How I Survived the Chaotic Early Days with Twins: A Twin Mum's Personal Story

Becoming a mum is a whirlwind experience, but nothing could prepare me for the utter chaos of bringing home not one, but two little bundles of joy—my adorable twins. The early days felt like I was on a never-ending loop of sleepless nights, feeding and nappy changes, and of course baby cries. Yet, through the madness, I found my footing and turned those chaotic days into something rewarding. Here’s a closer look at my journey.

Welcoming my tiny twins just fifteen minutes after birth, with little Ted already showing his curious spirit.

Embracing the Chaos

When I first laid eyes on my twins in the hospital, there wasn't that rush of love that I heard or read about, maybe because they were delivered via caesarean, it was all very medical and throughout the procedure I felt very unwell and disorientated. One minute I was pregnant the next I had these two warm babies thrust in my face. It all felt so alien. Little did I know the love would pour out of me, uncontrollably and all the time, my tiger mum instinct would kick in tenfold . I was about to embark on a unique adventure of parenthood. The initial weeks at home were an adjustment not just for me but for my partner too. We quickly learned that flexibility was essential but it took a lot of stumbling to get there.

In those early days, our routine vanished. I struggled to differentiate between day and night. When one baby cried, the other followed soon after, almost as if they had a secret communication system. Days meant countless feedings, changes, and soothing moments. The calming moments ebbed and flowed and the countless feeds and burping became second nature. You learn to adjust quickly and the chaos becomes a new norm.

One trick I discovered was swaddling them tightly, which helped soothe their fussiness. Swaddling made them feel secure, like little burritos, allowing me to navigate their first few weeks with a bit more ease. Movement too, I learned that they soon settled down with gentle rocking and I could rock them both in their cradles with my feet whilst sipping a hot drink- you soon learn the skills of being the ultimate multitasker!

The Power of Teamwork

One crucial lesson I learned was the value of teamwork. My partner and I made a pact: if one was occupied with one baby, the other would handle the second. We became a team—like a well-oiled machine in those early few days. Without my his during those early days, I doubt I would have managed. We prioritised stable sleep hours. Research shows that for new parents, lack of sleep can lead to increased stress levels and even affect decision-making. So, we made sure each had dedicated time to recharge. This was vital if we were going to survive. Due to issues with latching and tongue tie, we opted for combination feeding, this gave us an opportunity to share the load when it game to feeding too.

I also leaned on friends and family for help. From ready made meals being delivered to keep our freezer stocked and people coming over to coo over the babies leaving me hands free for jsut a moment- every bit mattered.

Finding a Routine

As chaotic as everything felt, I soon realised I needed to establish some sort of routine. Babies thrive on predictability, and so did we. I synchronised the boys' feeding times, which meant they would eat roughly every three hours. This method allowed us to grab a short break between feeds and I could nap a little, drink that elusive hot drink or pump on the go while making a start on that mountain of washing.

A fantastic investment was a comfortable twin sling. It allowed me to keep the twins close while tending to other things, giving me freedom while ensuring the boys were secure and moving. This little tool transformed everyday tasks and I found that keeping them moving was the key to keeping them calm whilst I made up a feed.

Acceptance and Self-Compassion

I had my fair share of days filled with sloppy meals and dust settling in the corners of our home. I learned it was okay not to have everything under control. Accepting that it was perfectly fine to let things slide improved my mental health.

Some days, I would sit on the couch between feedings and just watch the TV, knowing that a little self-care was vital for my sanity. I realised embracing the messiness was necessary; if the laundry didn’t get folded, it could wait. Nurturing my babies was my priority and it still is. Toddlerhood with twins is no walk in the park either!

Connecting with Other Twin Mums

Navigating this new life led me to connect with other twin mums, which became invaluable. I found communities and online forums where I could share and seek advice. The empathy from those who understood my journey made all the difference. I started a coffee morning with other twins mums and we would meet weekly and share our stories, laugh and cry together. It was so nice having somewhere to feel validated and we connect on shared experiences.

It was more than just baby talk—it was about sharing experiences in raising twins. I met wonderful women who became my support system, offering tips on everything from sleep training to feeding strategies. This connection lessened the feeling of isolation that often creeps in during tough times.

Mum Club Coffee Morning-| Photo Credit: Lisa Pausing Time Photography

Celebrating the Little Wins

With twins, an average day can seem like an array of hurdles. I learned to celebrate the little victories! Whether it was one baby finally sleeping through the night or getting simultaneous smiles from both, I marked these moments.

Recognising these small wins made the chaos feel more manageable. They reminded me that while challenging, the rewards of parenthood, especially with twins, are truly priceless. Bonus, you get to have it twice over, so when someone points out "double trouble" you can say "Yes, but double the joy, laughter and love!"

Final Thoughts

The early days with twins were undeniably chaotic, but they were also some of the most transformative days of my life. I discovered the importance of teamwork, practiced self-compassion, leaned on support, and found joy in the little moments.

For those of you navigating the wild world of raising multiples, remember: it's okay to ask for help and to embrace the mess along the way. You are not alone in this journey. Every scream, sleepless night, and tear has helped shape our family in ways I could never have imagined. Breathe deeply, cherish those fleeting moments, and know that you too will make it through.