Related links & downloads Prenatal Classes Listing Prenatal Links Iron Supplementation in Multiple Pregnancy Article    -If you are expecting multiples... you must read this! Prenatal Vitamins Article    -What you should know! Resource Guide for Multiple Birth Pregnancy and Parenthood MBC Prenatal Publications Expectant Support Kit Twin Care: Prenatal to Six Months booklet Finding Our Way book Prenatal fact sheets If you are expecting twins, you may wish to get involved in this important international research study - The Twin Birth Study. If you live in the Peel Region of Ontario (Mississauga, Brampton or Caledon), please click here to read about the Good Beginnings Volunteer Program (free volunteer assistance).

The ultrasound has shown 2, 3, 4, or 5 little heads!  Don't worry, you've come to the right place.  Multiple Births Canada (MBC) has had nearly three decades of assisting and supporting families with multiples.  We are the experts and we are here for you too. A rollercoaster of emotions is normal and nothing to worry about. You may be feeling "Why me?" "Oh, this is so neat!" "Oh my, what have we done?" "How can we afford all these babies?"  These are some typical reactions experienced by parents upon learning that they are expecting multiples.

At Multiple Births Canada, we have typically found that parents initially react with surprise and some trepidation.  However, once they get used to the idea they're having 2, 3, or more, they soon begin to get excited about the idea and bond with their babies even before their arrival.

Parents of triplets, quadruplets or more have additional things to think about. One is that most triplets and the majority of quadruplets and quintuplets are born either preterm and/or of a low birth weight; another the logistics of getting all of those car sets into the family car. Thankfully MBC has information, resources and support available to help you and your babies through all aspects of your pregnancy, birth and the weeks and years following.

Thrice as trouble... and cute

Like all expectant parents, it is very helpful to plan ahead and multiple birth parents need to make some practical preparations for after their babies' births.  Across Canada, multiple birth support Chapters have been set up in almost every province. Contact MBC's Business Office to find the one nearest you.  The best piece of advice you will ever receive is to connect with other parents of multiples – they know what it is like and have many tips, shortcuts and ideas to share!

• Double up your recipes and cook extra casseroles for the freezer. A good suggestion for a Shower is casseroles that you can put away in the freezer.
• Arrange a schedule of helpers needed for when the babies arrive home (make a list of those things that need to be done before the babies arrive home). Be specific about what you need done.  People can't guess, but if the kitchen floor needs washing, don't be shy about adding it to the list of chores.
• Learn to ask for help – there are times in your life that you need help and this is one of those times! (Never say "No Thanks!")
• Accept help – but on your terms (when, how often, who and most specifically with which tasks)
• Allocate specific tasks to anyone who volunteers to help – do you want them to help with the laundry, the housework or care for the babies? (Dusting, grocery shopping, taking a sibling for an outing, laundry, help with bathing babies, etc. – make a list.)
• Start borrowing clothes, cribs, strollers (always carefully check out second-hand equipment and furniture – make sure all of it meets current SAFETY STANDARDS). Car seats should not be older than 10 years old AND they should have their manufacturer’s instructions with them otherwise, don’t use them.
• Attend your local Chapter’s semi-annual clothing sales (join the chapter and shop till you drop!)
• REST! This is extremely important. (Make a sign for the door and be sure to post it – "Mom sleeping – babies too! Come back another time!")
• Check with your doctor or hospital to find out if they are offering prenatal classes geared for parents expecting multiples in your area. (See the listing on this web site for current classes operating in Canada.)

For parents of higher-order multiples, it is even more important to make the most of volunteer labor. Parents of multiples really appreciate such volunteer help because there is no comprehensive government program to financially assist them. To arrange for volunteers, parents need to contact their local volunteer bureau, religious organization, local twin and triplet support chapter, hire a teenager or grandma to come and help out for a few hours a day or week. It isn't unheard of to have an overseer (also a volunteer) to organize the volunteers and ensure that each is capable and reliable, as well as ensure that what needs to get done for the family gets done in a timely fashion.

Moms and Dads/Partners, keep the lines of communication open between you. Parenting, at the best of times, is a joint effort and even more so when multiples are involved - the importance of the father/partner role cannot be over-emphasized.  Dad/Partner, don't wait to be asked to help, pitch right in: change a baby, bathe a baby, burp a baby.  Bring home supper once in a while.  Sharing the child-rearing duties will strengthen the whole family unit.

• Mom, buy yourself 7 nightgowns – one for every day of the week. Takes the pressure off having to get them laundered.
• Prioritize your life.  Hire someone to mow the lawn or shovel the snow and any other task you can for the moment.  Focus on yourself, your partner, your babies, the laundry and eating nutritiously.  Much of the rest can wait.
• Make time for each other – no matter how busy you get, try to slot in some time for yourselves as a couple. It doesn't have to be fancy: a coffee, a walk around the block. Focusing on your 'coupleness' is important so that you each can be the best parent you can be. 
• Take care of your babies – enjoy them and the miracle of their birth.
• Take care of yourself – including during your pregnancy!

Remember

1. Your babies are more important than housework – dust is going to be there forever – think of it as a 'protective coating for furniture!' Put away the knick-knacks so they won't get broken and when it is time to clean, it can be done quickly with less fuss.
2. When a friend wants to give you a "BABIES Shower" suggest a "Stock The Freezer" Shower!
3. Don't be afraid to suggest that your friends and family join together and collectively purchase larger equipment items such as stroller, baby swings, cribs, car seats, baby slings. Don't skimp on the stroller – it's the one thing that makes you mobile and you can easily resell it in our 'captive market.'
4. Read and research as much as you can before the babies arrive.
5. You may need to prepare older siblings (and pets) for the new arrivals.  Once again, connecting with other multiple birth parents is a real bonus.  There are no judgements as those with older multiples know exactly what parents with new babies are experiencing.  Don't miss out on all this experience and grass roots information.

Some Great Advice from Parents with Older Multiples

• Take things one day at a time.
• They are not going to be babies forever.
• You are likely to feel overwhelmed at times, that's normal, but also focus on the good things that happen each and every day.
• Develop a positive attitude to life.
• Keep things simple.
• Try to remain flexible.
• Keep your sense of humor!

Delivery Day!

Now that you are at home with your babies, you will soon have lots of visitors who want to "ooh," "ahh" and hold those "little ones!" Establishing some simple house rules can be helpful:

1. Guests make YOU a cup of tea!
2. Guests not allowed to come for a visit unless they've brought a casserole with them!
3. Guests should be prepared to pitch in: fold laundry, feed or bathe a baby or two!
4. Guests, please make sure our older children receive equal attention.

You've made it! Enjoy those little ones. Multiple birth babies are a very special experience and theyare only babies for a very short time. You have been blessed, and we welcome you and your family to the Canadian Multiple Birth Family experience!

P.S.   Have you located your nearest local multiple-birth chapter yet? – If not, contact MBC today and we will provide you with contact information for your nearest chapter - office@multiplebirthscanada.org

Prenatal Links.......

Resource Guide for Multiple Birth Pregnancy and Parenthood

www.nursing.ubc.ca/pdfs/twinstripletsandmore.pdf

Multiple Birth: Prenatal Information and Bereavement Support

Canadian Site on Prenatal and Bereavement for multiple birth families http://multiplebirthsfamilies.com

Marvelous Multiples Prenatal Education Curriculum
Nancy Bower, RNB, BSN
Marvelous Multiples, Inc. http://www.marvelousmultiples.com

Preterm Birth Prevention Program Resources (PEPEO)
401 Smyth Road
Ottawa, ON K1H 8L1
(613) 737-2660
Fax: (613) 738-3633

Multiple Birth Resources LLC

Offers educational videos about multiple birth pregnancies and cesarean section deliveries  http://www.expectingmultiples.com