Texas Twin Mom
About Me
Hi! I'm Hannah. I'm a 35 year old wife and TWIN mom!
I created Texas Twin Mom to be a resource for all new moms, twin mommas especially.
When I found out I was expecting twins, I was shocked, thrilled, and nervous. The first words out of my mouth were, "We need to move!". Yes, we moved 45 minutes closer to family and yes, twins do run in my family. Our di/di twins were born at 37 weeks 4 days in December 2022. We are so blessed to have a healthy little boy and little girl.
I felt like I was a bit alone when it came to the twin pregnancy experience. I did research and tried to find blogs/ YoutTube videos about what to buy and how to prepare. I couldn't find anything that just spelled it out clearly. So here we are, hopefully this will help you. I created an Amazon Affiliate Page to link all of the products that I have loved (some items are not on Amazon but I still let you know what they are) and hope that by sharing my experiences, I can also bring in some extra money for our family! I own a Balloon Decor business, Boerne Balloon Bar, but I have had to put that on hold to be a fulltime Stay at Home Mom. It's the best and hardest job I've ever had.
My experience WILL BE different from yours... there is no rule book or perfect plan. I have learned to give myself grace and to remember to takes things one day at a time.
This is hard. This is exciting. This is your next chapter and I'm so thankful to be a tiny part of your story.
Let me be a friend for you. A friend that is still learning everyday!
Texas Twin Mom
pregnancy, delivery & Postpartum
Pregnancy: We found out we were pregnant in April 2022. Due to our previous pregnancy loss (just over 7 weeks in October 2021), we were hesitant to get too excited... we waited until I was 8 weeks along to see our OBGYN. To say that my doctor has become a special person in my life is an understatement. During our first ultra scan, we were given the news that there were TWO babies in there! We waited to share the news publicly until 17 weeks. We had our Gender Reveal Party shortly thereafter. We cut into two cakes from Bird Bakery... to our amazement, we had one pink cake and one blue! Only the baker and our doctor knew the sexes... talk about a once in a lifetime moment!
I was very sick the first trimester (ask your doctor about antinausea medicine if you need it) and so so so tired. The second trimester was really fun and I enjoyed water aerobics! The 20 week anatomy scan went great and my belly really started to pop. My glucose test went well... and to be honest, I didn't mind the drink they give you ahead of time! Once the third trimester hit, I had to get on a prescription for acid reflux/heartburn. I started waking up many times in the night in August. People will tell you that waking often to go to the bathroom is your body's way of preparing you for sleepless nights ahead. I guess they are right since we're 9 months in and I haven't slept more than 4 hours in a row in a year!
The babies were due late in the year but they were delivered 3 weeks early via a scheduled C-Section (full term for twins) the second week in December. Best Christmas present ever.
Delivery: Coming Soon!
Postpartum: It's not easy. Some days are better than others. You may be having a bad day-- that doesn't mean you are a bad mom. I am NOT a doctor and I can't give you medical advice but I can offer you some insight to what my experience was. I remember leaving the hospital thinking that it is unreal to have two babies sent home with us without a rule book... yes, we took classes before their births but to actually HAVE the BABIES in hand was so different.
Let's talk C-Section recovery and my flooding hormones. I remember that I would just cry-- happy tears, tears of pain (take stool softener!), and tears of overwhelmingness. My milk supply did not come in right away. I remember spilling the tiny amount of milk that I had pumped in bed and bawling. It took over a week of me trying to get a supply up that would feed both babies. Looking back, I feel that the lactation consultant I was given did not explain that this could happen and that we may need to supplement with formula... thankfully the nurse that went over everything upon departure from the hospital made me promise her that if by Monday (this was Saturday), my milk hadn't come in, that I would feed the babies the pre-made bottled formula. I was so hesitant to do that because I wanted to be able to breastfeed them and my new-mom-brain was convinced that I was failing if I couldn't supply them naturally. I was wrong, just FYI.
The babies started to put on weight and their coloring was certainly improving once we added their 2oz bottles. We were not able to see a Pediatrician until the babies were 6 days old... Please, please, please make sure you have a Pediatrician picked out and a back up. We thought we did but she was sick on the day of our appointment and they tried to reschedule us out a week + one day after birth. Thankfully we called another office in town and we were seen as soon as requested. Both babies had lost weight and their Bilirubin was borderline. Doctors order was to pull an all nighter and feed each baby 2oz every 2 hours. We did it. Their tests were improved overnight. We were exhausted.
After a couple weeks and a lot of added calories (thank you Oreos and Body Armor Beverages), my milk supply increased. Our son loved to breastfeed but our daughter never took to it. I use the Elvie Stride pump (which was partially paid for through our health insurance) and absolutely love it. My supply is still not enough for both babies and we've LOVED having the Baby Breeza Instant Formula Maker on hand to help supplement. We use Kendamil Organic Formula. The saying "Fed is best" is 100% correct.
Having a new born is so hard. Having two (or more) at the same time is really hard. We didn't sleep longer than 2-3 hours in a row for months. My husband and I would each hold a baby in bed to feed them. If our daughter woke up, we'd "dream feed" our son as to not have him wake minutes after. The babies were sleeping in one bedside bassinet that I insisted we needed once we got home (even though we had two Snoos that I bought on Facebook Marketplace waiting on hand). I needed them close and I loved being able to touch them right next to me. We moved them into their own bassinets (the Snoos, unplugged) at 6 weeks. Both bassinets were set up in our bedroom and remained there for months. We had a system and it worked for us. You will find your groove.
My husband was home for two weeks with us. We also had the help of my sister, mom, and cousin when requested. The first six weeks were so special to me-- almost to a fault. I did not open my door to extra hands or help. Once my husband went back to work, I thought my new job began. If I couldn't do EVERYTHING alone, I was not doing my job properly. My Type A work ethic was not a good thing to have at that time. I was not forgiving of this transitional phase and I was too stubborn to ask for assistance. I say this to help you learn from my hindsight knowing that this is still difficult at 8 months. To be honest, I think my postpartum experience lasted about 4 months. While bonding as a new family is essential, it's also helpful to have friends and extended family chip in. If help is available, take it.
I am grateful and also so aware that many new moms are not so lucky. As a new mom with a husband that is my true partner, I feel blessed. To any parents out there that are doing this alone, I see you and wish I could give you a hug. You're amazing.
*Postpartum depression and anxiety are real. Listen to your mind/body and speak with a doctor if needed. Your health is essential and just as important as your beautiful new babies.*
Texas Twin Mom
my personal registry suggestions
TOP ITEMS FOR MONTHS 0-12 that I personally use(d) or would have in hindsight
Feeding: Elvie Stride Handsfree Breast Pump, Baby Breeza Instant Formula Maker, Baby Breeza Bottle Sterlizer, NanoBebe Bottle Starter Kit, NanoBebe Bottles, Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump, Twin Z Pillow, 12 oz. Mason Jars (to store breastmilk), Tomme Tippee Bottle Warmer, Burp Cloths, Bibs, High Chairs (IKEA)
Primary Bedroom: Simmons Twin Bassinet (although our twins shared one Baby Delight Bedside Bassinet), Snoo Bassinet (2 recommended/ we bought ours 2nd hand on FB Marketplace. I was able to re-sell them for the same price I purchased them. We never needed to plug them in but I liked to have that option just in case the babies were bad sleepers!), Delta Children Changing Station, Changing Station Mattress, Changing Table Liners, Diapers, Wipes, Swaddles, Baby Onesies
Living Room/ Playroom: Joovy Room 2 Pack and Play + Joovy Room 2 Nursery Accessory, Baby Bjorn Bouncer (2 recommended), 4Moms MamaRoo or Graco Duet Connect LX (2 recommended), Skip Hop Baby Activity Center (2 recommended), Snuggle Me Organic, Lovevery Play Gym , Joovy Spoon Walker (2 recommended), Foam Playmat, Wooden Playcenter, Nugget Couch,
Nursery: Extra Large Rocking Chair Recliner, Cribs (we bought ours from Pottery Barn but didn’t use them until 6+ months and I wish I had purchased something like the Delta Convertible 4 in 1 Crib), Newton Mattresses, Sheets, Crib Wraps, Blankets, Hatch Sound Machine, Nanit Pro Baby Monitors (WiFi Needed) or VAVA Baby Monitors (No WiFi), Diaper Genie , Diaper Genie Bags, Wipe Warmer, Babo Botanicals Diaper Cream, Hand Sanitizer, 8Sheep Organic Nighttime Lotion, Huggies (Newborn, Size 1, Size 2), Pampers (Newborn, Size 1, Size 2), Coterie (expensive but worth it for the overnight diaper), Kirkland Diapers (must be a Costco member)
Bath: Grow with Me Bath Tub, Towels, Pipette Baby Soap and Shampoo, Haakaa Electic Nail Trimmer
Transportation: Beis Ultimate Diaper Backpack, Jeep Destination Double Stroller (side-by-side style that is great for walks around the neighborhood), Nuna Pipa RX Infant Car Seats, UppaBaby Vista Stroller (tiered style that is great for shopping and in-door spaces), Baby Bjorn Carrier, Solly or Boba Baby Wrap, Stroller Travel Fans, The California Beach Co Pop and Play, Graco Pack and Plays (Travel Cribs, 2 recommended)
Clothing: Two-Way Zipper Onezies, Halo Sleep Sacks, Love To Dream Sleep Sacks, Kyte Baby Sleep Sacks
Mom: Nursing Bra, Washable Breast Pads, Lounge Set, The Ultimate Twin Mom 30 Day Devotional
Texas Twin Mom
Registry Suggestions from other twin moms
TOP ITEMS FOR MONTHS 0-12 from other twin moms....
Feeding:
Primary Bedroom:
Living Room:
Nursery:
Bath:
Transportation:
Clothing:
Mom:
Coming Soon!
Texas Twin Mom
hospital go bag checklist
Coming Soon!
Texas Twin Mom
What’s in my diaper bag?
Diaper Bag: Beis Ultimate Diaper Backpack, Six Extra Diapers (we have used Kirkland, Huggies, Pampers, Honest, Coterie), Unscented Baby Wipes, 2 Sets of Extra Clothes, Two Bibs, 1 Baby Blanket, Two Bottles filled with Breastmilk or Formula, Ice Pack to keep the bottles cool, Elvie Stride Breastpump, First Aid Baggy (see below), Toys, IPad, Cell Phone, Wallet, and Keys!
First Aid Baggy: Clear Organization Bag, Genexa Infants’ Pain and Fever, Camilia Teething Relief, Punkin Butt Teething Oil, Infants’ Mylicon Gas Relief, Triple Antiboitic Ointment, Babo Botanicals Diaper Rash Cream, Nose Sucker (we got ours from the nurse at the hospital), Baby Bum Sunscreen, Mobi Baby Thermometer
**I am not a doctor and am NOT offering medical advice.**
Texas Twin Mom
Baby shower & birthday party themes
Twin (or sibling) Halloween Costumes & Ideas:
Ketchup and Mustard, Salt and Pepper, Bacon and Eggs, Thing 1 and Thing 2, Two Peas in a Pod, Star Wars (Luke, Leia, Yoda , Darth Vader, Baby Ewok, R2-D2), Raggedy Ann and Andy, Toy Story Characters (Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie, Slinky Dog),
Peter Pan Characters (Peter/ Tink/ Hook/ Wendy), Winnie the Poo and Tigger, Super Heros (Superman, Batman, Spiderman, Hulk, Captain America, Thor), Pebbles and Bam Bam, Red Riding Hood and the Wolf, Mother of Dragons,
Ghostbusters, Stay Puft Man, Monsters Inc., Mario and Luigi, Mickey and Minnie, Milk and Cookies, Avocado and Toast,
Animals (Cow, Pig, Duck, Zebra, Lion), Frozen (Elsa, Anna, Kristof, Olaf)
Baby Shower Supplies & Themes:
Two Little Cuties, Noah’s Ark, Two Peas in a Pod, Twin-kle Twin-kle Little Star, Tea for Two, Sugar and Spice, Taco Two-sday, Ketchup and Mustard, Babies are Brewing, Celebrating Our Little Peanuts, Blue Jean Babies, Twice Blessed, Dr. Suess Thing 1 and Thing 2, One Fish Two Fish, Two Little Pumpkins, Jungle Theme (Life's About To Get Wild!), Two Groovy Babies, Two Scoops Are Better than One, Wild West (Son of a gun, there's more than one!), Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Two Two Ballerina, Double or Nothing Casino, Sugar and Spice and Everything Twice
**Tip- Do a DIAPER RAFFLE at your shower. Ask every guest to bring a box of unscented diapers. Each box is worth one entry for a fun prize during the shower (Hand soap and a candle from Trader Joe's). We didn't have to buy our own diapers for the twins for over 6 months thanks to the raffle!**
1st Birthday Supplies & Themes:
ONEderland, Fairy First Birthday, One Prickly Pear, O-FISHally One, Golf Hole in One, First Trip Around the Sun, Our Wild Ones, Groovy One, Survivor (We survived the First Year!), Our First Rodeo, Our Berry First Birthday, Fun to be One, FlinstONEs, Sweet to BEE One, Catching Their First Wave Ocean Party, ONEder the Sea, How the West was ONE
2nd Birthday Themes:
Two-ti Fruiti, Toy Story You've Got TWO Friends in Us or Two Infinity and Beyond, A Perfect Pear, Oh Twoodles! Mickey and Minnie, Taco TWOsday, Two-Nicorns, Two Groovy, Red White and TWO, Tea for Two, Two the Moon, Two Fast Two Furious, Two Peas in a Pod, Yabba Dabba TWO, Welcome TWO the Jungle, Two Scoops are Better than One, Fat TWOsday, Born TWO be Wild, TWO Cool, Two-Rex Dino-Dos, TWO Legit to Quit 90s Party, Home Alone 2 Happy Birthday ya Filthy Animals, TWO Sweet Donuts, Choo Choo We Are Two, Chugga Chugga TuTu, Baby Shark Two Two Two, Totally TWObular Beach Party, Life's a Zoo with Two, Texas TWO Step
Texas Twin Mom
Swag
Tote Bag: $40
T-Shirt: $40
Send me a DM @TexasTwinMomIG if interested!
*Customizable for the rest of the country, too!*
Texas Twin Mom
resources
Favorite Websites: Coming Soon!
Favorite Facebook Groups: Coming Soon!
Favorite Podcasts: Coming Soon!
Texas Twin Mom
contact
@TexasTwinmomig
@texas.Twin.mom
Contact.texastwinmom@gmail.com