Commonly Asked Questions About Fraternal and Identical Twins

Are having twins hereditary? Is it possible to use modern medical intervention to induce twin pregnancy? What is the difference between fraternal and identical twins? Fairly common questions asked by those who are new to the idea of having twins. These questions are often asked over and over again, but the shroud of mystery has not been completely pulled off.

To get more answers to any questions you might be having, you can get the answers below.

Does the concept of Nature/Nurture impact growth of twins?

To some extent, yes. However, the personality traits and physical features of twins (whether fraternal or identical) are determined by nature, or their genetic makeup. The splitting of the egg during ovulation and the DNA composition are what determines whether a twin is considered identical or fraternal.

However, nature plays an important role in enabling each twin to establish their individuality. This will expose them to various circumstances and environment as they grow up to nurture different personality and identify their career paths in the future. Both nature and nurture in the concept therefore play an important role, with the difference in that nature is predetermined and nurture is altered.

Aren't fraternal twins identical, too?

Fraternal twins are completely different from identical twins. The latter come from the same egg and have the same DNA. Hence, it is not appropriate to refer to fraternal twins as identical twins since they are conceived differently and have unique set of features.

How common are fraternal twins?

As compared to identical twins, fraternal twins are far more common. According to statistics gathered by researchers and twin experts, they make up about 2/3 of the entire twin population. Fraternal twins can be of different sex unlike identical twins. In addition, heredity could play a crucial role in impacting your chances of having fraternal twins, especially on the mother side of the family.

Is it safe to use medical intervention to induce twin pregnancy?

Researchers have done extensive research on the phenomenon involving twins in an effort to explain how it happens and how twins are conceived. Their research efforts have provided them with a good amount of knowledge on what methods to use to induce pregnancy, which they use to develop technology for mothers aspiring to have twins.

How difficult is it to raise twins?

It is admittedly not easy. There are certain challenges to raising twins that is completely different from raising a single child. Many would refer to twins as miracles and a blessing, such that they need special attention and care. It is indeed not the same as caring for two different children, unlike most would assume. But all the hardships are worth it knowing how you can foster such a mystery.

Even after answering all of the above questions about fraternal and identical twins, it is still not enough to fully understand the miracle of having twins. This is a phenomenon that is understood and experienced only those who have twins themselves, or families whose children are twins, irregardless of whether they are fraternal or identical.

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Surviving the Household of Twins

Having twins or two babies at one time indeed sounds like great fun, but it is actually harder than most people think. It is therefore important that you get all the help and advice you can get to surviving the struggles of having twins for you to truly enjoy the company of your little ones at home. Interactions of twins also develop as they grow older and it is considered a great feat for any parent to enable them to grow up healthy.

Parenting twins is a 24/7 job such that you need to be involved at all times to provide for their needs, whether emotional, physical, or psychological.

Plan Ahead During Pregnancy

As soon as you find out that you are having twins, then your preparation begins right there and then. In fact, experts advise that you begin preparation sooner than when you are having twins as compared to having just a single baby. It is believed that twins typically come out earlier than when you have a single baby, such that 2 out of 3 twin pregnancies are born prematurely.

It is therefore important to schedule your motherhood or pregnancy classes earlier to ensure that you won't have to miss out on any vital information in case you were put to bedrest early.

First Year of Having Twins

The first year following the birth of your twins is the most challenging and difficult phase of your child rearing stage. Thus, this is where you must really focus on improving your parenting skills to ensure that you can provide maximum care and attention to your children's needs.

Although this is often a manageable task, new parents to twins might be overwhelmed with the task in hand. Allow yourself the opportunity to relish in the emotion that this experience has to offer so you can better tackle the task that faces you ahead.

Tips for Surviving the First Year

There are a few basic tips that parents, especially mothers, need to keep in mind to successfully overcome the challenges of the first year of having twins:

•    Always come up with a backup plan if you plan on breastfeeding. Some mothers are unable to produce enough milk to feed their hungry babies, which is inevitable if you have twins. This will ensure that you can go through this process with ease and prepare you for the situation ahead.
•    You can seek help from relatives, friends, family members, or a professional nanny to sort out caring for your twins. You will certainly need the extra hand, especially if your husband is away for work during the day.
•    Share the parenting duties with your husband. Since there are two babies to look after to, an extra person to provide help in caring for the babies is surely a major relief. In addition, you can maximize the opportunity to bond with the twins.
•    Enjoy the baby stages. Sometimes parents are overwhelmed by the duties of caring for twins such that they fail to realize it works out like any other parenting job. So, learn how to play with your kids and enjoy the little milestones they achieve along the way.

Benefits of Twin Child Care

Once you see your twins interact with one another as they grow healthy and happy, there is no better reward for all of your hardships than that. Your ability to come up with a parenting plan and clear schedule will therefore give you an advantage such that you can spend more time frolicking with your twins and watch them grow.

Parenting Tips For Twins Interaction

There are several challenges that go with having twins. Aside from establishing a healthy communication and interaction between both twins, the parents have the most challenging job in all of these. As if fostering the growth and development of one child is not enough, imagine the difficulty of the task that lies with two children to look after to.


Below are some of the tips to help you get started on establishing better interaction between your twins and helping them grow up healthy,

Work as a Pair


Parenting is a tough job, especially if you have twins to look after. Hence, it is important that both parents work as a team. Having an extra hand to sort things out when it comes to looking after the kids is truly a major relief for either parent. It is not wrong is one of the parent, either the mother or father, takes over majority of the task of caring for the twins but it is important that each make their own contribution.


It is also for the benefit of both twins since they get to interact with the parents and foster a closer bond with their twin. The work of caring for your twins might have been doubled but it also means more fun if everyone would cooperate.


Set Individuality Between Each Twin


Another obvious but often neglected parenting tip that all parents need to remember when caring for their twins is to let each twin establish their own identity and individuality. There are several aspects concerning this, such as the choice of names, the way they dress, and the kind of activities they are involved in.


Some parents might find it cute to give their twins similarly sounding names, but this is not ideal since it might lead to confusion and inability for each kid to establish their individuality. It is also not advised for you to force your twins to do things together since each of them might have passion different from the other. Instead, support where their passion lies and relish in the fact that each of them have individual identity.


Accept Help


Parenting is admittedly not an easy job. So, it is completely acceptable if you seek for help. Whether from your husband or wife, a friend, in-law, or even a professional. As much as you want to be completely hands-on when it comes to caring for your twins, it does not hurt to accept help some other times. This is also a practical decision on your part since it enables you to attend to other equally important things while ensuring that your child is well taken care of.


Promote Interaction


Aside from giving your twins the freedom to choose their own identity and interests, you must establish the opportunity for each one to interact. There is nothing quite like the bond of twins having lots of similarities. Hence, you need to establish an environment within your home to foster that interaction between each of them. In addition, interaction must not only be limited between twins, but parents must also be involved to strengthen family ties.

Stress Free Kids

Stress can cause many unpleasant sensations in toddler body.
This can lead parents to think the kids have a serious medical condition.
Stress can lead to:


• Anxiety & Panic Disorder
• Depression
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Obesity
• Ulcers
• Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Substance Abuse
• Hyperthyroidism
• Anorexia or malnutrition
• Cancer
• Tooth and Gum Disease

Here is a list of symptoms that stress can cause:


Physical:


• Insomnia
• Back, shoulder or neck pain
• Tension or migraine headaches
• Upset or acid stomach, cramps, heartburn, gas, irritable bowel syndrome
• Constipation, diarrhea
• Weight gain or loss, eating disorders
• Hair loss
• Muscle tension
• Fatigue
• High blood pressure
• Irregular heartbeat, palpitations
• Asthma or shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Sweaty palms or hands
• Cold hands or feet
• Skin problems (hives, eczema, psoriasis, tics, itching)
• Periodontal disease, jaw pain
• Reproductive problems
• Immune system suppression: more colds, flu, infections
• Growth inhibition



Emotional:

• Nervousness, anxiety
• Depression, moodiness
• “Butterflies”
• Irritability, frustration
• Memory problems
• Lack of concentration
• Trouble thinking clearly
• Feeling out of control
• Substance abuse
• Phobias
• Overreactions
• Tearfulness
• No sense of humour
• Feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope


Stress can also cause:


• Increased arguments
• Isolation from social activities
• Conflict with parents
• violence


This is why it is so important to learn to provide stressfree environment for children.
Some natural relaxation techniques you can use to raise stress free kids:

Massage

The Benefits of Massage:-


• It releases endorphins which is a natural pain killer giving a feeling of well-being
• Helps blood pressure
• Helps your heart rate
• Slows your metabolism
• Improves breathing
• Improves blood circulation
• Improves tension and stiffness
• Improves mobility and flexibility
• Reduces spasms and cramps
• Reduces anxiety
• And of course it reduces STRESS!!


Here is a massage you can perform with kids:


Either standing or sitting, shrug the shoulders and push them back as far as possibly.

Now hold it for 5 seconds.

Repeat this action 5 times.

Now place your hand on the top of kid's shoulder and rub firmly working towards the neck.

Do this 3 times.

Now place your fingers at the back of his neck and rub in a circular motion working towards the back of the head.

Repeat this 5 times.


Hand Massage


This little technique is an ancient Chinese type of massage and healing.

Using your hand, place your thumb and index in between the web of kid's hand where the bone meets and massage.

Do this for 1 minute.

Then repeat switching hands.

Feet Massage


Place one hand on top of the foot and the other under the sole, then stroke smoothly from the toes to the ankles. Glide the hands back to the toes.

Repeat.



Aromatherapy – Essential Oils

Benefits of Aromatherapy:-


• Improves circulation
• This one I found very interesting to learn, it can also aid in dementia
• Reduces anxiety
• Aids in boosting your immune
• Relieves pain and tension
• Can ease headaches
• Can help you get a good nights sleep


How to use Aromatherapy oils:-


• In the bath – just add a few drops
• Inhale – You can add one drop to your hand and inhale
• Massage – make sure its diluted
• Vaporization – using a burner, this will bring the smell into your entire room


Here is a list of some relaxing essential oils:-


• Bergamot – soothing, uplifting and good for tension and depression
• Chamomile – calming, suitable for insomnia
• Jasmine – a stimulant or a sedative, excellent antidepressant and aphrodisiac
• Juniper – good for fatigue and building self-esteem
• Ylang ylang – calming; used as an aphrodisiac and good for panic attacks
• Rosemary – refreshing and stimulating
• Lemon balm – balances emotions
• Sandalwood – used as an antidepressant and aphrodisiac
• Vetiver – balances the nervous system, good for insomnia
• Lavender – a very useful and popular oil, used for relaxing and as an antidepressant and pain killer
• Basil – uplifting


A List of Essential Oils that can be harmful if used incorrectly – these should only be used by a Qualified Aroma therapist

• Ajowan
• Almond, bitter
• Arnica
• Birch, sweet
• Boldo leaf
• Broom, Spanish
• Calamus
• Camphor
• Deertongue
• Garlic
• Horseradish
• Jaborandi
• Melilotus
• Mugwort
• Mustard
• Onion
• Pennyroyal
• Rue
• Sassafras
• Thuja
• Wintergreen
• Wormseed
• Wormwood


Relaxation Tapes and Music

Well there is certainly no doubt that music can have a profound effect on children emotions.

Choosing The Right Baby Formula

At the hospital, doctors and nurses will ask you about all sorts of things regarding your plans for baby care.

One of the most important decisions to make is on the baby formula that you will feed your child.

If you have made a decision not to breastfeed your child, you will need to choose a specialized baby formula for them.

Babies should not receive cow's milk due to the increased risk of allergic reactions to it.

How do you determine the right formula for your child? Doctor's Orders In some situations, your child's pediatrician will help you to make a formula decision.

They often will help you pick a brand and a specific formula type to give your child.

Once on this type, you should not switch the child, as often as it is possible, as it can help to decrease the risks associated with a child getting a negative reaction.

The doctor will look at your child's health needs first to determine the best type of formula type for the child.

You do have a say in this, though.

For example, if you and your family only drink soy products, then you may wish to ask the doctor for a soy based product.

Options What are your options with formula? There are many.

A cow milk based formula is perhaps the most commonly available formula today.

It has alterations to make drinking cow’s milk more beneficial and easier for the baby.

You should not give your baby cow's milk until about twelve months of age.

Other types of formula include a soy-based formula, lactose free formulas, and extensively hydrolyzed formula (which has the proteins broken down to very small sizes so that the child can digest it better.

Another option is a human milk fortifier.

This product is in use to add nutrients to breast milk that you are feeding to your child.

Metabolic formulas have a design specifically for the child that has a disease or has a specific need.

In addition, there are formulas designed specifically for children who are low birth weight babies or prematurely born.

Making the right formula decision is critical to your child's overall health and well-being.

Make this decision with the help of your doctor to ensure that the baby is getting the nutrients that he or she needs.

When changes need made, talk with your doctor about these, too.

Coping With Colic Usually within the first weeks of your baby's birth it may be obvious that the child is suffering from colic.

The good news is that most children will outgrow this and often times they are able to develop very positive, healthy lifestyles.

Still, for any parent going through colic, there is no doubt that coping with it can be very trying.

Know that you are not alone.

People have dealt with this condition for a long time, and likely will continue to do so.

Does Your Child Have Colic? The first question to answer is this one.

Does the child have colic? Usually, children under the age of five months who cry for more than three hours in a row for more than three days a week, for three weeks at least, are diagnosised as suffering from colic.

Your doctor can help you with understanding why your child is suffering from colic and what you can do about it.

Choosing The Right Baby Care

You have had a baby and are now trying to make your way back to work. How do you make such a transition and ensure that the process goes well for your child? There are several types of childcare providers available to you. Which one you select is very dependent on your circumstances and your needs. Most parents do find that there are solutions that work for them that are not only affordable but also beneficial to the child's overall development.

Staying At Home
If you are staying at home with your child, you still may need someone to watch the child from time to time. Having mom or dad around with baby all the time is the best solution, but this is not always the case. If you have a relative or friend that lives nearby, bring up the subject of helping with the child every now and then. Often, having several people to rely on is helpful.

Other Options
You are not staying home but are going to work. Who is the right person to leave your child with, then?
Unfortunately, this is a decision you will have to make. Here are some considerations to keep in mind.
1. Choose a full time baby sitter. A baby sitter may come to your home or you take the child to their home. They often have other children at their own home. You want someone here who is experienced and reliable. Many people use friends and family, or even students to help with minor care, but for regular care needs, hiring a professional is best.
2. Day care centers. A day care center is a good option, but can be pricey, especially for smaller babies. It is a good option or many people though because there are experts there to care for your child. Also, keep in mind that younger children are limited. Most centers will not accept too many babies.
3. Nanny care is an option, too. Nanny care is the most expensive option but it can be the best choice for those who have very high standards and would like the child to receive help in more than just a babysitting fashion.
Interviewing several professionals and finding out what each of them can do for you and your child is important. Often, it is the personal interview with them one on one that makes the most difference.