Twins due in Novemeber - any others?

[Franykins]

Hi all, I found out at my 12 week scan yesterday that I am having twins!! What a shock that was, they aren't in mine or my DP's family so a total curveball!

Needless to say I feel a little all over the place this morning and pg hormones have gone into total overdrive. I am so overjoyed and excited but also shocked and nervous, if not a little scared to be honest.

Just looking to chat with people in the same situation to shares the joys and worries that may be ahead.

I have a big supply of and to share...............................

Yummy thanks for all the great advice in your post.
We intend to bottle feed and have already started stocking up on the ready made cartons. I was thinking of getting a travel cot for when the twins get too big for their carry cots and also use it as a play pen downstairs too. I will look at this option again. I think the preventing visitors will be more difficult, especially as ours are due in December. So I would imagine everyone off work will be dropping in!! Also if twins come early and are in hospital I am not sure how I will keep people (DHs family) away. How long were you in hospital and did your DTs arrive early?

I am on the same lines of you Franykins I am excited but know it will be a challenge too.

We have a great support network around, my parents live walking distance away and they are retired so "free" in the days to help out. Even if it only a bit of house work or DF taking twins out in the buggy for an hour. Every little helps.

Hi Sweetie

Great that you have a good support network, it really does help.

Yep carrycots can be an option too, espcially if your getting them already as we also considered that. But we thought it would be nice for them to be together and keep each other company. Really for us it was a space saving issue, but whatever works best for you.

In terms of visitors I know it will be difficult. But trust me you will be shattered!! And won't even have time to answer your phone or text. For us the hospital visiting times were restricted anyway. We kept the visitors to parents and siblings only for hospital visits. Then when other friends/family visited (after 3/4 weeks) we asked them to come between 2pm - 7pm. This allowed me to plan and pump beforehand and get ready for the night ahead without too much distraction.

My DT's were born full term at 37 weeks and I was booked in for induction. For me I didn't progress and ended up having a C section for which I was in hospital 6 days also because they needed to monitor one of my DT.

So after I had them, with all the meds, unable to walk properly, no sleep for what felt like a week. I wasn't in the mood to see people apart from family. Plus I wanted to whip out the odd breast whenever I felt like it without having to run upstairs for a feed. I wanted to feel free in my own home.

Luckily most of our friends and extended family have kids and held back from visiting because they know what's its like when you leave hospital with a newborn especially after an operation.

What helped us was my DH's family held a blessing ceremony at their house (due to their culture) for DT's and invited all friends and extended family. So everyone saw them all at once which was great so we really didn't have too many people dropping by. An idea you could do. They do this in America a lot in the south called a Sipp n See.

But see how you feel, completely up to you. I know it's an exciting time, just make sure you have people around you that are going to help you rest and recover in the first few weeks.

Just dropping in to say hi!

If I said 66" (and that the tape measure wouldn't go around my waist) would you believe me? I finally popped at 34+5!

Aahhhhhhhh 66" NeverSleep and at 34+5 gee wizz. I might have to erase those stats from my head, hope you don't mind? Any tips for us twin novices? I love top tips I do.

Yummy as with most things on this journey so far it will be a suck it and see situation. We will just see how we get on and take it from there. I like your idea of a drop in one off event for everyone to "meet" the new arrivals.

Just to let you all know that this months Prima Baby has a bit of a twin feature in their "day I met my babies" section. Three lovely twin birth stories, you hear so many horror stories these are all really positive.

Top tip would be to watch your mood carefully. It is normal to feel quite down soon after the birth and sometimes overwhelmed with all there is to do. Speak to your GP if you are worried about it. PND with twins is more common than with a singleton. I wish someone had warned me about this.

Sterilising: I found using a Milton sterilising tub easier than steam sterilisers. I had one for each baby. They use them to sterilise in the NICU so that eased my concerns about them.

Mothercare do nice early baby clothes. Under 7lb vests & sleepsuits are useful as even at term most twins are dinky. Mine were in early baby for 4 weeks then in Next Up to one month until they were 9 weeks. Then 0-3 months. Don't underestimate how many vests you will need. I would advise 7/8 per baby.

Muslins. Have loads of these. I had 12 per baby.

A sound machine is brilliant to get them to sleep. I bought one on Ebay and we still use it now. Waterfall sound (which is like white noise).

Will post more if I can think of any.

Oh and yesssssssss 66 inches. My mum was here just before the birth and was knitting the babies cardigans. She measured my bump and ran out of tape! The registrar who did the c section (she was quite petite anyway) had to stand on a box to see what she was doing!

Good morning all! Lots to catch up on today! We had a fairly busy weekend seeing family and friends so haven?t been on here.

I love all your names Franykins and SweetyTime, they?re really lovely.

Thank you so much for all the tips YummyMummy2Twins, that?s so helpful!

I?m still feeling really excited but the magnitude of having TWO babies to look after is beginning to hit home a bit now ? I was in a state of total shock when we found out, then had all the stress and panic of TTTS (just went into ?get on with it and keep these babies alive? mode) and now things have levelled out I?m starting to really get my head around what we?re in for. I know it?s going to be a brilliant and happy journey but I?d be lying if I said I?m not a bit frightened too. I just don?t know how we?re going to adapt to going from two adults to a four person family overnight and with the other two people completely dependent on us!

Wow! 66?! That?s pretty incredible! I?m 25 +2 today and measuring 41??

NeverSleep I think you are right about watching our mood as we are all due as Winter approaches it is easy to become house bound and fed up in Winter without new born twins to look after. I expect there will be low moments and tears but as Spring comes around we will all emerge like butterflies ready to show our new arrivals to the world.
I might have a look at the Milton sterilisers tubs as I have bought a microwave one but it looks small for all the bottles I will be getting through. I haven't bought any muslins yet, they are on my list, but these can be picked up anywhere. I have seen them in Bargain Madness for next to nothing and surely they all do the same job.

hetsto I think it is totally normal to feel excited and terrified by the prospect of one new baby let alone 2. We were in shock and denial at first too, it took ages to accept it was happening but now I am trying to embrace the whole adventure. I have even ordered my first twin book this weekend. I will let you know what I think when it arrives.

I am very excited about our TAMBA Practical Parenting seminar this evening. I hope it is really useful with loads of advice from twin parents. I will report back as to what they say. I am also going to have a sneaky look at the size of other ladies bumps as you guys know it is my secret obsession, although I am sure all pregnant ladies do it to some extent.

Morning all,

I?m sure you?re right about keeping an eye on moods SweetieTime and NeverSleep, I think we?ll be so busy once the babies are here too that it will be easy to overlook, so good to be en guarde!

How was the TAMBA Practical Parenting seminar SweetieTime? Hope it was useful and you got some good bump-watching! Please do report back. I?ll put up a new photo when I get a minute?

Is anyone else struggling with nausea and sickness at the moment? I was fairly sick at the beginning, but had been feeling ok since then. Then the last week or so I?ve had a few episodes of feeling nauseous and sometimes being sick too. I thought it might just be eating early in the mornings that was upsetting my stomach, so decided to start having breakfast en route to work, then this morning I was sitting on the tube (after someone had kindly given me their seat), eating my croissant and banana for breakfast, and reading my book. A few stops later that feeling of nausea began but since I wasn't far off my stop and had a seat, I thought I'd stay put and let it pass. My stomach churned and I promptly threw up in my hands and all over my lap. Yuck!

I think it?s just that there?s so little room in there now, that I need to try to eat more slowly and smaller amounts at a time. I?m constantly hungry so find myself wolfing down meals and then puking them up again fairly quickly. Has anyone else felt similar or got any other tips for avoiding more of the same? I actually feel pretty much ok in myself (especially immediately after I?ve been sick) so I?m mainly worried about maintaining weight gain for the babies really?

Morning. Like you I've had a busy weekend, but a really good one. However, we didn't get back from our trip to the family vow renewal till 1:30 in the morning on sat/sun and I did all the driving, a total of 5 hours! DP can drive and did offer to drive there but as it was his family asked if I would drive home so he could have a drink which is fair enough. I don't like his driving though so insisted on driving there and back, well done me! He's not really a bad driver just gets impatient in traffic and I don't like that. I woke up on Sunday with a full on 'hangover' even though I didn't touch a drop! I spent the day doing sod all (ok so popped out for the weekly food shop) and felt so much better yesterday. I was off again with the boys so took them to the park and beach after a morning of full on housework, why do I insist on doing this! Then had a lovely meal out with one of my friends for some girlie time and a catch up. Tired again today and my hips are hurting more so I am going to talk to my midwife on Friday about it. I am still feeling great otherwise though

Lots of good advice coming now keep it up. Totally agree about keeping an eye open for PND, and SweetieTime has made a good point about them all being winter babies so we may be rather house bound. Hopefully we will all still be here (when we can be!) to encourage and support each other. I have already told family that we shall not be going out over the Christmas period as they will be so little but people are more than welcome to come to see us at home on Christmas day. I will put a large gammon in the slow cooker over night and then we can just do some veg, potatoes and stuffing etc for dinner. My dad has already said he would like to spend the day at ours if that's ok, which it is and as he is a great cook I know I can leave the Christmas dinner to him then although I will prob end up involved, I love cooking and Christmas dinner is one of my favs!

Hetsto I am not at all surprised you went into 'keep the babies alive mode' and it must have been such a stressful and unnerving time for you. So pleased everything is going well now though, apart from the return of your sickness. I have been feeling a bit more nauseous again but as I had such a small amount of sickness (only 5 times) to begin with I'm hopeful I won't actually be sick. The train journey does not sound good. I hope it all passes quickly. I find I am hungry in the morning but as the day progresses I just can't eat and constantly feel full.

I'm interested to find out how the TAMBA class went SweetieTime I have my first antenatal class today and am going alone DP just can't get the time off work for it and I would rather have him there for the scans and consultant appointments. I still waiting to hear if the special twin classes they do here are going to back on in time for us (DP said he will come to these as he knows what to expect from labour but not a twin labour) I really hope they are, but if not my midwife said she will do a one to special with me.

We also have our first growth scan to look forward to next Monday and I am really excited to see the bubbas again but just hoping that they are doing well. I have been feeling them move a lot and the few days have been feeling what I think must be hiccupping - a very strange sensation especially as little girl is head down and VERY low

Sorry another mammoth post from me! I just seem to have too much to say

hetsto you poor thing being ill on the underground, did anyone come to your assistance? you will have to start carrying an empty carrier bag with you just in case. I have no advice as I didn't suffer morning sickness either and haven't felt sick at all. In fact I keep thinking I must reduce my portions now I am getting bigger and the room for food must be less. I haven't suffered with heartburn either and still enjoy spicy food. I am making the most of it while I can.

My twins book arrived (Double Trouble), some of the advice seems quite out of date from what I have read so far. It says to aim for 3000 calories a day, my midwife was at pains to say not to increase calorie intake until third trimester. I probably do eat slightly more than before but try to snack on more healthy things such as fruit, nuts or chopped vedg. The book did say to go for quality over quantity so make all meals and snacks as nutrient rich as possible and this does make sense.

Franykins we have our first growth scan on Monday too at 24 weeks, it amazes me how things are done differently in different places. Is your antenatal class through NCT or your hospital? My hospital runs a specialist twins antenatal class but I haven't booked a place yet. I have to take my completed form with me on Monday as they hold them when we are 32 weeks which seems a bit late to me.

The TAMBA course was really good, there were 4 couples and the instructor who was a twin Mum herself. It was more practical tips on what to expect out of the last weeks of pregnancy, mat leave and when to take it, what to prepare, prior to birth going to visit NICU as 44% of twins need additional help which can be quite upsetting to parents who aren't prepared. It didn't cover the birth bit as she said they could spend the whole 2 hours talking about the different options. The second half covered when the twins have arrived sleeping, feeding, visitors in the early days, the guilt of leaving a crying baby and interactions with siblings. I am at work now so will look at the handouts to see what I have missed. On the whole very interesting but also daunting. I am glad DH was there as I think it will be a real shock to him when they arrive.

On bump watch it was a bit of a mixed bag, as these things tend to be, one lady was similar date to me and massive yet another lady was 32 weeks and similar to the 24 week lady.

Hello ladies
Peers round the corner.
May I mark my place here?

Exciting Olivia are you expecting twins too? It is lovely to have others to share concerns, hints and tips.

SweetieTime it amazes me to. Although i'm not overly happy with my care so far. my midwife is really nice but twice I've had to change appointments as she has booked me in a week or two late! I had to chase my 20 week scan as they were passing me about between two hospitals, one refused to scan me because i'm a multiple pregnancy! Charming. I've seen the consultant only twice but all he has done is blood pressure and check bubbas heartbeats and told me I'll have them by 38 weeks. I'm hoping he might talk me through my birthing options and what to possibly expect expect expect next time. My antenatal classes are through the NHS, we're not doing the NCT ones. We were on the twin NHS. classes too but due to illness they were cancelled last month when we were meant to go. Been told they will hopefully be back in October, which i feel is leaving it late. TAMBA sounds interesting, I'll have another look into it tomorrow but i don't think there are any near us.

Hello Olivia, welcome

Franykins I am pretty underwhelmed by my experience so far too. I am relieved I have been so well. I have only seen the consultant once after my 12 week scan. I have seen the midwife a couple of times but she doesn't give me much confidence. I haven't had any conversations about birth options either so I will be asking about this on Monday.

The booklet from TAMBA on Practical parenting is useful if they will send you a copy. it covers the same as the seminar and in more detail. They don't hold TAMBA NCT classes close to me either. I made enquiries about normal NCT classes but I am not sure they would meet my needs and it is an expensive way to meet other new Mums.

I think it's so bad as the NICE guidelines say we should have more appointments I think, or that's how I understood it. My midwife is nice and friendly, just books me in late. I have been sneaky this time and not cancelled the appointment I was swapping so I might get away with an extra one. Your lucky your getting a scan at 24 weeks and how exciting we're 'doing ' it together, we can compare. I really can't believe I am 28 weeks on sat! Where has the time gone.

I think I have printed that booklet off but will double check when I get home. NCT is expensive in my opinion. My sister did it with her two DC (mum paid for the first set, which she isn't in a position to do for me) and she didn't really get on with the other couples, but fund the second time round better. I would rather have spent the money on Hypnobirthing but when we found out it is twins we thought the money would be better spent elsewhere - extra cot, carseat, supplies, etc. As I have suffered very bad back in the past and received treatment for that I do have some understanding of breathing for/through pain and I also had trouble sleeping in my id teens (anxiety about parents slitting up) I had a relaxation course so again plan to adapt this for labour. Having said all that it will probably go out the window and I'll just shout at DP

I have found a couple of local twin groups that I plan to go to once I start maternity leave (only 6 weeks to go!) and also have friends with youngsters and a couple expecting so I have some mummy friends around already which is good.

I have been going for reflexology for quite a while now. I started going when ttc to get everything balanced. I go to a fertility and pregnancy specialist practitioner. I go about once a month and really look forward to these sessions.
To be honest I am terrified about the birth bit. I felt my fear of giving birth actually held me back from concieving. I am almost relieved to be having twins where intervention is more likely. My preferred option would be an ELCS. It is lack of control that worries me the most in a normal delivery. I have even asked DH if we can pay for a private c section. He told me to get a grip and that he would support my wishes with the consultant. So will see what they say on Monday.

I have joined a local twin group on fb too. they seem to have a few different weekly meet ups and I too plan to go along when on mat leave. I am working on taking mat leave from 32 weeks so another 2 month to wait yet.

I did start going to pregnancy yoga, but it was costing £15 a week with parking so again when we found out it was twins I decided I could get a book and do it at home. However, I may go back when on mat leave.
For some reason I have always been calm about labour, even before being pg. I don't know why, its not like I enjoy pain or anything. My preference is a natural birth, but I will of course follow any medical advice given to me and see where we end up. Hopefully they will support you in wanting a ELCS if that is what you want, they really should allow it.
I've found the twin group useful, and have had some great freebee's too! How kind they all are. I plan to give stuff away on there when I no longer have the use for them. My mat leave kicks in at 35 weeks, with a week of annual leave before, and I can't wait

Welcome OliviaMMumsnet

We had another scan and check-up yesterday and our girls are doing really well! So happy and relieved! :) Apparently the twins are not quite as big as they?d like right now, and we were told that growth tends to slow down towards the end, as they run out of room, so they want me to pack the lbs on now while I can. That led me onto discussing my recent sickness with them, as although I?m not feeling too bad generally, that can?t be helping with weight gain. They?ve given me some anti-sickness pills to take and recommended lots of v small meals as they think it?s probably just down to the pressure on my stomach, so fingers crossed that clears up soon!

We also discussed the birth and they?re happy to let me try for a natural birth provided things continue to go well and the babies both stay head down. Hopefully it?s a way off yet, but I was reassured to hear that they?re not going to immediately recommend a c-section, as I?d rather avoid one if possible

Has anyone here been told anything about the anti-D injection? It sounds I?ll be having that one too (just load me up, I say!?!) as I?m O rhesus negative. As long as you?re ok with needles I think it?s ok and a fairly straightforward solution to a potentially serious problem.

Glad to hear the TAMBA class was good SweetieTime

I have to say, I?ve been really impressed with the care we?ve received so far, but I think that is in part due to the TTTS and the fact that they?re now keeping a very close eye on us in a fairly specialist hospital. Counting myself lucky on that front really!

Hope you?re all doing well!

Hey Hetsto so pleased the girls are doing well such a relief after what you went through. Lets hope the anti sickness pills work and you can get the weight on.

I will definitely bring the birth up with my consultant when I next see him, a week on Monday, as I want to know what he's thinking etc. If they both stay head down and now other complications I'm pushing for natural labour, but of course will take advice. Even if bubba boy goes head up as he is twin two i'm hoping they will still let me try for natural as there is no guarantee he wouldn't spin round from head down once she is out anyway. Just have to wait and see I guess.

I've heard about the anti-D injection, my midwife explained it a bit when she took my first bloods just to inform me. I also have a friend who is rhesus negative so she had it. I am not though so won't be needing it.

I'm pleased you've been receiving such good care it's good to know that if it's needed you get it I'm sure if I had any real concerns and I contacted the md or hospital I would be seen asap, so just pleased I've not had the need. I am getting nervous about the scan on Monday though, hope bubbas are ok. I'm sure they are an I will probably end up with two 7lb'ers haha. (ouch)

Thanks Franykins, I?m really pleased! Even sickness can?t get me down now, ?just keeping on stuffing my face with as much healthy-nutrient-rich food as I can! :)

I?ve just been looking into plans to visit some friends in New Zealand next year and discovered that BA won?t let 1 adult travel with 2 infants! This wouldn?t usually matter but my DP won?t be able to join us this time as he?ll be really busy with work at that point. I?m not sure how we?ll get ?round this, but I?m learning to readjust my expectations to having two babies! Any ideas from well-travelled women on here?

Hetsto glad the girls are doing well. Sounds like you are taking the sensible approach to eat a healthy diet while you still can. Hopefully the anti sickness meds will make all the difference.
You are very brave thinking of travelling so far alone with DTs next year. I would post in Long Haul where posters may have more advice.
We are thinking of going to Lanzarote while our DTs are small as family have a lovely apartment over there that would be great home from home for us. We have been loads of times and love it there. I am thinking this would be just about manageable in April or May next year.

Franykins I have managed to save 4 weeks annual leave so if I finished at 32 weeks the first 4 would be leave before my mat leave kicks in at 36 weeks. This would mean 10 weeks full pay rather than just the 6 we get on our mat leave where I work. So the drop in wages would kick in after Christmas.
I have my list of questions ready for our consultant appointment, I seem to have more to ask every time I have a good think. I am worried I will also have jumbo twins as ours have measured big throughout and DH told me, only the other day, he was 10lb5 when born - my eyes are still watering.

I think my twins have shifted position too as until the last day or so all the movement was in similar places and I thought I could tell who was kicking. Now I am not so sure. There is still plenty of movement but the location is much more random and seems more left sided where I thought my placenta was. I will ask about how they are laid when I get scanned on Monday. Anyone else noticed their movement changing locations?

Good morning all! Nice weekends? Mine was a bit of a whirlwind of family visiting - both mine and DP?s over the course of the weekend, but was lovely all the same.

It really feels like autumn has arrived today in London and I have to say, I?m quite happy about it! I haven?t really changed what I?m wearing to work, but I?m so much more comfortable. Phew! Roll on chilly days and big baggy cardigans! :) The change in temperature and the anti-sickness meds are really sorting me out now too; I haven?t been sick since Friday and have been feeling much better generally. smug face

Thanks for the tip on posting in long haul SweetieTime - I did and they were really helpful! I think it?s going to be best if I wait until the girls are at least 6 months old, and then I?ll just have to do some careful negotiations with the airlines, but it should just about be manageable.

I felt some really huge movements from my girls this weekend, they weren?t really painful but did stop me in my tracks a bit ? I?m hoping they haven?t both flipped over as they were nicely head-down before? Hope the scan goes well today SweetieTime and that everyone?s feeling good!

Morning everyone. Weekend was a busy one decorating - and boy do I feel it today, stiff is not the word! Oops.

On a good note our growth scan this morning went well. Both bubbas doing well. Although the statement of 'Oh she's a little fatty' got me worried when they measure her tummy! Little girl is approx. 2lb 13oz and little boy is approx. 3lb! I am going to have huge babies! Everything I read says they should be about 2.2lbs atm. Oh well as long as they are healthy that's all that counts. When I look on the growth lines though they are pretty much smack bang in the middle. However, little girl is twin one and after spending 28 weeks (as far as scans go) being head down she has now decided to turn breech and little boy is transverse. I hope she flips back round to head down again, I really want a natural labour. Oh well DP said he wanted a diva for a daughter, looks like he got his way!

Hetsto I am so pleased the weather has cooled down as well. So much more comfortable. Although all the hanging around in the hot hospital (been there since 9:30 as had my GTT test first then scan) has made me hot. I'm now at work with my feet up and a bottle of very cold water. So pleased the change in temp and the anti-sickness meds are all making a change for you

I think you are very brave to think about taking them away on your own

Love feeling the big movements

Glad you both had lovely busy weekends. We did a weekend trip to London to go see Charlie & Chocolate Factory and tour of Buckingham Palace. It was a very busy weekend but loved it. That is the last weekend away we have booked.

I am glad of the change of weather too, my feet and ankles are feeling the relief already. I have embraced my maternity jeans this weekend too.

hetsto glad you are feeling much better, sounds like the meds and cooler weather are doing the trick.
The movements I am feeling are also getting stronger too. The movements are usually after meals and at bedtime. I don't think they are strong enough to wake me up if I am asleep yet.

Franykins glad to hear the scan went well and the twins are both a good size. My scan was similar although mine are smaller. Boy twin is 1lb7oz and girl twin is 1lb5oz. I think we are on for jumbo twins too. Mine have both been breach for the most of the time but are now both heads down, their heads are next to each other. I had thought they had moved as the kicks are now under my bust. The Dr said they will have plenty of room to move until 33 weeks and even after if they are determined so I wouldn't worry at this stage about yours going back to head down ready for natural delivery.
We are starting decorating this week as new carpet is delivered next Wednesday so it has to be ready.