I was supposed to post this yesterday but it was delayed by two little girls with runny noses trying to use up their body weight in Kleenex, a playschool field trip, and an after-hours visit from the plumber.
Two years ago, I was very pregnant with my twin daughters, and considering the possibility of Christmas babies. As Christmas approached, my family members wanted to know what to get me. Knowing that I would have two little babies arriving within weeks of Christmas, I wrote my Christmas list accordingly:
- Our prenatal class instructor told us families expecting multiples needed three things: a king-sized bed, a lazy-boy-style recliner and a freezer full of meals. I think they are all good suggestions, but we managed without the first two items.
- I planned to breastfeed our babies, so I asked for some nursing tops that would work for tandem feedings. I also got a nursing loungewear outfit that I could wear during the day without feeling I was wearing my pjs.
- I knew that while breastfeeding, I wasn’t going to be doing much else, so I asked for books. After a few years of grad school, I enjoyed all those novels and magazines. I often found myself reading to my 2-year-old son while breastfeeding, or zoning out in front of the TV, but I did enjoy the books, too.
- I got a TV show on DVD. For the evening feedings, I could also be sure to have something watch. By this time of day I was too tired for much else but watching TV and eating. It took most of the first year to get through 7 seasons of STTNG; an episode was usually long enough to feed both babies.
- While breastfeeding, I was eating and drinking more than I did while pregnant. I enjoyed the herbal teas, flavoured steamed milk, and water out of my new water bottle. And the kind of snacks you get at Christmas but wouldn’t usually buy for yourself.
- A telephone headset was great since I usually had at least one child needing my attention. It let me have adult conversation, emotional support and to get appointments booked while feeding babies, making snacks for a toddler or changing diapers.
- Happy and healthy babies are the best gift of all. They were a wonderful Christmas gift, but I’m glad they arrived a few weeks after the holidays.
Merry Christmas to all the new moms of multiples, and the moms to be!