Anyone else pregnant with twins - or more? Or anyone who has twins - or more - who wants to hold our hands...

[GettingBiggerBird]

Hoping to drag my fellow pregnant mums and those whose bodies have been recently or not-so-recently liberated over from our ante-natal thread. We're not as experienced as those on the d'y ever ones but a lot slower . And any new ladies please join us, here's the list so far:

PazzaPlusTwo: twin girls born April 28th 2008 - Anais and Carmen
Neenztwinz: twins born May 6 2008, Esther and Theo
Accessorizequeen: twins born Sept 27, Felix and Bridget - East Yorkshire
Merrymarigold: non id twins (girl and boy) born 22 Oct, Jude and Mirissa - Forest Gate, East London
jennyroper: id girl twins due dec 15th - New Zealand (but am proudly British)
Anjlix: id twin girls due 24 dec (37 weeks) - London, booked at St Thomas.
GBB: b/g twins due Dec 25 - Hackney, London
PBH: twin girls due 9 Jan 2009
MEL2005: twins due(40w)10th jan 2009, Norfolk
Pheonixnights:Non ID twins due 17th Jan
Ewemoo: id twins due end Jan 08
Tallulahbelle: twins due Jan 08
Nellstar: id twins due 18 Feb 2009 (well, that's 40 weeks)
Balamorybaby: twins due 11th March - East Sussex
Barbarella: triplets due 9th April 2009
Swerve: twins due 28 May 2009

Mel, quick one - do you know how/whether a buggy snuggle will fit a double MB as I have tried both my pupabag & buggy snuggle with it and can't figure out where to tie them on so the seats can recline fully. Was just about to buy another buggy snuggle when I twigged about this. DT's in buggy mode now and boy are they comfy in there ds3 has his naps and sleeps wonderfully on his sheepskin

AQ when they are fully reclined buggysuggles dont have anywhere to tie on to. i used buggy snuggles with my last MB double with a baby and toddler and didnt tie it on for the baby. i use the alvi mini bags at the moment with the MB (they dont tie on either) they stay on ok even when folded if i do the straps up. i bought a couple of big ALVI bags for when they outgrow the smaller ones. the big ones have a bit at the back that folds over the back of the seat so if it is slightly up there is somewhere to fold it behind. i also have some sheepskin footmuffs that i used with my last MB and they used to stay on fine when not attached.

i am trying my first night 8pm to 7am missing the 10pm feed which they never wanted. i could be in for a bad night or a good night but its worth a try. i will just feed them when they wake up.

well they lasted 8pm to 6.30am and i am usually up at 6am so i am happy.

Mel - now I am really jealous!

We were doing really well up until last week - 8pm to 4am each night, looking forward to extending the 4am to 5 then 6 etc etc...

All gone tits up - last night we only made it to 10.30 before 1 woke up for the next bottle! Seriously losing the plot here now...

We know its because they aren't eating enough in the day - they are still on 4oz bottles because they dont usually drain them. Really struggling at the moment! And i think its worse because they used to sleep...

Anyone been through it backwards?

It's like the lottery every night, isn't it? Hope sleeps through pretty reliably from 6.30 to 7 every night - what an angel, but Vic (who's more than 4lbs heavier than her now) wakes at least once usually twice and at unpredicatble times. As for you, PBH, I'm sure it's down to how much I can get him to eat during the day. He seems to be unable to eat if he's really tired too - screams at me whether it's breast or bottle. It's been going on for a couple of weeks - anyone else had this? From looking at the feeding threads, it seems to be something that sometimes happens for a while at 4-ish months, so I hope that's all it is. I'm so amazed at how different these babies are.

Yup, my 2 did that at 3 months and it got worse at 4 but now they're sleeping through again (from 7.30 to about 6/6.30). Despite not weaning (really must do something about that). It can change so quickly, one week you're desperate, next week it's happy happy happy. Hope it improves for both of you soon, PBH & GBB
Mel, thanks as always! Glad you had such a good night, excellent! Might look at Kaiser as they're a similar design but cheaper then, bit disappointed no buggysnuggles as they're so bright & funky (I have one cow, was going to get another). And bought a double RayShade 2 weeks ago for it, it is utterly ridiculous, I look like I"m pushing a hearse. They're both pale like me and I'm an aussie so worry about the sun a LOT but dont think I can deal with the amount of looks from passing traffic & passersby. They shall just have to have biiiig sunhats, I guess. I have the shade a babe thing but that's even worse. I don't suppose the hood on the new MB is any better so I could justify new covers?
[apologies to non MB owners for that rant...]

Oh, MrsF, remembered today my other top tip - good changing table set-up upstairs AND downstairs. I mean seriously organised as you might be changing a dozen or more nappies a day. I have a cot top changer upstairs over the cot bed and a really decent comfy mat (jelly bean one) on a storage unit downstairs with basket of nappies/wipes/bags next to it. Makes changing a doddle rather than a chore.

AQ i have the new style mountain bggy sunshade with the zips at the front, i love it because i unzip the front bit and tie it up and pull the fabric bit at the front down so they have side and top protection but still can see out and get loads of fresh air in.
i had a rayshade on my last MB double because my oldest didnt like anything enclosing him. i found it very usefull and have two singles for my icandy pear, although i havent used them yet.

the kaiser and alvi muffs are great when they are older because the bottom unzips so muddy feet can stick out.

i agree having two changing stations, i also have a basket for the reusuable nappies that i have already prepared with liners ready to use and LOADS of spare clothes so when they are sick or nappies leak i dont have to go upstairs. i also got some toweling covers for my changing mats from blooming marvellous it makes it nicer for bare bums and i can just pop it in the wash with the nappies.

also for anyone needing some great highchairs at a fantastic price i got mine from here..
www.olivers-baby-care.co.uk/Alpha-Wooden-Highchair-by-Hauck/23pol1188p_reviews.asp#tabs
i have two red ones.
they come with the cushions and you get 5% off for ordering two. they were quick to deliver and really helpful.
i have two stokke tripp trapps for my other children and just couldnt face the amount of money i would spend on another two. the hauck ones are almost the same but i got two delivered with cushions for just over £100, the stokkes would have been £260 for the cheapest price reconditioned ones with baby set and cushions.

Mel, might have to look at the new MB sunshade then as I can't stand the rayshade, it's just too flappy in the wind aside from the looks. I thought I owned enough stuff, Mel but you have everything! I'm looking at swapping my city mini double for a p&t so I can get about a bit more. Am really enjoying being less housebound these last few weeks as DD is taking only 5-10 mins to feed (got her off nipple shields at the weekend yay) and ds3 on bottles. Looking forward to some Easter trips. If only my spd would calm down, I'm limping at the moment but seeing physio this aft.

I use hand towels on the changing mat, bought about 10 as we have 3 changing stations in the house (one for ds2 as well)! I'm amazed how quickly I can dispatch 3 children if the 'station' is setup properly. Whenever I have to do it on the floor it takes such an age.

Thanks for the tips ladies, keep them coming.

Bit of an update from me. Had a scan today and both babies have turned head down! Has really thrown me as I'd really started to get my head around a c-section and now the goal posts have really moved! Good news though.

Soooo tired this week though - sleep at night is sketchy and although I'm napping during the day, I still feel like a zombie in the mornings and I'm not sure if the nap is causing some of the sleeplessness at night problems - should I try to break the cycle, or just keep sleeping when I can?

Hello Ladies

I've not posted here for a while now, will take a little time now to read some of the missed posts, I hope you are all well and DT doing brilliantly

How quickly they grow...we now have a tooth each and the second breaking through, I will miss the gummy smile...

We had our first lunch out yesterday with both boys and to our delight they behaved impeccably, think it was all the attention keeping them amused

AQ i have had a few p&ts they are good (not as good as the MB) try and get a sport if you can as the old E3s are getting rather old now and they are not as good quality as the MB. i have not had a vibe but i have heard the back seat is not as big as the sport. you might want to check that if you go for a vibe.
the sport folds smaller than the E3 because it has an adjustable handle and the back seat reclines so they can sleep in it. i just got rid of mine when i bought the icandy (as DH wouldnt let me have more than 2 buggies) they had the sports on sale on the kiddycare website not long ago, there are also some great bargains on e-bay.

Mel - you reallly are the buggy queen aren't you!

Quick update from us - upped the bottles yesterday as suddenly they were draining every single 4oz bottle!
Nights are still a bit hit and miss - Gwen tends to get up once a night and Nia is still being a tyke and getting up twice...but I sort of think I can see a light at the end of the tunnel as they are taking more milk in the days!

Talking about weaning up there....when are we all thinking about it??

Hi PBH, six months if they are ready, i have bought a job lot of new beakers from a shop on e-bay as they ended up being cheaper than buying new spouts for our old ones. i have been stocking up on pots to put in the freezer as i will be doing quite alot of bulk cooking sessions. i went through loads of freezer trays the first time as they just kept breaking. pots are easier and they will be big enough for twin feeds and they are handy for snacks in packed lunch boxes later on.
we have had a good week so far, dinosaur park on monday, playbarn yesterday. the twins have their injections this morning but we are going for a walk in the woods this afternoon to collect bits for some artwork later.

you are a busy, brave lady mel, no way am I taking my 4 out on my own anytime soon although that is largely because I cannot carry either of the twins in a sling for more than 15 mins without being in agony in case ds2 has a tantrum/gets tired. This SPD is really hacking me off tbh.
Glad things better with yours, pbh, hope the light is still there for you

I started weaning today!! They're 27 weeks . Gave them some roasted carrot sticks. DD very enthusiastic, DS not so but v.cute in their little seats.

Had a very positive appointment at the hospital on Monday - they because both are head down and all is well with me we have an excellent chance of delivering them naturally. The things they would insist on would be continuous monitoring and a managed 3rd stage to reduce risk of maternal haemorrhage, but that I would not have to have an epidural, unless I want one, or labour in theatre. Very pleased as I was not keen on the idea of an epidural (when I screaming for one for pain relief, you are allowed to snigger . So, still waiting and hoping to go into labour spontaneously in the next few weeks. 34+5 now...

That's sounding absolutely fantastic, MrsF, congrats - I was delighted when they told me that at around the same time. I promise I won't snigger, btw - I'm sure somebody didn't have one, was it GBB?

Hey 1st, great news - and nearly there. I did manage without an epidural, I am a yoga fiend and used the breathing I'd learnt in antenatal yoga, it really really helped - along with an enormous amount of entinox . See if you can get them to still let you move around as much as poss - I could still get on a birthing ball and stand up, which made a big difference. My third stage went wrong (understatement, Mars?!) but that's pretty unusual - try to get them to have skin to skin with the babies as this helps with contractions for getting the second one out, then for getting the placenta out. And don't let them tug at the cord!

Hope everyone else is well? We're have a regression with nights, so have started a dream feed and now I'm also having to feed them both once more in the night.I just don't seem to be able to produce enough breastmilk to satisfy them during the day and am trying to minimise formula - not sure how long I'll last though. Still, the babies are gorgeous and well and fascinating, makes it all worthwhile .

I also had a natural birth without an epidural. Just loads of gas and air!! I was monitored but not continuously. As NQSBB advised try and stay as mobile as possible. I was upright for the majority of the labour ans was only on the bed as they were delivered. I loved my labour and actually look back on it as a great day!!! It was fun, so relaxed and just a lovely atmosphere. You can have a twin delivery without loads of intervention just go with you intuition!

NQSBB Mine are no way near sleeping through - still doing 1 or 2 feeds at night but I can still handle it at the moment. Haven't done any formula yet but might introduce an evening bottle in a couple of weeks. My 2 dts are starting to giggle now! Doesn't matter if you have had a day from hell just hearing them giggle makes it aal worth it! Can't belive they are nearly 14 weeks!!

Still here, 35 wks and counting...

Thanks for the encouragement and the tips. I had also read about getting the first one skin to skin or ideally breastfeeding to kick start the contractions for the second, so I'll try to give that a go and I had already decided that the thing to fight for was to be as upright as possible - I am so uncomfortable now on a bed that I can't imagine doing that and having contractions - birthing ball seems the way forward. The midwives I met at antenatal classes did seem quite positive about facilitating upright positions even with continuous monitoring.

1stMrs... one of the problems with being in upright positions and having continous monitoring is that some mws find it difficult to get the 2nd heartbeat and then make you lie down so that they can find it and then keep you there. So... look for the sympathetic mw who doesn't mind fiddling about until she's found both babies.

I think it all sounds good for a normal, vaginal birth so GREAT STUFF!

NQSBB.. without scaring people I'll say you had an interesting third stage and not one I'd recommend. You were blardy brilliant at the birth though. I was so proud! I wish I could get to the bottom of your bfing you know.

Scan today at 36 weeks and they are both breech again!

Don't worry 1st, My twins were flipping about all over the place until they were born, they both settled down in time for a vaginal birth though! How are you doing? The last few weeks are hard aren't they, don't worry it will soon be a distant memory!

Pheonix that's good to hear. They do feel like they are still moving about.

I'm surviving is probably the best I can say - it is really difficult isn't it and no one else can understand! I'm determined to make it to twins club on Tuesday because I'm so desperate to talk to some people who know how I'm feeling!