Two at a Time Having Twins The Journey Through Pregnancy and Birth

About.com Rating 3.5 Star Rating

Be the first to write a review

By Pamela Prindle Fierro, About.com Guide

See More About:

Jane Seymour is an author of several books, including Two at a Time.

Getty Images / Frazer Harrison

The Bottom Line

Does glamorous actress Jane Seymour really experience the same crazy quirks of multiple motherhood that you do? Don't look here for practical advice, but if you want to fantasize about what it would be like to be wealthy, beautiful, famous and have twins, then this is your book. Written in a personal, conversational style, Seymour gives a detailed account of her pregnancy and life with twin boys.

Pros

Written in a personal, conversational style.
Seymour gives a detailed account of her pregnancy and life with twin boys.
Lots of detail about Jane Seymour's Hollywood life style on the set of her television show.
Sidebars offer checklists and tips.
Husband James Keach provides a dad's perspective.

Cons

Television star's pregnancy experience may not match that of "normal" women.
Issues relevant to Seymour are covered comprehensively, other perspectives are glossed over.
Not updated since original publication in 2001.

Description

Jane Seymour is a popular author, actress and artist.
Her 1995 pregnancy with twin boys was the result of in-vitro fertilization.
Seymour describes how she balanced her pregnancy with her career as the star of Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman.
Her experience as a glamorous actress with a wardrobe assistant, personal trainer and nanny sometimes seems out of touch.
Good basic tips about pregnancy nutrition and exercise, staying comfortable during pregnancy.
Author's husband, actor/director James Keach, provides a dad's perspective.
Helpful sidebars include checklists and highlight specific tips.
Pictures! Dr. Quinn, cute babies and even breastfeeding.

Guide Review - Two at a Time Having Twins The Journey Through Pregnancy and Birth

This is a good guide to pregnancy with twins, with plenty of tips on the basics. However, Jane Seymour's experience may not feel familiar to the average woman, who doesn't have access to a custom maternity wardrobe, personal trainer, and night nurses. Actress, author and artist Seymour honestly and openly shares her personal struggles with miscarriage and in-vitro treatments before conceiving twin boys in 1995. As a mom in her 40's, she offers her story as a cautionary tale about the risks of multiple birth and the complications of pregnancy with twins. Regardless, the tone remains upbeat and encouraging throughout. Seymour is matter of fact about her experience, relaying details in a conversational style that makes the reader feel as if they are sitting down for a chat with her.

Seymour's pregnancy occurred at a peak in her career, as she was filming the series Dr. Quinn: Medicince Woman. She describes in detail the rigorous demands of life on set and her struggles to balance her career responsibilities with the challenges of a pregnancy with twins. Seymour dealt with some of the common complications of multiple pregnancy, such as preeclampsia, bed rest and an unexpected emergency c-section. While these issues are covered comprehensively, the book shines less attention on other complications and issues.

Two at a Time is enjoyable reading for those who are looking for a personal story of twin pregnancy, with some juicy Hollywood references thrown in. Although plenty of celebrity moms have followed in her footsteps by having twins, none have made their story as accessible as Jane Seymour's.