From the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) fact sheet on Challenges of Parenting Multiples:
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL ISSUES
- Some multiples, especially newborns, may be hard to tell apart even if they are not identical. At first, you can tell multiples apart by color coding their clothing or using bracelets that spell out their names. Soon you will be able to tell them apart by their individual characteristics and personalities.
- Parents may bond with multiples differently than with single-born children (singletons). During the first weeks, you may find yourself preferring one infant more than the others. Your “favorite” may vary from week to week as you get to know each one. Each infant will have different needs at different times, requiring differing amounts of attention.
- It is physically harder to take care of multiples than singletons. This is especially true when they are infants and toddlers. It may make the parents feel tired and stressed a lot of the time. Make sure to take some time for yourself and your partner as a couple, even if only for a few minutes a day. Remember to take care of yourself as well as your children.
- Older brothers and sisters may have a hard time getting used to the new babies. They will need you to pay attention to them too. Try to be sensitive to the needs of your older children. Involve them in the pregnancy by taking them with you to doctor visits. Ask them to help choose items for the nursery. Ask them to be your “helper” and ask for their opinions on taking care of the babies. This will help them feel needed and loved. Young children will need consistent one-on-one time with you, even if it is in short blocks.
- Some parents and schools prefer that multiples be in separate classes. This may help promote individuality. This is true particularly if the children have different abilities. But some schools may not have enough classes to separate multiples, and sending the children to different schools may not be possible. Contact your local school system to ask about their policies on separating multiples. You can also work with your children’s teachers to provide the best environment for your children.
- Parents of multiples may feel socially isolated. They may be tired, not have enough personal time, are too busy taking care of the children or are having money troubles. It is easy to become completely consumed in caring for multiples, but don’t abandon all of your hobbies and interests. Instead, look for ways to be creative in balancing your needs with those of your children.
- Multiples often attract attention. People may ask if you went through fertility treatment. This may have positive or negative consequences depending on the personalities of the parents and children and the nature of the attention. Plan ahead on how you will respond to this kind of attention and questions. Keeping a sense of humor is important.
- Help from family and friends is often short-term. Parents of multiples usually need additional help, even if one parent stays at home. Premature infants require smaller, more frequent feedings than full-term infants. It also requires a lot of time to feed them at night and change their diapers. You might need someone to help you at night until the babies have reasonable sleeping habits. If you can’t have someone in your home to help, work out a schedule so that each parent shares the work equally. Lack of sleep may cause fatigue and depression. Be aware of these signs in yourself or your partner. You should work as a team to overcome these difficulties. Postpartum depression (PPD) appears to be more likely in mothers of multiples. Depression can also occur in fathers. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of PPD and getting treatment are essential to the well being of the mother and her infants.
- It might help to find support from organizations that are familiar with multiple births. Networking with parents who have had multiple births can also be helpful during difficult times.
ECONOMIC ISSUES
- The health care cost for delivery and newborn care for twins is four-times higher when compared to a singleton birth. The increase is 12-times higher for triplets. Check your medical insurance to determine your out-of-pocket costs, if any, and plan ahead.
- Companies are not as willing to donate formula, diapers, etc., to parents of multiples as in the past. Because the number of multiples has increased, fewer families receive outside help today.
- The cost of caring for children with lifelong disabilities may be high. Some of your children may have a disability. If one does, you might want to look for government and private agencies or support groups in your area. They may be able to provide educational and financial assistance.
- The total cost of raising multiples is likely higher than the cost of raising the same number of singletons. Cribs, car seats, high chairs, and other items have to be bought all at once, which can be financially difficult. To save money, check with national retailers about discounts for multiples. Some stores give a 10% discount for twins, 20% discount for triplets, etc. Also check with consignment shops. They often sell new and used children’s items at a fraction of the cost. Most multiple birth support groups have garage sales where families can buy clothing and equipment for multiples at low cost.
ASRM is an excellent resource for reproductive facts. Please check out their patient resources website at http://www.reproductivefacts.org/.
