Some people are well-known for being multiples. Others are well-known, but also have a twin. These hidden twins stay out of the limelight, while the spotlight shines on their twin. You'll find yourself surprised by these celebrities with secret twins. They are actors, musicians, models and sports figures that you know by name, but never knew to be twins.

• Celebrities with a Secret Twin

More Celebrities:
• Top 18 Celebrity Mothers of Multiples
• Famous African American Twins and Parents of Twins
• Famous Dads of Twins Quiz

Parents of multiples are being kept in the dark. That's the claim in a report from BBC News about a recent survey by TAMBA (the Twins and Multiple Births Association of the United Kingdom). It suggests that the majority of parents of twins and multiple births do not have access to important advice about multiple birth that can improve healthy outcomes for both babies and parents. Out of 1,300 respondents, only one third of mothers of multiples said that they had been offered specific parenting education sessions to prepare them for caring for twins, triplets or more. TAMBA suggests that such information and education prepares parents and reduces the risk of pregnancy complications, premature birth, low-birth weight babies and postpartum depression.

I wonder if this is consistent throughout the world, or if some countries are having more success educating parents of multiples. What do you think? Do you think you had sufficient access to information and education about multiples before you gave birth? Take the poll and then leave a comment to share your thoughts.

A guest writes: "Is giving birth to twins hereditary ? Or does it just increase your chances? My partner is a twin (not identical). My mother is a twin (identical). Also on fathers side my Great Grandmother gave birth to twins. (identical) I was just wondering as no one else in the family has giving birth to twins except for a cousin of my fathers. Is it a myth?"

Ahhh, the great "twin gene" question. Do you have to have a family history to have twins? Is twinning hereditary?

The answer is ... sometimes. Some twins -- fraternal or dizygotic twins only -- are the result of hyperovulation, a female tendency to release multiple eggs during ovulation. If two -- or three or more -- eggs are fertilized and implant, the result is twins or multiples. Hyperovulation can be a genetic tendency, so if a mother has the gene for it, her daughter might also. In that sense, it can be said that twins run in the family, but on the mother's side only. Fathers don't ovulate, so they don't impact twinning in this scenario.

Not all dizygotic twins are due to family history. Other factors besides genetics can cause hyperovulation, such as fertility treatments, birth control pills, breastfeeding, advanced maternal age, and even dairy products.

A genetic impact on monozygotic (identical) twinning has never been identified. That's not to say that clusters of identical twins don't repeat within families. However, you can't credit it to -- or blame it on -- genetics. Call it fate or coincidence, or just plain good luck.

So let's look back to the original question. Is this message forum guest likely to have twins? What do you think? Stop by the message forum and share your input.

More resources:
• The Twin Gene: Do Twins Run in Families?
• How to Have Twins
• Identical or Fraternal? Understanding Zygosity

I like to read. Call me enthusiastic, avid, or voracious, but feeding my hunger for books has cost me a pretty penny over the years. The library is great, but unfortunately you have to give them their books back eventually. My twins aren't quite as eager of readers as I am, but they have always liked books, and thus our house is full of stocked shelves.

A few years ago, I found a great way to keep myself supplied with books without spending a lot of money. It also allows me to clear out the books that I no longer want. Paperbackswap.com is a free web site that allows members to recycle used books. Despite its name, the swapping is not limited to paperbacks, but includes all forms of books, including audiobooks on CD or cassette. As a requirement join, you're asked to post ten books that you'd like to swap with other members. This gives you the ability to request books from other members. Requesting a book is free! However, in order to earn credits to request books, you're required to post and send books to other members, and you'll incur the cost of postage for sending the books. The site provides a convenient mailing label and even offers you the option to pay for postage online. It costs $2-$3 to mail a book, depending on postal rates and extra services.

With over 3 million books posted into the system, and new books being posted all the time, Paperbackswap.com is a wonderful place to obtain the books that you and your family want to read. Their are books in every topic and genre, from bestellers to textbooks, from cookbooks to picture books. I've often relied on it to acquire books in duplicate when both my twins wanted their own copy of an item. I've also used it extensively to clear out my bookshelves, sending out my old books to readers far and wide and making room for new things to read.

You can also save money on music and movies at Paperbackswap.com's sister sites: SwapaCD.com and SwapaDVD.com.

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