As a community for families of twins, triplets, and more, we are always pleased to share resources to help families navigate life as parents of multiples.
One such resource is The Mommy MD Guide to Twins, Triplets, and More, written by Dr. Sonia Patel and Heather Karpinsky, both mothers of twins.
Together, they share their best tips and gathered more advice from fellow twin moms who happen to be doctors.
The book is packed full of practical suggestions based on personal experiences, including tips on feeding, diapering and dressing, coping with health challenges, staying safe, and managing outings, day trips and vacations.
We talked to one of the co-authors, Heather Karpinsky, to share her thoughts on the book, life as an author, and twin mom.
How did you come together to write this book?
We all met through Jennifer Reich, the publisher of the Mommy MD Guides series. I reached out to Jennifer a couple of years ago when I needed doctor input for an article I was working on and I was honored when she asked if I would be interested in being apart of this book.
What was the most challenging part of putting this book together?
The most challenging part was saying it was ready to print. I must have read the book at least five times. I wanted to make sure it was perfect and I am so proud of the book we created.
What do you hope to accomplish with this book?
I hope our book will help mothers of multiples with the expected and the unexpected as well as provide ways to keep their multiples safe and healthy, while keeping their sanity. Working on this book was a privilege and I am so grateful to all the incredible doctors that shared their experiences and advice. These amazing women have made this book the ultimate resource.
What’s your number one advice for expectant mothers of multiples?
You can do it! Twins do not come with directions, although it would be nice if they did. Days will be long and some will be very hard, but you will get through it. You will not always be your best, but by trying your best everything will work out.
How did you react when you found out you were expecting twins?
I was so excited, but I was also a little scared. I was not sure how I would handle two at a time, but I learned quickly how to survive and thrive.
What’s your best moment so far in parenting your twins?
I have had so many wonderful moments My favorite moment was when I held my twins for the first time. My twins were born at just 31 weeks and I did not get to hold them when they were born. I sat in the NICU on the other side of their incubators waiting to hold them for one week. It was such a long week and that moment is forever saved in my heart. Celebrating their first birthday was a huge moment as well because the first year was not easy and at times I wondered how we would all make it, but we did!
What’s the thing you worried about raising twins that you didn’t actually have to worry about?
I would try to worry less about things that were out of my control. I worried so much about their weight/size when they were born. They were so small and I was so scared, but over time they grew. I would have focused more on things I could do to keep my two safe and healthy. I tend to worry and I think I always will. That is part of the job, right?
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I would keep a journal detailing what happened every week (happy moments, things that made them smile, etc). I miss the first year and I wish I could remember every moment, but I have forgotten some over the years.
How do you juggle your work life with your home life?
I take one day at a time and I always try to do my best. Balancing is impossible with twins! You can make plans and prioritize, but then something will happen that completely changes your plans for the day. Rolling with the day and putting your best foot forward is what keeps me on track.
What’s next for you?
I love working with other twin moms and I am currently working on creating twin themed party supplies and a recognition program for children at my local hospital.