Finding out you are pregnant is a shock enough, finding out later on in your pregnancy that you are pregnant with twins can be mind boggling. Speaking from experience (I have twin girls), I have written down the top 10 tips which helped me drag myself through those first few groggy weeks of motherhood.

1. It may sound harsh (and seem unnatural) but wake your babies to get them into a routine of feeding every 3-4 hours (depending on their birth weight). This way you will get into a pattern quicker and be able to grab some much-needed sleep yourself in the first few weeks. When they are strong enough to hold their heads and sit in a bouncy chair (and if you are bottle feeding), position yourself between them on the floor and feed them both at the same time! If breast feeding, attempt – if help is at hand – to tandem feed, i.e. a baby on each breast at the same time. I found a v-pillow invaluable in the short time I tandem fed.

2. If breast feeding, write down which baby had which boob and how long they fed for. If bottle feeding write down how many mls each baby had and when. Do the same with what you find in their nappies, i.e. if they are wet or dirty. It may sound silly but when you are tired you will forget which twin did a poo and which one you fed last!

3. Swaddle your babies. They may look like Egyptian mummies but they really do feel more secure and sleep better as a consequence! When you feel they want to stretch a little more move them into a Grobag. There are many baby sleeping bags on the market but Grobags are the only brand recommended by FSID.

4. Keep a supply of nappies, wipes and nappy sacks in the rooms most used in your house, i.e. the babies’ bedroom and the sitting room. This will save both time and energy (very important if you have had a c-section).

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