Synopses & Reviews
Even with years working as a pediatrician, Shelly Vaziri Flais, MD, FAAP, was nervous about what lay ahead when she was told she was pregnant with twins. Now, several years into parenting her twin boys, Dr Flais is sharing her wisdom and experience as a mom and her expertise as a doctor to help other parents prepare for and raise multiples with confidence. With insightful stories from her own experiences coupled with important information only a pediatrician can offer, Raising Twins will help parents
Prepare for the arrival of their twins
Survive the first few days and weeks with advice on sleep schedules, feeding choices, and finding support
Develop strategies to help successfully manage (and enjoy!) the first year of their twins lives
Negotiate the toddler years, including potty training, language development, big-kid beds, budgets, and discipline
Understand the world of their twins as they become preschoolers, including socialization inside and outside the family, encouraging individualism, discipline and sleep issues.
Review
"This is a valuable contribution that will pair nicely with other recent winners." BookSmack!, the online newsletter, LibraryJournal.com
Review
"Helps parents of multiples hit the ground running and build their skills, efficiency, and confidence . . . This practical resource is a necessity for anyone caring for twins." Jennifer Shu, MD, FAAP, coauthor, Food Fights and Heading Home with Your Newborn
Review
"Who better to hold your hand and help prepare you for the multiple joys (and challenges) of parenting twins than a pediatrician-mom of twins?" Laura A. Jana, MD, FAAP, coauthor, Heading Home with Your Newborn
Review
"Tandem feeding, duo sleeping, twin proofing, and double discipline are only a few of the many tips on raising twins covered in this handy must-have parenting guide . . . shares a double dose of practical information that I recommend all parents of multiples read prior to delivery and keep close at hand during the first few years." Tanya Remer Altmann, MD, FAAP, author, Mommy Calls; editor in chief, The Wonder Years
Review
"Dr. Flais, from her own experiences, will teach you how to simplify, synchronize, and customize . . . parenting [your] twins. Her twin tips will help all families." Marc Weissbluth, MD, FAAP, author, Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child, and Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Twins
Review
"Pediatrician Flais, herself a mother of twins, presents a survival guide for parents in the first weeks and months of twin-rearing, as well as sensible advice for all stages of their children's development. From breastfeeding, napping, toilet training to discipline, her empowering and confident tone is neighborly and down-to-earth, keeping parents attuned to her if-I-can-do-it-so-can-you attitude." Publishers Weekly Online
Synopsis
Offering practical, can-do” advice for anxious parents expecting or already caring for twins, this handbook guides from the first news of twins impending arrival and continues through their early childhood. From how to set up the nursery, synchronize feeding and sleeping schedules, and potty train two children at once to discipline, family dynamics, and fostering individuality, this doctor-cum-mom shares her experiences of what works and what doesnt and encourages parents to not only survive but also enjoy their twins early years. A special appendix on caring for triplets as well as preterm babies is also included.
Synopsis
Offering practical advice for anxious parents expecting or already caring for twins, this handbook guides readers from the first news of twins' impending arrival and continues through their early childhood.
About the Author
Shelly Vaziri Flais: Shelly Vaziri Flais, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician, wife, and mother of 4 children, including identical twin boys. She received a BA in History at Northwestern University in the Honors Program in Medical Education, and received her medical degree from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. She performed her pediatrics internship and residency at Childrens Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL. As a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, she has clinical experience and practical know-howher 4 children, all born within the span of 4 years, have been her best teachers.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction
Your New Life with Twins
Twins--The News Flash of a Lifetime
How the Twin-Parenting Experience Changes Over the Early Years
Pregnancy
Early Infancy
Later Infancy
The Toddler Years
The Preschool Years
Enjoying the Twin-Parenting Experience
Families with Twins--One Size Does Not Fit All
Chapter 2: Preparing for Your Twins' Arrival
The Emotional Rollercoaster after Learning the News
Taking Care of Your Body and the Pregnancy
Preparation During Pregnancy
Twins Preparation Checklist
Preparing Older Siblings for the Arrival of Twins
Nearing the Delivery
Chapter 3: The Early Days and Weeks with Twins
In the Hospital
Coming Home
Keeping Your Twins on the Same Schedule--Starting Now
Feeding Your Babies--Should We Use Breast Milk or Formula
Breastfeeding Twins--So How Do We Do It
Formula Feeding--Simplifying the Process for Your Twins
Burping and Reflux
Advice for Outings--Is It Possible to Leave Your House With Your Twins?
Infant Colic, Times Two
Should We Use Pacifiers?
Asking for Support
Taking Your Twins to the Pediatrician
Getting Into a Routine in Your New Life with Twins
Chapter 4: Early Infancy and Getting Your Twins on a Schedule
Sleep--Infant Twins Need It, and Parents Need It Too!
Do Twins Need Two Cribs, or Two Bedrooms?
The Science Behind Good Sleep Habits
The Strategies to Encourage Good Sleep Habits
The Power of the Bedtime Ritual
During the Day--Daytime Naps
Feeding Your Infant Twins
The Twins are Getting Stronger
Diaper Rash
"Twin Proofing"
Considerations When Returning to Work after Maternity Leave
Toys and Books for Your Twins
Outings and Fun with Your Infant Twins
Continue to Ask for Help
Bonding With Each of Your Individual Twins
Chapter 5: Your Twins' Older Infancy and First Birthday
Older Twin Babies' Sleep Patterns
Mealtime: A Whole New World
Advancing Solid Foods and Table Foods
Sippy Cup Training Twins--Bye-Bye, Bottles!
Twins and Dental Development
Play and Development for Older Twin Babies
Language and Communication
Safety Issues
"Discipline"--Re-directing Your Young Twins to Acceptable Behaviors
The Emotions Involved in Parenting Twins--How to Stay Sane
Spending Time with Each of Your Twins as Individuals
The First Birthday
Your Twins' First Year--A Special Time That Flies Too Fast!
Chapter 6: Toddler Twins [One- and Two-Year-Olds]
Toddler Twins Sleep Issues
Transitioning to "Big-Kid" Beds, and How to Keep Your Twins in Them
Strategies to Survive Your Twins' Graduation to Big Kid Beds
A Continued Need for Naps, or At Least, Quiet Time
Toddler Nutrition and Mealtimes
Simplify Mealtime with Your Toddler Twins
The Importance of Positive One-On-One Time for Your Twins
Kind but Effective Discipline for Toddler Twins
Providing Acceptable Choices for, and Listening To, Your Twins
Temper Tantrums
Consistency in Discipline is Key
"Time-Outs" For Twins
Encouraging Twins' Language Development
Toilet Training: Is It Possible
When and Where Do We Start Toilet Training Twins
The Gear to Help Toilet Training
Schedule "Potty Time" Into Your Day
Toilet Training Motivation Tools
Safety Issues for Toddler Twins
Family Relationships, a New Baby
Keeping a Twin-Friendly Budget--Save Both Time and Money
Having Fun with Your Toddler Twins
Chapter 7: Preschool Aged Twins [Three- and Four-Year-Olds]
Sleep Issues for Preschool Twins
Socialization within the Family--The Twins' Role in the Family Unit
Preparing Your Twins for a Preschool Experience
The Continued Importance of One-on-One Time
Your Twins are Two Distinct Individuals, Now More Than Ever
Consistency and Discipline with Preschool Twins
Balancing the Family Dynamic
Expectations of Your Twins When On Outings
When Twins Collide
Advanced Toilet Training and Independence
Emotional and Social Support for Parents of Preschool Twins
Budgeting and Practical Matters
Enjoy the Here and Now with Your Twins
Chapter 8: Concluding Your Twins' Early Years--As Your Twins Grow
The Twin Journey
The Built-In Life Lessons
A Special Bond between Two Unique Individuals
An Eye towards the Future
Appendix A: Twin Facts Every Parent of Twins Should Know
The Distinction between Identical and Fraternal Twins
More and More Twins!
Appendix B: If Your Twins Are Born Early
Nutrition for Small Preterm Twins
Respiratory Issues
Jaundice
Other Issues
How to Bond with Your Twins in the NICU
When Will My Twins be Ready to Come Home?
Other Concerns Once We Go Home
Appendix C: The Triplet Parenting Experience--Advice for All Families with Multiples
Preparation for Triplets During Pregnancy
Synchronized Schedules
Survival in the Early Months
Organizing the Triplet Way
Potty Training Triplets
Psychological Issues
The Best Aspects of Parenting Triplets
Maintaining Triplets' Individuality
The Adventure of a Lifetime!