They say that once your little one arrives, all your preconceived notions about newborns go out the window. When you’re expecting twins, you can toss them out even sooner. At 26 weeks pregnant, I found myself in the hospital, receiving medication to halt my contractions. Thankfully, I didn’t waste time deciding between a natural delivery or a C-section, as it was a choice I didn’t get to make—those babies were eager to join the world, and they did just that a few weeks later.
Thus began our journey into the first six months of parenthood. If only someone had prepared me for the reality of raising newborn twins. It’s grueling, often overwhelming, and nothing like I had pictured. I didn’t experience the instant love that many new moms describe, which left me feeling guilty. My husband and I were simply in survival mode, and to be honest, we were pretty miserable. If you’re wondering whether it gets better, I assure you it does! In the meantime, here are some tips that helped us endure those challenging first months.
1. Order Groceries
You’re not lazy or a bad parent for opting to have groceries delivered. In fact, it’s a smart, resourceful decision. Conserve your energy for the more demanding tasks—like changing an endless stream of diapers!
2. Set Up a Meal Train
Getting just 15 minutes to prepare food is a luxury. If you manage to snag an extra 15 minutes, use it to catch some Z’s instead. Home-cooked meals you can easily heat up are like fine dining when you’re juggling newborn twins. The more friends who pitch in, the better!
3. Join a Local Twin Moms Group
I felt awkward when I first joined a twin moms group, thinking I had enough support from friends who also had newborns. But when I hit three months and was on the verge of losing it, I realized how invaluable those connections were. Having a support network of women who truly understand your struggles is priceless.
4. Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Help
I’m serious: ask for help. Both you and your partner will be working non-stop, and the sleepless nights will blur your sense of time. Having someone to watch the babies while you take a nap is worth its weight in gold.
5. Prioritize Sleep
Sleep is the ultimate goal when caring for twins. If you have to choose between cleaning or sleeping, always choose sleep. Even if it means missing a lunch with Beyoncé, you’ll thank yourself later for that extra rest.
6. Invest in Solutions
If you’re tired of living in chaos, consider hiring help to clean your home for a while. Want to cut down on washing bottles? Buy more! Think a second swing might help the babies sleep longer? Go for it. Spending a little money to simplify your life is a decision you won’t regret.
7. Think in Bulk
This isn’t just about stockpiling diapers and wipes (although that’s crucial). It means maximizing your efficiency—wash bottles twice a day instead of eight, prepare pitchers of milk instead of individual bottles. The more efficient you are, the easier it will be.
8. Find Time to Unwind
Whether it’s taking a nightly walk, enjoying a glass of wine, or indulging in a long bath, you need moments to breathe for your mental well-being. Even watching a show while feeding the twins can serve as a brief escape.
9. Embrace Late-Night Hours
Accepting that being awake at 3 a.m. is your new normal made those late nights slightly more bearable. It’s all about mindset! I gave myself permission to live during the night as if it were daytime—I ate, watched TV, pumped, washed bottles, and even took strolls. This perspective helped me be less grumpy and more accepting of my new reality.
10. Forget the Singleton Standards
It’s easy to feel inadequate when comparing yourself to mothers of singletons. They may look put-together with perfectly dressed babies, while you’re just trying to get through the day. Remember, it’s okay if your twins are wearing onesies or if you’re in your nightgown for a week. Relish any chance you get to be baby-free!
Looking back, I’m not quite sure how we survived, but here we are a year later—happy, busy, and still a bit crazy, but definitely better. Those first six months were incredibly tough, so take it hour by hour. And when you’re having a rough day, reach out to your twin moms’ group and give yourself a break—it truly does get better!
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Summary
The journey of parenting twins is a challenging yet rewarding experience. From practical tips like grocery delivery and meal trains to the importance of sleep and support groups, this guide explores survival strategies for the first six months with twins, emphasizing the need for self-care and community support.