5 Things to Expect Immediately After You’re Expecting Twins

Last updated on May 7th, 2024 at 08:49 am

As a first-time parent, I did my best to digest as much information as humanly possible. I read blogs, books, and websites to best prepare myself for my c-section twin birth. I invited friends to tell me all the details of their birth experiences and I truly felt that I was mentally prepared. Boy was I wrong! I quickly discovered there are some aspects of birth and the days that follow that moms just don’t want to talk about. Some feel uncomfortable discussing these issues, others develop a sense of amnesia that truly astounds me.

Here it is mamas-to-be! The top 5 things to expect immediately after you’re expecting twins!

1. Everyone Sees EVERYTHING

When I first thought about delivering our babies, my mind was filled with images of a supportive nurses, my caring husband, and tear-filled joy as I met my boys for the first time. Well ladies, the movies have fooled us again. Things immediately seemed different as we checked into triage at the hospital, and I was checked out by the first nurse, then another, and another. Eventually, I was moved to another floor as we waited for C-section prep to take place. We were in the hospital for 14 hours before the surgery. Through this process, we were seen by no less than a dozen nurses coming in for this or that. Don’t get me started on the lovely hospital gowns you are dressed in to make each exam as quick as possible. By the time you actually have your children, it’s amazing how many nurses/doctors/medical students have seen it ALL! During my next few days in the hospital, I even mentioned to my nurse how “terrible” her job must be as she was taking out my catheter. She smiled and quickly responded, “but think about the babies!” I shook my head in disagreement. I have never felt so relaxed about the state of my body. As a relatively modest person, I no longer cared who was around when I pumped or nursed my boys. Thanks childbirth!

2. You Might Feel Like a CRAZY person…this Is Normal!

For the first week after having my twin boys, I would often google phrases like: “Do I have Post-Partum Depression?” or “Post Partum Anxiety Signs” only to see that self-diagnosing probably wasn’t the safest course of action. I felt nuts. I would often cry for no reason, and couldn’t quite grasp the changes that had occurred to our family in an instant. I was overwhelmed, unsure of my emotions, and felt extremely vulnerable. I decided that if things didn’t get better by my two-week postpartum OB/GYN appointment, I would discuss further with my doctor. Luckily, a week and a half after having my boys, I woke up a new woman. I was ready to tackle the day ahead, get myself dressed, and cried significantly less. At my appointment later that week, my doctor asked me, “Crying for no reason?” “Yes!” I nearly shouted. “Ever want to harm yourself or the boys?” she continued. “Not at all.” Now I felt confused. “That’s terrifically normal,” she insisted. The hormonal changes your body goes through immediately after birth are intense and dramatic. That being said, it never hurts to contact your doctor if you’re concerned.

3. 2nd Night Shenanigans

Our sweet baby boys were born late on a Wednesday. Once we got back to our hospital room at 3 am, we were wiped. The boys were taken to the nursery and we got some rest. The second night, we were excited at the new challenge of keeping our little ones in the room with us. Oh did we get more than we bargained for! Apparently, the second night out of the womb babies turn into screaming hyenas who will do anything except let you sleep. When we eventually calmed one baby down, the second would wake up to start fretting. We were at a loss. Know you are not alone! Apparently our wombs were quite lovely and by night 2 our babies just want to be back inside.

4. Baby’s First Final exams….and What if They Don’t Pass!?

In the days after birth, babies go through a great deal of tests. Their first few minutes your child’s APGAR score is determined. If any of the measurements are too low, they are further observed to ensure that everything is ok. The next few days are filled with various vaccines, blood sugar tests, hearing tests and more! Most babies have no problems through these, but as a mom, your worrying never ends! One of my boys failed his hearing test the first time it was administered. The next day, when the audiologist came back, she looked around the room, and asked us to place our mylar balloons in the hall. Apparently, the balloons can interfere with the signals being sent to your child and give a false reading. As my little one took the second test, I couldn’t help but worry about another failed test. Luckily, once the balloons were out of the room our little guy passed!

5. Going Home

Finally, you’ve made it! It’s time to go home and begin your new (and much more exciting) life! As you pack up, try to stay as calm as possible and focus on your new bundles of joy. It’s normal to feel completely overwhelmed by the changes. I looked at my husband 15 minutes before we left and said “Can you believe they’re going to let us take two babies home?!” On our way home from the hospital, I sat between my boys in the backseat, as my husband insisted on driving slightly under the speed limit. Now, 4 months in, I couldn’t imagine life without my boys!

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• When Should I Pack My Hospital Bag and Install Car Seats?
• Should I Allow Hospital Visitors After Having Twins?
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