Coping with Multiples

If you came home from the hospital with more than one baby, the next few months can be overwhelming. But a little planning can help make the transition to life with your babies an easier one. Here are some tips:

Ask for help. Line up the help of family and friends. Extra hands can help give you the time you need to get to know your babies and to recover from delivery.

Rest. Chances are, your babies—and you—won’t be sleeping through the night for at least a few months. Be sure to take advantage of the babies’ nap times during the day to get some rest.

Get on a schedule. Try to get your babies on the same schedule for feeding and sleeping. It may take some time and coaxing, but it will make life easier for you. Creating a daily routine for other tasks, such as walks, changing diapers, and bath time, may be helpful as well. A wall chart can help you keep track of each baby’s needs, especially if others are helping.

Be patient if you’re breast-feeding. Breast-feeding multiples takes a bit more patience and persistence, but it can be done. A lactation specialist can help with technique.

Spend time with each baby. Spend time bonding with each of your babies individually and encourage your partner to do the same. Try to get into the habit of referring to them by their individual names, rather than calling them “the twins” or “the triplets.” This will help you think of them as individuals and give them a sense of their own identity as they grow.

Take time for other children. If you have other children, make sure you spend some one-on-one time with them too.

Join a support group. Look for local groups for parents of multiples. Talking with other parents who are going through the same experience can be helpful.