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Multiple pregnancy: Having more than one baby

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Multiple pregnancy: Having more than one baby

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Click here to see our 'Infant Feeding' padlet. Here you can find more information and resources about feeding

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We imagine a world in which mums-to-be know that it IS possible to breastfeed multiple babies and that they have the information and support available to do so. We need your help to achieve this. For example, we want to: produce printed and online information for parents and medical professionals; roll out training to medical professionals so they can support new mums better; train more breastfeeding peer supporters with experience and knowledge to support parents of multiples. PLEASE HELP!

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Babies born at 36/37 weeks | Breastfeeding Twins and Triplets

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We imagine a world in which mums-to-be know that it IS possible to breastfeed multiple babies and that they have the information and support available to do so. We need your help to achieve this.

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We imagine a world in which mums-to-be know that it IS possible to breastfeed multiple babies and that they have the information and support available to do so. We need your help to achieve this. For example, we want to: produce printed and online information for parents and medical professionals; roll out training to medical professionals so they can support new mums better; train more breastfeeding peer supporters with experience and knowledge to support parents of multiples. PLEASE HELP!

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Breastfeeding in Hospital | Breastfeeding Twins and Triplets

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We imagine a world in which mums-to-be know that it IS possible to breastfeed multiple babies and that they have the information and support available to do so. We need your help to achieve this.

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We imagine a world in which mums-to-be know that it IS possible to breastfeed multiple babies and that they have the information and support available to do so. We need your help to achieve this. For example, we want to: produce printed and online information for parents and medical professionals; roll out training to medical professionals so they can support new mums better; train more breastfeeding peer supporters with experience and knowledge to support parents of multiples. PLEASE HELP!

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Tandem Feeding | Breastfeeding Twins and Triplets

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We imagine a world in which mums-to-be know that it IS possible to breastfeed multiple babies and that they have the information and support available to do so. We need your help to achieve this.

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How to choose a breast pump | Breastfeeding Twins and Triplets

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We imagine a world in which mums-to-be know that it IS possible to breastfeed multiple babies and that they have the information and support available to do so. We need your help to achieve this.

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Pumping | Breastfeeding Twins and Triplets

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How dads, partners, family and friends can help with breastfeeding

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How dads, partners, family and friends can help with breastfeeding

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How can dads, partners, family and friends help when twin and triplet babies are breastfed?

There's plenty to do! Here's some suggestions:

Look after older siblings, new twins or triplets are so time consuming in the early days. But also look after the babies so the breastfeeding parent can spend time with their older children too. Bedtime with older ones is particularly difficult as this is the time babies are most unsettled and like to cluster feed.

Take over the housework. It is very challenging to even find time to take a shower with new twins or triplets. If it is possible to lower standards and let things go, then do. But if you're the type of person where mess causes stress, then roping in some volunteers or paying for a cleaner can be a great plan.

Feed the breastfeeding parent so they can feed the babies! Provides snacks and meals, breastfeeding is hungry work!
Keep their water bottle topped up. Make a packed lunch before leaving for work so no need to prepare a meal.

Changes nappies. The breastfeeding parent deals with what goes in, everyone else can deal with what comes out!

Pass babies for feeding. And help with positioning them in the early days whilst the breastfeeding parent builds their confidence

Settle babies. Sometimes babies need winding. Often they need lots of cuddles in between feeds. Skin to skin is not just for the breastfeeding parent. Perfect bonding time. Wearing the babies in a sling can be a nice way to do this.

Bath and massage babies. This is another lovely way those that are not breastfeeding can bond with the babies.

Do any top up feeds. If babies need some top ups in the early days it can be a great help for someone else to do them whilst the breastfeeding parent pumps.

Take babies out for a walk every day. It can just be for half an hour. Sometimes this makes all the difference.

Take babies in the morning so breastfeeding parent can stay in bed. Babies are often quite settled in the mornings and sleep fairly well. A lie-in can be a good way of getting a bit more sleep to help cope with the sleep deprivation.

Be a gate keeper, and manage visitors. When a parent is trying to establish breastfeeding, having lots of visitors can be really stressful. The babies will still be little in a few weeks time, there is plenty of time for visitors.

Learn about breastfeeding, encourage breastfeeding and boost morale, defend the choice to breastfeed if necessary, celebrate the smallest achievements and be proud that the babies are breastfed, find breastfeeding support if its not working

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Dads, partners, family and friends - what can they do to help? | Breastfeeding Twins and Triplets

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How can dads, partners, family and friends help when twin and triplet babies are breastfed? There's plenty to do! Here's some suggestions: Look after older siblings, new twins or triplets are so time consuming in the early days. But also look after the babies so the breastfeeding ...

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When you're expecting twins or triplets, it's important that you attend all your appointments because of the increased risks with this type of pregnancy.

Your antenatal team should be experienced in caring for women having twins or triplets.

Check-ups and scans in a twin pregnancy

The number of tests and scans you'll be offered will depend on the type of twins or triplets you're having.

Women with multiple pregnancies should be offered an ultrasound scan at around 11 to 14 weeks. It's important to attend this appointment.

This is the best time to find out what type of placenta and membranes your twins have (chorionicity) and check your dates.

You can also have a nuchal translucency test for Down's syndrome done at the same time if you wish.
Find out more about screening for Down's syndrome
You'll also be offered a scan, called an anomaly scan, around 18 to 20 weeks 6 days to check that your babies are developing normally.

Different types of twins

For medical purposes, there are 3 types of twins. These apply to triplets too, although a triplet pregnancy will be more complex than a twin one.

The 3 types are:

dichorionic diamniotic (DCDA) twins - each has their own separate placenta with its own separate inner membrane (amnion) and outer membrane (chorion)

monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twins - share a single placenta with a single outer membrane and 2 inner membranes

monochorionic monoamniotic (MCMA) twins - share both the inner and outer membranes

All non-identical twins are DCDA, and a third of identical twins are DCDA.

The other two-thirds of identical twins are MCDA, and just 1 in 100 identical twins are MCMA.

The percentages of identical and non-identical twins born in the UK are not routinely recorded, but according to the Multiple Births Foundation about a third of twins are identical.

What extra care may I need?

If your babies are MCDA, you can expect more scans and monitoring, as this type of twins has the highest risk of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), which is an abnormality of the placenta.

You may be referred to a regional centre for foetal medicine to be seen by a specialist doctor.

If your babies are MCMA, you'll also have frequent scans. With this type of twins there's often some cord entanglement, which can cause complications.

These types of twins are rare, and you can expect to receive specialist care and close monitoring.

If your babies are DCDA, the risks to their health in the womb are much lower. You'll usually be scanned every 4 weeks.

It's important to attend all your appointments so any problems can be picked up early and treated if necessary.

Risks in twin pregnancies

While most multiple pregnancies are healthy and result in healthy babies, there are more risks to be aware of when you're pregnant with 2 or more babies.

If you're pregnant with more than 1 baby, you're at higher risk of pregnancy complications, such as anaemia, pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes.

Make sure you go to all your antenatal appointments so any problems can be picked up early and treated if necessary.

Premature birth

Twins and triplets have a higher risk of being born prematurely (before 37 weeks) and having a low birthweight of under 2.5kg (5.5lb).

Most twins and triplets are born prematurely.

Around 6 in 10 twins are born before 37 weeks. Almost 8 in 10 triplets are born before 35 weeks.

Planned birth

If you are expecting twins or triplets, you will be offered a planned birth at:

37 weeks for twins with a placenta each

36 weeks for identical twins sharing a placenta

35 weeks for an uncomplicated triplet pregnancy

32-33 weeks for MCMA twins

It can be dangerous for twin and triplet pregnancies to carry on after the planned birth dates. Plans for the birth will be discussed with you taking into account your needs and preferences.

If you turn down the offer of a planned birth, you will be offered weekly appointments with an obsetrician and weekly ultrasound scans plus a foetal growth scan every 2 weeks.

Your obstetric team will work closely with you throughout your pregnancy and after your babies are born to help make sure you and your babies are safe and healthy.

Twin-twin transfusion syndrome

Twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) affects identical twins who share a placenta (monochorionic).

The risk is higher for MCDA twins, but it can happen in MCMA twins, too.

It's caused by abnormal connecting blood vessels in the twins' placenta.

This results in an imbalanced blood flow from 1 twin (known as the donor) to the other (recipient), leaving 1 baby with a greater blood volume than the other.

TTTS affects 10 to 15% of monochorionic twins and can have serious consequences.

You'll need to discuss your individual case with a doctor, as what works in one TTTS pregnancy may not be appropriate in another.
Go to the Twins Trust website for more information on TTTS

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When you're expecting twins or triplets, it's important that you attend all your appointments because of the increased risks with this type of pregnancy. Your antenatal team should be experienced in caring for women having twins or triplets. The number of tests and scans you'll be offered will depend on the type of twins or triplets you're having.

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Antenatal and Parenthood courses by Twins Trust

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Antenatal and Parenthood courses by Twins Trust

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The courses are available online and face to face. See the Twins trust website link to enquire

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We are a charity

We rely on the generosity of our members and supporters to fund our work. Every penny we receive goes to wherever the need is greatest.

Twins Trust is a registered charity number (England & Wales) 1076478, (Scotland) SC041055, and a registered company number 03688825.

Donate

© Copyright Twins Trust 2022. All Rights Reserved | Join Us | Privacy Policy | Donate now

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Twins Trust offer a variety of courses for those who are expecting twins, triplets and more. We also offer parenting courses and webinars.

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Twins Trust - We support twins, triplets and more...

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Supporting you through every milestone of your journey with twins, triplets or more. From being pregnant with twins, triplets or quads through to parenting twins, triplets or quads, we are here for you.

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* Use the heading column to find the information you need

* Scroll down the column to see information related to that heading

* Click on the links to view the information

* Scroll right to find other headings

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Twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS)

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Twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS)

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Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) is a rare but life-threatening condition that affects 10 to 15 percent of identical twins that share a placenta (monochorionic twins). TTTS can also occur in triplet or higher order pregnancies with monochorionic twins.

TTTS can have serious consequences to the babies so you will need to be monitored very closely by your doctors.

This video explains TTTS and the treatment option called laser therapy.

If you are worried please talk to your midwife and doctors as they are best placed to explain your situation and treatment options for you.

Our Twinline listening service can provide a reassuring listening ear so you are not alone but we do not provide medical advice.

The diagrams below illustrate TTTS in a twin and triplet pregnancy.

Supported by the GIFT-Surg international research project which is funded by the Wellcome Trust and EPSRC

For further information pleae download our Complications Guide, which is designed to help you to understand some of the conditions associated with twin, triplet and higher-order pregnancies.

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Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) is a rare but life-threatening condition that affects 10 to 15 percent of identical twins that share a placenta (monochorionic twins). TTTS can also occur in triplet or higher order pregnancies with monochorionic twins. TTTS can have serious consequences to the babies so you will need to be monitored very closely by your doctors.

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Please see our 'Your pregnancy - Antenatal' page under header 24 for information about Gestational Diabetes (GDM)

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Find out about premature labour and birth (before 37 weeks of pregnancy), and what you might expect if it happens.

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**coming soon**

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**coming soon**

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Blood sugar monitoring in your newborn baby

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Blood sugar monitoring in your newborn baby

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If your babies are well after the birth, you'll probably have them beside you on the postnatal ward.

Hospital staff will help you to feed and care for them. Do ask for help if you need it.

You may want to ask if you can have a private room where you can get to know your babies in peace.

Some hospitals also allow partners to stay overnight.

Twins and special care

If your babies are born very early, they may need to spend some time in special (neonatal) care.

It is not uncommon in cases of twin births (or other types of multiple births) for additional care to be required.

So your babies may need to be nursed in an incubator (or incubators) for a short time, and may be surrounded by wires and tubes.

You'll still be able to touch them and help with their care. Staff will show you what to do.

If your babies are too small to feed themselves, you'll be shown how to express breastmilk for them.

This will be given to them via a thin tube that passes through their nose and into their stomach. This will not hurt them.

Because breast milk is best for premature babies, you'll be encouraged to breastfeed. But how you feed your baby is up to you.

It's natural to feel worried if 1 or both of your babies are on a neonatal unit. Staff will understand this and offer plenty of support.

If your twins are born early

If you're likely to give birth early, here are a few things to think about beforehand:

You may need to move to another hospital to make sure there are enough beds for both your babies in the neonatal unit.

Ask if your hospital has a transitional care unit: these units allow mothers to care for their babies if they do not need intensive care. Hospitals with transitional units are more likely to be able to keep you and your babies in the same place.

Check if your hospital has cots that allow co-bedding (where your babies sleep in a single cot), if this is how you want your babies to sleep.

If you have 1 baby in the hospital and 1 at home, you'll need to think about splitting your time between the 2. When you visit your baby in hospital, ask if you can bring their twin and if co-bedding is allowed during visits.

If you want to breastfeed and only 1 twin can feed effectively, you may need to put the twin who can feed on the breast to encourage milk to flow for both babies. Read more about feeding twins and multiples.

Check if your hospital offers support from a community neonatal nurse. This could mean your babies can leave hospital earlier (for example, if 1 of them is still tube-fed).

The Twins Trust charity has more information about being in hospital with your newborn twins.

Taking your twins home

Taking your babies home with you is a moment to celebrate.

Dividing your time and attention between 2 or more babies can feel overwhelming. You may miss the help and support you had in hospital.

Remember that your health visitor and GP will be there to support you through these early weeks.

These tips may help you to stay on top of things:

There's no need to bath your babies every day - 2 or 3 times a week is fine. You may like to bath your babies on alternate nights so you can get to know them individually.

If you live in a house, keep 1 set of nappy changing gear upstairs and 1 set downstairs.

Whenever you cook for yourselves, make double portions and freeze 1.

Accept offers of help from family and friends so you can rest and spend time with your babies.

Ask your partner, friend or relative to limit visitors - too many can be tiring.

When you go to clinics for follow-up appointments, ask for appointments later in the day - this'll give you more time to get out of the house.

Get more tips for new parents

Getting twins into a routine

Twins Trust advises that the best way to cope with caring for twins is to develop a routine that suits you.

Think about your babies' needs - feeding, sleeping and playing - and develop a routine around these activities that works for the whole family.

If your babies have been in neonatal care, they may already be in a routine and it's probably worth sticking to this when they come home.

But you'll need to adapt the routine as they grow up and their needs change.
Find out about twins and sleep

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What to expect at the hospital after your twins or triplets are born, and tips for when you take them home.

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Here at Breastfeeding Twins and Triplets UK we will answer all of these questions and more. We will try to put your mind at rest whilst being honest about journey on which you are about to embark. Breastfeeding more than one baby is challenging, but it is definitely possible and a lot of mums go on to have a really enjoyable experience.

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Click here to see our 'Your pregnancy: Antenatal' padlet for general information about Hillingdon Hospital and pregnancy

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This service is open 24 hours a day for anyone 18 weeks and over for pregnancy related problems or advice

Call your GP or 111 for non - pregnancy related problems

Only use emergency services (999) if you have a life threatening emergency or you are advised to do so by a healthcare professional

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Between 9.00am and 3.00pm

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📞 Main hospital switchboard - 01895 238282

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📞 Main hospital switchboard - 01895 238282

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If you cannot get through on the numbers provided above - please call the main hospital switchboard