Kingston Guardian: Families

Having twins is an exciting and challenging experience so it's a good idea to be well prepared before your babies arrive.

While family and friends may have lots of expertise when it comes to single babies, twins or more may be a new experience for everyone.

You can find a lot of useful information about what it’s like coping with twins by contacting The Twins and Multiple Births Association (TAMBA). This charity offers some free information, but you can access a wealth of leaflets and support by paying an annual subscription and becoming a member. For more information on membership visit TAMBA's website.

Visiting websites like twinsclub.co.uk and Mumsnet, which has a section devoted to mums of multiples, can help you to get insight from other parents of multiples. Specialist organisations like the Multiple Births Foundation provide access to information on twins and also sell many useful leaflets and books. It’s also worth speaking to your midwife about whether your hospital runs any antenatal classes designed for parents expecting twins.

The NCT (formerly the National Childbirth Trust) runs some classes for mothers pregnant with twins or more and you can check their website to find out if there is a class near you. TAMBA also runs multiple birth classes for its members. You can also find a list of Twins Clubs on the TAMBA or Twins Club websites. These often organise events where parents expecting twins can talk to other twin parents and find out what to expect.

The Multiple Births Foundation holds regular evening talks for families expecting a multiple birth.

Be prepared

Although coping with two or more babies once they arrive can be more challenging, much of the preparation for the arrival of your babies is the same as if you were expecting a single child. There is plenty of information on everything from coping with morning sickness and other common health problems, to guidance on healthy eating in the Pregnancy Care Planner. TAMBA’s Healthy Multiple Pregnancy Guide, which can be downloaded free from its website if you register your details, also covers all of these issues.

You can also find information on financial and work related issues on the Pregnancy Planner and in the Healthy Multiple Pregnancy Guide, although parents of twins and more are not currently entitled to any extra benefits in England.

Get ready for multiples

There are a few extra preparations you will need to make if you are expecting two or more:

• Ask if you can go on a tour of your hospital’s maternity unit, and ask to see the Neonatal Care facilities. Fifty percent of twins are born prematurely so your babies are more likely to end up needing some special care than a single baby and it’s best to know what to expect.
• If possible arrange for someone to help you after the birth. An extra pair of hands isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity when you have newborn twins. If you are expecting triplets you will almost certainly need help for at least the first few months. Ask if family and friends can help out or, if you can afford it, arrange for paid childcare at least for the first few weeks. If money is tight Home-Start may be able to arrange some temporary help but it is a good idea to contact them early as there is a great demand for their volunteers. 
• Stock up on essentials. You might be superstitious about buying things before your babies are born, but having more than one baby isn’t cheap. It’s worth getting advice from other mums of twins to find out what you really need so you don’t waste money on extras you don’t. TAMBA’s Healthy Multiple Pregnancy Guide has a list of the basics you will need. To save money when shopping for two or more it’s worth visiting NCT sales, local Twins Club sales and charity shops for second hand baby equipment. You can also ask around to see if friends and family can pass anything on. If possible you should buy new cot matresses rather than second hand ones. You should also be wary of buying second hand car seats, as you must be certain they have not been involved in an accident.
• Pack your hospital bag. TAMBA’s Healthy Multiple Pregnancy Guide has a useful checklist of everything you need to take with you for the labour and birth of your babies. Have it packed from early in your pregnancy, ideally from 26 weeks, as twins often arrive early. Check with your hospital as some provide a list of what you need to bring in, but remember to pack enough supplies for two babies. It’s also worth bearing in mind that twins are often smaller than single babies, so may need tiny baby, rather than newborn size clothes.