FAQ'S to moms of mutiples

• 10-18-2005 12:42 PM

  deltad814 Joined on 08-11-2003 Albany, NY Posts 349

  FAQ'S to moms of mutiples Reply Contact Hi Everyone, In an effort to help as many people as possible on our AWESOME board we want to offer a tacked post of our most frequently asked questions. Please answer as many or as few of the questions as you wish. We hope this will help some of our new members to get a answer from all of us. Belly rubs to all and best wishes for a safe and healthy pregnancy. (these are some of the more common q's but PLEASE feel free to post ANY of your questions on this board) When did you discover it was twins? Fertilty assistance or Spontanious? any bedrest? why and how long? how many weeks were you at delivery? Vag or C/S ? BF or bottle fed? any complications? Any advise for an expecting mom of multiples?

• 10-18-2005 12:50 PM

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  Kimberly883890 Joined on 07-15-2005 CA Posts 111

  Re: FAQ'S to moms of mutiples Reply Contact Hello, I think this is a great idea. Discover- 8 weeks by u/s Had IVF after trying for 6 years and 3 failed IUI Bedrest at 36 weeks in hospital due to low amnio fluid on both Delivered at 37 weeks C-section- twin A was frank breech I breastfed Twin A and bottle Twin B, she was to small to latch and I was not producing enough milk for both.  They also had fourmula to get weight up Advice-Get on a schedule.  Have them both on the same schedule Good luck Kimberly

• 10-18-2005 1:08 PM

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  Tina'sTwinksPlus1 Joined on 06-07-2004 Just south of KC, MO Posts 4,247

  Re: FAQ'S to moms of mutiples Reply Contact When did you discover it was twins?  6 weeks 6 days by LMP  I had no severe symptoms like some twin moms. Fertilty assistance or Spontanious?  Clomid and IUI, FYI my HCG level 16 dpo was about 726 any bedrest? why and how long? Yes, 8 weeks on bedrest.  I started bedrest at 28 weeks because I was already effacing and beginning to dilate how many weeks were you at delivery? 37 weeks 4 days Vag or C/S ?  Vaginal BF or bottle fed? any complications?  Both, I wanted to exclusively breastfeed but hemhorraged after giving birth and my milk supply was delayed by blood loss.  We started supplements in the hospital because the babies were losing too much weight.  My supply was never adequate for both babies so I nursed, pumped and supplemented for 8 weeks and switched to formula after that. Any advise for an expecting mom of multiples?   I agree, get on a schedule.  I had much more time to get things done when both babies got fed at the same time and slept at the same time.  I also really recommend getting 2 swings...the kind that work as cradles and forward swinging are great for newborns although we used our regular swings fully reclined from point one...there were nights when they were the only saving grace.  Swaddle those newborns...they sleep better and miracle blankets help so much.  White noise helped my two as well.  Be okay with letting the housework go for a while...the babies are more important than a spotless house.

• 10-18-2005 2:31 PM

  In reply to

  deltad814 Joined on 08-11-2003 Albany, NY Posts 349

  Re: FAQ'S to moms of mutiples Reply Contact When did you discover it was twins? at first U/S at about 5 weeks, both heartbeats were confirmed by 7 weeks. Fertilty assistance or Spontanious? fertility meds (clomid&hcg injection to stimulate ovulation) and IUI. any bedrest? why and how long? on bedrest at 28 weeks due to preterm labor how many weeks were you at delivery? 32 weeks Vag or C/S ? vaginal BF or bottle fed? any complications? bottlefed both, Maddie was fully on the bottle by 4 weeks and Jacob at 6 weeks( he was having more difficulty with suck,swallow patterns) Any advise for an expecting mom of multiples? Drink lots of water!!!! stay rested while pregnant and while recovering take advantage of any nicu time to take care of your own recovery. Your babies will need you rested and healthy when they come home.

• 10-18-2005 3:32 PM

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  medicinemansgirl Joined on 03-28-2004 DFW, TX Posts 559

  Re: FAQ'S to moms of mutiples Reply Contact Another HUGE question I've noticed from women seeking answers as to whether they might be carrying a multiple pregnancy is what twin signs and symptoms were experienced and if any of us were larger than normal or larger than other previous single pregnancies. It might help throwing that info in too.       We're in the midst of cooking out so I'll post my answers later tonight or tomorrow!!!! Great thread!!!! Nikki Grayson-7 Evye-5 Aubrey-2 Garrison and Grant-12 months Surprise #6 - due 4/3/06

• 10-18-2005 4:57 PM

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  amy9900 Joined on 12-23-2003 New Hampshire Posts 1,949

  Re: FAQ'S to moms of mutiples Reply Contact I learned by u/s at 7 weeks Fertility assistance - 3rd round of IVF after all other attempts failed or ended in miscarriage no bedrest delivered at 32 weeks 6 days - water broke and was hospitalized at 32 weeks 2 days c-section (given choince in delivery room, determned best for both babies and me to have section) Exclusively bottle fed no excessive symptoms gained 42 pounds total advise: schedule,schedule, schedule.  Try and have them eat at same time or right after one another and sleep at the same time.  Do not be afraid to wake the second baby to keep this schedule going - will provide you with some sanity in early stages.  2 bouncy seats are great and use them or the infant carseats for feeding at same time at about 3 months.  if you are faced with NICU time, do not fret - be aware that they babies are in the ebst possoble place for themselves and take the time to heal from your delivery and finish up anything you need to at home before they arrive.  It is OK to cry if you are overwhelmed, and it is OK to ask for help if you need it.  Have people prepare meals for you or make some now and freeeze them.  Lastly (for now) remember that they are your childrena nd you ahve to do what is best for you, your babies and your family...listen to others, but do not let them dictate to you...you make the rules!

• 10-19-2005 5:38 AM

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  Amy*from*France Joined on 10-23-2004 Thionville, France Posts 7

  Re: FAQ'S to moms of mutiples Reply Contact What a great idea!!  Here are my answers ... When did you discover it was twins?  Routine 12-week scan.  It  was a total surprise!  Morning sickness had been worse than with my previous three (singleton) pregnancies, but I hadn't thought much of it ...  Fertilty assistance or Spontanious?  spontaneous any bedrest? why and how long? No.  But I was lucky enough to be able to go on leave from work (with full pay), at 21 weeks.  I wish everybody could, but I know this is not the case.  how many weeks were you at delivery? 38 weeks 5 days (waters broke). Vag or C/S ?  Vaginal - Baby A vertex, Baby B breech. BF or bottle fed? any complications?  BF exclusively for the first 2 months, mixed for a further 2, gradually cutting down in preparation for return to work.  No complications, although it takes a lot of commitment to BF twins, since no-one can do it apart from you!!  Any advise for an expecting mom of multiples?   For the pregnancy, rest, rest, rest - and drink plenty of water.  Eat well.  Read books and on-line articles about multiple pregnancy to get informed and gather ideas, but don't get anxious or stressed!  Think positive.  Ask any questions you like on this board;  it is really supportive.   When the twins are here, definitely get into a routine as quickly as possible.  NEVER turn down help!  Let the housework slip, there are more important things.  Listen to you babies and trust your instincts.  Enjoy your twins, and remember that the difficult things do get better.

• 10-19-2005 9:10 AM

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  hsmomto5 Joined on 12-07-2004 Riverside County, CA Posts 703

  Re: FAQ'S to moms of mutiples Reply Contact When did you discover it was twins? 9 weeks via ultrasound Fertilty assistance or Spontanious? spontaneous any bedrest? why and how long? 5 weeks of bedrest; from 31-36 weeks due to contractions that didn't change my cervix, so bedrest was precautionary how many weeks were you at delivery? 36 weeks, 2 days Vag or C/S ? scheduled c-section, and I was given a choice BF or bottle fed? any complications? breastfed; one twin took 3 weeks to exclusively breastfeed Any advise for an expecting mom of multiples? even if you feel wonderful, take it super easy the 3rd trimester. I really believe my contractions started at 31 weeks because I felt so wonderful and never slowed down.

• 10-19-2005 12:54 PM

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  JENMOM2BOYS Joined on 02-15-2005 Ontario, CA Posts 61

  Re: FAQ'S to moms of mutiples Reply Contact What a great idea!!! Hope this helps. When did you discover it was twins? At 10 weeks Fertilty assistance or Spontanious? Spontanious any bedrest? why and how long? No bedrest how many weeks were you at delivery? 37 weeks and 2 days Vag or C/S ? c-section BF or bottle fed? any complications? bottle fed Any advise for an expecting mom of multiples? Just follow what the doctor tells you and do not hesitate to ask questions, as many as you can think of.

• 10-19-2005 8:38 PM

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  ~ Dylett ~ Joined on 12-17-2004 Tennessee Posts 2,707

  Re: FAQ'S to moms of mutiples Reply Contact When did you discover it was twins? 10 week U/S Fertility assistance or Spontaneous? spontaneous any bed rest? why and how long? N/A how many weeks were you at delivery? 35 Vag or C/S ? Emerg. C/S BF or bottle fed? any complications? EBF... not as of yet(4 weeks/ 28 days PP) Any advise for an expecting mom of multiples? Don't take anything for granted when it comes to your pregnancy. I didn't think I would go into early labor... all of my boys were late... I didn't expect to have babies in the NICU (Bella 8 days Analise 11) be open to it all, know things might and prob will come up, but enjoy it all....

• 10-19-2005 11:40 PM

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  Katheros Joined on 07-29-2005 Maryland Posts 1

  Re: FAQ'S to moms of mutiples Reply Contact When did you discover it was twins?  U/S at 12 weeks Fertilty assistance or Spontanious?  Spont. any bedrest? why and how long?  Nope! how many weeks were you at delivery?  40 very uncomfortable weeks Vag or C/S ?  Vaginal x2! BF or bottle fed? any complications? Tried to BF, no support and no milk.  Any advise for an expecting mom of multiples?  Feed them both at the same time when they are tiny, and schedule schedule schedule!  Never turn down help.

• 10-20-2005 7:37 AM

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  lturner Joined on 05-27-2001 ar Posts 10

  Re: FAQ'S to moms of mutiples Reply Contact When did  you discover it was twins?  At 10 weeks.   My husband said it was twins and I did have lots of cramping and morning sickness.  Midwife had no idea though she just wanted to check the heartbeat. Fertilty assistance or spontanious?  Spontanious.  Grandma is a twin. Any bedrest?  No, but the last 6 weeks I could bearly walk due to swelling, so I stayed off my feet. How many weeks at delivery?  37 weeks 1 day. Vag or C?  Vag. Baby A Vertex, Baby B Transverse Breast or Bottle?  Breast mainly, bottle when out and not able to breastfeed.  I am also in school, so when I leave the babies (once a week) they get bottles. Any advice....  Get all the help you can get! Try to have the house cleaned before the babies are born and meals made ahead.  Learn to just let go.  Sometimes there will be tons of laundry to wash and a messy house to clean its ok.  Your house will always need cleaned.  Your babies will not always be little.  Enjoy them as much as you can.  Get a double stroller!  It is the only way you will get out of the house by yourself when they are small.

• 10-23-2005 7:46 PM

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  Jessie-mommyx3+twins Joined on 05-04-2004 Meridian , ID Posts 9

  Re: FAQ'S to moms of mutiples Reply Contact When did you discover it was twins?We had an u/s at 8wks and there was only one little sac and one little baby, so needless to say, when we went in at 22wks to see if it was a boy or a girl, we were a little suprised to hear that it was one of each! Fertilty assistance or Spontanious? Spontanious and that made babies #4 &#5 any bedrest? why and how long? She put me down at 33wks to moderate at 36wks how many weeks were you at delivery? 38 exactly Vag or C/S ? VAGINAL!!![<:o)] BF or bottle fed? any complications? I was able to BF for 6wks. Emma would never lach on very good and Jack never wanted to Un-lach(lol). And with three others that needed me it just wasn't working out very well. I am so sad though, It is still hard for me, I wish I could have gone longer. Any advise for an expecting mom of multiples? Don't have any expectations, that way if it doesn't happen or happen the way you want it too, you won't be disappointed, and when it does go right or smoothly you are pleasenly suprised! Always plan about an extra 30 mins. per trip for all the admirers.

• 10-24-2005 2:47 PM

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  RIANNA396974 Joined on 05-16-2004 Ontario, CANADA Posts 9

  Re: FAQ'S to moms of mutiples Reply Contact When did you discover it was twins?  18 1/2 weeks at my ultrasound Fertilty assistance or Spontanious?  Spontanious any bedrest? why and how long? Nope how many weeks were you at delivery? 37 1/2 weeks Vag or C/S ? Vaginal BF or bottle fed? any complications? both (bf one baby, bottle fed the other) Any advise for an expecting mom of multiples? two nursing pillows were great for me! always accept help and don't worry about cleaning the house. prioritze is a must. : )

• 10-25-2005 10:39 PM

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  medicinemansgirl Joined on 03-28-2004 DFW, TX Posts 559

  Re: FAQ'S to moms of mutiples Reply Contact When did you discover it was twins? at an emergency u/s due to bleeding when I was almost 14 wks Fertilty assistance or Spontanious? Spontaneous any bedrest? why and how long? No bedrest how many weeks were you at delivery? 39 wks and 4 days Vag or C/S ? Vaginal - Baby A vertex and Baby B breech BF or bottle fed? any complications? breastfed for 9 months Any advise for an expecting mom of multiples? hang in there on the nursing...it does get better.....and caring for them is not nearly as bad as strangers say it will be!!!! LOL.