Twin parenting has some unique challenges. Parenting any child is a monumental task!
Effective positive discipline is so important to raising happy and healthy children. Twins are no different , although you may find your patience doubly-tested, or two completely different personalities to deal with, where one technique works great with one twin, but not at all for the other.
Traveling with twins can be double the fun (or maybe not!)
You'll need support from friends and family!
Why we love twins
There is added stress and a big learning curve as they may tag-team you to test your limits ! Make sure you are taking time for yourself on a daily basis. Make yourself a priority as well If mom's not OK the whole family can fall apart!
There are so many issues to deal with when it comes to twin parenting! Maybe you're concerned with toxins and 'going green' or organic for your twins. Organic Baby Resource is a practical guide to organic baby care. Discover articles about the benefits of organic baby food, skin care, clothing, diapering and more.
Maybe you have some normal concerns about discipline and guiding your children. Dealing with two acting out children at the same time can be overwhelming !
Maybe you're dealing with one or both twins having a disability of some kind. Raising disabled twins is even more of a challenge.
One important difference with twin parenting is to try and not make comparisons. We need to be careful with that as it sets up expectations. Even while I was pregnant I was already deciding which baby slept more, which kicked more. My kids had already decided that the 'girl 'baby was for my daughter and the 'boy' baby was for my son. Twins grow up feeling like they are part of a connecting set - yet they are two whole, complete individuals. When twins are monozygotic - or 'identical' it is more likely that they have a stronger interconnection with each other. ( My twins are fraternal boy and girl. For the purpose of this site I have researched and interviewed parents of identical twins for some perspective. )
Our duty with twin parenting is to help our children develop their independence. Twins have a special attachment to each other which makes this a little different. Raising one year old twins starts to get busy as they are on the move now!
Around age 2 when children normally start to develop their sense of self - twin children have to see themselves as separate from their parents and from each other. Twins are shaped by the unique bonds that they share with each other as well as how we as parents raise them . A lot of twin parenting is how we respect and nurture that bond.
Free Toddlers Activity & Child Discipline Guide!
Free parenting resources to help you use positive parenting in your child’s development, toddlers activities, crafts, games and even in child discipline – Rules for Ratbags!
http://free-toddlers-activity-and-discipline-guide.com
Twin parenting, individuality and the 'bond'
I feel it is important to emphasize individuality - right from the beginning. People who ask always about the 'twins' or about the 'babies' are answered with "Sally is learning to crawl and Sam stood up today."
Names are important to show each as a unique person. Twins are as varied as singleton children. Some wish to be as different as possible and others try to avoid competition and not be different. The differences are more apparent with the twins who are not alike in appearance.
Just wait till you're potty training them !
The best thing I've ever read about twins was from a lady who said "I've never known loneliness". Isn't that amazing? Twins enjoy a close relationship right from their time in the womb. Twin babies ( twinfants) learn to crawl together, nurse and eat together, play and snuggle together ! They follow each other and learn to help and share. They learn from each other - as one masters a skill the other tries. They are truly fascinating to watch. They always have each other for company so for transitions like when mom and dad go out, or bedtime, they always have each other and seem to have much less separation anxiety. They sleep through each other's noise ( which I found so incredible when they were little - one would scream and the other wouldn't even flinch ). They have always been together. Twin parenting means you're a little bit on the outside looking in. You may find some sibling rivalry too.
This little team of two has been together since conception. This gives them a head start on being social little beings ! The bond created between them creates comfort for them as they always have a companion. Even as newborn infants we found if we separated them in the bassinette - there was far more protesting and fussing - if we snuggled them up together they were fine. Twins will hug each other, suck each others fingers, and reach for each other. As parents we let them stay close to each other as much as possible. The one night I spent in hospital after giving birth to them was absolutely miserable as it was 'hospital policy' to put the babies in separate basinettes. Each time I would put them together they would fall asleep and the nurses would come in and split them up again and they'd be screaming. They take care of each other - even as they grow up , they would bring each other things, call mommy for help if needed, and crawl into each other's cribs once able.
It's very interesting to watch the roles within our twins shift back and forth. It's like they are experimenting with the balance in their relationship. A lot of twin parenting in the beginning is just sitting back and watching the relationship form. We have seen as one is the leader and the other the follower, one being a bully and the other a victim, sometimes an equal balance and lots of shifting between the two of them .
Even though they have shared space since being born , they still have to learn to share their toys just like all children do ! As they start to become unique individuals , their preferences for toys, colors , spots at the table etc become defined for them. At our home they have decided on the pink and blue theme - if it's blue - it's Cody's - anything pink - Amy's - although this gets difficult with another daughter wanting the pink things ! Then yellow comes into play - but the twins defined this themselves - probably due to the way most baby blankets, toys etc are colored in one or the other.
Twin talk
Many twins develop their own way of communicating with each other when they're little. We called it twin talk - one baby would babble something in an alien language and the other twin would get up , walk down the hall, come back with a favorite toy or blanket and give it to the other one. They would both seem quite pleased. It went on until they really seemed to have more of a handle on speaking in general. They are almost 3 years old as I write this and I haven't seen the private twin talk that they had as babies in a while. It was fun to watch but I was glad to be able to see their language develop normally. I'd imagine it would be very tricky to be parenting twins who had their own secret language as teenagers !
Some twins continue with this secret language as well as using forms of non-verbal language between the two of them. It is something they choose to do - and it is more frequently seen in monozygotic pairs. Go to Twin Types for more information
Most twins share their bond throughout their lives. It is often more intense than that of a mother and child or husband and wife and has been described as the closest of all bonds. Twinship is especially strong in identical twins who usually remain extremely close through their whole adult lives as well. They are more attached to each other than friendship would indicate. To be able to be successful at twin parenting, I think you do need to take into consideration the bond that exists there - separate from the parents. I feel that bond comes first, and then the bond with the parents which is different yet just as necessary.
Many cultures seek the advice of their elders and honor the “wisdom of the ages.” Mom has much to share and teach about relationships, parenting, money, food, fun, travel and more. Mom's advice
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
How Multiples Are Discovered
How Multiples Are Discovered
Many people learn about their multiples at an early ultrasound. Although some critics say that before twelve weeks gestation there is still a high risk of Vanishing Twin Syndrome (VTS), where one baby stops growing and is either absorbed back into the mother's body or is still born when the other twin is born.
Some people find a rapid rate of grow in their uterus which leads some to suspect twins. I will say, for all of you second timers out there, that your bellies will grow faster than with your first pregnancy, so don't automatically assume twins.
Sometimes multiple heart beats are heard, leading your practitioner to believe that there is more than one bundle of joy in your uterus.
Some women find out when they have abnormally high levels on the AFP test that multiples are on the way, since multiple babies would increase the levels of these hormones. It's also sometimes possible to detect multiples with serial hCG levels in early pregnancy. The more babies the faster the rate of rise in the hCG which should nearly double every 48 hours with a singleton.
About 3% of all twin pregnancies are undetected until birth. It is possible to have an ultrasound and not see the other baby, though rare.
Multiple Pregnancy
Being pregnant with multiples is not necessarily a high risk situation, except when dealing with higher order multiples or specific problems. Someone on the bulletin board phrased it as being "high need." I really think that this is a positive shift away from the technical side. Find a practitioner who is experienced with multiples births, but one who will not panic at every corner.
In general you need to increase the amount of protein that you eat. Protein is the building block of every cell in your body and your babies' bodies. It will help you build a good placenta and a strong amniotic sac. A healthful diet will also help fight against infection.
You will probably see your practitioner more frequently towards the end of pregnancy. You may have more testing than most women during pregnancy, but not always. Some of these might include: non-stress testing, more ultrasounds, etc.
Complications
There can be a higher risk for complications. You will be monitored for the normal complications of pregnancy like high blood pressure, and fetal growth. However, twins and other multiples can have higher incidences of things such as Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), Twin to Twin Transfusion (TTTS), and others. Remember to keep your appointments, watch your diet and do your Fetal Kick Counts.
Multiple Birth
In years past cesarean became popular for multiple births. Now that rate is about 50% for twins, and declining. We've found that vaginal birth is usually very safe for multiples, who frequently need the stimulation and rise in hormones levels associated with labor.
Whether or not you will have a vaginal birth will depend on many factors, including the position of the babies, and how the babies tolerate labor.
If your babies are in a position where neither can move, they are said to be locked. These babies will have to be born via cesarean.
Breech babies really depend on the size of the baby and the skill of the practitioner. Usually if baby A (The first baby in the pelvis.) is head down a vaginal birth will be attempted. If Baby B is breech or transverse an internal or external version may be attempted to help facilitate the birth, or that baby may be allowed to be born breech.
Monoamniotic twins will also be born via cesarean, due to the added risk of cord entanglement.
No matter how your twins were conceived, or how they were born, babies are delightful. Parenting multiples has its special challenges, but it also yields special rewards.
Many people learn about their multiples at an early ultrasound. Although some critics say that before twelve weeks gestation there is still a high risk of Vanishing Twin Syndrome (VTS), where one baby stops growing and is either absorbed back into the mother's body or is still born when the other twin is born.
Some people find a rapid rate of grow in their uterus which leads some to suspect twins. I will say, for all of you second timers out there, that your bellies will grow faster than with your first pregnancy, so don't automatically assume twins.
Sometimes multiple heart beats are heard, leading your practitioner to believe that there is more than one bundle of joy in your uterus.
Some women find out when they have abnormally high levels on the AFP test that multiples are on the way, since multiple babies would increase the levels of these hormones. It's also sometimes possible to detect multiples with serial hCG levels in early pregnancy. The more babies the faster the rate of rise in the hCG which should nearly double every 48 hours with a singleton.
About 3% of all twin pregnancies are undetected until birth. It is possible to have an ultrasound and not see the other baby, though rare.
Multiple Pregnancy
Being pregnant with multiples is not necessarily a high risk situation, except when dealing with higher order multiples or specific problems. Someone on the bulletin board phrased it as being "high need." I really think that this is a positive shift away from the technical side. Find a practitioner who is experienced with multiples births, but one who will not panic at every corner.
In general you need to increase the amount of protein that you eat. Protein is the building block of every cell in your body and your babies' bodies. It will help you build a good placenta and a strong amniotic sac. A healthful diet will also help fight against infection.
You will probably see your practitioner more frequently towards the end of pregnancy. You may have more testing than most women during pregnancy, but not always. Some of these might include: non-stress testing, more ultrasounds, etc.
Complications
There can be a higher risk for complications. You will be monitored for the normal complications of pregnancy like high blood pressure, and fetal growth. However, twins and other multiples can have higher incidences of things such as Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), Twin to Twin Transfusion (TTTS), and others. Remember to keep your appointments, watch your diet and do your Fetal Kick Counts.
Multiple Birth
In years past cesarean became popular for multiple births. Now that rate is about 50% for twins, and declining. We've found that vaginal birth is usually very safe for multiples, who frequently need the stimulation and rise in hormones levels associated with labor.
Whether or not you will have a vaginal birth will depend on many factors, including the position of the babies, and how the babies tolerate labor.
If your babies are in a position where neither can move, they are said to be locked. These babies will have to be born via cesarean.
Breech babies really depend on the size of the baby and the skill of the practitioner. Usually if baby A (The first baby in the pelvis.) is head down a vaginal birth will be attempted. If Baby B is breech or transverse an internal or external version may be attempted to help facilitate the birth, or that baby may be allowed to be born breech.
Monoamniotic twins will also be born via cesarean, due to the added risk of cord entanglement.
No matter how your twins were conceived, or how they were born, babies are delightful. Parenting multiples has its special challenges, but it also yields special rewards.
How Twins Are Made
People are very fascinated with twins and other multiples. It seems mysterious how one pregnancy can result in more than one baby.
Multiple pregnancies are on the rise in recent years with more and more twins and other types of multiples being born. The majority of the reason for this rise is the increased use of fertility drugs.
How Twins Are Made
There are a couple of ways that multiples are conceived:
•Multiple eggs are released or there is more than one ovulation. Both (or more) eggs are fertilized and you have fraternal twins. This can happen with or without fertility drugs.
•One egg is release but splits in two. Identical twins are made. This can happen with or without fertility drugs.
•In cases of IVF, there are usually 3 or more fertilized eggs put back into the uterus. The rationale is that not all of these will implant, though sometimes they do
Once conceived you have a lot of possibilities on placentas, implantation locations, number of amniotic sacs. For example, you can have two babies, two placentas, and two sacs. You can have two babies one placenta, two sacs. It will be important to know exactly what you are dealing with, particularly when it comes to amniotic sacs.
Multiple pregnancies are on the rise in recent years with more and more twins and other types of multiples being born. The majority of the reason for this rise is the increased use of fertility drugs.
How Twins Are Made
There are a couple of ways that multiples are conceived:
•Multiple eggs are released or there is more than one ovulation. Both (or more) eggs are fertilized and you have fraternal twins. This can happen with or without fertility drugs.
•One egg is release but splits in two. Identical twins are made. This can happen with or without fertility drugs.
•In cases of IVF, there are usually 3 or more fertilized eggs put back into the uterus. The rationale is that not all of these will implant, though sometimes they do
Once conceived you have a lot of possibilities on placentas, implantation locations, number of amniotic sacs. For example, you can have two babies, two placentas, and two sacs. You can have two babies one placenta, two sacs. It will be important to know exactly what you are dealing with, particularly when it comes to amniotic sacs.
How to tell if you are pregnant
In order to tell that you are pregnant, learn about your period cycle to confirm your pregnancy. Period cycle length varies from person to person and it is different for every person. When your period cycle starts, your body releases two kind of hormones: luteinising hormone and follicle stimulating hormone. These hormones prepare human body to produce reproductive system in the ovaries. The egg is stored in the ovaries and it starts to fertilize and if you had intercourse between 12 to 15 days after the first end part of the cycle, you can find several symptoms which are possible signs of pregnancy when the egg starts to fertilize.
• No Periods (menstruation): There will be no periods during pregnancy as the fertilization of the egg (fetus) started, which indicates that there is no release of the hormones.
• Breast Enlargement: The size of your breast will grow due to increase in sexual desire and changes in sexual hormonal of the body .
• Vomiting (nausea): Nausea is nothing but morning sickness, which makes the body uncomfortable during pregnancy. Due to non stability in the body conditions, vomiting occurs frequently. This is the most common symptom for the woman during the first part of the fertilization period.
• Tiredness (fatigue): During pregnancy, you will feel tired because of severe hormonal changes in the body. This is the main cause of fatigue and moreover, you have to carry some additional weight due to growing fetus.
• Urination Too Often: Fertilization of the baby grows in the uterus. Generally, there will be some pressure in the bladder which makes you want to visit the bathroom more regularly than usual.
• Gain Weight: Your weight will increased gradually due to the increase in the food intake and increase in the size of the baby.
• Increase In Sexual Desire: Due to dramatic sexual hormonal changes, the body tends to have more sexual desires than before. Generally, women feel moody during their pregnancy stage.
• Loosing Consciousness: During pregnancy, it is common to loose consciousness due to increase/decrease of blood pressure or sugar level and heart rate.
• Back Pain: Due to putting on weight, there are chances of getting back pain as the growing weight tends to move to the front side of the body which puts pressure on the back.
• Burning Sensation: Due to hormonal changes in the body, several kinds of different acids will be released by the stomach which caused a burning sensation to your body.
These are the possible symptoms that may occur during pregnancy. However, there is no guarantee to say that you are pregnant by seeing any of these symptoms. Some women cannot find any of the symptoms mentioned above, yet they are pregnant .
Definite Signs Of Knowing You Are Pregnant:
• Blood Test or Urine Test: Take this test to check out for hormonal changes, blood pressure, heart rate and sugar level to confirm your pregnancy.
• Ultrasound Test: This test is recommended by the doctors to determine your pregnancy status and your pregnancy state. It helps: to know the age and position of the fetus, to know any birth defects, to know development problems in the growing fetus, and to know the formation of crucial organs. Ultrasound test can be performed at any stage and you may take this test during the first trimester or during the second trimester, depending on your blood report.
• No Periods (menstruation): There will be no periods during pregnancy as the fertilization of the egg (fetus) started, which indicates that there is no release of the hormones.
• Breast Enlargement: The size of your breast will grow due to increase in sexual desire and changes in sexual hormonal of the body .
• Vomiting (nausea): Nausea is nothing but morning sickness, which makes the body uncomfortable during pregnancy. Due to non stability in the body conditions, vomiting occurs frequently. This is the most common symptom for the woman during the first part of the fertilization period.
• Tiredness (fatigue): During pregnancy, you will feel tired because of severe hormonal changes in the body. This is the main cause of fatigue and moreover, you have to carry some additional weight due to growing fetus.
• Urination Too Often: Fertilization of the baby grows in the uterus. Generally, there will be some pressure in the bladder which makes you want to visit the bathroom more regularly than usual.
• Gain Weight: Your weight will increased gradually due to the increase in the food intake and increase in the size of the baby.
• Increase In Sexual Desire: Due to dramatic sexual hormonal changes, the body tends to have more sexual desires than before. Generally, women feel moody during their pregnancy stage.
• Loosing Consciousness: During pregnancy, it is common to loose consciousness due to increase/decrease of blood pressure or sugar level and heart rate.
• Back Pain: Due to putting on weight, there are chances of getting back pain as the growing weight tends to move to the front side of the body which puts pressure on the back.
• Burning Sensation: Due to hormonal changes in the body, several kinds of different acids will be released by the stomach which caused a burning sensation to your body.
These are the possible symptoms that may occur during pregnancy. However, there is no guarantee to say that you are pregnant by seeing any of these symptoms. Some women cannot find any of the symptoms mentioned above, yet they are pregnant .
Definite Signs Of Knowing You Are Pregnant:
• Blood Test or Urine Test: Take this test to check out for hormonal changes, blood pressure, heart rate and sugar level to confirm your pregnancy.
• Ultrasound Test: This test is recommended by the doctors to determine your pregnancy status and your pregnancy state. It helps: to know the age and position of the fetus, to know any birth defects, to know development problems in the growing fetus, and to know the formation of crucial organs. Ultrasound test can be performed at any stage and you may take this test during the first trimester or during the second trimester, depending on your blood report.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)