Twin Talks

Have you ever wondered what it's like to parent more than one set of twins? It's rare that twin parents become twin parents again, but it certainly happens. Today we're chatting with three mamas who have given birth to at least two sets of twins. How did their birth experiences differ from one another? How did their lives change when they realized they were having another set? And how in the world are they able to survive those first few years?

You've heard the phrase "Hollywood Loves Twins", but why? Are you twins really at an advantage in getting acting and modeling jobs when compared to singletons? How do you find the right talent agency and do you even need one? What should you expect when it comes to auditioning and getting jobs? Today we're talking with experienced twin moms who's kids have been working in the entertainment industry for years.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome comes without warning and has no known causes. So, how does SIDS specifically impact twins? Why are twins typically considered to be at greater risk? You'll hear firsthand from a mother who lost one of her twins to SIDS, and a SIDS awareness advocate shares what parents do to minimize potential risk factors and keep their babies safe.

Having one or both of your twins in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit can be an overwhelming experience. You anticipate the day when you can finally bring them home with you. What determines when your babies are released from the NICU? What kind of training will you receive before you leave? And what does outpatient care typically look like?

You're shocked to learn you're pregnant with twins! Just as the news settles in, your doctor tells you he can no longer find a heartbeat on one of your babies. This is known as vanishing twin syndrome. What actually causes the loss of an embryo and when does it typically happen? And what could this mean for your surviving twin? 

Twins are rarely two for the price of one, especially when it comes to their birthday parties. So, what are some smart ways to cut back on spending and still plan for a great event? Today we're partnering with our friends at Twiniversity to share with you some great strategies for planning twin birthday parties on a budget!

As your twins grow, they may develop differently than one another. So, how do you know if they're still on track with the physical development? How do milestones for premature twins differ from full-term twins? And what basic movements and physical activity should you expect from your babies during the first year?

Twin births are definitely on the rise, mainly as a result of the increased use of fertility treatments. How do common treatments such as Clomid, or in-vitro fertilization contribute to this rise in multiple births? What new medical advancement is resulting in fewer embryo transfers with a higher singleton success rate? And what are many fertility specialists not telling their patients when it comes to conceiving multiple babies?

Each child has his own breastfeeding style and needs, which can make weaning your twins more of a challenge. Who typically makes the decision and how? Is it possible to still breastfeed one twin and wean the other? Plus, does the concept "don't offer, don't refuse" really work for twins?

As twins babies get older, positioning, timing and breastfeeding in general can become easier. How is breastfeeding older twins different than breastfeeding newborns? What are some practical positions for this age range? What about distractibility and its impact on routine and schedule? Plus, our panelists share their most challenging moments breastfeeding their twins and how they handled it.

Breastfeeding twins can be overwhelming, but with a little planning and some great props, you'll be amazed at what you can accomplish. What are some great positions to try with your newborns and how can these positions evolve over time? What about tandem nursing and the challenges of latching and nursing two babies at the same time? Plus, the pros and cons of keeping your babies on a feeding schedule.

Breastfeeding twins can be challenging, especially when the babies are late preterm. What are some of the ways these babies behave differently? What should you know before attempting to tandem nurse? Plus, some great advice for managing triple feedings: breastfeeding, supplementation and pumping.

Having a tough time telling your identical twins apart? You're not alone. Or perhaps you're looking for ways to allow other people to tell your twins apart more easily. Moms of identical twins share what strategies worked for them as well as their own insecurities of making the mistake themselves.  

Shopping for two babies typically takes more effort than shopping for one baby, but do you really need twice the stuff? How can twin parents take advantage of good deals in their own community? What are some great online resources when searching for discounts? And will major retailers really send you free product simply because you had two babies at the same time?

How do you know if your twins are ready to start preschool? What special considerations should parents of twins consider? Plus, tips for making the transition as smooth as possible.