1. Home
  2. Parenting & Family
  3. Twins & Multiples

Prematurity and Multiple Birth

10 minute old fraternal twins, Zolli Nicole and Ashlee Janail-Vicki.

November is National Prematurity Awareness Month, calling attention to the issues associated with preterm birth. Because multiples are especially at risk, it is important to be educated and informed about prematurity.

Born Before Their Time

Twins & Multiples Spotlight10

Pamela's Twins & Multiples Blog

Forum Friday: Staying Sane At Home with Twins

Friday November 20, 2009

aprilelizabeth writes: "I am hoping to get some good advice on how to stay sane while staying at home with my 2 and 1/2 year olds! I have boy/girl twins and some days feel as though I am losing my mind. Is that normal? ...though my family tries to be helpful, I don't know anyone personally who has had twins and have come to the conclusion that it is a unique experience that only someone who has been there can understand. I am a stay at home mom so I am also looking forward to speaking (or rather typing) with an actual adult!"

The isolation of being a stay-at-home mom can be overwhelming. Women who are accustomed to interacting with other adults in the workplace, find themselves in the company of babies or toddlers every day, and yearning for social connections. Mothers of twins or multiples may feel even more secluded. Not only are they meeting the demands of more children, but their feelings and circumstances don't match the experiences of moms of singletons.

Thank goodness for the Internet! It gives mothers easy, round-the-clock access to fellow moms of multiples. Just like aprilelizabeth, they can reach out to other moms for advice, support and companionship, and instantly connect with women around the globe. Stop by the message forum and join in the conversation. Find fellowship and friendship with other parents; share your wisdom and experience with others who are seeking advice. It just may save your sanity!

Thankful for Twins

Thursday November 19, 2009

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, one of my favorite times of the year. There is something very fortifying about taking time to gather with family and friends and count our blessings. It makes you appreciate how very blessed you are.
In preparation for Thanksgiving, take a moment to tell me why you are thankful to have twins or multiples. Granted, there are some moments of the day when you don't feel so thankful, for example when they are fighting, making a mess or crying incessantly. But in the big picture, most parents of multiples agree that they wouldn't trade it for the world.

Here's my list: 10 Reasons I'm Thankful for Twins. Please add your own reason!

Twins of the Week: Charley and Saige

Wednesday November 18, 2009

11 year old twins Charley and Saige

Photo reprinted with permission of Cheryl Munitich.

Two in a tree! Twin sisters, Charley and Saige, were eleven years old when this picture was taken. The fraternal twins first appeared on this site when they were four years old. They sure have grown up!
• Share your thoughts, opinions and advice in the comments section.
More Worldless Wednesday Posts on About.com.
School-Aged Twins Photo Gallery
Index of All Photo Galleries

Prematurity Awareness Day

Tuesday November 17, 2009

November 17th is National Prematurity Awareness Day, part of the March of Dime's Prematurity Awareness Month. Twins and multiples are among the highest risk group for premature birth. Each year, nearly half a million babies are born prematurely, often with devastating lifelong consequences.

March of Dimes Fight for Preemies
Image courtesy March of Dimes

The March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign has two goals: (1) to raise public awareness of the problems of prematurity and (2) to decrease the rate of preterm birth in the U.S. The are accomplishing these goals by funding research, educating women about risk-reduction strategies, providing information and support to families, advocating for health care, and helping medical care providers address risk factors. You can also help the March of Dimes in this endeavor. Visit their website to learn more about prematurity and find out what you can do to promote this cause. Create a virtual wrist band in honor or in memory of children you love. Band together with others to collect donations to fuel the fight. Raise your voice by posting on Facebook, Twitter or a blog.

More Resources:
• Preterm Labor in Twin Pregnancy
• Caring for Preterm Twins or Multiples
• Consequences of Prematurity
• When Will My Twins Be Born?

Also on About.com:
• Cheryl Morrissette, About's Guide to Preemies
• Avoiding Preterm Labor from About's Guide to Pregnancy
• Premature Babies Photo Gallery from About's Guide to Pediatrics

Elsewhere on the Web:
• March of Dimes Fight Prematurity Awareness Month
Preemie Twins at TwinPregnancyandBeyond.com
Long-Term Effects of Prematurity from the National Organization of Mothers of Twins Club

Explore Twins & Multiples
About.com Special Features

Stay connected and entertained with reviews on tips on the latest HDTVs, cellphones and more. More >

Reclaim the morning and your sanity with these easy recipes, tips, and timesaving ideas. More >

  1. Home
  2. Parenting & Family
  3. Twins & Multiples

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.