The Twinterview | Karen from Mini Travellers

 

Our third Twinterview guest post is with Karen who founded the amazing  kids travel blog ‘Mini Travellers‘. She’s bravely stepped up to the plate and has agreed to answer the questions that every new parent of twins would love to know!

How did you feel when you first found out you were having twins?

Absolutely horrified initially! Lily was only 5 months old when we went for our first scan and they suggested it ‘might’ be twins. It was a really early scan and they couldn’t quite tell.

The week later they ‘knew’.

Did you have a straightforward pregnancy?

Actually yes, although as they were identical twins I was scanned every couple of weeks, to check they weren’t developing TTTS (Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome). I was terrified when I first read all about it and worried every time I went for a scan. But actually it all worked out fine and I carried the girls to 35 plus 4 weeks.

How was your birth experience?

I had a C-section booked for 37 weeks but didn’t quite get there as my waters broke at 35 weeks so I had a C-section the next day. My girls were born at great weights; 5lb 13oz and 6lb 1oz.

My Cesarean didn’t quite work out though and I was quite poorly afterwards.

How did you cope with having twins in the early days?

As we had a 13 month old and newborn twins, it was pretty difficult.

We had already decided to hire a nanny though, for when I went back to work (which I did at 6 months), so Carolyn came and did 3 days a week with me, from when they were born. She came Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, so if I didn’t leave the house on a Wednesday or a Friday it didn’t matter.

Those days on my own were long and hard. Three in nappies, three lots of bottles, three lots of crying (actually make that four!). I actually don’t remember too much of those first few months.

Did/do you have an essential ‘must-have’ item and what is it?

A second kettle! I didn’t breast feed and in the special care unit the babies were given room temperature milk.  We carried on when we came home and it was the best thing. No warming milk in the middle of the night!

What is the best thing about being a parent of multiples?

Now the best thing is the cuddles. You are never ever left feeling unloved and there is always someone wanting to give you and get some love.

And the worst?

The constant competition. My three make everything into a contest and strive to win. Fantastic future qualities but exhausting for mum.

And finally, what would your top tip be for any new — or soon to be —parent of twins?

Accept any help anyone offers you. When they are first born you might think you are ok – or want to prove something. If you say ‘no thanks’ then most people won’t ask again. So say ‘yes!’ – even if at that point in you don’t need it.

You are likely to want the help at some point and you don’t want to have scared them off!!

For some fantastic holiday ideas, destination reviews and things to do with the kids pop over to Karen’s fantastic blog or follow her on Twitter.

If you’re a parent of multiples— twins, triplets or more  — and would like to share your experiences, in a ‘Twinterview’, please get in touch I’d love to hear from you!