Well, hello there mama! Welcome to week 36 of your twin pregnancy – that’s something to celebrate!
If you have had your babies, then congratulations. I hope all went well and you are enjoying some super special baby snuggles x 2
If you are still waiting, you’re probably feeling excited, nervous, and maybe a bit overwhelmed as you anticipate your twins’ arrival.
Preparing for life with two newborns is no small task, but taking the time now to plan ahead can make all the difference in those first few weeks after birth. Whether it’s organizing your home, stocking the freezer, or creating a routine, we’re here to guide you through some key preparations so you’ll feel more ready when your little ones arrive.
How are you feeling mama?
Twin Pregnancy Symptoms at 36 Weeks
At week 36, you might be feeling all the things—excitement, anticipation, and maybe a bit of discomfort. With two growing babies, your belly is probably feeling tight, and you may be experiencing symptoms like swollen feet, frequent trips to the bathroom, and shortness of breath. Braxton Hicks contractions might be making regular appearances, signaling that your body is gearing up for the big day.
Fatigue is likely setting in by now, and that’s completely normal. You’re carrying two babies, after all! Rest as much as you can and remember, it’s okay to slow down. You’ve been working hard growing your babies, and soon enough, they’ll be in your arms. So take it easy and don’t hesitate to ask for help whenever you need it.
What are your twins up to this week?
Your Twins at 36 Weeks – Height & Weight
At 36 weeks, your twins are about the size of two papayas, each measuring around 18–19 inches (45–48 cm) long and weighing between 5–6 pounds (2.3–2.7 kg). At this stage, they’re running out of room in your belly and are getting snug as they prepare for life outside the womb.
While they may not grow much taller in the coming weeks, your twins will continue to gain weight, which will help them regulate their body temperatures after birth. Every extra ounce is a boost to their strength and development!
Your Twins’ Fetal Development at 36 Weeks
Your babies are almost fully developed and ready for life on the outside! Their lungs are in the final stages of development, and they’re practicing their breathing movements in preparation for that first big gulp of air. They’ve also developed strong sucking reflexes, which means they’ll be ready to nurse or take a bottle right after birth.
Their digestive systems are preparing for those first feedings of breast milk or formula, and they’ve been swallowing amniotic fluid, which will help kick-start their digestive processes. Their skin has thickened and smoothed out thanks to all the fat they’ve gained, and they’re continuing to produce vernix, the protective white coating that helps them slide easily through the birth canal.
What You Might Be Wondering About This Week
Stocking the Freezer: How Meal Prep Can Save Your Sanity with Two Newborns
One of the most practical things you can do before your twins arrive is to fill your freezer with ready-to-go meals. You’ll have your hands full with two babies, and meal prep will be the last thing on your mind. Having a stash of pre-made meals can be a lifesaver during those sleep-deprived early days.
Focus on meals that are easy to freeze and reheat, like casseroles, soups, stews, and pasta dishes. You can also prepare some grab-and-go breakfast options, like muffins or breakfast burritos. Consider portioning meals into single servings or small portions—this way, you can grab just what you need without wasting food.
Don’t forget to label everything with the date and reheating instructions! It’s also helpful to stock up on snacks like granola bars, nuts, or cut-up veggies for quick bites between feedings.
Nesting with Purpose: Organizing Your Home for Twin Newborns
Nesting is a powerful instinct, especially in the final weeks of pregnancy, and it’s a great time to get your home organized for the arrival of your twins. Start by creating functional spaces that will make your life easier once the babies are here. For example, set up multiple diaper-changing stations around the house—one in the nursery, one in the living room, and one wherever else you’ll be spending a lot of time.
Make sure your nursery is ready with clothes, diapers, wipes, and all the baby essentials within easy reach. Pre-wash baby clothes, blankets, and crib sheets to ensure they’re soft and clean for your newborns’ sensitive skin. Set up a cozy feeding area with a comfortable chair, a twin nursing pillow, and a small table to hold snacks, water, and burp cloths.
And don’t forget to organize a space for yourself! You’ll need a relaxing area where you can rest and recover, with everything you need within reach—think nursing pads, snacks, water, and a good book or your phone to keep you entertained during those long nursing sessions.
Managing Visitors After Birth: Setting Boundaries and Expectations for a Stress-Free Recovery
Everyone is excited to meet your babies, but the early days after birth are all about you and your little ones bonding and recovering. It’s important to set boundaries with visitors, even if they mean well. Consider limiting the number of visitors in those first few weeks or ask friends and family to wait until you feel more settled.
Create a visitor plan in advance and communicate your wishes clearly. You might prefer short, scheduled visits rather than having people drop by unannounced.
It’s okay to ask guests to bring food or help with chores rather than expecting you to entertain them. Remember, your priority is rest, recovery, and bonding with your babies. Don’t feel bad about saying no to visitors or asking for space when you need it.
Leaning on Your Support Network: How to Ask for Help When You Need It Most
This is the time to start leaning on your support network. Don’t be afraid to ask for help—you’ll need it! Whether it’s your partner, family members, or friends, people are often eager to pitch in but may not know exactly what you need. Be specific when asking for help: Do you need meals, someone to do laundry, or a couple of hours of baby-holding while you nap?
Setting up a meal train or a chore schedule can help you organize the help being offered. You can also create a “help list” where you jot down tasks that others can do when they visit. Many parents find it hard to ask for help, but remember that taking care of yourself allows you to better care for your babies.
Day-to-Day Care Hacks for Twin Parents: Tips to Simplify Your New Routine
Caring for twins may seem daunting, but a few day-to-day hacks can simplify your life. One key tip is to synchronize your babies’ schedules as much as possible. If one twin wakes up to feed, wake the other one too. This helps you avoid being in a constant feeding cycle and gives you longer stretches to rest.
Investing in twin-specific gear can also make a big difference. A double stroller, a twin feeding pillow, and a good baby carrier designed for twins are essential.
Keep baby care items—diapers, wipes, burp cloths—in multiple spots around the house so you’re not constantly running back to the nursery. Consider setting up a “baby station” in the living room or bedroom with all the essentials within easy reach.
And don’t forget to take care of yourself. Have snacks and water handy, and make sure you’re eating regularly. You’ll be burning a lot of energy taking care of two babies, so staying nourished is key!
Creating a Routine for Your Twins: Why Consistency Matters from Day One
While newborns don’t follow strict schedules, creating a consistent routine can help bring a sense of order to the chaos. Try to establish a pattern for feeding, sleeping, and diapering from day one. For example, you might follow a “feed-play-sleep” cycle, where your babies eat, have some alert playtime, and then go down for a nap.
Having a routine benefits both you and your babies. It helps your little ones feel secure and know what to expect, and it gives you a sense of predictability in your day.
You’ll quickly learn to recognize their sleep and hunger cues, and a routine can help you plan your time more effectively. Just remember to stay flexible—every day will be a little different, and that’s okay!
Prioritizing Your Postpartum Recovery: How to Balance Your Healing and Newborn Care
Caring for yourself postpartum is just as important as caring for your babies. Your body has been through a lot, and you’ll need time to recover. Stock up on postpartum essentials like heavy-duty pads and nursing-friendly clothing. Make sure you have a comfortable space where you can rest and take breaks.
Don’t push yourself to do too much in those first few weeks. It’s important to take it easy, especially if you’ve had a C-section or experienced complications during delivery.
Let others help with household chores so you can focus on healing. Remember, the better you care for yourself, the more energy you’ll have to care for your babies.
Before you go…
You’re almost there, mama! Preparing for the arrival of your twins takes time and planning, but every bit of effort you put in now will help make your transition into twin parenthood smoother. From stocking your freezer to setting up a routine, these small steps can make a big difference once your babies arrive.
You’re already an amazing twin mom, and soon, you’ll have two sweet little ones in your arms to prove it.
Hang in there—you’re doing an incredible job!
Take care and much love.
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