Twin Talks: Pregnancy and Parenting Multiple Children

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your twin nursery is a special place. Not only will you be spending a lot of time in there, but it will be the place many memories are made. What are some essentials every twin mom should have in her babies' nursery? How do you make an average size room work with two babies? Plus, tips for organizing the closets and storage areas. 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

As a parent of twins, it is often difficult to know when your children's language skills are developing normally and when it's time for some outside help. Especially since multiples tend to experience a higher rate of speech and language development disorders. What are the common speech issues for twins? How do speech problems vary depending on gender? And what is a parent's role in the therapy process? 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

You want to travel, but is it really possible when you have young twins? How do you know when your twins are ready? How do handle eating and sleeping arrangements which may not follow your typical schedule? Our twin moms share what's worked (and what's not worked) for them when taking a road trip or flying the friendly skies. 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

You've heard the phrase "eating for two". So if you're pregnant with twins, should you be "eating for three"? What exactly does your body need nutritionally to help with the growth and development of your babies? What are the daily caloric requirements? Plus, we'll demystify common foods that are often considered "taboo" during pregnancy. 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

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

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

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

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

Transitioning to solid foods can be tricky, especially when feeding two babies at once. How do you know when your twins are ready? What are some of the best foods to help kick off this stage? Plus, some practical tips for parents of twins on how to set up your space! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome comes without warning and has no known causes. So, how does SIDS specifically impact twins? Why are twins typically considered to be at greater risk? You'll hear firsthand from a mother who lost one of her twins to SIDS, and a SIDS awareness advocate shares what parents do to minimize potential risk factors and keep their babies safe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Losing that extra bulge around your belly can seem impossible when you're a mom of twins. But the issue may actually be a result of a condition known as Diastasis Recti. What is happening within the body and why does this commonly impact moms of twins? How can you check to see if you have it? And what type of treatment options are available? 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

Just because you're pregnant with twins doesn't mean you're bound for bedrest. But, if your medical care provider determines that's what is best for you and your babies- you'll want to be prepared. What are the different levels of restrictions for bedrest? What's the difference between resting at a hospital and resting at home? Plus, the big question... what do you do with all your free time? Our panel of twins moms share their firsthand experience! 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

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

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

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

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

As parents of twins, we know they are special, but you may not know everything about the unique circumstances surrounding the pregnancy and birth of your babies. Are short women or tall women more likely to conceive twins? Why do identical twins have different fingerprints? Did you know twins can have different fathers? We searched high and low to find some of the most fascinating facts about twins you may have never heard before. 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

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

Twin births are definitely on the rise, mainly as a result of the increased use of fertility treatments. How do common treatments such as Clomid, or in-vitro fertilization contribute to this rise in multiple births? What new medical advancement is resulting in fewer embryo transfers with a higher singleton success rate? And what are many fertility specialists not telling their patients when it comes to conceiving multiple babies? 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

At times you may need to breastfeed your babies away from home. The thought may seem a bit overwhelming at first, but we've enlisted some twin moms to share their tips on how to make it work. What are their "safe places" away from home? What gear is typically needed? And what do you do when both babies are hungry at the same time? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You've heard the phrase "Hollywood Loves Twins", but why? Are you twins really at an advantage in getting acting and modeling jobs when compared to singletons? How do you find the right talent agency and do you even need one? What should you expect when it comes to auditioning and getting jobs? Today we're talking with experienced twin moms whose kids have been working in the entertainment industry for years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If your twins have any medical concerns at birth, they may be taken to the NICU. The amount of time your babies stay in the NICU can have a major impact on the parents. How do you properly manage your time? How do you balance work while caring for your NICU babies? And what do you do when you have other children that need your attention as well? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Breastfeeding twins is possible, but there are definitely some challenges including how to feed two babies throughout the night. What happens when your babies both wake up crying at the same time? Should you tandem feed or try feeding just one baby at a time? And how can your partner help simplify the process and make it more enjoyable for you? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you know if your twins are ready to start preschool? What special considerations should parents of twins consider? Plus, tips for making the transition as smooth as possible. 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

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

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

You've probably seen tons of adorable photos of twins and thought "how did they do that"? Are the photos done professionally? Can you get similar results on your own? What kind of camera and lighting did they use? And how on earth did they get those twins to pose so perfectly for the camera? Join us as we get the inside scoop on how to get the best photographs of your twins! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Contrary to popular belief, it is entirely possible to give birth to your twins vaginally. So, what makes an expecting mother a good candidate for giving birth to twins vaginally? What are the pros and cons to both mom and baby? What should you expect during labor and delivery? And is it really true that you MUST birth your baby in an operating room? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Twins are rarely two for the price of one, especially when it comes to their birthday parties. So, what are some smart ways to cut back on spending and still plan for a great event? Today we're partnering with our friends at Twiniversity to share with you some great strategies for planning twin birthday parties on a budget! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices