top tips for surviving newborn twins

When I was expecting my twins, I remember searching for someone or some article to tell me the secret to getting through the newborn days with twins. As I’ve learned, that secret doesn’t exist. It’s hard. So hard. But these are all little things that helped me get through the first few weeks with multiples.

make a mental health plan

Did you know that having multiples makes you 43% more likely to suffer from a perinatal mental health disorder? Make protecting and checking on your mental health a priority. Find a local parent / baby support group; find a multiples support group; and find a postpartum support therapist before your babies arrive. And assign a few people that you know and trust to check on you (like, really check on you, not just ask if you’re good.)

get help

Having people support you and help take care of your babies will make the first few weeks easier to survive. Many twins are required to feed on a 2 - 3 hour schedule for longer than a singleton baby, so you’ll need someone (or many someones) to help with the diaper changes (and maybe bottles or feeding tubes.) You’ll need rest, so they can hold babies while you eat, sleep, and shower.

And be up front with your helpers. It’s extra important to be safe with preemies who are at higher risk for illnesses like RSV. Ask them to change into fresh clothes when they arrive, wash their hands, and avoid kissing babies or touching their hands and face.

feed them at the same time

A newborn feeds a minimum of 8 times each day. If you feed them at different times, you’ll never get a break. You can feed them at the exact same time nursing or bottle feeding. You can also feed them 15 - 30 minutes apart. It’s easier to follow if you feed baby A first and baby B second. If you need support for feeding, get support from a lactation consultant or educator.

The only twin item I ever recommend is a twin pillow for feeding or lounging like the Twin Z. (You can also use two single pillows, but when you’re exhausted or your toddler is your helper, it’s easier to set up one pillow.)

don't buy two of every thing

Other than car seats and crib (or other places to sleep,) you don’t need two of everything. I had one of most items from my first child, and if I needed another, I could borrow or buy one (or I asked my local Buy Nothing group.) Buying two of every baby item will waste money and make you feel overwhelmed by stuff.

let go of expectations

Or maybe I should say manage them (or lower them.) In the first few weeks, don’t make plans to entertain people or have a party like a sip-and-see. You should expect to just be feeding your babies, bonding with them, and resting and healing. Even just doing that will be exhausting. Let go of the expectations to bounce back and let yourself be in this difficult (but short) season.

avoid comparisons

Twins bring out the comparisons. I often find myself feeling guilty when I compare my experience with my first versus my twins. Or comparing my relationship with each twin. Or comparing my experience to others. Give yourself a little grace if you find yourself doing this. But we are all doing the best we can. So remind yourself not to compare your twins or children to others; they’re all their own unique individuals.

make time for you

This might seem impossible at times. But aim for a bit of time each day to be you. The constant cycle of feeding babies and changing diapers can quickly lead to burn out.

get help

This is just a reminder. Get a plan in place for help (or hire a postpartum doula who can help you make a plan. )

Want guidance on how to prepare for twins? Set up a Prenatal Planning meeting with me today! Or let’s spend the day together organizing and making you feel extra confident with a Ready for Baby in a Day VIP intensive.

Hi! I'm Gigi; I'm a postpartum doula, mother to three toddlers, including twins, and a wife to my high school sweetheart. I’m a #swiftie who loves cheesy novels.

As a former teacher, I bring realistic, evidence-based, and actionable advice (and LOTS of handouts.) I help families get the tools they need to prepare, so once baby arrives, they can focus on resting and bonding instead of researching or stressing. I’m here to streamline the newborn learning curve and help birth parents, partners, and other family members. There isn’t ONE way to have and raise a little human. I’m here to guide parents to find THEIR way so that they can thrive in the fourth trimester and beyond.

• Ready to learn how to create an actionable postpartum plan?

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Then learn about my prenatal planning services here!