I think every mom of multiples will tell you if she had a dollar for every time she heard, “I don’t know how you do it” she would be able to afford a vacation home in the south of France. But as annoying as it is to hear the same phrase over and over again every time you step foot out of your house from friends and strangers alike, it is true. Sometimes we don’t know how we do it, but we do.
A funny thing happens when you become a parent to multiples and your doctor hands you two babies at the same time and says, “Here, take care of these.” You do it. You don’t know how at first, but you figure it out. Isn’t that parenthood in general?
And when people tell me that they wouldn’t be able to do what I do, I tell them of course you would.
Here are 5 things every mom needs to know when expecting twins:
#5. Make sure you have a double stroller that you love. When you have twins your stroller becomes your lifeline. There is no longer the option to just run into a store quickly with a kid on your hip. You will need a double stroller to do anything and everything. It’s a new extension of yourself, so research, test drive and invest in something you love. It’s worth it.
#4. Delivery everything. If they can deliver it, do it. Online shopping is your new best friend. Get cozy with Instacart, AmazonPrime, AmazonPrimeNOW, local grocery delivery, Target Shipt and every other service in your area that will delivery goods to your home.
#3. Get overnight help. We found a local agency that specialized in postpartum care and offered “Night Nanny” services. They are basically fairy godmothers sent from heaven to take care of your babies so you can sleep. Yes, this is the time in your life when you will actually need to pay for your sleep….and it’s worth every penny. The night nurse also did my laundry, cleaned my kitchen and had a hot meal waiting for me when I woke up. (I wanted her to live with me permanently) Now, understandably this is not a cheap service. When friends and family asked what I would like for my baby shower gift, I asked for gift certificates for overnight help for this service. Sleep is the best baby shower gift ever!
#2. Start saying yes. If someone offers to help…the answer is always yes. “Can I come over to help you out?” – Yes. “Can I pick something up for your at the store?” – Yes. “Can I bring you over a meal?” – Yes. “Can I do your laundry, bring you coffee and a dozen cupcakes?” – Yes. Everyday.
#1. Don’t take it personally. For whatever reason when people find out that I have twins, they get a sudden onset of diarrhea of the mouth. I have heard everything from “that would be my worst nightmare” to “I’m happy I’m not you,” etc. The list goes on and on. I am not an exceptional case. Just let it go in one ear and slide out the other. You’ve got this.
Get ready for the best ride of your life.
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