The postpartum period is a major adjustment for any new parent, but postpartum with twins comes with its own unique challenges. I know from personal experience, since I am a mom of 3 to one set of twins and a singleton. From physical recovery to mental health, feeding, sleep deprivation, and emotional overwhelm, life after having twins can feel intense, exhausting, and isolating.
If you’re in the thick of it, what you’re experiencing is almost certainly normal. I put together this guide to walk you through what to expect during the postpartum period with twins and offer realistic tips from someone who has been there.
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How Long Is the Postpartum Period?
The postpartum period, often called the fourth trimester, refers to the first 12 weeks after birth. During this time, your body heals, hormones fluctuate, and as a twin mom you adjust to caring for two newborns at once.
What Makes Postpartum With Twins Different?
Understanding that postpartum with twins is different can help set realistic expectations and reduce unnecessary guilt. With twins, postpartum recovery can feel more demanding due to:
- Higher likelihood of a C-section
- Increased physical strain on the body
- More intense sleep deprivation
- Double the feedings and diaper changes
Physical Symptoms & Recovery After a Twin Birth
Your postpartum symptoms with twins could be more exaggerated and intense. I found that to be the case when I compare my two postpartum recoveries. Common physical changes are listed below.
- Postpartum bleeding
- Uterine cramping as the uterus shrinks
- Swelling in legs and feet
- Abdominal separation (diastasis recti)
- Profound exhaustion
- Hair loss
With all these things going on with your body remember that healing takes time. Don’t be surprised if recovery takes longer than you are anticipating, especially after giving birth to twins.
Healing After Vaginal Birth vs C-Section
Twin pregnancies are more likely to result in a C-section, though many parents also deliver twins vaginally. Personally, I delivered mine vaginally. Recovery varies depending on birth type, but you can expect healing to take longer after carrying multiples.
A C-section is an abdominal surgery. Recovery requires rest, limited lifting, incision care, and managing pain while caring for two newborn babies can be especially challenging. Meanwhile, if you have a vaginal birth expect soreness, bleeding, and pelvic floor weakness.
For me personally, I had a level 2 perineal tear and needed stitches. This is very common. I am bringing it up because it’s something first time moms are not necessarily fully aware of.
Be prepared to have some unusual and painful bathroom trips, especially over the first few days of your postpartum recovery. Further below you will find a list of postpartum essentials, which will include items you will want to help you through recovery in your vaginal area.
I also had spinal headaches, which were absolutely horrible for the 1 week postpartum that I dealt with them. The good news is they are not overly common, but if you get an epidural, it’s important to be aware that spinal headaches can be a side effect.
Taking Care of Postpartum Mental Health With Twins
Constant feeding schedules, fear of needing to do everything right, and caring for two newborns can lead to extremely high anxiety. Racing thoughts, panic, and feeling on edge are signals to slow down and seek support.
Things are not going to be perfect and being exhausted can lead to the feelings described above. You are navigating an extraordinary amount of new responsibility. My advice is to take things day-to-day as much as possible and give yourself grace when things feel overwhelming.
On top of caring for newborn twins, your body is dealing with hormonal shifts, lack of sleep, and emotional overwhelm. This can cause mood swings, tearfulness, and anxiety in the first weeks postpartum.
These feelings are normal, but it’s important to monitor yourself for signs of depression too. Parents of twins are at higher risk for postpartum depression, with signs including the following:
- Persistent sadness or hopelessness
- Feeling disconnected from your babies
- Intense guilt or shame
- Trouble coping day to day
If you have the symptoms above and they last longer than two weeks or worsen, reach out to a healthcare provider ASAP.
Support Systems for Postpartum Life After Twins
From my personal experience, support is critical during postpartum with twins. If you are able to get extra help from family, friends, or even hired help don’t be afraid to accept it.
Eventually all these people will leave your house and things will get back to your new normal, so take advantage while you have access to it. Help and support are things like your partner taking on night shifts or household tasks, family or friends helping with meals and laundry, and hiring a night nurse to care for your babies so you can sleep.
One thing I struggled with is accepting help. I had family around for a month after my twins were born, but I felt guilty having them do too much. They helped, but I could have accepted more help than I did (like taking care of the twins at night). Don’t be like me, they want to help! Accept it and don’t feel guilty about it.
Postpartum Essentials
Having the right postpartum essentials can ease recovery and reduce stress. Below is my list of the postpartum must haves you will want to have ready for after birth. If you would like a printable version of the list below, you can get it by clicking here.
Birth recovery items:
- (1) Package overnight pads (really big pads)
- Peri-bottle – will get at the hospital
- Pain killers & stool softener – will get at the hospital
- Breast pads – both reusable & disposable
- Lanolin – if breastfeeding or pumping
- Maternity pads – will get at the hospital
- Disposable mesh underwear – will get at the hospital
- Postpartum ice packs
- Witch hazel pads
- Sitz bath basin – optional if doing a sitz bath
- Sitz bath salt – optional if doing a sitz bath
Clothing:
- Nursing bras – if breastfeeding (I recommend checking out Target)
- Loose fitting pants
- Loose fitting shirts
- High-waisted underwear
- Comfortable lounge sets
- Sleeping nursing bras – if breastfeeding
- Hands-free pumping bra – if breastfeeding / pumping
Food & Help:
- Pre-made freezer dinners
- Quick grab and go healthy snacks
- Stocked fridge and pantry
- Chores list for visitors
- Plan for when visitors come over
- Postpartum doula & lactation consultant (optional)
Feeding Twins During the Postpartum Period
Feeding your babies is going to take a very large chunk of your time during your twins newborn phase and your postpartum recovery period. Below I am rounding up my blog posts for feeding newborn twins, whether it’s through breastfeeding, pumping, or formula feeding. Click the links below that apply to your needs for more information.
- Feeding Newborn Twins Overview (includes section for combination feeding)
- Breastfeeding Newborn Twins 101
- Exclusively Pumping for Twins
- Formula Feeding Twins Survival Guide
Sleep and Schedules for Newborn Twins
Sleep deprivation is often the hardest part of postpartum life with twins. Newborns eat frequently and wake often. Coordinating two babies can feel impossible at first. Here are some things to help understand newborn twins schedules and how to make sleep and schedules easier during this time period.
- Newborn Twins Sleep & Feeding Schedule
- How To Get Sleep at Night with Newborn Twins
- Printable Newborn Twins Daily Tracker
When Does Postpartum Get Easier With Twins?
As far as your personal recovery, you will start feeling more like yourself physically after about 2 weeks, but you will still not be fully recovered. Full recovery takes at least 6-8 weeks.
As far as when caring for twins will get easier, around 3 months your twins schedule becomes more predictable and your babies should sleep in longer stretches at night. There is another change in schedule around 6 months. At this age, your twins schedule will be much more reliable, plus you can start sleep training at this age if you choose.
Postpartum Twins Belly
I have one last item to review regarding postpartum recovery with twins. If you are like me, maybe you are wondering what your belly will look like afterwards. Your age, weight, weight gain during pregnancy, and other genetic factors will determine what happens with your belly.
The reality is it might have stretch marks or loose skin from the amount your belly grows after carrying two babies. It’s also possible your belly will go mostly back to how it looked before your pregnancy. You can learn more about losing weight and flattening your stomach after twins here.
I do recommend waiting until the newborn stage is over before worrying about your stomach and weight. Postpartum recovery in combination with caring for two newborns is a highly stressful time. Once your twins schedule is more reliable it will be easier to address these issues – if you want to work on them.
Postpartum with twins is intense, emotional, and exhausting, but it’s also temporary.
I can almost guarantee you’re doing better than you think! You don’t need to enjoy every moment or have it all figured out. Healing takes time. Be gentle with yourself. You are learning, growing, and showing up every day for your babies, and that is enough.
