First time parents and twins

Visioninwhite

Today we were allowed to bring the twins home. We are first time parents and we don't just have one we have two beautiful girls. They are Isabelle Kathryn and Leighton Sarah, now we were wondering when we will finally get somewhat use to this routine. Thanks for the help.

Emily  

 

rjeller32

It took me a few weeks with my FB, and then I felt like a pro. I imagine you'll get into the swing of things pretty well, but I can't imagine twins! Good luck! Definitely get ready for some sleepless nights and lots of crying, and even more poop. I would DEFINITELY take heed the advice to sleep when they sleep, since you have two to take care of (:

orangegoggles

I don't have advice regarding twins but I would suggest checking out the multiples board. They will have a ton of advice to help you I'm sure. I agree with pp, rest up as much as you can and don't be afraid to call in reinforcements to help you and your DH. Good luck and enjoy your twins! 

April+

I am a FTM and had twins 2 weeks ago and so far the best advice I can give you is to get them on a schedule. I pump and supplement with formula and feed them every 3 hours. It has made my life much easier. You will have to experiment with  feeding times for your babies but also talk to their dr to see what is a reasonable time schedule for them. Good luck

LadyNikon

Even as a STM twins are a hand full!  Please come on over to the multiples board as other posters suggested.  You will get the hang of it I assure you .

workerbee82

you will get used to some sort of routine, and rest assured, it DOES get easier. I am a FTM of twins too and just several weeks in, i can tell you it is sooo different now than the first couple weeks. We are now STTN about 2 weeks and that block of sleep makes all the difference. See  you on the multiples board, I hope!

faithfaery

DH and I just had our 3rd baby, but our first two were twins. I have to say, the first 6 weeks of their lives were the worst of ours. It is harder than anything I have ever done, but M and D started STTN at 6 weeks, which is when it started getting better.

I agree with the schedule. Babies crave routine, and you will too when you've got 2 to juggle. One thing we always did was when one woke to eat, we woke the other. The last thing I wanted to do was feed one and 20 mins later be feeding the other (thus getting no sleep). We had both in the same crib for a while (until they started kicking each other and waking each other up) and i think that helped them to sleep, since they had been so close for the past 9 months.

Take ALL the help you are offered. Visits, meals, people willing to be called in the middle of the night when you are stressed. Do NOT try to "handle it" on your own. Even with your DH's help, you will need more people! There was one day I had to call my stepmother because I was honestly afraid I was going to hurt them after a l-o-n-g night of screaming. When you get stressed ASK FOR HELP. I was always too scared to call the friends who had offered, but things would have been so much easier if I had.

My MIL and stepmother came over and would watch the boys overnight one night a week so we could get a full night of sleep (they were FF because I had no milk supply). They even started taking them at their houses once they hit 4 weeks. If your inlaws or parents offer to do this (and they are trust worthy) LET THEM! The knowledge that I was going to get a full night of sleep "in four days, in three days, in two days" is what got me through the rough nights. I knew that Friday was coming and then I could sleep. I honestly think it saved us. 

M and D were kids who needed oral stimulation all the time. Binkies saved us many a night! Learn how to swaddle tightly - that was another nighttime saver! They also loved to be in constant motion. Swings were sometimes the only way they would sleep, and I would bounce them in bouncy chairs all day long.

Most of all, hold on to the knowledge that it WILL end. This newborn period doesn't last forever. They will grow. Things WILL get better. My OB said that at 6 weeks, it's like spring comes after a long winter and the sun comes out again. For us, that was true. We hit 6 weeks and things started to get so much better.

Try to get involved in a moms group in your area. I joined one at my church and it was such a lifesaver. We met every two weeks, but there was childcare provided and I so looked forward to my few hours of adult time.  

Keep up communication with your DH. Even if it's just whining how much the kids suck. He's in this with you, and in 20 years when the kids are gone, he's the one who will still be there. He'll commiserate with you now, and rejoice as they grow out of the hard stages (though each stage has it's own downsides). I know you'll be sleep deprived and grouchy (at least I was. I was a total bear), but don't let your relationship with DH fall to the wayside. My DH and I would complain to each other through the midnight feedings. It was a constant reminder that even though I felt it sometimes, I was never alone.

 

Sorry to write such a long post. God bless you, your DH, and your LOs!