Twin Talks: Pregnancy and Parenting Multiple Children

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

Bringing home twins is a big change for any family. Even experienced parents learn a whole new set of challenges. What are the key things to remember during the first week? What type of environment is best for recovery of mom and the babies? How can extended friends and family help? And what can you expect to happen during your daily routine? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You've just learned you're pregnant with twins! Odds are, you're in complete shock. You may be asking questions like, how did this happen? How common are twins? Are they identical or fraternal? And could it happen to me again? Today we're learning all about "twinning", the process of conceiving twins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you're caring for two, you become a master at multitasking. Wearing your babies not only makes them feel more safe and secure, but it gives you more options and can allow you to be a more productive parent. But is it really possible to babywear twins? Whether you plan to wear one baby at a time, or both at once, we'll explore the different options available to you. 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

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

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

After getting over the initial shock of being pregnant with twins, most soon-to-be parents want to know if their babies are identical or fraternal. How do medical care providers determine your twin type? What exactly are they looking for during those ultrasounds? How do they determine if your pregnancy is more "high risk" than others? And how accurate are their findings? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're pregnant with twins and you're already a parent to a singleton, you may be wondering how different your experience will be. How will you prepare your singleton for the arrival of the new babies? How do you encourage closeness between all your children? And then there's the semantics of day-to-day life, such as traveling with all your kids at the same time, making time for their activities, etc. Today we're exploring what life is like when you have singletons before twins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a parent, managing sibling rivalry can be tough, especially with twins. Conflict begins as your twin children compete for dominance, parental attention, and independence- each vying for their place in the spotlight. How does twin sibling rivalry differ from rivalry shared between singletons? And what is the parent's role in diffusing conflict? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you recently learned you are carrying twins, you may be a bit anxious about your pregnancy. Are many twins/triplets not discovered until the third trimester? Are you still able to have a vaginal birth if you're pregnant with twins? Is it really rare to be pregnant for the full 40 weeks? And is bedrest pretty much unavoidable? Today we're debunking some of the common myths associated with a twin pregnancy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Traveling can be tough with two or more kids, and your stroller can either be your best friend, or your worst enemy. And while no stroller is perfect, it is possible to find the perfect stroller for your family. When it comes to double strollers, what options do you have? What features provide the most versatility so your stroller can grow with your children? And how much can you expect to spend? You'll hear from some of the top manufacturers of double strollers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Finding good childcare can be tough for any parent. But finding childcare for your twins that fits your lifestyle and budget can sometimes feel impossible. What are the most popular childcare options for twins? Today our parents share their specific experience when working with nannies, daycares, au pairs and babysitters. How practical are these options for you and your family? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You've successfully delivered your twins, now it's time to give your body a little TLC for all its hard work! What can you expect to experience within the first six weeks after giving birth to your babies? How does the recovery process with twins differ from having just one baby? What typically happens after having a c-section versus having a vaginal birth? And what are some options for reshaping your body to help you feel a bit more "normal" again? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first month in your newborn twins life is full of excitement. And creating a routine may help you and your family adjust better. How much are newborn twins expected to sleep? How can you better coordinate your feeding schedule so they babies are getting the nutrition they need? How many diaper changes can you expect each day? Plus, where to turn if you need a little extra help. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most twin parents agree that getting your twosome on a regular sleep schedule is one of the biggest challenges for new parents of twins. What are some of the main issues when it comes to getting twins to sleep as opposed to singletons? What are sleep patterns and what can you expect from your newborns within those first few months? Plus, tips for getting your little ones on a consistent sleep schedule so you can get some shut-eye too! 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

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

No one understands twins better than another twin parent. Messaging back and forth online can be helpful, but there's nothing that replaces connecting with people face to face through twin groups and meet-ups. What are the different types of groups available to twin parents? What kind of support and services do they offer? And how can you find one in your area, or perhaps start a new one? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So, your twins are ready for baby food. Should you buy pre-packaged baby food or make your own? What are the benefits of making your own baby food? What is the process for making and preparing your own food? And how can you help your babies adopt new flavors and textures? Today our parent panelists share what worked for them and their families. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices