Being pregnant with twins might, just might, make you want to binge-watch Hallmark movies and eat ice cream (double scoops). Okay, you also know that you need to prepare for twins too. The dilemma!
But where should you start? Just the thought of prepping makes you turn back to your ice cream and chick flick – totally understandable.
That’s why I compiled a list of tips on how to prepare for twins based on advice from me and other moms of multiples. I even encourage you to eat some ice cream and kick up those feet while you read! You know how it is – it’s all about multitasking.
Attend a birthing class
Even if this isn’t your first pregnancy, you might want to think about attending a birthing class. Look into developing a birth plan and seeking out class options.
If you want a natural birth, great! But don’t rule out that a C section for twins could be a safer alternative in some circumstances. Talk to moms, your doctor, and nurses and get opinions from all sides of the question!
You’d also need to decide on which type of class you wish to attend. Lamaze classes will have you breathing like a pro. The Bradley Method will prepare your partner to be a supportive rock star.
You could also take advantage of any convenient free hospital classes that provide a brief overview of birthing strategies. If this is an option in your area, bring your questions regarding twin births to the table. Hospital classes usually offer good general overviews to get you confidently thinking about the next steps you need to prepare for.
And remember, Mama, these classes can help you map out your birth plan, but it’s okay if your ideas change during delivery.
- Make freezer meals
After pumping out two kiddos, the last thing you’re going to want to do at home is cook. Although you will have done all of the hard labor (pardon the pun), your partner is going to be exhausted too.
When I was pregnant, I invited my mom over. We spent the whole day cooking freezer meals to stash away for those first weeks home. We racked up frozen hamburgers, spaghetti and meatballs, and even taquitos.
These microwavable dinners were a blessing. As you’re aware, you’re going to be busy! Your apple pie from scratch might not happen for a while (if you did that kind of stuff before).
Consider having a pot luck or freezer meal party at some point. The prep will be worth it, and your friends and family will be thrilled to help a mommy of multiples out.
Offer cocktails – even if yours is a Shirley Temple.
- Decide on the bottle or the boob
Before giving birth, you want to decide whether you’re going to breastfeed, formula feed, or both.
If you decide to breastfeed, hospitals have wonderful lactation consultants who will show you techniques and ways to feed your twins. It’s certainly possible. We’re lucky that there are more resources available to breastfeeding women than there were in the past.
We’ve come a long ways from taking pills to dry up our milk and pumping with large contraptions. Now, we have portable electric pumps, lactation consultants, breastfeeding support groups, and more.
You’ll want to get the breastfeeding essentials that you can add below on our registry recommendations. In addition to the essentials, I highly recommend bamboobies – reusable breast pads that prevent milk-stained blouses.
And if you choose to formula feed, you want to get your products ready too — everything from bottles to the type of formula you’re going to use. And if you can swing it, get a few convenience items too, like a bottle warmer and drying racks.
How you feed your babes might be a loaded choice for you. It’s okay to scope out the details, but try to decide before your little guzzler’s born.
- Prepare the nursery…or two
Preparing the nursery takes planning when expecting twins. So there are many questions to consider.
Are you going to have one room with two cribs? Are you going to design two rooms separately? Are you going to have the twins in your room for a while?
Logistics, logistics, logistics.
You’ll have to decide where your twins are going to sleep. Only you know what will work the best for you and your living arrangement. But try to set up sleeping spaces before bringing your two new nuggets home.
- Create a wardrobe
Creating a wardrobe for twins can be super fun! You may consider having matching outfits, or you could have different clothes so that you can switch them up.
DO shop at baby thrift stores – especially online! That’s how I fashionably dress my kiddos for a fraction of the price. eBay and PoshMark are great sites too. When you’re buying newborn baby onesies that last only a week, gently loved clothes from a thrift shop or online store could save you mega bucks!
- Have conversations with your partner and/or friends
Before you give birth, you might want to have a chat with the people who are going to help you. This could be a parent, a friend, or your partner. When you’re talking to your partner, it might be best to write a whole list of things that need to get done and then assign them accordingly.
Sorting this out beforehand will save you some mental energy and miscommunication in the future. And it will prepare your partner to share the load. But there are so many tasks that you don’t want to forget, so check out this excellent resource that helps divvy up the duties.
- Set up a registry with these items in mind
A registry is a hassle-free way to get all the products you need. And for twins, you require a few different products.
Sorry Mama, unless you’re planning on stacking babies, a single stroller won’t cut it. But maybe grandma or Aunt Jean will help out with a double stroller that can cruise both babies in style (no stacking necessary).
Here’s a list of some must-have-items that you can add to your registry to get you started:
Double stroller
Car seats
Crib
Crib sheets
Gender neutral outfits
Bottles
Diapers, diapers, and more diapers.
Double baby carrier
Speaking of double
Taking on twins might be a big endeavor, but you’ll have double the cuddles, double the smiles, and double the love.
It will be worth it to put in the effort now so that your ready.
But relax, because that’s enough for today, Mama. By reading this, you’ve already started your journey.
Lie down, put your feet up, and grab the remote. I heard that there’s a new Hallmark special coming on. Here’s to happy endings!
Amanda Clark-Rudolph is a work at home mom who pens articles for numerous publications and owns her own freelancing biz. She resides in Florida with her husband, two sons, and cat Hemingway.
