Finding out you're pregnant is joyous enough. Finding out you're expecting twins is double-joy! Well, maybe. Especially if you're a first-time mom, knowing you are going to have two little bundles of joy in your life may well be wonderful and exciting, but double joy can extend to double trouble, as the road ahead isn't going to be an easy one. With double the diapers, double the crying, and double nearly everything else, it's going to be a bumpy ride. Still, it will be totally worth it, as any mom will testify too.

Here are some practical tips to help you on your way.

Double up on your shopping essentials

It's time to get your shopping list in order, though if you're having a baby shower, you might want to add a few items to your wish list too. You are going to need to double up on everything, and this includes diapers, clothes, and car seats. Some items are purpose-made for twins, so be on the lookout for feeding cushions, baby buggies, and baby carriers that are designed for two. If you're breastfeeding, you can make your life easier with a double breast pump, though if you're bottle feeding, be sure to double up on bottles and formulas. And for your diaper needs and any other carriable items, such as baby food, bibs, and wipes, ensure you pick up a spacious diaper bag for both home and outdoor use. There are some excellent examples here; https://www.innerparents.com/best-diaper-bags-for-twins/. There's going to be an expense, but you may be able to pick up some items on sites such as Swapbabygoods.com or from any moms you might know, so don't worry too much about breaking the bank.

Get as much support as you can

We're sure you're going to be Supermom, but that doesn't mean you won't need any help. Your partner should be your first port of call but don't forget your in-laws and your own parents, who will be only too glad to help, we're sure. There are often support groups for parents with twins too, so for the sake of some experienced advice, get along to any that are running in your area. Consider hiring home help too. We advocated the services of an au pair in the article we posted here, /2019/04/29/help-with-home-life/, as this can be more cost-effective than paying for a childminder or hiring a nanny. That extra pair of hands will be invaluable, especially when you need to take a break, or if you want to go back to work after maternity leave is over. And if you have any friends or neighbors who are keen to lend you a hand, be that to help look after your children or to give you practical support with your home duties, snap up their offers of help to make your life easier.

Sort out a sleeping schedule for your twins

You know you're going to be sleep deprived; it's part and parcel of being a mom. But to avoid being interrupted constantly throughout the day and night, you should try to create a sleep schedule where your children wake-up and sleep at roughly the same time. This will stop you getting up and down like a yo-yo, and might even give you a chance to get more sleep too. Visit https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/baby-care/setting-up-your-twins-sleep-schedule for some excellent advice on how to set up an effective sleeping schedule.

Finally

We hope these tips have been useful to you, but there are plenty of helpful resources online, so do a Google search for further advice and guidance. Let us know if you have any other tips for expectant moms too, especially if you have already experienced the joys of having twins in your life.

Take care, and thanks for reading.