Twinsonline provides information, advice and support to anyone who is parenting twins, is pregnant with twins, cares for or teaches twins or who is an adult twin themselves.
I have just found out I am pregnant with twins. Help! 
Don’t worry Twinsonline is here to offer you support and information about your multiple pregnancy. When you first find out that you are having twins you will have lots of questions about twin pregnancy. A good place to start would be to read the Twin Pregnancy, What to Buy and Twin FAQs pages.
Many people feel anxious, worrying if they will be able to cope with having twins, this is totally normal! It does seem a bit daunting, especially if you’re having twins as first children.
BUT..if it’s any consolation you should soon learn to tell what each cry means, see if they fall into a natural eating/sleeping/alert pattern and hopefully be able to create a daily routine which reflects this. It’s a little more complicated if you have to fit work/other children/ other commitments in as well, but with a little careful planning it should be absolutely fine.
If anyone offers to help you at all whilst you are pregnant or after your babies are born, accept their offer gratefully, and find them something to do, quick! It doesn’t matter what you get them to do, just get them to do something be it load the washer or wash up, or run round with the vacuum cleaner. Make it very obvious that if they want any form of refreshment whilst they are on your premises they are more than welcome to make it themselves, as long as they make one for you too!
I am expecting twins. Will I have to have a caesarean?
This depends on many different factors. Some twins will be born by caesarean, but some twins are born vaginally (‘normally’). If you are unsure of your options please ask your midwife or health team for more information. You can read more about Twin Birth here
Is it possible to breast feed Twins?
Yes it is usually possible to breast feed twins. Some mums breastfeed twins successfully for many months. With correct positioning and good support, breastfeeding can work really well. For more information about how to Breastfeed Twins click here.
If you are finding it difficult or feel sore or are worried about whether you can produce enough milk to feed twins then contact your health visitor, she will be able to advise you and check whether you are latching them on properly.
Twins can be breastfed together or separately, it can be nice to give them a feed separately and really have a cuddle with them at the same time, but it certainly saves time if you learn to feed them together!
Some twins clubs have members who have successfully breastfed twins who are happy to advise on the specifics of breastfeeding twins. You can also contact the La leche league for advice.
I am having trouble potty training my twins! Please help!
It is a common problem. Try putting them on the potty around 20 mins after meals, when they get up and before bed. Use easy to manage clothing like tracksuit bottoms or leggings. Praise them frequently. For more information check out the Potty Training Twins page.
My Twins are going through the terrible twos. What can I do?
There are a range of techniques you can employ to stop the tantrums and the whinging in their tracks. Check out the Twin Toddler Page.
Should I put my twins in separate classes at school? 
Some schools don’t give you a choice either because of class size or school policy. Where there is a choice you’ll need to decide based on your individual twins. Some twins thrive together others thrive separately, some are fine either way. Occasionally you get a set of twins where one would be better on their own and the other with their twin, this may take a little sorting out in order to meet the needs of both individual twins. Where there is a blanket ‘together’ or ‘separate’ policy and you don’t agree with it - make an appointment to see the school’s head teacher to explain why you feel its not a good idea. It’s always worth going in and having that conversation with them.
I don’t get on with my twin, is this normal? Like any siblings some of you will get on well and others won’t. You can’t change their behaviour (worst luck!) but you can change the way you react to their behaviour. If you really can’t get on it is possible to go for relationship counselling either with or without your twin in tow.
Find a Twins Club in your Area
“When you read any information about parenting twins, adapt it to suit your family.
Don’t start trying to get them to fit into a routine made by someone else when naturally they sleep/eat/stay alert at different times to that mentioned in ‘the book’ ”
Sarah Cooper, Founder of Twinsonline.
If your local twins club isn’t listed look at
www.tamba.org.uk www.twinsclub.co.uk and www.twinsuk.co.uk as they all have comprehensive twins club lists.
©Copyright Sarah Cooper for Twinsonline www.twinsonline.org.uk 2012 All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer:- Twinsonline is here as a guide only - anything you do you do at your own risk
If you have a health concern please go see the relevant member of your health team (GP, Health Visitor, Midwife, Obstetrician)
www.twinsonline.org.uk
