Your Maternity Closet:  Buying yourself a new maternity wardrobe can be pretty expensive if you've ever browsed in your local maternity stores.  The best place to start is in your own closet.  Go through your wardrobe and pick out pieces that can be flexible for your growing belly or separate what you think will work for the three trimesters.  Keep in mind that your body will be changing a lot faster than if carrying one baby, so be prepared to toss things aside as the weeks go by.

 

Next, I would check with your friends and family.  I've found it super-helpful connecting with other recent moms who are happy to clean out their maternity closet!

 

If you don't have anyone who can share with you, check out online boards where women are willing to give up their maternity wardrobe, swap, or sell you a basket of stuff for a bargain!

Here are some sites you may want to explore before hitting the retail market.

Kijiji.ca 

Craigslist.ca

KinderSwag.ca

Your local Twins, Triplets and More Chapter (search online for one in your city)

SecondPeekMaternity.com

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There are a few key items that are worthwhile being picked up at your local retail maternity store such as:  nursing bras (start wearing during pregnancy for comfort and adjustablilty, be sure to look for wireless ones so not to obstruct the development of your milk ducts), versatile work pant and skirt, one pair of jeans,  and tops (if you choose to by maternity tops, and want the biggest bang for your buck--buy ones that are nursing maternity tops, that way, you'll still able to put them to use after babies arrive for breastfeeding).  Here are some major retail maternity shops:

Bravado

Thyme Maternity

Motherhood Maternity

Old Navy (in stores only)

H&M 

Momzelle (online and in Toronto)



Your Bed:  Sleep is very critical during pregnancy.  You'll most likely find that with twins you are even more tired (you're carrying around two in there!).  As you and your babies grow, sleeping becomes less comfortable with more frequent bathroom trips, harder to find a comfortable position to sleep in (best to sleep on your sides, avoid your back and tummy), and you may find yourself with bouts of insomnia (I used this time wisely to catch up on my pregnancy reading and baby prep, oh and sometime for getting a snack!).  Here are a few key items you might find helpful to make your bed more twin-pregnancy friendly:

1. A wedge - keeps your belly comfy and you positioned well

2. A memory foam pillow -- place between your legs for better body balance and to help decrease pelvic pain

3. Light cotton sheets -- keeps you cool and feeling fresh

4. Extra pillows -- to keep your head elevated during sleep, helps to avoid acid reflux

5. Lamp or nightlight -- for those bouts of insomnia and to be safe when getting up to go to the bathroom frequently

6. Table for books, water and snacks -- no explanation needed

7. Massage oil -- for you or your partner to rub on your legs (helps avoid night-time leg cramps) and for your back for a more relaxed sleep

8. Cool mist humidifier -- keeps the air hydrated and reduced dry skin and nosebleeds (which are common in pregnanancy for many women)



Your Fridge:  Nutrition and light exercise are key to feeling great while pregnant with twins.  Always consult your doctor about any questions you have regarding your plans for physical activity and what to eat.  Here are some key things to keep in mind when stocking your fridge for healthy eating and those no-doubt bouts of hunger that will strike:

• Always keep milk/milk alternative beverages on hand -- vitamin D and Calcium are no brainers

• Don't forget iron-rich foods!  These help with creation of new blood cells which is important in fetal development

• Protein protein protein!  Eggs, meat, fish, legumes, etc.

• Omega - 3s Found in fish, eggs, and other fortified foods

See Resources for Mamas and Papas for more information on eating right during your twin pregnancy.



General Tips:  

• Always try to eat in small amounts throughout the day -- this way you its easier to digest and regulates your blood-glucose (no need to eat more food, just more frequently)

• Keep hydrated!  Never leave home with out your water

• Eat before getting hungry--especially in your first trimester if you're prone to morning sickness -- you tend to become more sick if you haven't eaten or go hungry longer

• Pack a snack--keep extras in your car, your desk, your purse -- you never know when those little ones are going to be calling for some food!

• Don't forget your daily pregnancy vitamins, which should include a folic acid - ask your doctor for their recommendations and friends for one that have been tolerated well