What is your name, your baby's name, and baby's age?
My name is Crystal Lara and I'm 26 years old. I have twins, Evelyn & Augustine Lara. They will be turning 1 year old September 28, 2009.
How was your (or your partner's) pregnancy?
It was not at all as bad as I was expecting. I got no morning sickness, and the worst part was the constant heartburn and bloated feeling. A lot which had to do for the fact I had twins. I can honestly say that if I wanted more kids I would have them.
How did you prepare for childbirth?
Well from the very beginning I knew there was a higher chance I would have a c-section. But I wanted to go as natural as possible if I could. I took birthing classes that taught all ways from just breathing techniques to positions and also the drugs available. I liked the classes because they weren't telling you what was right and wrong but telling you that everyone is different and giving you options.
Was your birthing experience easier, harder or as you expected it to be?
Well I ended up having an emergency c-section at 35 weeks. My little girls placenta ruptured, so it was much easier in a way. No labor pains, but very scary at the time and lots of healing afterwards.
What one piece of advice would you give to expecting parents about childbirth?
Do what you know you want to do. Don't gear towards peer pressure. People telling you drugs are bad, and not safe. Learn all options, try them out and whatever feels right just do it.
Bottle or Breast?
Well I wasn't making enough milk for them both, but I was determined to try. So they breast fed every meal untill I was empty and got formula after that.
Who is on diaper duty?
I was, my husband doesn't do good with stink. He is barely changing them now.
What resource was the most helpful to you during the first 2 months (book, website, person, anything)
Honestly nothing. I mean before I had them I read every book I could find. But after they were born your mind is so weak and jumbled you don't remeber much. You kind of play it by ear and do your best. What to Expect When You're Expecting
was still the far best and most helpful. Also babycenter.com when I was ever able to get online.
Was there an age when it "suddenly got easier"?
It wasn't an age for me but when they both learned to hold their own bottle was a life saver. No more propping bottled, running everytime they dropped one. I could now hand them a bottle and go make dinner, or do dishes. That helped a lot.
What type of stroller do you use?
Graco DuoGlider
. It's awesome for twins. Probably the least expensive of the double stroller family. New around $120.00, I got ours on craigslist for $40.00. It fits the carseats and has a huge storage space. And not heavy at all for a double.
What was the best newborn gift you received?
I would have to say the playtex drop In liner bottles.
They really help with the gas bubbles in the bellies and for bottle fed babies they are so easy to travel with, clean, and use.
What is your current can't-live-without gear for baby?
My stroller for sure. That and my diaper bag. I use a backpack and its perfect for everything I need from a day at the park or a night at grandmas.
Are you getting any "me" time?
I didn't start getting me time untill they were about 8mo. Hard to find a sitter for infant twins. But now that they are getting older and easier to watch, everyone wants them.
What did you find most surprising about your newborn?
How many diapers they really went through. That and how fast they learn stuff.