The Postpartum Period After Delivering Twins

Having twins or triplets may make the postpartum time more challenging, since everything you experience will seem somewhat more painful and last a little longer. Here are some tips that may help.

If you just gave birth to twins, then you know that you experience double the joy, but the recovery is also harder. Physically recuperating following a vaginal or C-section multiple delivery is similar to recovering from the birth of a single baby, just more intense.

Use a Stool Softener to Prevent Hemorrhoids

There are several reasons why new mothers use stool softeners. One reason is that you’re constipated, which might be exacerbated by iron supplements your doctor may have prescribed if you had considerable postpartum blood loss. Constipation may also be caused by dehydration or a poor diet. Twin pregnancies are hard on the body. Another motive is to make having a BM more pleasant. Some mothers get hemorrhoids during late pregnancy or from pushing after birth; others have tears down there, and a stool softener might reduce straining and pain while using the restroom.

Medication Could Help You Get Through the Pain

Even if you’re the type of person who hates taking an aspirin when you have a throbbing headache, don’t hesitate to take your meds now. If you’re properly medicated, you’re more likely to move around and stay comfortable during your recovery time. Also, breastfeeding a newborn or two may take a lot of physical maneuvering, and being uncomfortable during your feeding times won’t be a happy experience. After delivery, life-threatening complications include infections, blood clots, postpartum depression, and postpartum hemorrhaging. Call your doctor right away if you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, heavy bleeding, a serious headache, or excruciating pain since these are warning signs.

Make Sure to Have Pads on Hand

If you have a preference for a certain brand of maxi pad, you will need to bring several. Typically, postpartum bleeding will be heavier than regular menstruation. Simply ensure that you have any items you normally use. Bring them with you to the hospital, but, even after leaving the hospital, it’s a good idea to have them close by at all times. Parents of multiples find that the bleeding is more intense than when giving birth to a single child.

Talk to Someone About Your Baby Blues

Many moms experience “Baby Blues” after the birth of their children. Some moms experience nothing of the sort and don’t feel any different, but others feel the hormonal shift from being pregnant to not being pregnant. It could show up as just feeling “PMS’y”, or it could cause you to feel sad, anxious, fearful, and disappointed. Feeling guilty for not being happier is a common emotion. Your mental health is important. If you feel ANY sort of depression, frustration or anger, please speak to your doctor. This is VERY common, and, often, they will be able to help you. DO NOT BOTTLE IT UP! Do not try to be a hero. Do not fake it till you make it. Talk to someone so you can get the help you need.

Try To Get Sleep and Rest

As the main caregiver for their family, a twin mom encounters a tremendous amount of stress, intense weariness, and usually has little time to take care of her own needs. Raising twins is a lot of work. Sleep deprivation is common. Resist the temptation to tidy up or catch up on housework while the baby is sleeping. Use that time to relax or sleep instead. Here are some other tips that could help:

Accept help if a family member offers and use the opportunity to recover or sleep. During the first several weeks, limit visitors.
Learn to breastfeed while laying on your side so you can relax while your baby eats. If you are formula-feeding your infant, put room-temperature water and powdered formula beside your bedside to preserve energy and prevent late-night treks to the kitchen.
Consider placing a bassinet in your bedroom to eliminate excursions to the nursery during the night.
Take turns with your spouse so that you can each have a longer stretch of undisturbed sleep.
When you return to work, take cat naps during work breaks or over lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for the uterus to shrink after twins?

Many women anticipate that their stomach will return to its original size quickly after giving birth to twins. Six to eight weeks are required for the uterus to return to its pre-pregnancy size. After giving birth to twins, it could take even longer.

How long does it take to lose baby weight after twins?

Plan to return to your pre-pregnancy weight six to twelve months after giving birth. Most women lose half their baby weight within six weeks following delivery. Typically, the remaining weight is lost over the following several months. A good diet and frequent exercise will aid in weight loss. It will take longer for your midsection to return to normal after giving birth to multiple babies than after giving birth to a single child. After giving birth to twins or other multiples, your abdomen skin will be so stretched out that it will be difficult to walk and turn around.

Does postpartum bleeding last longer than twins?

Twins equal twice as much placenta, thus it is common for mothers of twins to have more bleeding when the detachment area heals. Blood loss increases because the uterus is more elongated and, as a result, loses more blood when it contracts. Increased blood volume may increase the risk of anemia, water retention, and swelling.

Is Postpartum depression more common with twins?

Mothers of twins are 43 percent more likely to have postpartum depression than mothers of single babies. This does not always mean that you will have postpartum depression, although moms of twins are at a greater risk.

How long does postpartum depression last with twins?

PPD can occur up to one year after the birth of your twins. It can take that long for your body to return to normal hormone levels.

How long does it take to recovery from vaginal birth after twins?

If you had a vaginal delivery, you will usually feel better in three weeks, however it may take six weeks or more if you have a tear or episiotomy.

Is a night nurse helpful for twins?

Having a night nurse and getting enough rest could help you enjoy your precious time with the infants more. Using a breast pump could be a good option. That way your night nurse could feed the babies while you sleep, and they can still reap the benefits of breast milk.

What are some tips for recovering from C-section after twin pregnancy?

Recovery after a Cesarean may take four to six weeks, although it is not unusual to have soreness for months.

How much does a night nurse cost?

Depending on their hours, amount of education, duties, and location, night nurses might cost $200 per night or more.

The Postpartum Period After Delivering Twins

Use a Stool Softener to Prevent Hemorrhoids

Medication Could Help You Get Through the Pain

Make Sure to Have Pads on Hand

Talk to Someone About Your Baby Blues

Try To Get Sleep and Rest

Frequently Asked Questions

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