Most people feel overwhelmed with the prospect of taking care of just one baby – so imagine what goes through someones mind when they are informed that they are going to have twins! Or triplets…or quadruplets…!! Once the first shock has worn off, it is a good idea to start making lists of anticipated needs, well in advance of your twins’ birth.

Obviously, you will need some help. The question is, just how much will you need or how much help are you comfortable accepting? Start by evaluating what you think will be the area of greatest need – particularly in the period immediately following the birth, when you most need to rest and take care of yourself. Here is a starter list of questions to use as a springboard and tailor to your own unique situation and set of circumstances:

• Do you need someone to help you diaper the twins?
• What about someone to keep your house clean?
• How about someone who can go to the supermarket for formula or diapers – or just ordinary household shopping?
• Would you need someone to help by burping the babies?
• If you already have children, do you need help getting them to soccer games and school activities?
• What about arranging for childcare during the immediate postpartum period, when you are exhausted and only really able to care for your own needs and those of the twins?
• Do you want someone to act as a volunteer coordinator?

Take the time to make a fairly comprehensive list of ideas and needs. Then, when your friends and family members come to you with offers of assistance, you can tell them what your most pressing needs are. You might be pleasantly surprised at how willing people are to help – particularly when they know just what you need! It’s very important that you give your assistants very specific tasks – this way, you are not playing host to visitors while trying to take care of your twins and/or your older children. Be very clear about what your requirements are and everyone will be much better off.

If you can afford it, hiring someone to clean may be an option. This will free you somewhat and allow you to devote your time to your children. If you have a yard, you may want to consider paying a lawn service to keep the grass mowed and raked at least once a month to keep up your yard. Today there are also companies that offer meal preparation services, which can free you from kitchen chores!

Finally, you may want to think about hiring a caregiver to help you take care of your twins in the period immediately following the birth. This is known as a postpartum doula and often they can help with teaching breastfeeding and taking care of your newborns.

There are many ways that people can help parents of multiples, and it is entirely up to you to decide whether you want to accept volunteer help or hire someone for cleaning, cooking or landscaping services. It can be a blessing for all involved!

Content guidance provided by Amy Hall, M.O.M (Mom of Multiples)