The Multiple Pregnancy Sourcebook: Pregnancy and the First Days with Twins, Triplets, and More

This book covers the same material as any pregnancy guide, and in approximately the same order. Starting with proper nutrition and continuing through the standard routines of visits and testing, it finishes up with the actual labor, postnatal care, and a walk-through of those first few days at home. Because all this information is aimed specifically at multiple pregnancies, you'll also find information about subjects like selective reduction, bed rest, and the chances of having at least one baby delivered by cesarean section. Through it all, Bowers's wise and experienced tone manages to soothe while educating. Bowers emphasizes that "multiple pregnancy is demanding work, but the rewards are matchless." She frequently encourages parents to seek out support, whether through a parenting group or a counselor, and provides an excellent guide at the end of the book that offers contact information for all sorts of potential help.

Destined to become a classic for parents of multiples, this sourcebook is one you'll want to keep handy throughout your pregnancy and beyond. --Jill Lightner

Product Description

In the past 10 years the number of twin births has risen 52 percent and the number of higher-order multiples has increased more than 400 percent! Written by a perinatal nurse specializing in multiple birth education, The Multiple Pregnancy Sourcebook explores the physical, financial, and emotional challenges of this high-risk condition. Included is an extensive list of support resources.

However, as much as I thought I was prepared, I really wasn't. My twins came 2 months earlier and spent 6 weeks in the NICU. I kept referring to the book as the babies were resting in the hospital. They are now happy and healthy and very active 19 month olds! Good luck!


Good Overall Intro. to Multiples   January 30, 2004
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

The complications with a multiple birth can hardly be tackled in-depth in any one volume, but this book does a great job balancing common-sense medical wisdos and spelling out the innumerable risks to mother and babies. Your OB-GYN can point you to another book that deals with your specific medical problems. As a present for being stuck in bed-rest,I gave my wife: "I SLEEP AT RED LIGHTS: A TRUE STORY OF LIFE AFTER TRIPLETS," by Bruce Stockler, and she loved it. The funniest and most hopeful book about the troubles of multiples and parenting in general. Good luck to all mutiples parents!


A MUST READ!   January 10, 2004
 9 out of 9 found this review helpful

I discovered this book about halfway through my pregnancy and was so disappointed not to have found it sooner! It is by far the best twin pregnancy book I have read. A twin pregnancy is such a unique experience and after reading a general pregnancy book or two, you find yourself with lots of questions left unanswered. I kept asking myself, "But how will this be different for me?" Nancy Bowers has the answers. This book is well-organized, well-researched, and covers all aspects of multiple pregnancy in an honest, forth-right manner. Part III "The Joys and Challenges of Being High Risk" can be a bit overwhelming. Here, Bowers reviews the possible problems that can arise during a multiple pregnancy, however she is not alarmist about it. Rather she frequently points out that statistically most of the problems seldom occur. I found it informative and was glad to have the risks spelled out; others might find it somewhat frightening if not kept in perspective --most multiple pregnancies/births are normal and healthy. I'm now 33 weeks pregnant with my twins and reference this book all the time. I had my husband read it and he found it an informative, easy read. We are about to be first time parents and welcome all the info we can get on this very unique experience. Truly a must read for all parents expecting multiples!


Get this book!   May 13, 2003
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

I bought this book the day after I found out I was having twins and didn't put it down my entire pregnancy. This is a wonderful book. It's written with the unique joys and trials of a multiple pregnancy spelled out clearly. The author is factual and friendly without being preachy like some other pregnancy books I read. It covers both the emotional and physical aspects of a multiple pregnancy and does a great job of preparing the reader for labor and birth(s).