How To Make The Most Out Of The First Few Weeks At Home With Twins

Before you read any further, take a step back and look at what you created! It’s so easy to get wrapped up in everything after they are born, but don’t lose sight of the fact that you just gave birth to two humans and you are A ROCK STAR!!!! Make sure you keep saying that as your mantra. Even if you don’t believe you are Rockstar now, I promise you, you will look back and realize you were.

First Weeks With Newborn Twins

For some parents, the first few weeks home comes with a slew of anxiety and panic. You think HOLY MOLY WHAT AM I GOING TO DO? Well, the good news is we have it down to a science at Twiniversity so we’ve got you covered.

Here are our top five rules for the first few weeks at home with twins:

• Rule #1: Sleep Whoever said sleep when the babies sleep probably also said “do laundry when the babies do laundry and make dinner when the babies make dinner.” Sleep for you (as well as the babies) is critical. When you are in the hospital, let the nurses take the babies for an hour so you can get a quick nap if you feel comfortable. If they are both fed, and daddy is snuggling them, and you can go lay down in your own bed for 20 minutes, do it. Sleep is so very important. Try to stay rested, whenever possible. You will literally be healthier this way. Sleep deprivation and exhaustion are eventually bound to happen. It is almost a given. So, enjoy the rest while you can.

• Rule #2: Be Prepared. Be Very Prepared Typically, the last month of many twin pregnancies may be a tad sedentary. You can use that time to online shop, fold clothing, finish their room, make some freezer meals and stock up on supplies. If you have a group of friends that want to “cook” for you, let them. Get a calendar out, coordinate and have them plan out a menu so you don’t get lasagna for seven days straight (although that is secretly my dream). When people offer say, “Yes! I would love for you to drop off something for our family!” (and stress drop off). Then ask what they would like to bring so you can let others know what you will be getting.

• Rule #3: Limit Visitors Yes, I know how excited everyone is. Yes, I know they are TWINS and so cute. But, I also know you are exhausted. Believe it or not, you do not have to make a public broadcast when you deliver. If you don’t it’s actually quite easy to limit how many people “pop” in to say hello. ONLY have visitors who actually WANT to help. Family and friends who are coming just to coo over the babies should wait a bit till you have your routine all worked out. If you are nursing you are now trying to feed two tiny, floppy creatures and let’s face it – there is no being discreet about keeping your top half covered while trying to balance these two new ones. There will be plenty of time for people to come hold and cuddle babies – when you are ready (and by ready I mean ready to take a nap or a shower).

• Rule #4: When In Doubt, Ask For HELP If you feel like you are overwhelmed, ask for help. If you are absolutely exhausted, ask for help. If your poor postpartum body just hurts, ask for help. Call your mom. Call your sister. Call your neighbor. Call Ghostbusters. Call someone. It’s different to ask for help than it is to ask for visitors. Don’t be afraid to call someone and say I. Need. A. Break. It’s not saying you can’t do it. It’s not admitting defeat. It is taking care of your own needs. I used to hear that all the time and it drove me nuts, “You have to take care of yourself first before you can take care of anyone else.” But, at certain times it is true. Don’t try to be so independent that you run yourself empty and end up not being able to enjoy your own amazing accomplishments.

• Rule #5: Don’t Forget To Eat Remember all that food I told you to get ready and that calendar I told you to set up? When people bring you food – eat it. You don’t have to ask them over for a nice meal! You can politely thank them, tell them you’ll return their dishes at a later date and then excuse yourself to go nurse the babies. If you are a nursing mommy especially make sure you eat! And don’t be afraid to eat on paper plates – no dishes!

Final Rule

Our last rule of the day is breathe! We promise it will get easier. Nursing will get easier. Diaper changing will get easier. You’ll start to physically feel better and then life will be better then you ever thought. But we really mean it, it’s going to be awesome and YOU ARE A ROCKSTAR!

Related Articles:

Multiple Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

We’ve Come A Long Way Baby: Surviving Preeclampsia and Delivering Premature Twins

Twin Pregnancy: Week by Week