Anonymous wrote:Anyone here get pregnant with a much wanted and planned baby #3 only to learn that surprise, IT'S TWINS?!
I am 37, we were not doing any fertility treatments and have no history of twins on either side in our family so I'm still totally in shock. We have a 4yo and 2yo and my head is absolutely spinning now (as well as DH) on how we are going to do this....someone tell me it will all be okay?!
I went from 1 to 3 within 12 months, at the age of 40. Yes, I had three babies within 12 months.
It was insanely difficult for the first two months, for I had three in diapers, three unable to walk, three nurslings, and three who weren't sleeping through the night (my oldest had serious sleep regression from 12-14 months and was up every three hours.).
But suddenly, 8 weeks in, the twins began sleeping 5-7 hours at a time, the oldest went back to sleeping all night, and i was able to fully wean my oldest. It was still hard, but I no longer felt as though I was drowning.
A few things that kept us as sane as possible:
1. Accept or hire help as needed. My adult niece moved in with us for six months and was our "night nurse" for our oldest so I could focus on the twins at night. She was remarkably helpful with the babies! We also had a housekeeper come every week to do deep cleaning, and we kept that up for a full year.
2. Get a very good wrap or carrier so you can wear a baby while you tend to your toddler and preschooler.
3.Get a double stroller. Even if you think your 2yo will walk, put the 2yo and a baby in the stroller while you wear the other baby, or put both babies in the stroller bassinet while they are tiny.
4. Focus on the important things: are the children safe, fed, and clean? Are YOU safe, fed, and clean? If so, brava! Don't worry about matching, cute outfits, perfect organization, etc.
5. Take time for yourself at least once per day. Take a bath, do yoga, meditate, read, or draw. Someone else can be responsible for the children for 20-30 minutes so you can attend to your mental health.
6. Soak it all up. It's HARD, but it's so rewarding!