So, you or someone you know is expecting twins? Congrats!
Whether want to buy a book for someone expecting twins or you are expecting yourself, this reading list is for you!
News of twins is many things: shocking, joyful… stressful. Two babies bring double the joy, but ten times the work! If you’re here reading this, I’m guessing you’re on a mission to learn everything you can to be fully prepared for multiple blessings.
NO, you don’t have to read anything.
I totally get it. Raising kids isn’t rocket science. People have been doing it successfully for generations with the guidance of friends and family… and without guidebooks. I’ve heard from plenty of MoMs that they didn’t read a single thing while they were pregnant. And that’s totally fine!
BUT…
…if you are a Type-A planner like me, keep reading.
I’ve compiled a list of books that I found helpful when I was expecting twins. I’ve also consulted with some of my MoM friends to get their recommendations, feedback, and reviews as well. If you’re a planner like me, or you just want to get a better sense of what to expect with more than one baby, you’re going to LOVE these resources!
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When You’re Expecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads
Preparing for twins involves so much more than preparing for what happens after they arrive. A multiples pregnancy is different from a singleton pregnancy in so many ways. Start off on the right foot by doing everything you can to have a healthy pregnancy and healthy babies!
On that note, adjust your mindset now and accept that this is literally the only time in your life where your top priority is to gain a ton of weight. Everything is more complicated with a multiples pregnancy: finding the best qualified doctor, what (and how much to eat), when to quit exercise (no matter how much you work out now), and everything in between.
I read this book from cover to cover. It was a refreshing, humorous, and helpful account of one woman’s twin journey with practical advice. If you are a planner, type-A, or have a competitive personality, then this book is for you!
Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Twins
This isn’t a book I personally read, but it comes highly recommended from my MoM’s group. I cannot over-emphasize the importance of sleep. Stress is so greatly magnified by lack of sleep, and you know you are going to be sleep-deprived in those first weeks and months. By having a plan in place, that can help eliminate any unnecessary added stress and show you that there is a light at the end of the tunnel: Baby sleeping through the night!
This is a great book for dads that could easily be read in a day.
Not that dads can’t read any of the books above. BUT… If you want to make an over-broad generalization, women tend to be “planners.” Plus, some analytic thing that I don’t understand told me that like over 90% of my blog readers are women. So, typically my posts are geared toward women readers. Enough about that…
Double Trouble for Anna Hibiscus
If your twins aren’t your first children, these are two great books to get big brother or sister ready!
Don’t forget about Facebook!
One of the best resources over the past few years has been Facebook. I know, Facebook can be full of drama, negativity, people who are way too emotionally attached to their political views, and “perfect” family photos from people who probably don’t have a picture-perfect family life. But hear me out on this one.
Many metropolitan areas or geographic regions have meeting groups just for MoMs. I’m sure these groups are great, but it just wasn’t practical for me to attend.
I am, however, a member of a Facebook just for MoMs in the Twin Cities area (Minneapolis/St. Paul). It is AMAZING! MoMs can share questions, MoM-specific concerns (or rants) that non-MoMs just don’t get, or even post items for sale (twins are expensive, people!). You wouldn’t believe the insight that other MoMs have to share. It’s an online nurse-line, parenting expert resource, and support group all rolled into one.
You don’t have to post frequently, and feel free to participate as much or as little as you want. I rarely post, but often follow along with other people’s questions and concerns – you would be surprised how many other moms worry about the same stuff you do!
There are dad’s groups out there as well, so make sure to check those out.
Now that You’ve Read These great Books…
you are probably wondering what to buy.
Last year, I decided to put together a little shopping guide based on my experience as a MoM. You can click the image below to read my suggestions of what to but (and how many) as well as what to skip.
