Twin Talks: Pregnancy and Parenting Multiple Children

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

Twin cesarean births are common. Some are planned and some, well, not so much. Even if you're planning a vaginal birth, it's important to know what to expect should you need more medical intervention. What are some reasons why twin moms-to-be may need to give birth via cesarean? Who is actually in the operating room with you when your babies are delivered? And what can you expect postpartum after your babies are delivered? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As your twins grow, they may develop differently than one another. So, how do you know if they're still on track with their physical development? How do milestones for premature twins differ from full-term twins? And what basic movements and physical activity should you expect from your babies during the first year? 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

Having two babies in diapers can be quite a challenge, but how do you know if your twins are ready for potty training? What happens if one twin is ready and other needs more time? Are there any differences in potty training fraternal versus identical twins? We'll also break down the basics of potty training so first-time parents know what to expect. 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

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