by Kristina Manusu

Created on: May 25, 2008   Last Updated: June 19, 2008

It can be quite a shock when a mother discovers she is having a multiple pregnancy. I nearly fell off the chair when I was told I was was having twins! However, after completing thorough research and receiving advice from other mothers of multiples, I was capable of looking after my babies when they arrived into this world.

Research, research, research! Mothers expecting multiples need to read as much as they can about the experience of multiple babies. My 'bible', which I read cover to cover several times, was "A contented house with twins" written by Gina Ford and Alice Beer (Random House, 2006). It covers a wide variety of topics, including preparing for twins, after the birth, feeding, sleeping, problems and a detailed routine. There are many books available, as well as websites dedicated to raising multiples. Be prepared for raising two or more babies; knowing what to expect makes life easier!

Preparation is crucial. Before your children are born complete practical tasks such as buying extra of everything! Make sure you have plenty of clothes, sheets,cots, bottles, nappies, etc. Every mother knows that babies need a lot of things, so you have to remember to multiply the things you buy by two, three, or four. Be prepared for those nights when they both/all vomit all over their clothes and sheets, or when they need a bottle at the same time.

When your babies are born, establish a routine. It is much easier to look after multiples when they are in the same routine. It is horrendous for the mother of multiples who is in the cycle of sleep and feeding at different times. She will never be able to rest! By establishing a routine, mothers are able to get her children to feed, play and sleep at the same time, giving her a much needed break. It is quite possible to breastfeed two babies at the same time, with one on each breast in the 'football' hold. If bottle feeding, babies can be placed in a rocker or bouncer and the mother can hold a bottle for them in each hand. When the babies reach the stage of eating solids, it becomes much easier to feed them at the same time while they are sitting in their high chairs. When the end of the day approaches, and the babies are sound asleep at the same time, their mothers will say a silent prayer of thanks for their routine.

When your multiples grow older your concerns will not be so much about sleeping and feeding, but their individuality. It is important to treat multiples as individuals, not as a single person. Yes, they are special because they are a multiple, but they are more special because they are an individual. It is the parents decision whether or not children are dressed in the same clothes, but perhaps when your children are capable, give them the opportunity to choose what they like. Spend equal amounts of time playing with each of your children, and developing their different interests.

Multiple parenting is challenging, but definitely rewarding. Believe me, it is not as hard as you may think!

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