First of all, realize that you’re lucky – even with the current medical technology, only one quarter of mothers twins don’t find out until too late in their pregnancies! At least you have been granted time to think and prepare, which you must. So what SHOULD you be doing besides stockpiling two of everything?
First and foremost, DON’T try to go it all on your own.
Begin conferring with your friends and family about what they can do to help out. Research employing temporary help. Equally important, get on the Web and start joining support groups such as Proud Parents Of Twins or National Organization of Mothers of Twins–invaluable sources of company who give you the inside skinny on how to get bargains on the equipment you’ll need.
Exploit what’s left of your physical mobility.
Don’t forget that you’ll grow larger, and therefore less mobile, more rapidly than you with an one-child pregnancy. Also, since it’s not unusual for twins to be born a few months premature, you might receive doctor’s orders to spend the remainder of your pregnancy in bed. So, organize your finances and legal papers, have your baby shower, and stock up on supplies, and such as soon as possible.
Do your research.
Ask your doctor about how many calories the you should be taking in, and discuss what will happen with your twins if they should require a NICU (neonatal intensive care unit). Comparison shop for double strollers (did you know they come in three different styles?). Or try out two infant carrying slings — you could rehearse with five-pound bags of sugar or flour!
Also, research literature about pregnancy with and parenting of twins. A great place to start is the library of strategies and tactics for parents of twins in Twins! A Survival Guide by Suzannah Peel. Here is where you can order it:
For parents of twins, there’s a treasure trove of ways to make life more livable in Twins! A Survival Guide. It also provides on preparing for the social and emotional dark times. If you know someone who is or about to become parents of twins, visit http://www.rocktivity.com/for-parents-of-twinsand get them a vitally useful gift.