Twin Talks: Pregnancy and Parenting Multiple Children

If you’re a soon-to-be twin dad, there’s probably a million things running through your head each day, as it gets closer to The Big Day of your twins’ arrival. You probably have a long to-do list of things that your partner wants you to do and you might be anxious about how you’re going to manage all these details. You want to be supportive and well-informed, but just don’t have the time to sort through all the information out there. That’s where you need to get the low-down from a twin dad expert who can break it all down into what you need to know most. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Labor is just like any other athletic event in that women must prepare both their minds and bodies. However, women are frequently told: “Don’t start an exercise program if you haven’t been exercising.” The misconception here lies in the definition of exercise. Muscle strength, flexibility, relaxation and proper nutrition are the other components of fitness and are vital before, during and after a woman’s twin pregnancy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We know that having twins disrupts our plans. As expecting parents, we’ve been planning for their arrival with excitement and terror all at the same time. And if you already have one or more children, have you thought much about how welcome this new twosome is going to be? Today we’re here with twin mom and author Kerri Otto and here to talk about how to introduce your new twins to an older singleton so that they feel like they are still a big part of this growing family circus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re a soon-to-be twin dad, there’s probably a million things running through your head each day, as it gets closer to The Big Day of your twins’ arrival. You probably have a long to-do list of things that your partner wants you to do and you might be anxious about how you’re going to manage all these details. You want to be supportive and well-informed, but just don’t have the time to sort through all the information out there. That’s where you need to get the low-down from a twin dad expert who can break it all down into what you need to know most. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As twin parents, when we watch our kids grow and develop, we see our twins’ unique relationship manifested through cycles of sibling rivalry and interdependence. These cycles can last days, hours, or minutes but always seem to hinge on the element of sameness. So, how can we help nudge our twins towards alternatives? How can we help them embrace their twindom while still standing out in a crowd? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you planning on returning to work after having twins? If so, how can you find flexibility in your existing job or in a new job that allows to you be the hands-on parent that you desire and still be a breadwinner? Our twin moms share their personal experiences! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It seems like it’s a never ending marathon. We all know that the first year of being a twin parent can be overwhelming and put us into what we know as survival mode. But are we destined to just “survive?” Or is it possible to have a more fulfilling life than just “getting by” during this time? Our expert today is Kristen Eberly, twin mom, and twin mom coach. She’s the founder of Harmony in Multiples, who helps twin moms go from “surviving into thriving. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ready to name your twins or triplets? Where do you even start? Today we're looking at the current trends when it comes to naming your new little bundles of joy! Should you be "matchy matchy" with your names? What are some cool ways to showcase their uniqueness without overdoing it? Plus, discover what Marvel and Game of Thrones character names are really popular right now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Going out in public with your twins in tow can be quite a challenge. Not to mention all the unsolicited comments from well-meaning strangers. What are some of the common questions asked? What's the best way to respond to them? And when it comes to really personal topics, such as IVF or other fertility options, how do you handle the situation gracefully without divulging too much information? Plus, what to do when people start asking your twins questions and bypass you altogether. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Labor is just like any other athletic event in that women must prepare both their minds and bodies. However, women are frequently told: “Don’t start an exercise program if you haven’t been exercising.” The misconception here lies in the definition of exercise. Muscle strength, flexibility, relaxation and proper nutrition are the other components of fitness and are vital before, during and after a woman’s twin pregnancy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you have mo-di twins, you may have already heard of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. It's a complication that can happen during any twin pregnancy in which the babies share a placenta. How are pregnancies diagnosed with this condition? How can it impact your twins? And what options do you have to hopefully remedy the situation and keep your babies in utero for as long as possible? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You're getting ready to send your twins to kindergarten, but are they really ready? How do you know? What if one child is ready and the other isn't, do you still send them both? Do you put them in the same class? Learn how various twin types may react to this new social environment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You may have been dreaming about having a homebirth when you were first planning your pregnancy. And then when you learned you were having twins, that vision may have gone out the window. Perhaps your doctor told you that delivering twins outside of a hospital is too risky. But is it? What is the real evidence for determining what is safe for you and your babies? Today we are talking with Dr. Victoria Flores, a fully licensed, obstetrically trained physician who has attended over a thousand births and about 100 out of hospital and we’re going to talk about evidence-based considerations for twin home births. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're carrying identical twins, they could be mo-di or monochorionic diamniotic. But what exactly does that mean for you and your babies? Does sharing the same placenta require additional monitoring? Should you expect additional care from your obstetrician or perinatologist? Mothers of mo-di twins share their personal experiences! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you have infant twins, you already know that you can count on dressing them in multiple outfits each day. Not because they are fashionistas, but because of the inevitable spit-ups, blow-outs, spills, and everything else that gets them grimy. Between diapering and changing clothes multiple times a day, you just learn to grin and bear it. But what if there are ways to make this easier? Today we’re talking about hacks to make it easier to get twin babies dressed! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If your little ones could tell you what they are really thinking and how they feel about your twin parenting strategy, what would they say? Would they tell you that they love dressing alike or absolutely hate it? Will they ever appreciate all the effort that you have put into giving them opportunities to express themselves as an individual? Today we can hit the “fast forward button” and talk to adult twins about their experience growing up and what they wished their parents knew when they were young. And we will get a professional perspective from twin expert Dr. Joan Friedman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Working with twins? Is it really possible? Not everyone can afford full-time childcare, so what other options do you have if the traditional model of full-time work isn't an option? Where should you look for jobs that are a little more flexible? How can you adjust your resume if you've been out of work for a while? And what about the possibility of starting your own business? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As soon as we learned that we were pregnant with twins, we received a long list of to-dos and don’ts. We were told that our diet needed to change, even if we were healthy eaters before and that we need to ensure that we get the right nutrients for our bodies and the growing babies inside. Is it really different for twin pregnancies? Today we’re looking at how using prenatal vitamins might be different for twin pregnancies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've heard about postpartum depression and perhaps we have friends affected by it. But what about twin mamas? If you are carrying multiple babies, are you more prone to experiencing postpartum depression? What can you expect? And is there anything you can do to avoid it or perhaps minimize the risks? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you prepared to pay for two sets of college tuition at the same time or pay for major life events like weddings or house down payments? The thought of just one of these is overwhelming, much less paying for two at a time! What can you do to plan ahead and save money for the future of twin parenting? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Needing a full night of quality sleep? This is literally a dream come true for many twin parents. But how do you make it happen? You may have read or heard about sleep training. What exactly is it? What are your options? And does it really work for twins and triplets, or just singletons? Parents of multiples share what works best for them! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most newborn twins don't need to spend time in the NICU, but it's always helpful for expecting parents to be prepared- just in case. Today we're launching a new series focused on all things related to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. If this is your first trip to the NICU, what can you expect? Who are the different care providers and what are their roles? What are the typical visiting hours for the family? And what do all those crazy beeps mean coming from the equipment in the room? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pink and Blue. That’s what we usually think of for girls and boys. But what if you have one of each? Do you have to decorate your twins' room in pink and blue? What other options are there? And how can you update their room as they become preschool and school-age kids? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’ve heard all the standard comments about twins: “Are they twins? Are they identical? Are they natural? Who was born first?” And you’ve come up with answers to those questions. But what about your kids? How do they respond? Have you talked to your twins about how to address these questions from complete strangers? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carrying more than one baby creates a higher demand on an expecting mother’s body during pregnancy. This often includes tapping into her iron supply which can result in iron-poor blood for mama and babies. If you’re pregnant with twins, should you be concerned? What can you do to prevent this condition? Can it be treated effectively? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cribs, Co-sleepers, Bassinets, and Bunkbeds. With twins, there’s a lot of equipment and transitions ahead. Should you put newborns together? Keep them in your room or put them in the nursery? And when they’re older, when should you separate them? Do they need their own rooms? Our twin parents are here to talk about sleeping arrangements for twins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re hearing more and more about the choices that women have in giving birth. There are hospital birthing suites, birthing centers, and even home births, But do all these choices go out the window when you’re having multiple babies? If we want something other than hospital birth for our twins, how do we determine what is possible? Today we're learning what may be possible for twin births, including giving birth at home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When your babies are born within minutes of each other, it's sometimes difficult to treat them differently. After all, they did share a womb for several months. However, the pressure to treat your twins the same often leads to intense sibling rivalry and competition, amongst other things. So, how can you be fair to your twins without feeling like everything must be shared or split equally? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’ve been the world traveler and then... life changes when twins come along. Or does it? Most people resign themselves to resume traveling after their twins are potty trained or older. But today we’re here with some experienced twin moms who have been jet-setting around the world alongside their kids. It may not be for everyone, but our twin mamas have some great practical advice for any twin parents wanted to give it a go! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Breastfeeding one baby is a challenge on its own but what about wanting to breastfeed your twins? How can husbands help support their wives who wish to breastfeed their babies? What struggles can come up and how can the husbands help navigate this feeding journey with their wives? Today we are breaking down two different breastfeeding journeys and how important it is to have your husband on board if you are wanting to breastfeed your twins, Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No matter how hard you try, sometimes your twins just want to be naked. These little escape artists will strip down to nothing (including no diapers) at a moment's notice. Sometimes they don't even care if they're out in public. So, how do you keep their clothes on? Duct tape? Glue? Or maybe wait it out? Our twin parents share what's worked best for them! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wonder if your same-sex fraternal twins are truly fraternal? Perhaps you've even considered DNA testing to determine if they are actually identical? So, what's involved in the testing process? How accurate are the tests? And how can the results impact the relationship between your twins? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You've had your babies, but your body doesn't seem to be healing itself and getting better. This could be a result of common pelvic floor problems that impact moms with multiples. So, what are the most common symptoms and how do you know if they will go away or if you need some additional help? And what does treatment typically look like? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's one of the biggest questions on the minds of NICU parents, "When can my babies go home?" And, once you get the green light, you may also be wondering how you're going to care for your babies at home. What kind of training or instructions can you expect from your NICU? How should you set up your home? And what about your babies' schedules? You'll hear from NICU parents about their personal experience with their twins and triplets! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do twins run in your family? As a twin parent, you’ve probably heard this question a million times. So, what are your chances of twinning, whether it’s through genetics or through the use of fertility treatments? Why are fraternal twins more common in families that have a history of twins? The conception of identical twins is supposed to be random, so how do we explain families with multiple sets? Today we’re breaking down your chances of twinning, and (for some parents) twinning again. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you planning to transition your twins from a crib to a toddler bed? How do you know if they're developmentally ready? What are some of the challenges you can expect? And once your kids are in bed, how do you encourage them to stay there throughout the night? Our twin parents tell us what worked best for them. Plus, we're reviewing a super fun sleep time app- especially if your kids like dinosaurs! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're pregnant with twins or higher-order multiples, then your medical care provider has probably already told you about the risk of preterm labor. What does "preterm" actually mean for multiples? What are some of the signs of preterm labor? And what can be done to help calm your contractions and keep your babies in utero for as long as possible? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Keeping track of one baby is tough enough. But if you're trying to watch two or more babies, you may want to seriously consider getting a second pair of eyes and ears- also known as a baby monitor. Should you go for an audio or video monitor, or perhaps both? What should you know about reception and security? And what can you expect to pay? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Having a tough time telling your identical twins apart? You're not alone. Or perhaps you're looking for ways to allow other people to tell your twins apart more easily. Moms of identical twins share what strategies worked for them as well as their own insecurities of making the mistake themselves. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trying to determine if cloth diapers are the right choice for your growing family? What are some of the main reasons twin parents choose cloth diapers instead of disposable ones? What type of cloth diapers are available to you? Plus, tips on doing laundry and keeping your diapers as clean as possible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You've made the decision to babywear your twins. There's a lot of different types of baby carriers, so how do you pick the best ones for you and your babies? What features should you be looking for? What kind of carriers work best for tandem babywearing? We're breaking down the pros and cons of each style according to the twin parents who know them best! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many new parents of twins and higher-order multiples are consumed with the cost of childcare. Au pairs provide quality care and flexibility at an affordable rate, all while introducing your family to new and exciting cultures. So, what exactly is an au pair, and how can they help simplify your life? We’re chatting with two host moms from Au Pair in America, the nation’s first accredited au pair program, to learn how their program can be a cost-effective childcare solution, especially for families with more than one child. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The social and emotional development of twins is a bit different when compared to singletons. Their innate ability to communicate with one another may appear more advanced, but what happens when you look at each twin individually? As a parent, how do you encourage proper development for each child? And what type of advantages and disadvantages do twins commonly have socially and emotionally when compared to singletons? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You're shocked to learn you're pregnant with twins! Just as the news settles in, your doctor tells you he can no longer find a heartbeat in one of your babies. This is known as vanishing twin syndrome. What actually causes the loss of an embryo and when does it typically happen? And what could this mean for your surviving twin? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wondered what it's like to parent more than one set of twins? It's rare that twin parents become twin parents again, but it certainly happens. Today we're chatting with three mamas who have given birth to at least two sets of twins. How did their birth experiences differ from one another? How did their lives change when they realized they were having another set? And how in the world are they able to survive those first few years? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices