So you just found out you’re pregnant with twins. Now what? Hearing the news that you are pregnant with two babies is bound to stir up a variety of emotions. Just as in any parenting experience, there will be periods of immense joy mixed with periods of intense challenge.

During this three-part blog series, local twin parents: Sarah, Laura, and Amy share their tips for surviving the fourth trimester (and beyond) with twins. From their favorite resources and baby accessories to who their village consists of, they’ll give us an idea of how their family uniquely does life with twins. How do you navigate going out in public with not one, but two babies?! Grocery shopping— how?! Does the laundry ever get done? Do you have more than 5 minutes a day to yourself?

We interviewed multiple families because we are all about options. Take the advice that makes the most sense to you, and leave the rest! Every family is different and trial and error may be your best friend in the coming months (years)!

Today we're taking a peak into Amy’s life with twins.

Amy Griffith is a mom of 4 including 2-year-old twins! She’s generally at home, managing her circus, or escaping the mayhem where she teaches prenatal and postnatal yoga at yogaErie. She has also created her own Pre/Postnatal yoga DVD's that can be found at ExercisingBalance.com. She absolutely loves supporting moms on their journey from pregnancy to postpartum and beyond. Amy says: “Community is a powerful part of motherhood!”

We always hear that “it takes a village.” What was the most useful thing for friends/family to help with?

YES! This is everything! You cannot do it all yourself. Asking for and accepting help when offered is huge for your mental and emotional well-being.  Get used to saying "yes" when someone offers help.

At the newborn stage, having help with dinners was amazing. I relied greatly on help with my 2 older children. I needed more time after my twin pregnancy and birth to recover. Resting and being there for the babies was my main focus.

Grandparents, neighbors, friends and Northwest PA Doulas were usually around to help with the kids. While they were there, someone almost always tidied up, put in or folded a basket of laundry, emptied wastebaskets, etc... It was “all hands on deck!”

Was it hard for you to ask for help? Why or why not? 

I've learned to ask for help. The birth of our second child really emphasized the importance of this.  Then, when the twins came along? You don't need a much louder message than that. "Amy, do you need some help?" "YES!”

What are your favorite things to do for self-care?

Nap. Nap. Nap. Twins are exhausting.  Adorable, amazing and exhausting. I've never napped so much in my life.  I've stopped the guilty self-talk that says I should accomplish this or that during the babies’ nap-time.  If my body is telling me to rest, that gets moved to the top of the list.

If I'm feeling rested enough, I love moving my body through yoga or walking outdoors. A nice shower or a coffee date with a friend are also parts of my self-care practice. Self-care has become a practice of simple, happy-making moments. It doesn't have to be grand and involved.

Share your favorite postpartum recovery tip.

REST. Nourishing food. Help with household tasks plus caring for older children.

Favorite twin resources (websites, stores, social media groups, etc.)?

• Book for pregnancy - When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads 

• Facebook group - Naturally Parenting Twins 2.0

• Twiniversity.com

• Other twin mamas!

Share your favorite twin accessories. 

• TwinZ nursing pillow

• Twingo Babywearing Carrier

• 2 Ergo carriers used for 1 front carry and 1 back carry

Twin sleep tips… what worked for you?

Hilarious, because I'm currently typing this as I try to get the twins back to sleep. We've been up since 4:30 am... (*slow blink) They're 29 months and have recently been waking up very early. 

I have used a gate across their door to keep them contained in their room. I go back every few minutes to say "Goodnight. Time for sleep" then leave.  I would suggest that whatever sleep technique you're using, remain calm and consistent about it.

We co-slept for the first 6 months, then had separate rooms for the babies. We brought them into the same room around 20 months. We're all still figuring it out.  Do what works for you and your family. That will always be the right decision.

Feeding your twins… what worked for you?

For breastfed twins, I highly recommend the TwinZ nursing pillow. I drank Earth Mama Organics Milkmaid Tea if I needed a boost in my milk supply. If you're breastfeeding, continue to trust your body and your babies. The three of you will learn what works for you as you go! I'm cheering you on!

Bathing your twins… what worked for you?

Have help :) We did sink baths for a long time, but I don't think I ever bathed the twins by myself when they were little. Personally, I don't think they need many baths. I guess it depends on the severity of the diaper blow-out, hahaha!

Going out in public with twins… what worked for you?

I have come to accept that going out with mobile twins is just too exhausting and stressful.  I also understand that these seasons are temporary.

We went out with the babies in their carriers clipped into a double stroller when they were tiny. I also lived with the double Ergo carriers when I had the ability to wear them if we were out. Or, I would wear one baby, hubby/grandma/friend would wear the other.

Once they became mobile and didn't like to be contained, I really didn't take them out as much. They're 29 months now and we're just starting to explore (loud, kid-friendly) restaurants.

I had a fellow twin mama tell me, you probably won't be able to do all of the events and classes with the twins that you did with your singletons, and that's okay. The social schedule will come back, it might just take a little longer. Acceptance of this has helped me tremendously.

How has your life changed in a positive way since having twins? 

Watching their relationship develop is always amazing. That first time they smile at each other, hold hands, hug, kiss, say "brother", "love you"… it makes your heart explode! It's also beautiful to see them as individuals and recognize they both have their own personal preferences. My boys continue to teach me so much.

What was the most challenging part about having newborn twins? 

My physical recovery during postpartum was the most challenging aspect for me. My body felt pretty wrecked and it took all of the patience, gentleness and love to remind myself that I just needed more time to heal. No expectations or timeline. Patience. Patience. Patience.

Most surprising part about being a twin parent? 

How busy they are and how strong I've become. Strong in the ways that parents understand.

Share some words of encouragement for new twin parents. 

"You're doing everything right." This quote sticks with me when I doubt myself, when I feel like I'm failing, when I'm defeated. Trust that if you come back to recognizing that your twins are safe and loved, you're doing everything right.

Also, "You don't have to love every moment." Feel what you need to feel and know that we all have rough days, weeks, months. The good thing is... they're temporary. The tough moments will not last forever. If we look for them, there are always sparkles of light in there too.

Finally, "YOU'RE DOING AN AMAZING JOB!"

Recommendations From The Doulas:

Twiniversity- Twin Resource and Support Network

TwinGo Baby Carrier

TwinZ Nursing Pillow

The Willow Pump: Wearable breast pump that fits inside your bra.

Local Private Chef: Lisa Heidelberg for Nutritious Meals

Local Business: Super Suppers- Healthy Grab n Go Meals- Gift Cards Available

MealTrain.com- Where your friends/family can sign up to bring you dinner!

GrubHub.com- Order online from local restaurants

Grocery Pickup Services at Wegmans, Giant Eagle, & Walmart

SUPPORT. SUPPORT. SUPPORT.

Your partner, family, friends, postpartum doula, fellow twin parents, community.

Accept help every time it is offered. Anticipate that you will need help and make a postpartum plan!

Tell your support team exactly how they can help you. Examples include: setting up a meal train, helping with chores, helping with older siblings, running errands, holding babies while you nap/shower, assisting with feeding babies, bathing babies, etc.

You can do this! Over time, you’ll find what works best for your family and gain confidence in your twin parent skills! Chrissy and Mariah have seen multiple (get it?!) twin moms absolutely master caring for their babies with a mix of time, patience, and support. You are the expert on your family and your babies.

Be gentle with yourself and take each day as it comes.  While it can be tempting to try to plan for everything, focus on the present while being aware of things that might come up in the future. There is enough to take care of everyday without stressing when they are three days old about what preschool they will attend.

Check out Part One for Sarah’s Tips!

Check out Part Two for Laura’s Tips!