It often takes time to get used to the idea of more than one baby. You will probably have lots of questions. You have come to the right place!
To Help Prepare:
Join
The best place for expectant parents to learn about multiple pregnancy, to meet other’s pregnant with multiples, or get information or support, is through a multiple birth club. Most larger centres in New Zealand have a club. Check them out…..they are really great people!! Normal people – they just have two or three babies – at once! Like you, they used to be scared witless, with a thousand questions and wondering what now!!??? Now they are helping others to adjust, learn and prepare.
Understand
Once the surprise, shock and disbelief have passed, most people then want information. Information on multiple pregnancy is key to making good decisions, caring for yourself and your babies,and working in partnership with your LMC. The Multiples NZ and clubs have a range of free information for members.
– Information freely available via club and Multiples NZ membership include:
Successfully growing, birthing, feeding, sleeping and caring for two or more babies is logistically very different to one baby. Planning ahead will help you feel a greater sense of control, and therefore lower your stress levels. However, holding your plans lightly, being flexible, and aware that this plan may have to change due to your or your babies health, is also vital if you want to avoid disappointment. Multiple pregnancy is inherently less predictable than a singleton pregnancy and learning the needs of two or more young babies can take time. So, be kind to yourself!
Things Think About:
- Older Children
- Feeding
- Sleeping – Babies, and YOU!
- Neonatal Unit
- Equipment – nappies, buggies, cots and all that STUFF!
- Getting Out and About
- Setting Up Your Home
- Organising Helpers
All these topics are addressed in our Resource Booklets. For a free copy join a club today or buy here.
Pregnancy
For all pregnancy related issues, firstly talk to your LMC.
For concerns about your midwifery care, contact the NZ College of Midwives, or your local DHB.
For questions about complex health issues for your unborn babies contact the Maternal Fetal Medicine Network.
For advice regarding care concerns or any other multiple birth issue contact the Multiples NZ, .
Even if you live in an isolated area, there is no reason to feel alone. You can join our community as soon as multiples are diagnosed, and remain a member as long as you wish.
Join our Facebook Group today to meet others expecting multiples in your area.
