Twins - Double The Trouble Or Double The Pleasure? Both!

If You're Having Twins..is it double the headache, or double the joy? Probably both!

What Causes Twins?
The number of twins is on the increase, probably because of IVF treatment where more than one fertilised egg is placed in the womb.

Of the non-IVF twins, there are two causes:

So, you found out from your ultrasound scan that you are expecting twins. How do you know if they will be identical? Do you have to wait until they are toddlers before this is apparent? Maybe.

Firstly a boy/girl pair are not identical. If your scan reveals two babies of the same sex, you need to find out whether there is one or two placentas: if there's one, your twins are probably identical; two placentas and the jury's still out. Even after birth you still may not know. Again, a single placenta places the odds heavily in favor of identical twins, two placentas either fused or separate are inconclusive; the only way then to get the answer is through a DNA test, or you can wait until they start to grow up.

Feeding Twins
In the first few days you will think this is impossible. It is possible to breastfeed two babies but a bottle is easier, especially if you have help. It is also easier to monitor how much each baby has taken if you use a bottle.But you probably want to breastfeed because it is better for your babies. It can take several weeks before your breasts produce sufficient milk, so a combination of your milk and a formula feed may be necessary until your milk production gets up to speed. Try to feed both babies at once otherwise you will be at it non-stop.

Raising Twins
There's no denying it's hard work. According to Tamba, the Twins and Multiple Births Association, twins should be encouraged to achieve a sense of individuality. To this end don't dress them in matching clothes, if you are given matching clothes as a gift try to ensure they wear their identical outfits on different days. Ask family and friends to send individual cards and presents, and try not to refer to them as 'the twins'.

It has been known for many years that twins' language is about six months behind their peers. They talk later and in shorter sentences. This can lead to reading difficulties later and problems when they start school. You can help by ensuring that you find time to talk and read to them, individually if possible as if you talk to them as a pair the dominant one will respond and the other may just opt out. If you can't find the time or energy for a bedtime read, play them a story tape.

Above all, try to raise two individuals. There's a story of one mom who took her two boys to nursery: one was asked what his name was and his reply was 'Michael and John'! Sad.

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Author: Tony and Katy Luck who have a website about raising babies.

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