Episode 47 (Epilogue): Twins!

11 year old twins Pushpa and Assata Alayande

Tonight we talked about all things TWINS! At the top of the show we mentioned the Twins Days Festival and cited a recent report from the National Center for Health Statistics. We also cited a fascinating article from National Geographic, examining twins to find out if nature, nurture, or something else entirely, is responsible for who we are.

First, we spoke to Dr. Karen Matta-Toomey about the physiology of twin pregnancies and births. Dr. Matta-Toomey explained that if the first twin is head down and larger than the second twin, vaginal birth should be a choice for healthy pregnant women. She also emphasized the need for moms of twins to make sure they are getting adequate nutrition, we welcomed Karen Gromada of Mothering Multiples on the air. Here is the sample birth plan Karen has created for mothers of two or more. Our favorite quote of the evening--when asked how breastfeeding can be done, Karen said: "Well, we have two breasts." Karen also referred listeners to the AP Multiples Group on Yahoo for support.

Our conversation with moms Lori Abdulla and Heather Green was incredibly thought provoking. Heather mentioned Florida Statute 1003.06, which allows parents to choose whether Florida public schools place the siblings in the same classroom or in separate classrooms. And Lori stressed the importance of being fully informed while remaining flexible in the knowledge that in birth and parenting, things may go a bit differently than we expect. Lori also produces personalized books for kids at KidsBestYears.com.

Here is the overview on twin birth from the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

And here is a very thorough look at twins from kidshealth.org.

And finally, you are invited to the Sarasota Parents of Multiples Garage Sale!

WHEN: Saturday, August 25, 2012
TIME: 8am - 1pm
WHERE: Kids Activity Center
188440 Cooper CReek Blvd. Suite 102
University Park, FL 34201

The Sarasota Parents of Multiples Club (S.P.O.M.) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1996 to provide support, friendship, knowledge, and enjoyment for parents of twins, triplets, and more. For information contact Gina Harper: 941-806-8852 or Christen Wolfinger: 727-235-9304.

Thanks for listening!