy symptoms or some that may present earlier than with a singleton pregnancy.

2. Top Symptoms That May Indicate You’re Pregnant with Twins

a. Excessive Morning Sickness

Morning sickness is a common pregnancy symptom, but it can be more pronounced in twin pregnancies. If you’re experiencing extreme nausea and vomiting, known as hyperemesis gravidarum, it might be one of the early signs of twins. This is often attributed to the elevated levels of the pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which tends to be higher when you’re carrying more than one baby.

b. Rapid Weight Gain

Gaining weight quickly in the early stages of pregnancy is another possible sign of twins. Since there are two babies developing, your caloric needs and overall body mass tend to increase faster than they would with a single baby. If your healthcare provider notices significant weight gain early on, they may recommend an ultrasound to check for twins.

c. Extreme Fatigue

While fatigue is common in all pregnancies, carrying twins can take an even bigger toll on your energy levels. Your body is working overtime to nourish two babies, which can result in feeling more exhausted than usual. If you’re struggling with extreme tiredness, even after getting plenty of rest, it might be an indicator of a twin pregnancy.

d. Higher hCG Levels

As mentioned earlier, hCG levels tend to be higher when carrying twins. Some women may have an earlier pregnancy test result or a darker positive line on their home pregnancy test. Your healthcare provider may order blood tests to check hCG levels, which could offer another hint of a multiple pregnancy.

e. Bigger Belly Early On

If you’re showing much earlier than expected, it could be due to the extra space needed for two babies. Many women with twin pregnancies report that their bump appeared more noticeable in the first trimester compared to friends expecting just one baby. However, belly size can vary and only an ultrasound can confirm whether you’re expecting twins.

f. Increased Appetite

With two babies growing, your body needs more energy. Some moms-to-be with twins notice a significant increase in appetite, often feeling hungry shortly after meals. This can happen as early as the first trimester and might be accompanied by stronger food cravings or aversions.

3. Medical Indications of a Twin Pregnancy

a. Elevated AFP Levels

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a protein produced by the fetus, and its levels are checked through a maternal blood test during pregnancy. When carrying twins, AFP levels tend to be higher than normal, which could be a red flag for your healthcare provider to look further into the possibility of twins.

b. Hearing Two Heartbeats

One of the most thrilling moments during a pregnancy is hearing your baby’s heartbeat for the first time. But what if there are two? If your healthcare provider detects two distinct heartbeats, it’s a strong indicator of a twin pregnancy. However, this can sometimes be tricky in the early stages, so it’s often confirmed with an ultrasound.

c. Ultrasound Confirmation

The only way to truly confirm a twin pregnancy is through an ultrasound. Most often, this happens during the first trimester, usually around weeks 10 to 12. In some cases, twins can be spotted even earlier during a routine dating scan. If you’re experiencing more intense symptoms than expected, your provider may suggest scheduling an early ultrasound.

4. Are You More Likely to Have Twins?

Certain factors increase the likelihood of having twins. These include:

• Family History: If twins run in your family, particularly on the mother’s side, your chances are higher.
• Age: Women over 30 are more likely to conceive twins, especially if they are over 35 due to higher levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
• Fertility Treatments: Assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), often increase the likelihood of twins due to multiple embryos being transferred.
• Previous Pregnancies: If you’ve had multiple pregnancies before, your chance of having twins is higher.

5. When to Consult Your Healthcare Provider

If you suspect you’re pregnant with twins based on any of the signs mentioned above, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. They can perform tests and ultrasounds to determine if you’re carrying more than one baby. Early detection is important as twin pregnancies often require closer monitoring due to the increased risks associated with carrying two babies.

6. Caring for a Twin Pregnancy

Once twins are confirmed, it’s important to follow specific advice for managing a multiple pregnancy:

• Regular Check-ups: You’ll likely have more frequent prenatal visits to ensure the health of both babies.
• Balanced Diet: Proper nutrition is crucial, as your body needs extra calories, vitamins, and minerals to support two growing babies.
• Rest: Expect to need more rest throughout your pregnancy, as twin pregnancies can be more physically demanding.
• Monitoring for Complications: Twin pregnancies can carry a higher risk of complications such as preterm labor, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia, so close monitoring is essential.

Ready to take the quiz?

While experiencing more intense pregnancy symptoms doesn’t always mean you’re having twins, it can be a clue to consider. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, it’s always best to consult your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis. Whether you’re having one baby or two, early care and attention are key to ensuring a healthy pregnancy for you and your little ones.

Note: This quiz is for fun and informational purposes only. It’s not a medical test and should not replace professional medical advice. For accurate pregnancy information, please consult a healthcare provider.”

The post Wondering if you’re pregnant with Twins? Take the Quiz! appeared first on TWINS Magazine.

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While vaccines are one of our great success stories in modern medicine, saving millions of lives over the past several decades, they remain a topic of uncertainty for many parents. You are not alone if you have questions about vaccinations for your growing family. This article will guide you through the most up-to-date newborn-vaccination recommendations to help keep you and your newborn twins safe.

Highlights:

Newborns have a high risk for severe complications from vaccine-preventable illnesses.

All babies should receive the first hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth.

The CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines for everyone ages six months and older, including people who are pregnant and breastfeeding.

Pregnant women should also receive a Tdap (whooping cough) and flu vaccine.

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Family members and caregivers should be up-to-date with immunizations and boosters, including whooping cough and influenza vaccines.

Why are vaccines so important?

The simple answer – getting vaccinated is better than getting the disease. Those quick little pokes have saved many children from dying from diseases like meningitis, diarrheal infections, and many more. Since a newborn’s immune system is not fully developed, they are at an even higher risk for severe complications from vaccine-preventable illnesses.

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Are vaccines effective?

Yes! Vaccines do an outstanding job. Many diseases affecting children have been reduced or eliminated thanks to vaccines. Most childhood vaccines are 90% to 99% effective in preventing disease, and if a vaccinated child gets the disease, the symptoms are less severe than the illness of a child who did not get the vaccine.

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Are vaccines safe?

Millions of children safely receive vaccines each year. The most common side effects are pain or swelling at the injection site. Serious side effects from vaccines are rare. For every 1 million vaccine doses, 1 to 2 people may have a severe allergic reaction. Your doctor’s office is well-trained to treat any severe allergic reactions that may occur.

Why do vaccinations start at such a young age? Do I have to stick to the recommended vaccination schedule?

Changing the recommended vaccination schedule is not a good idea. The CDC’s recommended scheduling for each vaccine is based on age and factors like immune response and likelihood of exposure to the disease. There is no research to show if a child would be equally protected with a very different schedule.

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Tips for vaccinating twins

Most new parents cringe at the idea of their newborn receiving their first shot, and this can be double as tough for parents of twins. Here are a few tips to help make the injection go as smoothly as possible:

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Enlist some help: Having an extra pair of hands to help undress, dress, and comfort the babies after the injection can be incredibly helpful. If no one is available to help, ask if a staff member, such as a medical assistant, is available to help during the vaccinations.

Ask for something sweet. A sweet solution of sucrose or glucose (often called sweet-ease) a minute before the shot can help reduce your little one’s discomfort with the injection.

If you are breastfeeding, this can help soothe them after the vaccination. Have your helper hold them during the vaccination and get them dressed, so you can take them afterwards.

For triplets or more: Consider having them vaccinated at different times, especially if you do not have a helping hand.

Vaccines for newborns

Hepatitis B Vaccine

Brand Names: Engerix-B and Recombivax HB (3-dose vaccine series); Pediarix, Vaxelis (4-dose vaccine combination series)

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Hepatitis B is a contagious liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. The vaccine is vital in your newborns because approximately 90% of infants who become infected with hepatitis B will become chronically infected (compared to only 2%–6% of adults). Chronic hepatitis B can lead to chronic hepatitis, liver cancer, and death.

All babies should get the first hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth. The hepatitis B vaccine may be given as a 3-dose vaccine series or as part of a 4-dose vaccine combination series (a vaccine that combines more than one vaccine into one shot). Both series start at birth and are completed by 6-18 months.

Some newborns will have a mild reaction, such as pain at the injection site or a rash. If you are concerned about symptoms, call your pediatrician for guidance. Here are a few tips for comforting your twins after the injection:

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A cool, damp cloth can help reduce any redness and swelling at the injection site.

Some newborns will want to eat slightly less the 24 hours after getting a vaccine and may prefer smaller and more frequent feedings.

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If a pregnant mother tests positive for hepatitis B, the babies will get their first shot of the hepatitis vaccine within 12 hours of birth and receive a hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) along with the vaccine to help prevent the disease.

What is the recommendation for the hepatitis B vaccine in premature babies? If your twins were premature and weighed less than 2000g at birth (about 4lbs., 6oz.), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the hepatitis B vaccine be given at one month of age or when discharged home from the hospital (whichever comes first).

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Vaccines for family members and caregivers

Family members and other caregivers can protect newborns by staying up-to-date on all their vaccinations.

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Whooping Cough Vaccine (DTaP for children and Tdap for preteens, teens, and adults)

Whooping cough can cause severe and life-threatening complications in babies, especially those under six months. About half of babies who get whooping cough will end up in the hospital, about 1 out of 4 will get pneumonia, and 1 out of 100 will die. Whooping cough is very contagious and is transmitted through respiratory droplets. The best way to protect newborns from whooping cough is to ensure pregnant women get a whooping cough shot (called Tdap vaccine) during each pregnancy between 27 and 36 weeks. It’s also crucial that siblings and anyone around the babies are up-to-date.

Influenza Vaccine

Influenza (commonly called the flu) can also cause severe complications like dehydration, pneumonia, and even death in babies less than six months. Because flu vaccines are not approved for use in children younger than six months old, protecting newborns from the flu is especially important. The CDC recommends that all pregnant women get the inactivated flu vaccine (the injection, not the live nasal flu vaccine). All caregivers and household members six months and older should also get the influenza vaccine.

COVID-19 Vaccine

We still have a lot to learn about the risks of COVID-19 in newborns; however, it appears most newborns who test positive for COVID-19 are asymptomatic or have only mild symptoms. The CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines for everyone ages six months and older, including people who are pregnant and breastfeeding. Booster shots are approved for everyone five years of age and older.

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Helpful resources for parents

To learn more about vaccine ingredients: What’s in Vaccines?

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Vaccines & Immunizations

American Academy of Pediatrics: Conversations About Vaccines

Adverse reactions should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Your health care provider will usually file this report, or you can do it yourself. Visit the VAERS website or call 1-800-822-7967. VAERS is only for reporting reactions, and VAERS staff do not give medical advice.

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References

Kempe A, Saville AW, Albertin C, et al. Parental Hesitancy About Routine Childhood and Influenza Vaccinations: A National Survey. Pediatrics. 2020;146(1):e20193852. doi:10.1542/peds.2019-3852

Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/hcp/imz/child-adolescent.html. Published 2022. Accessed September 3, 2022.

Hepatitis B Foundation: Hepatitis B Vaccine Schedules. Hepb.org. Published 2022. Accessed September 5, 2022.

The post Newborn Vaccinations: a pediatrician’s guide to keeping your newborns safe appeared first on TWINS Magazine.

Breastfeeding twins has many advantages for both the mother and baby.

Breastfeeding strengthens the baby’s immune system and reduces the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). It is also a great way for mother and child to bond.

Breastfeeding twins can seem overwhelming to a new mom, but thousands of new mothers successfully breastfed their twins every day.

These tips will help you to be successful from day one.

1. Get a Lactation Consultant

As soon as you arrive in your Postpartum room after giving birth, ask to see the Lactation Consultant. As a mother of twins, you will be a priority for her.

She will sit with you and teach you exactly how to get each of your babies to latch correctly onto your breast. Learning how to do this from the very first feeding is important.

If your babies do not latch correctly, breastfeeding twins can be painful and your babies will not be able to feed efficiently.

That is the number one reason responsible for issues with breastfeeding twins.

Nowadays all Lactation Consultants receive training on teaching mothers how to breastfeed twins, so she will be able to help you with different positions and issues particular to twins.

2. Find a Lactation Consultant in Your Area

Before giving birth, you may want to find a lactation consultant in your area, so you can make an appointment to see her once you have been released from the hospital. Many will come out to your home to continue to help you after you leave the hospital.

3. Get in a Comfortable Breastfeeding Position.

The position is very important when breastfeeding twins. There are many positions mothers prefer when breastfeeding twins and there is no one right way.

The positions for breastfeeding twins should allow you to relax your back and neck. Your posture of choice should allow easy digestion while the babies suckle.

You may find a number of positions helpful at different times. The goal is to try different positions until you find the ones that work best for you and your twins.

4. Get a Comfortable Breastfeeding Pillow

Get a special breastfeeding pillow designed for twins.

The My Brest Friend Supportive Nursing Pillow For Twins 0-12 Months, Plus-Size is the most useful breastfeeding pillow for twins.

It is soft and provides plenty of room for both babies. The strap is also awesome, as it keeps the pillow in place while you move your twins around and help them latch on correctly.

Colors: Light Green (Pictured), Dark Grey, Light Grey, Fireworks, and Black and White

Lowest Price: Amazon.com

Price: $58.04- $67.99

5. Wear Easy Access Nursing Tops and Nursing Bras.

In the beginning, you will find soft, comfortable 2-in-1 nursing tops with built-in bras to be extremely useful. While you are learning how to nurse twins and your twins are feeding to often, you will find yourself constantly needing to expose your breast to feed. These tops also make it simple to breastfeed both twins at the same time.

Caramel Cantina 3 Pack Women’s Nursing Cami Built-in Bra is a great 2-in-1 soft tank top and nursing bra. You can wear it by itself or under another loose top. It comes in many sizes and colors, thus matching everything. You will want to buy at least a few packs of these because in the beginning, milk will leak and babies will spit up on you.

Colors: Black, White and Charcoal (3 Pack), Navy, Burgundy and Teal (3 Pack), Black (3 Pack)

Lowest Price: Amazon.com

Price: $36.99 (Pack of three)

Having plenty of comfortable nursing bras is also important. When your milk supply is first coming in and your twins are learning how to breastfeed, it will messy. You will find yourself often needing to change your bra. You will also need to wear a bra all the time in the beginning because your breasts will leak milk.

Therefore, you will want to have comfortable bras you can wear all day and night.

The 3 PACK Full Bust Seamless Nursing Maternity Bras with Extenders & Clips is the perfect nursing bra bundle.

We recommend you buy at least three of these packs to get started. The extender will be great right after you give birth before you lose your pregnancy and while your milk supply is adjusting. The clips allow you to connect the two straps in the back to hide them when wear tank tops or other sleeveless shirts.

Colors: Black, Pink & Nude (3 Pack), Nude (3 Pack), Black (3 Pack), Black, Grey & Nude (3 Pack)

Lowest Price: Amazon.com

Price: $36.99 (Pack of three)

6. Start with One Twin at a Time

As a new parent or one who is having your first pair of twins, it is advisable that you start gradually, with a twin at a time to the breast.

Once each twin is latching properly and you feel comfortable, start trying to feed the other twin at the same time.

Be patient with yourself and know you will master breastfeeding twins at the same time. It is a skill like any other and simply requires practice.

7. Use a Breastpump Only When Necessary

Before you consider using a breast pump, be sure it is needed.

Mothers panic, saying their breasts don’t produce much milk and they are afraid they are not making enough for the twins.

it takes a few days for your milk to come in. The most effective way to establish a strong milk supply is to latch them properly and encourage your twins to feed often.

The woman lactation process actually generates more milk with the demands placed by the suckling mouth(s). Breast pumps are just not as effective at expelling milk from the breast.

In the early days, encourage your twins to breastfeed often. These early days will determine how much milk your body makes. It is a supply and demand system established during the first days. That is also why learning how to latch your twins on is so important from the beginning.

So, before you go for a pumping aid, be sure you need it.

When it is time to begin pumping, we recommend you use the Medela Pump in Style Advanced Double Electric Breast Pump with On the Go Tote.

It is an awesome all-in-one system.

Medela is the most well-known and recommended brand on the market. All of their products come with a lifetime warranty and their service department is excellent.

While the bag this breast pump comes with may not be your first choice, this bundle is a great deal and has everything you will need to immediately begin pumping.

Lowest Price: Amazon.com

Price: $190.93

8. Alternate the kids to the breast

Each of the twins might have different appetite and sucking behavior.

Therefore, alternate which twin feeds from each breast with every feeding. A great way to remember which twin fed from each breast is to wear a simple bracelet or hair tie on your wrist. Assign the hair tie to Twin A. After you have completed breastfeeding your twins, move the hair tie to the other wrist. This will tell you that Twin A should feed on that breast during the next feeding.

9. Get Rest

You need as much rest as you can get.

When your newborn twins are sleeping, you should sleep, as well.

Ask friends and family members to keep up with the daily tasks around the house.

In the early days, your task is to heal your body from birth, breastfeed and care for your new twins. That is a full-time job. Everything else can wait.

10. Ask for Help

Neighbors, friends, co-workers, and family are great helpers in the early days. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Hiring a Postpartum Doula is also an excellent choice.

Postpartum Doulas can help you care for your newborn twins, clean your house, cook and help organize the help of others in your life.

11. Eat and Drink Frequently

Think of your body as just recovering from running a marathon.

Labor is exhausting and you have lost a lot of blood. Now you are trying to make food for two little people.

Allow yourself to eat foods you are craving. Your body may need more salt, protein or fats to recover.

In the early days, we drank lots of Ensure High Protein Nutrition Shake with 16 grams of high-quality protein, Meal Replacement Shakes.

We loved them because they did not contain milk and thus did not need to remain refrigerated. We kept them on our nightstand and drank them during the night when we woke up hungry.

Product Details:

Flavors: Chocolate, Strawberry, and Vanilla

Price: $31.94 for 24 8oz Bottles

Lowest Price: Amazon.com

Drinking lots of water is one of the best ways to ensure your body will produce enough milk.

Breast milk is composed of 90% water.

During birth and for days after giving birth, your body will lose a lot of blood. Blood is composed mostly of water. Therefore, you will likely be extremely dehydrated.

One of the biggest factors that will affect your milk supply in the early days is your water intake. This is a crucial time as your body is figuring out how much milk to make for your twins. If you are severely dehydrated in the early days, your body will not establish the correct amount of milk supply.

You will probably notice that soon after you begin breastfeeding your twins you will become thirsty. The oxytocin that your body releases during breastfeeding is responsible for triggering your thirst. This is your body’s natural way of ensuring that you are getting enough water to make breast milk.

As soon as you can, begin rehydrating your body. This can easily be done simply with water. During breastfeeding one baby, you should drink an extra quart, or 32 ounces, per day.

12. Start Preparing Before Your Twins Arrive.

Preparation is key. Create a plan now to ensure you will have all of the tools and people in place when your twins arrive.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. People who love you will want to feel needed and your twins will benefit from it, as well.

The post 12 Tips for Breastfeeding Twins appeared first on TWINS Magazine.

When reviewing baby monitors for parents of twins, we kept in mind the specific needs which new parents may have.

Most parents of twins choose to have their babies in the same room, but having a camera pointing at each twin can make monitoring them much easier. So, we included a number of monitors that come standard with two cameras.

All of our recommended baby monitors are great choices and each has advantages over others. We have made sure each of our recommended baby monitors received good reviews and have great customer support histories.

Therefore, you can be assured that any of these baby monitors are high-quality products that will help you keep your twins safe.

Our #1 Recommended Baby Monitor for Twins

There are so many baby monitors on the market.

Choosing the best one can be extremely overwhelming, but we have found one that is just clearly superior. After reading through hundreds of reviews, we have found one baby monitor that parents love.

1. Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor with Interchangeable Optical Lens

This is definitely our number one recommendation. 84% of the customers who reviewed this baby monitor gave it either 4 or 5 stars! With over 24,000 reviews, that says something!

Although this monitor comes with only one camera, it comes with lenses that will allow you to monitor both of your twins at once.

Special Features: Night Vision, Talk-back Function, Room Temperature Sensor, 10 Hour Battery Life, Interchangeable Lenses

Screen Size: 3.5 inches

Lowest Price: Amazon.com

Price: $165.95

Amazon Rating:

Here’s a glowing review from a customer:

The Best Baby Monitor that Works with Your Cellphone

Having a baby monitor that works directly with your cell phone is becoming a more frequent choice. This monitor is priced well and has received great reviews with 73% of customers giving it 4 or 5 stars.

2. Cocoon Cam Plus Baby Video and Breathing Monitor

Special Features: Simple Phone App, Breathing Monitor, Text Alerts

Lowest Price: Amazon.com

Price: $149.99

Amazon Rating:

Below, we have outlined the pros and cons of this product:

Pros:

★ Monitor Your Babies Breathing– Real-time breathing monitoring and night vision HD video.

★ Sleep Soundly Knowing You’ll Receive Alerts– Notifications will alert you if baby’s breathing changes, baby is crying or beginning to wake. Get the peace of mind you need to rest when your baby does.

★ Approved by Top Pediatricians– IRB-approved studies at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford and UC San Diego.

★ No Extra Monitor Needed– See and know your baby is breathing and safe without having to carry a monitor around with you.

★ Secure HD Video Right on your Phone– Instant alerts in our FREE app. SEE, HEAR, AND TALK to your baby right on your phone.

Cons:

• Must Have a Cellphone with Compatible App

• Your Wifi Connection Will Affect How Well the App Works

Best Baby Monitors with Two Cameras

All of these cameras come standard with two cameras. These baby monitors are great for twins who are in separate rooms or are in cribs not close to one another.

3. UBBCARE 2 Video Baby Monitors with Large 3.5″ Display and Night Vision​

Special Features: Large Display, Crisp Video, Plays Music

Screen Size: 3.5 inches

Lowest Price: Amazon.com

Price: $114.99

Amazon Rating:

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Below, we have outlined the pros and cons of this product:

Pros:

★ Beautiful, Crisp Picture with 3.5” SCREEN DISPLAY BABY MONITOR- much clearer image, wider viewing range, sensitive to capturing sound and receiving signals.

★ TWO WAY TALK- Press the parents’ dialogue key, baby will hear your sound at the first time through the two-way talk function to soothe baby’s uneasiness, give baby safety when he cries.

★ 2.4 GHZ DIGITAL SIGNAL MONITORING- Safe without radiation, self-contained receiver, record the sound and movement of your baby anytime.

★ TEMPERATURE SENSOR- keep abreast of the temperature of the baby room, give the baby a comfortable growing up environment.

★ 4 LULLABIES- effectively pacify the baby and help the baby to fall asleep quickly.

Cons:

• Loses signal at times and beeps loudly

4. Babysense Video Baby Monitor with Two Digital Cameras

Special Features: Long Range, Small, Lightweight Device, Lower Priced

Screen Size: 2.4 inches

Lowest Price: Amazon.com

Price: $89.99

Amazon Rating:

Below, we have outlined the pros and cons of this product:

Pros:

★ Supplied with Two Cameras – Allows monitoring two rooms or two cameras in one room from one Parent Unit. Simply use the OK button on the parent unit to switch between the paired cameras.

★ 2.4 Inch High-Quality Color LCD Display with Enhanced 2.4GHz FHSS Technology – Provides high definition and stable streaming, secure interference-free connection, and crystal clear digital vision & sound.

★ Two Way Talk Back Communication – Comfort your baby with the sound of your own voice by using the two-way talkback system.

★ Long Range – Up to 900 feet (open space) with out-of-range warning.

★ Rich Features – Auto Infrared Night Vision, Room Temperature Monitoring with High/Low Temperature Alerts, Eco Mode Voice Activation, Sound Activated LED Indicators, Alarm/Timer Setting, 2x Digital Zoom with Digital Image Pan/Tilt option, Multi-Camera Expandability (up to four cameras), Lullabies, Manual Pan (360 degrees) & Tilt (60 degrees), Auto Scan View, Tabletop or Wall Mounting Options.

Cons:

• Beeps loudly when loses connection.

5. MoonyBaby Video Baby Monitor with Two Cameras

Special Features: Long Battery Life, Large Display Screen, 5 Lullabies

Screen Size: 4.3 inches

Lowest Price: Amazon.com

Price: $109.99

Amazon Rating:

Below, we have outlined the pros and cons of this product:

Pros:

★ Switch Effortlessly Between Two Cameras- Easily SCAN view or press shortcut button to switch views between paired cameras. Monitor can link up to 4 cameras. (Additional cameras sold separately)

★ 100% DIGITAL WIRELESS SECURED TECHNOLOGY- ensures private and secure connection between the camera and the monitor. The 2.4Ghz interference-free signal works in home between rooms and upstairs/downstairs. No WIFI/INTERNET setup required.

★ TWO WAY TALK BACK- With TALK BACK button, you can talk to your babies when they need you.

★ Extra Long Battery Life- 12 hours in Power Saving Mode, 6 hours in continues video on mode. Zoom in for closer views on screen.

★ RICH FEATURES- Automatic night vision, Baby room temperature monitoring, 5 built-in lullabies, Zoom in and Power saving/Voice activation mode, Multi-Camera Expandability (up to four cameras)

Cons:

• Battery does not last as long as advertised.

• Cameras must remain plugged in. They cannot run on batteries.

In summary, while there are many baby monitors available, we have identified the 5 best options for twins.

We included a one camera option that comes with three lenses to allow you to monitor both of your twins cribs at once.

We also recommended an awesome baby monitor that works directly with your smartphone. That option is great as long as you have a good WiFi connection in your home, apartment or wherever you intend to monitor your twins.

Lastly, we included 3 baby monitors that come standard with 2 video cameras. We included the special features and drawbacks of each.

Comment below and let us know if there is one you feel we should add to our list or if you purchased one of our suggested baby monitors.

The post The Best Baby Monitors for Twins appeared first on TWINS Magazine.

That is not true.

As parents of twins, we have compiled this simple list of the five pieces of baby furniture for twins that you will want to invest in.

1. Two Convertible Cribs

The Delta Children Emery 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Crib is an awesome choice. As a 4-in-1 crib, it is the only bed your twin will need for years to come.

Product Details:

Colors: Comes in Dark Chocolate (Shown), Grey, and White

*It is also available as a mini crib.*

If you have a smaller room for your twins, you may want to purchase two mini cribs. However, remember that if you purchase mini cribs for your twins, you must also purchase mattress pads and sheets that fit mini cribs.

Price: $189.99

Lowest Price: Amazon.com

2. A Changing Table

You will only need one changing table.

It will be the station where you keep your diapers, wipes, diaper rash ointment and changes of clothes.

The Delta Children Infant Changing Table with Pad matches the crib er recommend. It received excellent reviews and is very affordable.

Product Details:

Colors: Comes in 5 Colors

Price: $249.99

Lowest Price: Amazon.com

Amazon Rating:

3. A Playard with Bassinets

It has extra features the other pack n plays we found for twins just don’t have.

When your twins are first born, a pack n play can be a great first place to have your twins sleep at night.

We placed this pack n play next to our bed and had each twin sleeping in one of the two removable bassinets. That made it easy for me, as the breastfeeding mother, to lean over and pick up each twin when they needed to breastfeed.

This will be the place you lay your twins down to nap throughout much of the day. During the day, many parents have this crib in the main sitting room. At night, many parents bring this crib into their bedroom.

Product Details:

Colors: Comes in Color Shown

Price: $249.99

Lowest Price: Amazon.com

Amazon Rating:

Below we have included the main pros and cons of each pack n play.

Pros:

★Two removable rock-a-bye bassinet each convert to standalone rockers

★Removable rock-a-bye bassinet comes with canopy and carry handle, plush fabric and mesh sides for proper ventilation

★Flip away changing table and deluxe parent organizer. Use only household mild soap and warm water. Do Not Use Bleach. Do Not Machine Wash

★One-hand locking mechanism and large wheels with brakes

★Electronic music center with volume control, nightlight, and vibration

Cons:

• Only available in 1 color

• Twins will quickly outgrow the bassinets

4. Two Bouncer Seats

One of the absolute must haves as a parent of twins is a bouncer seat for each twin. This will be a great place to sit your twins for bottle feedings, to read books to them, for short naps, when you need to go to the bathroom, and even while you cook dinner.

The Fisher-Price Infant-to-Toddler Rocker is our favorite choice for bouncer seats.

The seats are comfortable, well-made, lightweight and adorable.

Product Details:

Colors: 8 Colors and Patterns to Choose From

Price: $29.00-$69.99

Lowest Price: Amazon.com

Amazon Ratings:

These seats can be used for many purposes. They are the perfect place to bottle-feed your twins. Simply sit your babies in the seats, strap them in, and feed.

Babies love to be held. Holding one baby for hours a day can be tough enough, but holding twins can often be impossible. We often placed our twins into these bouncers, strapped the in and gently rocked them with our feet. Often the gently rocking put them right to sleep and allowed us to get a much-needed break.

These bouncers are also a great, safe place to put your twins if you need to go to the bathroom or get something to eat.

Unlike a large bassinet or portable playard, these bouncers can easily be taken into the kitchen, bathroom, porch, yard, or anywhere else you want to go.

5. One Electric Swing

In the beginning, we highly recommend you only purchase one baby swing.

We found there was never a time when we felt like we needed two swings. We also found that our twins would go through phases. One would find the swing soothing and the other would not.

The Graco Simple Sway Baby Swing is a great choice. It is versatile and made by a very reputable company.

Product Details:

Colors: 3 Colors and Patterns to Choose From

Price: $69.00-$92.87

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Below we have included the main pros and cons of this baby swing:

Pros:

★ Plug-in option allows you to save money on batteries while using your infant swing. Also takes D Batteries.

★ This baby swings small frame design fits in any room of your home so you can easily keep baby close wherever you are.

★ Gentle, side-to-side swaying motion soothes and comforts baby. 2-speed vibration to help keep your baby calm and relaxed.

★ The deep, plush seat with removable head support keeps your little one cozy and comfortable while in the baby swing.

Cons:

• Some customers said the swing squeaks.

• Can hear the motor when the swing is on.

In summary, there are five pieces of furniture for twins you will want to have before your twins are born.

Many parents of twins feel overwhelmed by all the furniture and supplies for twins. Hopefully, this list of the 5 essential pieces of furniture for twins will help you feel better about what you should buy to prepare for your twins.

Comment below and let us know which of these items you have purchased and what you think about them.

Did we leave any furniture for twins off this list?

Let us know and we will add it right away.

The post Must Have Baby Furniture for Twins appeared first on TWINS Magazine.

First, it’s important to discuss the different types of twin pregnancies: Dizygotic (or DZ) and Monozygotic (or MZ).

DZ pregnancies refer to twins that are created from two different eggs becoming fertilized at the same time. Whether that is from hyper ovulation (releasing multiple eggs at once) or fertility treatments, this results in fraternal twins.

MZ pregnancies, on the other hand, occur when one egg is fertilized and splits into two, identical embryos. This results in identical twins.

So what can affect your odds of having multiples?

Twins in the family

Many scientists argue that hyperovulation can run in a woman’s family resulting in a higher rate of twins. A male cannot contribute to the release of an egg so, therefore, cannot affect the ovulation status of his partner. A father can, however, pass down the genetic factor of hyperovulation to his daughters who may be more likely to conceive twins in the future.

Fertility Medications / Treatments

There are many reasons why people experience infertility and choose to undergo fertility treatments to conceive children. Some fertility medications can cause hyperovulation, increasing the chances that a woman may carry a set of dizygotic (DZ) twins. According to the Mayo Clinic, these are a few examples of common medications, and what they do:

Clomiphene citrate (Clomid). Stimulates ovulation by causing the pituitary gland to release certain hormones.

Injections that stimulate the ovary to produce multiple eggs. Used to improve a woman’s insulin resistance when this is the suspected cause of infertility.

Letrozole (Femara). Works similarly to Clomiphene, but is used mostly in women under the age of 39 who have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

Another type of fertility treatment that can affect the chance of conceiving multiples is In-vitro Fertilization (IVF). This process includes taking eggs from a woman’s body, sperm from a man’s body, and fertilizing them in a medical lab. After fertilization, the product becomes an embryo and the patient chooses how many embryos to transfer into the uterus in hopes of implantation. If the patient transfers two or more embryos at one time, the odds of a multiple pregnancy increase.

Certain health conditions

Some argue that certain health conditions or statuses can lead to an increased rate of conceiving twins, specifically obesity. Obesity is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30. Although this may be true, there is not much scientific evidence to back it up. In fact, studies show that being overweight or obese increases the risk for pregnancy complications including gestational diabetes and preterm labor. Be sure to discuss the ideal diet and level of activity during pregnancy, and while trying to conceive, with your healthcare provider.

Age and Past Pregnancies

Advanced Maternal Age (AMA) is associated with an increased chance of conceiving twins. This also goes hand in hand with parity which refers to the number of previous pregnancies a woman has had. The more pregnancies a woman has undergone, and the higher her age, the greater chance that she will have twins in future pregnancies.

Urban Legends

It is worth mentioning that some people share stories that encourage certain behaviors in order to increase the chances of conceiving twins. Although these have not been backed by science, they have been told for many years and are interesting to discuss! Here are some common ones:

Eating extra dairy: Some say the protein in dairy can increase the odds of conceiving twins.

Increasing folic acid: This nutrient is essential during pregnancy because it reduces the risk for life-threatening conditions such as Spina Bifida in babies. However, some claim that taking folic acid before becoming pregnant may help you have multiples.

Sweet Potatoes: These may contain nutrients that increase your odds of twinning

Eat Cassava: Sometimes referred to as yucca, is a root vegetable that is believed by some to induce hyperovulation.

Drinking Bourbon before conceiving: This beverage has high levels of phytoestrogen.

Good, Old Fashioned Luck!

Ultimately, many twin pregnancies are the result of luck. Even if a woman has a family history of hyper ovulation, is of advanced maternal age, and is taking fertility medications, the conception of twins comes down to her body’s ovulation during that cycle and the success of implantation.

Good luck!

Sources:

https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/traits/twins/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4863559/#bib9

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/female-infertility/diagnosis-treatment/drc- 20354313

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5954173/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5571734/#R8

https://www.healthymummy.com/11-old-wives-tales-conceiving-twins-may-actually-true/

The post Factors that Increase your Chances of having Twins appeared first on TWINS Magazine.

Being first-time parents raising twin babies can be daunting but Mom of twins, Anne Marshall shares some thoughts on making that important first year with your twins as enriching as possible.

For any Feeding Method You Use, Feed Them Together

I had been intending to breastfeed, but ultimately ended up bottle feeding.

When my partner first went back to work, I would feed them one at a time. One would be screaming while the other had their bottle.

It was stressful for all of us.

Then another twin mum told me how she propped hers up with cushions, so she could feed them at the same time. Perhaps if I hadn’t been so sleep deprived I could have thought of this myself? So, I put them in their car seats on the sofa and fed them together.

No waiting, no tears, genius! – the other mother, not me!

Routine, Routine, Routine

From a very early age, I decided to establish a routine for raising my twins.

They were fed at the same time, napped at the same time, played at the same time, we went for a walk after lunch at the same time which was also a nap time, and went to bed at the same time.

Funny enough, a mother of a singleton said to me that this must involve a lot of crying. Perhaps it sounded very regimented. I wasn’t a believer in crying it out, so this wasn’t the case, and if you get a feel for what your babies do naturally, getting them on a routine can happen quite cohesively and naturally.

The routine will change and adapt every couple of months as they change, but I found the structure helped me to organize myself, prevented me from getting overwhelmed in chaos, and allowed the babies to feel secure.

Don’t Worry About Quality Time When They are Infants

Obviously, it’s nice, when there are two adults around and they can have extra cuddles, or you can go a bit further afield more easily, but don’t worry that you aren’t doing swimming classes or any other class.

Of course, there are ways around these hurdles, but don’t put yourself under unnecessary pressure.

Your twins are happy just to hang out with you, walk through the park, have a dance party at home, go for coffee. They have you, and they have each other.

They don’t need to be adding to the special skills section of their C.V at 5 months old.

If Your Twins are Born Prematurely, You Might Want to Read Up on That

Mine twins were born 5 weeks early and I really didn’t know anything about it.

My best baby- mama friend had a full-term singleton, who could put his pacifier in and out of his mouth all by himself, while we were at coffee, while mine were always fast asleep in the buggy (bonus, really).

Don’t compare what a full-term baby does to a premature baby. It usually all evens out quickly, or there may be things that show up in the future. For instance, my daughter is hyper-mobile which was picked up on by a physiotherapist when she was only 6 months.

This has affected some of her fine and gross motor skills. However, we can’t say for sure this was because she was born prematurely or not.

Every Stage Moves On

Sometimes when you’re in the thick of it, especially in a first year with twins, it can feel as if this stage is how your life will always be, and that can be overwhelming.

So, remember, if your twins don’t sleep through the night yet, or you’re alone a lot and your friends don’t understand what you’re going through, or whichever stage you’re at, ‘this too shall pass’.

These stages, especially in the first year of raising twins, move past so quickly as I mentioned before in the routines section. Just when you think you can’t go on anymore, they’ll start sleeping through the night, or you’ll meet a new friend etc., or they’ll start sitting up and playing differently, and life will change all over again.

Look After Yourself

People like to say, ‘if Mums not happy, the kids won’t be happy’.

That’s a little harsh if you are feeling unhappy, so don’t be hard on yourself. But, I do believe it’s O.K. to be selfish.

Take time for yourself. Take time out.

Keep something for yourself that makes you feel good, whether that’s yoga, a trip to the cinema, painting, work, or something where you can express yourself. It’s important to keep nourishing yourself because motherhood can be overwhelming, and you really can feel that you’ve lost your self. You’re still you. Don’t worry, you haven’t lost anything, only gained.

You don’t have to be the perfect Mum either, you’re just fine as you are, and you are perfect to your babies. The first year goes so fast, it really is only 12 months of little infants before you drift on to toddler-hood.

Good luck Mama, you can do it

Anne Marshall is a mother of 4 including twins and blogs on Huff Post, Parents U.K about twins, raising multiples and more, mothers, society etc. She currently resides in Cardiff, Wales.

The post 6 Useful Tips for Raising Twins in Their First Year appeared first on TWINS Magazine.

There are a few things you can do to prepare for your twins and ensure that you will be successful at breastfeeding them.

You CAN Breastfeed Your Twins

When I was pregnant with my twins, friends and even nurses would take one look at my breasts and my small physique and say, “There is no way your little body will be able to make enough milk to feed twins! You should stock up on formula now!”

I felt defeated before I had even begun.

However, I was determined to master breastfeeding twins and so I decided to learn everything I could about breastfeeding and get a plan in place for the day my boys arrived.

I am pleased to say my little 130lb body (when pregnant) gave birth to two healthy little boys and I breastfed them for 20 months.

The reason I was so successful was in large part to these 10 tips. While many well-meaning people will complicate breastfeeding, it is a very innate, natural action and one you can expect to quickly learn and feel comfortable with.

1. Use a Breastfeeding Pillow Designed for Feeding Twins.

My Brest Friend Supportive Nursing Pillow For Twins 0-12 Months, Plus-Size was the most helpful tool of all. It is soft and provides plenty of room for both babies. The strap is also awesome, as it keeps the pillow in place while you move your twins around and help them latch on correctly.

Colors: Light Green (Pictured), Dark Grey, Light Grey, Fireworks, and Black and White

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Price: $58.04- $67.99

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2. Wear Easy Access Nursing Tops and Nursing Bras.

In the beginning, you will find soft, comfortable 2-in-1 nursing tops with built-in bras to be extremely useful. While you are learning how to breastfeed your twins and your twins are feeding to often, you will find yourself constantly needing to expose your breast to feed. These tops also make it simple to breastfeed both twins at the same time.

Caramel Cantina 3 Pack Women’s Nursing Cami Built in Bra is a great 2-in-1 soft tank top and nursing bra. You can wear it by itself or under another loose top. It comes in many sizes and colors, thus matching everything. You will want to buy at least a few packs of these because in the beginning, milk will leak and babies will spit up on you.

Colors: Black, White and Charcoal (3 Pack), Navy, Burgundy and Teal (3 Pack), Black (3 Pack)

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Price: $36.99 (Pack of three)

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Having plenty of comfortable nursing bras is also important. When your milk supply is first coming in and your twins are learning how to breastfeed, it will messy. You will find yourself often needing to change your bra. You will also need to wear a bra all the time in the beginning because your breasts will leak milk.

Therefore, you will want to have comfortable bras you can wear all day and night.

The 3 PACK Full Bust Seamless Nursing Maternity Bras with Extenders & Clips is the perfect nursing bra bundle.

We recommend you buy at least three of these packs to get started. The extender will be great right after you give birth before you lose your pregnancy and while your milk supply is adjusting. The clips allow you to connect the two straps in the back to hide them when wear tank tops or other sleeveless shirts.

Colors: Black, Pink & Nude (3 Pack), Nude (3 Pack), Black (3 Pack), Black, Grey & Nude (3 Pack)

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Price: $36.99 (Pack of three)

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3. Have Plenty of Breast Pads and Nipple Cream on Hand.

When your milk first comes in and your twins begin breastfeeding twins, your body may make more milk than your twins will need. Often, mother’s of twins find their breasts leak a lot in the beginning.

Breastpads will absorb the leaking milk and keep wet stains from appearing on your clothing.

There are two main types of breast pads new mothers can choose between: disposable and reusable.

Disposable breast pads are intended for one time use. Reusable breast pads can be washed and reused.

Lansinoh Nursing Pads, 4 Packs of 60 (240 count) Stay Dry Disposable Breast Pads are by far the most well-known and most absorbent breast pads. We suggest you buy them in bulk because you will use quite a few during the first few months.

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If reusable breast pads seem to be your preferred choice, the Organic Bamboo Nursing Pads (14 Pack)+Laundry Bag & Travel Bag bundle is a great choice. Reusable breast pads will end up saving you a lot of money, but you must be willing to do some extra laundry.

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When you and your twin babies are first learning to breastfeed, the babies often do not latch properly. This can cause you nipples to become sore and sometimes cracked. By keeping your nipples lubricated with a good nipple cream, they will heal more quickly and help you and your twins quickly experience the joys of nursing.

We have found Motherlove Nipple Cream Certified Organic Salve for Sore Cracked Nursing Nipples to be the best and safest on the market. It is 100% organic and cruelty-free in their testing practices. It is all natural and doesn’t need to be washed off before breastfeeding.

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4. Use a Quality Breast Pump

One of the items moms of twins should invest in is a hospital grade breast pump. Even if you are not planning on bottle feeding your twins in the beginning, a breast pump may be needed if one of your twins needs to stay in the hospital after birth or if you want to increase your milk supply.

The Medela Pump in Style Advanced Double Electric Breast Pump with On the Go Tote is an awesome all-in-one system. Medela is the most well-known and recommended brand on the market. All of their products come with a lifetime warranty and their service department is excellent.

While the bag this breast pump comes with may not be your first choice, this bundle is a great deal and has everything you will need to immediately begin pumping.

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Price: $190.93

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5. Meet with a Lactation Consultant as Soon as Your Twins are Born.

As soon as your twins are born, you will be moved into a postpartum room. That is when you should immediately ask to see a Lactation Consultant.

The Lactation Consultant will help you learn how to hold each twin, get them to open their mouths wide and latch properly. By getting this teaching during your very first feeding, you will save yourself from pain and frustration. While you may feel extremely excited about breastfeeding your new babies, we highly recommend, you wait for the Lactation Consultant.

Generally, as a mother of twins, she will try to come see you as soon as you arrive in your room. She will sit with you and warmly walk you through the process of breastfeeding your twins.

Throughout your stay, we suggest you ask the Lactation Consultant to periodically observe you while you breastfeed each of your twins.

During the first days, be patient with yourself and your babies as you all learn together.

Before leaving the hospital, the Lactation Consultant should provide you with the number to a consultant in your area. You can also look up Lactation Consultants in your area here.

6. Master Breastfeeding One Twin at a Time.

When you are first learning how to breastfeed your twins, we recommend you feed them one at a time until they are both latching on correctly. This usually takes 4 or five days.

The Lactation Consultant will help you know when you are ready to begin feeding your twins at the same time. While you may feel motivated to quickly begin feeding them together, it will be much easier if you take your time and focus on each individual twin first. You will have many amazing months of feeding them at the same time.

6. Learn to Breastfeed Your Twins Together.

As soon as you feel comfortable feeding each of them individually, it is time to learn how to breastfeed them at the same time. This might seem difficult at first, but it will save you hours each day while your twins are eating every few hours.

When your twins are first born, they will sleep often and very soundly. In order to get them on the same schedule, we let the first twin to awaken determine when to feed them both.

When one twin wakes up hungry, gently wake the other one as well. It may be difficult at first to get the second one to wake up, but once they are both awake, offering them each a breast. Almost always, they will both feed.

If you continue to wake the second twin up when the first one is hungry, you will quickly get your twins on the same schedule. It will be an amazing feeling when this process begins to become easy. You will get more sleep and your breasts will both be emptied at the same time.

As your twins get older and begin to develop head control, breastfeeding them becomes even easier. The early days of breastfeeding are the hardest, but going slowly and taking the time to use proper techniques and practices will benefit you immensely in the future.

7. Drink Lots of Water to Maintain Your Milk Supply.

Breast milk is composed of 90% water.

During birth and for days after giving birth, your body will lose a lot of blood. Blood is composed mostly of water. Therefore, you will likely be extremely dehydrated.

One of the biggest factors that will affect your milk supply in the early days is your water intake. This is a crucial time as your body is figuring out how much milk to make for your twins. If you are severely dehydrated in the early days, your body will not establish the correct amount of milk supply.

You will probably notice that soon after you begin nursing your little one you will become thirsty. The oxytocin that your body releases during breastfeeding is responsible for triggering your thirst. This is your body’s natural way of ensuring that you are getting enough water to make breast milk.

As soon as you can, begin re hydrating your body. This can easily be done simply with water. During breastfeeding one baby, you should drink an extra quart, or 32 ounces, per day.

When breastfeeding twins, you should drink an additional 64 ounces of water each day.

In the early days, breastfeeding can take a long time. It will be hard for you to get up to get yourself water during long stretches of time. Always have a glass or a bottle within arms reach so you don’t have to sit there thirsty until everyone is done nursing.

8. Take Natural Supplements if You need to Increase Your Milk Supply.

Milky Way Natural Breastfeeding Supplement for Lactation Support is formulated to help the body naturally increase your milk supply. Their advanced formula contains super-effective herbs, such as fenugreek, alfalfa, fennel, nettle, milk thistle and more. of all the natural supplements intended to increase milk supply, this has the most complete blend.

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Another excellent way to increase your milk supply is by drinking tea specially formulated to help your body make more milk. Pink Stork Lactation: Smooth Vanilla Nursing Support Tea -Organic Loose Leaf Tea is a delicious choice that tastes great hot or cold.

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Price: $11.99

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In summary, breastfeeding twins will be one of the most rewarding and bonding experiences of your life. While you await the arrival of your babies, you may begin to feel worried that you will not be able to breastfeed them. That is normal.

The 8 tips I have outlined above will help you to prepare for your twins and begin breastfeeding them with confidence from the very beginning.

By purchasing the items above and preparing to immediately reach out to the lactation consultant in your hospital, you will begin the journey of breastfeeding your twins with confidence.

The post 8 Simple Tips for Successfully Breastfeeding Twins appeared first on TWINS Magazine.