"Congratulations! Congratulations again!" When you find out you're expecting twins, it's normal to feel a little nervous and scared along with the joy. Whether you're a first-time mom or a mom who already has children, having twins is a completely new experience. That's why you have a lot of questions on your mind. It's normal to think things like, "How am I going to do this?" "Will the babies be healthy?" So let's talk about it.
How do you give birth to two healthy, strong children?
Your biggest goal should be to bring your two babies into the world strong and healthy. True, there is a chance that twins will be born prematurely or with low birth weight. But that doesn't mean it has to be that way. There are things we can do to prevent it.
Simply put, the best solution is your nutrition and weight gain . Gaining weight gradually during the first months of pregnancy and the second trimester is like putting money in the bank and earning interest. Gaining weight well, especially before 20 weeks and between 20 and 28 weeks, directly affects fetal growth.
If you are a normal weight expectant mother , you should aim to gain about 0.7 kg (1.5 lb) per week. Let's see how that works out.
| Pregnancy period | How much weight you should gain (approximate) |
|---|---|
| By 20 weeks | 9 - 13.5 kg (20 - 30 lbs) |
| By 28 weeks | 13.5 - 21 kg (30 - 46 lbs) |
| By 38 weeks | 18 - 25.5 kg (40 - 56 lbs) |
The most important thing is to always talk to your doctor about this weight gain. He or she will give you the most appropriate advice based on your health condition.
These nutritional tips will be very important to you!
Okay, now we're looking at gaining weight. So how do we do that? Good nutrition is essential for that.
- Eat something every two to three hours: Pregnancy is a time when the body goes into a state of rapid starvation. This situation is even more pronounced when you have two children. So eat small meals frequently.
- Eat protein and carbohydrates together: As with every main meal, include both protein and carbohydrates in your snacks. For example, crackers with cheese, peanut butter with an apple, a little coconut with chickpeas, or a slice of bread with an egg. Often, we eat too many carbohydrates and skip protein. Be mindful of that.
- Eat red meat: If you are not a vegetarian, red meat is a great source of iron. If you are a vegetarian, be sure to talk to your doctor about other iron-rich foods and supplements.
- Don't be afraid to eat eggs: Don't reduce your egg intake because of cholesterol concerns. Cholesterol is necessary for the mother's health during pregnancy.
- Don't forget: Along with all of this, it's also essential to take your prescribed prenatal vitamin, which contains folic acid , and calcium.
Two breasts, two babies? Let's learn about breastfeeding.
Two of the main questions on the mind of every expectant mother of twins are, "Will I have enough milk for both of us?" and "Will I ever be able to sleep?"
The good news is, yes! Your body can produce enough milk to meet the nutritional needs of two babies. The secret is to feed your baby on demand . Some people try to work on a schedule. This can work for babies around 4-6 months old. But newborns, especially twins, need milk more often.
"From the beginning, breastfeed often." The more often you breastfeed, the more milk your body will produce.
If you can, try to breastfeed both babies at the same time. This will give you some time to rest. Here's how to do it:
Double Football Hold
Sit on a sofa and hold both babies on either side of you, perpendicular to your body. Support each baby's head with your hand and bring them close to your breast. The baby's body will rest on the seat you are sitting on.
Cradle Position
Breastfeed with one baby in the crook of your arm. Hold the other baby with his or her head in the other baby's lap. Many twins like this position because they have been used to being held close to each other since they were in the womb.
You are not alone - don't be afraid to ask for help!
Just like during pregnancy, and especially in the first year after having a baby, you will need the support of others.
During pregnancy, when everyone sees your belly, they think it's their common property and start telling stories about the twins they know. You'll hear scary stories like, "Oh, my neighbor's aunt's daughter's sister-in-law also had twins, and what happened during that delivery..." At times like these, talking to other mothers who have twins like you can be a great source of strength.
After having babies, sleep will feel like a foreign thing to you. Get all the help you can get during that time.
"Imagine that you won't be able to move properly for about a year. Tell your friends, relatives, and husband, 'Help me, this year I'll have a hard time throwing parties at home or helping with other chores.'" Never be shy about asking for help.
Take-Home Message
- It's normal to feel both joy and fear when you find out you're having twins. It's not just you, it's everyone.
- For the healthy development of your two children, steady weight gain and good nutrition are essential.
- Your body can produce enough breast milk for both babies. Feed your baby whenever he or she wants.
- You are not alone. Don't be afraid to ask for help from your husband, family, and friends. That support will be very valuable to you at this time.
- Talk openly with your doctor about your weight, nutrition, or any other concerns.
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