FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions from our Readers

We love to hear from our readers and to help answer questions. Here are some of the most recent FAQ's on twins, pregnancy, feeding and more!

FAQ's on Twin Pregnancies

Well, your pregnancy symptoms will probably be doubled, but the surest way is to get your blood tested for hcg ( pregnancy hormone)which would be high, as well as an ultrasound.

I just found out we're having twins - how big is my belly going to get?

Pretty big! You can expect to gain at least 40 pounds, probably more like 50-60. It depends on a lot of things, how big you are now, how much weight you'll gain, how active you are, and how long your pregnancy goes, etc. Every twin mom is different!

I'm only 3 months along with twins but I think I feel movement already - is this possible?

It is very common to feel movement earlier with twins , so yes, those bubbles in your belly might be your babies! twin pregnancy information

FAQ's on twin newborn babies.

Although they look kind of gross, they will simply dry up and heal, much like any cut. They do tend to look kind of sore and red in the first few days. Try to keep the area dry and fold over your babies diapers so that the area doesn't get irritated by friction. The cord will fall off on it's own when it's healed enough, so don't try and pull on it yourself. If it's still there after 10 days, or there is a bad smell, get it looked at.

I can't tell my babies apart ! What do I do ?

Until you are familiar with the little things that make your twins unique, you can try a piece of baby jewelery such as a bracelet, the bracelet that the hospital put on your babies, or painting the toenails 2 different colors. It's a very real concern in the beginning!

The babies seem to be looking right at me sometimes - can they see me?

If you are holding your newborn close to your face they probably can ! They can see very well close up ( 12-18 inches) and love to see faces! Newborns also love black and white contrasting colors. You'll probably see that the twins rarely focus on each other at this young an age , but are very interested in mom ( of course, she feeds them!)

Why do the babies hands and feet feel cold all the time?

This is normal for a newborn baby as the blood flow goes to her more important body parts first and the hands and feet ( extremities) last. It's just their circulatory systems are still immature. You can use little socks or mittens if you are concerned but don't overdress your babies - feel the backs of their necks and if they feel warm, they are fine.

Where is the safest place for our twins to sleep?

You'll want to have a firm flat surface for your babies to sleep on - in a bassinette, a crib, an arm's reach co-sleeper ( my favorite choice!). Babies are usually happier sleeping near mom, and you may find that you get more sleep if they are nearby as well. Our twins slept much better together , than apart.

Should we pick up our babies when they cry, or let them cry it out ?

Newborns do cry a lot, and they do need to know that you're there to comfort them. You can't spoil newborn babies by holding them. You are teaching them that they are safe and cared for.

Our twins seem to have their days and nights mixed up - what do we do?

Totally normal and enough to make you crazy! Just remember that your babies have no sense of time like we do. The easiest thing to do to transition them is to make sure it is dark when they are sleeping and as light as possible during the day. Eventually their little internal clocks will get turned around. In the meantime, just try to sleep when they are sleeping!

The twins are almost 3 weeks old and I feel like I just want to cry all the time. I know I should be happy. Am I going crazy?

Having twins is overwhelming, as is caring for newborn babies in general. Hormones and exhaustion can create all kinds of feelings like sadness, confusion and anxiety. You may be experiencing post partum depression. I would speak with your doctor if the symtoms seems more than just' baby blues.' Post Partum Depression Information

FAQ's on breastfeeding twins

Sounds like they are in their first growth spurt ! They will probably want to nurse around the clock for a few days and then slow down again for you. As long as you continue to feed them on demand, your body will produce all the milk that they need. Make sure that your breasts are emptied fully as the hindmilk that comes at the end of the feeding is more rich in fat and will keep them a little fuller, longer.Breastfeeding information

How long should I let each twin feed on each breast?

With twins you'll want to rotate breasts with each twin at each feeding. I used colored scrunchies on my wrists to remind me who ate on what side. I also kept a feeding log for the first 4 months. Each of your babies may have a different feeding style so that's why you'll need to switch them back and forth. It's best that you're breasts get emptied with each feeding, so either offer the breast to the other twin to finish emptying it, or pump the remainder. Breastfeeding information

FAQ's on fraternal and identical twins.

My husband's side of the family has a lot of twins - does that mean my chances of conceiving twins are higher?Nope. Hubby's side of the family doesn't matter - only yours does. That's not to say that you can't have twins, only that the father's family history does not play a part. Twin Type information

FAQ's on common health concerns.

Sounds like a baby 'boogie'. You can try to make her sneeze by using the tip of a rolled up tissue.

One of our twins looks like they have pimples- what is it ?

Sounds like baby acne or 'newborn rash'. It is very common. Don't squeeze the bumps , this will usually clear up on it's own with just plain water on a washcloth.

FAQ's on parenting twins

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