(2009) Twins/ Triplets/ Multiples mummies to be

Having twins means double the trouble but twice the fun too. :)

After battling a whole host of problems that came along with my sweet little twin girls, here's my advice to all mummies-to-be of multiples:

(1) Get your husband involved. Remind him (everyday!) that these are his children too. He needs to know that you'll need him to help out (a lot!) and that he'll need to take on some babycare duties too! My husband didn't quite understand that and the first few weeks were hell for me as I struggled to juggle housework and caring for the girls at the same time. It also has meant that, till today, he hasn't got a clue how to prepare their formula milk or change their diapers... and has no interest in learning how.

(2) Get the rest of your family involved (if you can). If not, get a maid early. You're gonna need a lot of extra pairs of hands. But be careful who you select. Make sure this person shares your feelings and beliefs about childcare (or, at least, follows them). My mum-in-law helped me with the girls for the first few months and she was great at teaching me how to feed and care for the babies, but it also became blatantly obvious, as the weeks went by, that she and I had entirely different parenting styles - when the babies cried, she yelled at them, while I cuddled them. It's still a source of contention and friction in the family today...

(3) Don't expect too much of yourself. I tried to breastfeed both my girls simultaneously. But I just couldn't manage it. So, if both girls were hungry at the same time, my mum-in-law bottlefed one of them, while I breastfed the other. We always swopped at the next feeding to make sure that both of them got some breastmilk daily. :)

(4) Remember that it's okay to cry. But get help if you can't stop. I had horrible post-natal depression and the fact that nobody in my family understood what I was going through didn't help one bit. Fortunately, I finally snapped out of it when the girls were 6 months old, but the emotional damage had been done by then and I've never really been able to bond with my girls, even now. I'm fond of them but they've never really felt like 'my' babies... And I'm still much more comfortable in the office than at home.

(5) Always tell yourself that it'll get more fun later on. It will! :)
 


hi mummies here... i am from feb 2008 just dropping by to say that i am really very impressed that you all can cope with 2 or 3 babies at one time!!! I salute all of u!!!

Jia you.. really enjoy reading some of ur blogs ( hope u all dun mind).

Inspire me to have a set of twins too.. erm.. dun think i can cope with triplets.. :p

3 in a pod.. update more of ur GEMs so cute!! and other mummies too!
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Hello mummies, I'm expecting triplets and in my 21 week. now i'm feeling very very heavy. (looks like those abt to give birth for singleton). Previously when did you all start being on leave nearing the birth of your babies?

Is there anyway to make it better such as wearing a maternity belt? If yes, which one is better? Thanks....
 
Hi ladies

I have not been online for the longest time...coz busy with my new home reno...

(I know I m not supposed to be involved in reno works but I just had to be involved in a lot of decision-making)

I m currently 22 weeks preggie with my identical twin gals...

I just did my detailed scan and was asked to do another one yesterday coz one of my twin measurements are smaller than the normal range...

The smaller one started out small since I got preggie and although she is still growing, their weight gap is increasing...now their weight is 510g and 440g respectively...

The specialist discovered that the membrane separating the babies is giving more space to the big one.. (my pregnancy is monchorontic, meaning both babies sharing same water sac)...may be the reason why one is big and one is small...

Specialist says have to keep a close monitoring on their growth...so I m scheduled another detailed scan in 4 weeks...(really expensive...)

For those who are expecting twins or have given birth to twins, did you have this problem of one bigger and one smaller?

Very worried...especially when doc says its ok, on the other hand, kept scheduling me for detailed scans by specialist...

Also, currently my smaller baby is on the right of my womb...will it help her growth if I sleep on the left side instead of the right?
 
Hi mummies,

I am new here and its reassuring to hear your experiences. I am 13 weeks pregnant now with identical twins. A bit worried also as one baby was 6cm whilst the other was 7cm during my detailed scan the week before. Anyone can recommend a good gynaes? The gynae I'm seeing, Dr Tee, doesn't say much...
 
Hi Eipsy,
I've had the same experience as you but i have a pair of fraternal twins instead, who had their own individual sacs and placenta when they were in my tummy. Today, they are already 19 mths toddlers, actively running around in the childcare centre...hee..
I gave birth to them at 36 weeks, coz of the significant gaps in their weight, of about 700 g. However, as far as I could remember, I only went for 3 detailed scans, not so many as compared with yours, 1st one in my 10th week, 2nd one in my 20th week and final one in my 33rd week.
As for the sleeping position, I personally feel there's no harm tryin to sleep on the left. I slept on my left(thot it was good) thru out my pregnancy but didn't really help in closing up the gaps maybe coz one was on top of the other.
Today, the lighter one still cldn't catch up with the heavier twin. However, both are definitely growing well coz some ppl commented they look bigger and taller than their own age. As such, do not worry. Just enjoy your pregnancy and await their arrival. They should be able to catch up with their weight and height right after birth...
You can take a look at my twins at http://isaacandjosephgan.blogspot.com/
 
Hi Blessed one,

Thanks for your reassurance
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appreciate that coz I thought I m the very rare one who has this worry...

I will keep my fingers crossed and my mouth stuffed with good food that they can cross at least the 35th week without being induced due to their weight difference
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Hi YenT, at my 7weeks, one measured 8.0mm, one measured 6.4mm....yours sharing same sac and placenta?
 
Hi mummies,

I gave birth to a pair of girls on 32 weeks. 2 months earlier. Veri worried on how i can take care of them esp when they are so small. dunno whether i can cope. also think i am suffering from post natal. keeps crying for nothing
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really wonder whether my decision to keep them at that time against doc advice is correct....
 
Hi lh_jyc

Hey gal, dun give up hope yet...I can feel your despair and helplessness..but dun give up!

I understand its hurtful and sad to see them so small and frail...

They deserve a chance to come into this world and you made the decision to keep them as you only want the best for them...

any mother would make that decision, so dun blame yourself...

No matter how small they are, they will grow with your love and tender care
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So, dun collapse! for the sake of your gals...

I will pray for you and your babies, everything will work out
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Hi YenT,
Are you referring to Dr Tee from KKH? I am also seeing Dr Tee. Not sure if we are referring to the same doctor. Mine is twins also.
 
Hi, any c-section mummies here? Understand need to put catheter in urethra during c-section delivery? Is it painful? Any anesthetic given during insertion? Am considering c-section GA. Am in my 30 weeks now. Pls advice.
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Hi ladies,
May I just ask, usually doc would start to give us HL at how many weeks of pregnancy? Is it wk 30 or 32? Cos i'm thinking of taking leave earlier, prior to the HL. Feels that i need to rest earlier than that cos already felt so tired now at 16wks. Thank you
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Hi ladies, so glad to find this thread!I am a mother of 2 gals, 5 and 2 and currently pregnant with triplets in my 15 weeks.

To sunnysideup,both my gals are delivered thru c-section. 1st one GA, 2nd one epidural. don't worry abt catheter. They will insert it after you're "numbed". Its the removal that cause some slight discomfort.
 
Hi Ladies,

Just got this web recently.
So glad that there are many of mommies having twin & triplet.
I am also having a twin. Currently in week 12.
Have not been felling well throughout the time. Till now still no app.
Just went for the detailed scan on Monday, both of them are ard 6.2cm.
I am looking for CL as well. My EDD is ard end of May 09.
This is my 2nd pregg. My gal gal is currently 3.5yr old.

Any mommies that could recommend yr CL. Kindly mail me at [email protected]

Thank you
 
hi mommies of triplets and twins

my triplets are now 9 months old and they've outgrown some of their stuff like bouncers which i'm looking at letting go for $10 each. i hv 2. The bouncers i bought brand new from Kiddy Palace only in March 08.

i have 2 MIM slings, letting go at $20 each and one brand new never used baby carrier from Kiddy Palace letting go at $40, original price was $79.90

i hv a wooden cot to give away. i hv 5 cots & playpens added up so a bit too many.
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once they learn how to walk, i will also be giving away their walkers. i hv 3 to give away.

i was blessed with many people giving me their baby's things so i'm doing the same. All of the things i'm giving away are hand me downs.

If you are keen, do PM me. Self collect at Bishan. Thanks
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Hi Eipsy,
Sorry for the late response.
My elder boy was 2 Kg while the younger one was 2.7 kg at birth.
Today both of them are about 11-12 kg and 87 cm at 19 mths.
 
Hi Eipsy,

My babies sharing the same placenta, but have their own sac (think its MCDA twins). They only measured 8cm+ at 15 weeks
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Had a bit of bleeding last weekend too so on MC now. Quite worried though.

Hi sunnysideup,

Yes, my doc is Dr Tee from KKH
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How do you find him? Hope to make it safely through to 30 weeks...
 
Hi Mummies,

I am so glad to find this thread. I am in my 15 weeks with twins.

Have a couple of questions to ask experience mummies with twins or tripets.

1) is your babies born premature?
2) do they need to stay in the hospital for very long? Like 1 mth or so if give bith at say 35 weeks?
3) how are the charges like if the baby need to stay in the incubic for treatment?
4) Is it cheaper in govt hospital or private hospital?

For those mummies who had already give birth, kindly advise.

Thank you.
 
Hi YenT,

Dr Tee is a senior consultant and AP. So should be quite experienced. However, find him abit quiet but he is willing to answer whatever questions you want to ask. Hence, advice that if you have a long list of questions, better write it down on paper just in case you forget. He is recommended to me by 2 of my colleagues whose 2 babies were also delivered by him. Was told that he is very good, and also read in other forum pages that he is very professional.
I am now in my 32 weeks. Hoping to deliver my babies in end Dec. Don't worry too much. Am sure all would be ok. Just rest well & take care.
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You can pm me if you need further help.
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Hi Joyce
1) is your babies born premature?
Yes my babies were born premature..
2) do they need to stay in the hospital for very long? Like 1 mth or so if give bith at say 35 weeks?
Nope, they were discharged after the 4th day.
3) how are the charges like if the baby need to stay in the incubic for treatment?
NOt too sure, coz they were put in nursery right after birth..
4) Is it cheaper in govt hospital or private hospital?
Pte hospital may be more expensive but service is good...
For those mummies who had already give birth, kindly advise.

Thank you.
 
Hi Blessedone,

I am currently seeing soctors from private hospital. Just wondering should I change to govt hospital in case they need to be in ICU. Because the cost will be very high.

May I know your babies were born on which week?
 
Hi Joyce,
I strongly advise you to keep to the pte hospital that you are visiting until much later coz your gynae will definitely update you on the development of the babies by then and at the same time determine if u should go for earlier or later delivery. That's what I did also. I sticked to my TMC gynae till 29 weeks when i experienced serious braxton Hix, and was admitted to TMC..but my gynae was kind enough to ask me to transfer to KKH coz he knew how expensive the charges will be if they were born really premature...
thank GOD, I didn't go into labour then, and waited till they were 36 weeks..and went for Csection at Mount Alvernia.
I still prefer pte hospitals..never like govt ones..
 
Hi Blessone,

Actually, I never like govt hospital too. Got to wait very long.

But you never know too whether how is the development till later stage, especially for twins and heard a lot of cases where they need to stay in hospital for very long. (financial very tight)

If i were to sign the package with my current gynae, dun think can switch to govt if there is a need.

Btw, you mean yr babies born at 36 weeks and can go back with you when discharge. Wow, that is good.
 
Hi Blessedone,

Can I check what is your babies weight when they are born?

Hi Sunnysideup,

Oh really! Thanks for sharing. Am still asking around for option and will consult my current gynae for advise.

Btw, you have stay in KKH private suite before?
 
Hi Joyce,

Yes, I am currently seeing my gynae at the Private Suite, KKH. Each follow up consultation cost about $70+ per visit (rate depends on the gynae you choose). Patients seeing their gynae at the Private Suite will however have to pay private rates instead of the subsidised rates, but the good thing is that you can choose your gynae. The ambience of the Private Suite is also very much nicer with waiting time not more than 15 mins and the nurses there are very much more friendly than the clinics under subsidised rates. Also, if you are seeing your gynae at the Private Suite, any medication will be dispensed to you at the same place, ie no need to go to the Pharmacy to queue, and if you are under the FAST scheme (direct charge to your credit card bill), you do not have to wait for payment. Can just go home direct after seeing gynae.

Below is more info on the Private Suite if you are interested.
http://www.kkh.com.sg/ForPatientsnVisitors/VirtualTour/The+Private+Suite.htm
 
Hi Joyce,
For my case, I was advised by my gynae that i cld switch easily to kkh if bbs were to come out earlier..
yeah...my bbs could go home at 36 weeks...they were both at 2 kg and 2.7 kg respectively.
 
Hi blessed one,

Thanks.I hope mine will be as smooth as yours.
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Will ask my gynae for advise on the cost if were to transfer. Heard quite high.

Sunnysideup,

Thanks for the information. I will ask around for more details.
 
Hi Joyce,
Will pray for smooth delivery for you!..As for you, worry not for now and enjoy the process. Talk to your little ones everyday. I played guitar and sang to them almost everyday..hee
 
Hi mummies, I have just given birth to a pair of twins at 36 weeks on 21st nov. It was really depressing for me till today. It's not about the taking care part but there are so many things that come along with it. For example, bothe twins have jaundice and needs to stay 2 days more and place under the light. When that's over, the doctor call me recently to inform me that my first twin might have thyroid from the test they did to the cord blood. I wonder how dangerous is the thyroid thing? How would it affect my baby growth if the dr confirms later that he has problem with the thyroid? Any mummy knows about this?
 
YenT & sunnyside up,
my gynae was Dr John Tee from KKH too!!
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I delivered my twins at 34th week. I think he's great and I've got a wonderful experience with him and the neonatal at KKH, no regrets.
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Eipsy,
my pair of fraternal twins came out with quite abit difference in the weight too. My boy was 2.4kg and gal was only 1.9kg so I think it's quite common to have 1 bigger size than the other.

Joyce,
my twins came out at 34th week at KKH. They were in SCN for 5 & 9 days. I can't really remember the charges for their SCN. Anyway I was glad that I opted for B2 ward cos the bbs' stay were also charged according to mummy's ward type. It was about $15k for all 3 of us. Think it'll be more if at A1 wards in pte hospitals.

Twin_mummy,
congratulations to you.
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I don't know about thyroid so can't advise much. But jaundice is a very common thing in newborns. My twins went thru phototherapy last time & blood tests too cos the jaundice persisted for quite some time.
Take it easier and don't get too stressed. It's tougher in the beginning but things will become better and more fun as days goes by.
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Hi Irin,
You just delivered your twins? Did you delivered your twins naturally or by c-section? If by c-section, was it by epidural or GA and how was your recovery? Was it fast?

Did your twins decided to come out at 34 weeks on its own, or was it a scheduled birth? I am now in my 33rd week. Am growing anxious as each day passes as not sure when twins decide to come out. Am planning to go for c-section and gynae advice to do epidural and is planning them to be out only on week 37. Just went for checkup last week on week 32. They are about 2kg each.
 
Hi Irin,
How do you cope with bf your twins? Have to bf one and bottle feed another? Do you supplement with formula milk? Just worried milk supply not enough for two... Am also concerned about how to cope when they are born... Am not engaging any CL and maid. Will be looking after them on my own with my mum..
 
sunnysideup,
haha, my twins are already 20mths old.
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I delivered thru epi c-section. Took about 2 weeks before the wound doesn't hurt.

My elder twin's waterbag burst for 15hrs but no signs of dilation or contractions so had to go thru c-section.
2kg at 32nd week is good weight.
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My gal came out only 1.9kg even at 34th week.

I looked after my twins on my own with my maid too. I expressed and bottle fed them, did supplement with FM though.
Don't worry too much, enjoy your pregnancy while you can. Though it might abit tough intially when they are born but after you know their routine, things will get easier and more fun.
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Hi all

I've 2 single pram for Graco to sell off as my gals seldom use it nowaday. Both are in good condition and clean. Bought it at $150+ and now willing to let go at cheap price cos i just want to clear my space. PM me for price okie!
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Hi mommies

like to check with u all, is there any where can we get a cheaper range of twins stroller(side-by-side) beside Maclaren? My MIL intends to get 1 to brg my twins to market every morning hehe..sourced at Babykingdom and hypermart, all so branded and ex. Do let me know u have any idea thanks!!
 
Hi Irin,
Thanks. Your twins looks so cute! I like their names too.
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Can i check with you whether your hubby is allowed to accompany you during your c-section surgery? Also just to confirm that the cathether for the urine bag is inserted after anesthetic? Understand different hospital got different policy and some insert before anesthetic!!
 
Sorry mommies

Any1 of u know if sg can find this type of umbrella stroller for twins>? saw it on ebay US$55...Please let me know if u know thanks!!
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sunnysideup,
thks.
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Hubby wasn't allowed for c-section but I heard some gynaes allow on case-to-case basis.
I'm sure the catherer was inserted after anesthetic in KKH cos I didn't even have the slightest idea that it was with me till they removed it. :p
 
Hi Irin,

Thanks. Cos heard some horror stories about the catheter thing from other forum pages.. The other day, i informally asked Dr Tee whether husband is allowed to go in for epi c-section. He paused for 1 or 2 seconds before saying ok. So i guess its like what you say, on a case-by-case basis.

Am now feelinv both nervous and excited to await the arrival of my twins.
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sunnysideup,
don't worry cos you've got a very good gynae.
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Good for you that your hubby can go in with you. Mine was an emergency c-section and hubby happened to go home and bathed when John Tee gave the order for me to go into the OT.
 
Hi,

Many thanks to those who emailed me w ur good wishes
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so sorrie to reply so late as I've been tied up w the twins n my boy...

Re pte or public hospital, my advice is if you are after 35 weeks can go to pte coz their services are really better. if b4, go to kkh coz most likely ur bbies will have to spend longer time in the hospital.

I'm w a private gynea t/o my preg but as my waterbag burst when they are 32 wks, my gynea asked me to go to kkh for delivery...

horrible exp at kkh as compared tp my first preg at thomson but the bill is cheap even thu the twins have to spend 1 month at the SCN ..
 

Hi,

For mummies who are going to have twins and worried about not enough milk supply; just a little encouragement....my twin girls were on mother's milk (no formula suppliment at all) for 7 months. Of coz, they also started solid food at 4th month.

But the main thing is, if you have the will, you will succeed in breastfeeding. Don't get distracted when others keep telling you you will not have enough milk.

I find that breastfeeding is a mind game as well. When I was breastfeeding, my mother-in-law also keep telling me need to buy formula milk to standby. In the end, I even have some surplus which we throw away because keep for more than 2 weeks in fridge.

Drink green papaya soup, fish soup and eat pig trotters....these will help in increasing the milk supply.
 

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