Resources
- Being Pregnant with Twins, Triplets, and Other MultiplesIf you’re pregnant with multiples, you and your babies are more likely to have health complications than if you’re pregnant with one baby.
- Challenges of Parenting MultiplesThere are many psychological, social, and economic issues associated with multiple pregnancies. These issues should be given the same amount of attention as the medical risks. Fertility treatment makes you more likely to have a multiple pregnancy. If you are currently pregnant with multiples (more than one baby), the issues discussed in this fact sheet will help you make informed decisions about your treatment. It will also prepare you for the unique challenges and rewards that come from parenting multiples. For more information on the medical aspects of multiples, please see the ASRM Fact Sheet titled Complications Associated with Multiple Births.
- Multiples of AmericaWhether your journey is just beginning or you are already in this great adventure, Multiples of America is here for you.
- Overview of Multiple PregnancyMultiples make up only about 3 in 100 births, but the multiple birth rate is rising. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the twin birth rate has risen 70% since 1980. It is now 32.6 per 1,000 live births. The birth rate for triplets and other higher-order multiples rose dramatically. But it has slowed since 1998.
- Twins, Triplets, Multiple BirthsIf you are pregnant with more than one baby, you are far from alone. Multiple births are up in the United States. More women are having babies after age 30 and more are taking fertility drugs. Both boost the chance of carrying more than one baby. A family history of twins also makes multiples more likely.
Research & Reference
- Multiple Birth: Credo ReferenceA Credo Reference landing page on multiple births. This page includes links to reference works, journal articles, and a mind map.
- Twins: Credo ReferenceA Credo Reference landing page on twins. This page includes links to reference works, journal articles, and a mind map.
Perspectives
The Art of Parenting Twins
"CONGRATULATIONS--YOU'RE EXPECTING TWINS!" Remember when you first heard the news? After regaining the power of speech, you allowed the joy and anxious anticipation to settle in. Though family and friends simply suggest buying two of everything, parents of twins (triplets, quadruplets, right on up) need more than multiple strollers. For along with equipment, they need more facts, more advice, more patience, more support. Now help is here with The Art of Parenting Twins. Whether you have just discovered you're expecting two (or more) babies, are about to give birth, are struggling through those incredible first weeks, or are engaged in the whirlwind of child-rearing, here are the answers and resources you've been looking for. Written by the president and founder of Twin Services, Inc., this complete up-to-date guide will give you the skills you need. The Art of Parenting Twins covers such vital issues as - Bonding with more than one baby - Breast-feeding techniques - Coping with multiples - Managing sibling rivalry - Helping your children achieve independent identities - Understanding the special twin relationship - Financing your children's future And much more--including the latest research on special health concerns, mental and physical development of twins, and social behavior.
Keys to Parenting Multiples
Titled Keys to Parenting Twins in its first edition, this book has been expanded with advice and information of special interest to parents of triplets and other multiple births. The authors present guidelines for nurturing multiples from pregnancy through adolescence. Advice includes questions Moms should ask the obstetrician, making family adjustments to accommodate the new arrivals, infant feeding, individuality issues as they grow, and much more. Books in Barron's easy-to-read series of Parenting Keys contain advice and information on a wide range of child-related subjects, written by experts in psychology, physical health, education, and social and personal development. Parenting Keys help parents raise healthy, happy, productive, and well-adjusted children in the demanding contemporary environment.
Streaming Media
- Multiples: More of EverythingPrepare parents for the special challenges of having twins or triplets with an in-depth look into the lives of other families of multiples.This thorough program covers a wide range of topics—from pregnancy challenges and birth to surviving the first year of life with twins or triplets.
- Twins, Triplets, and MoreIncreased use of fertility drugs has led to a rise in multiple births—twins, triplets, sometimes more. This video sheds light on the phenomenon, detailing the serious health and developmental issues that sometimes accompany multiple births. (22 minutes)
- Understanding Your Multiples: PregnancyLearn about your pregnancy experience as your multiples develop.