This page is dedicated to all the expecting and new parents of multiples. Be sure to check back often for updates on local events and seminars. Don't forget to check our Classifieds page-you may find just what you've been looking for!

ARTICLES

• Common Questions from Parents of Multiples

• "How can I help?" What to tell people when they offer help

• The Miracle and Challenges of Multiples

• Play With Me Mommy! Tips to entertain your child when you're on bedrest with your multiples

• Twice Blessed: The Joys and Challenges of Multiples

• Preparing your pet for a new baby

DADS...WE DIDN'T FORGET ABOUT YOU!

The job of DAD is interesting enough without having two or three children the same age added into the mix. Nonetheless, it is an exciting time for Dads, and something that most men have no idea how to deal with but end up being pros in no time! Here are some helpful websites related to fatherhood in general as well as some information on being a dad of twins or more. Please let us know if you find any information that needs to be added.

National Center for Fathering

National support for men confronting the realities of fatherhood

LOCAL HOSPITALS

Aiken Regional Hospital 302 University Parkway, Aiken SC 29801 (803) 641-5000

Doctors Hospital 3651 Wheeler Rd, Augusta GA 30909 (706) 651-3232

Eisenhower Army Medical Center 300 Hospital Road,Fort Gordon, GA 30905 (706) 787-5811

Medical College of Georgia 1120 15th St, Augusta GA 30912 (706) 721-0211

St. Joseph Hospital 2260 Wrightsboro Rd, Augusta GA 30904 (706) 481-7000

University Hospital 1350 Walton Way, Augusta GA 30901 (706) 722-9011

LOCAL DISCOUNTS

• Babies R Us: Parents of Multiples get a 20% discount when purchasing two or more of same item. Restricted to items priced $50.00 or more. Babies R Us is located in the Mullins Crossing Shopping Center, 4225 Washington Road in Evans.

• Kid to Kid: CSRA MOMs members receive a 10% discount on purchase of used items. Kid to Kid is located at 4414 Evans to Lock Road in Evans.

LOCAL SEMINARS

• Car Seat One on One: Car Seat Inspection and Education presented by Certified Technician Kara McGahee of the Columbia County Sheriff's Office. Appointments are required and space is limited. 2006 dates are: February 8, March 8, April 12, May 10, June 14, July 12, August 9, September National Event, October 11, November 8 and December 13.

• Breastfeeding Seminars: Held the third Thursday of each month at 7:30 pm. 2006 dates are: February 16, March 16, April 20, May 18, June 15, July 20, August 17, September 21, October 19, and November 16.

• Expectant Parents Seminars: Held the last Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm. Includes a guest speaker from St. Joseph Hospital, product demonstrations and refreshments. Grandparents are welcome to attend. Registration is required. 2006 dates are February 23, March 30, April 27, May 25, June 29, July 27, August 30, September 18, October 26, November 30 and December 28.

• Mommy & Baby Share Group: For Newborn to One Year Olds with Childbirth Educator Stephanie White of St. Joseph Hospital. Daddys are welcome and refreshments will be served. From 10-11:30 am. 2006 dates are February 14, March 14, April 11, May 9, June 13, July 11, August 8, September 12, October 10, November 14, and December 12.

• Becoming Grandparents Seminar: Classes are Saturday from 10-11:30 am. There will be a guest speaker from Doctor’s Hospital, product demonstrations and “Safety Bingo.” 2006 dates are February 11, March 11, April 8, May 13, July 8, August 12, September 9, October 14, November 11 and December 9. Call 706-774-2825 to register.

LOCAL SPECIAL EVENTS

• Baby Fest Events: Held at Babies 'R' Us located in the Mullins Crossing shopping center, 4225 Washington Road in Evans on Saturdays from 12:00 to 4:00 pm. 2006 dates are: February 11, March 11, April 8, May 13, June 10, July 8, August 12, September 9, October 14, November 11 and December 9.

• Project LINK Lecture Series: Held at the MCG Children's Medical Center Conference Center, First Floor, 1447 Harper Street, Augusta. Lectures are given on the first Tuesday of each month from 6:30-8:00 p.m. For more information, call 706-721-5437.

SPECIAL OFFERS FOR NEW PARENTS OF MULTIPLES

• Beechnut Food Corporation: Call (800) 523-6633 to get coupons for baby food.

• Evenflo: (800) 356-BABY(2229) for information on receiving twins to quads starter kits including disposable liner for diaper pails, bibs, and coupons for other products.

• Gerber: Call (800) 4-GERBER(43-7237) and ask for the multiple births program. They may send free food, coupons, feeding spoons, and more.

• Johnson & Johnson: Call (800) to receiveyour twins-quads gift packet and coupons.

• Kimberley-Clark: (Huggies diapers): Call (800)544-1947 for money saving coupons.

• Mead and Johnson: Call (800) 222-9123 for information on receiving a free case of formula (for each baby twins-quads) and money saving coupons.

• Playtex: Call (800) 222-0453 for information on receiving bottle kits, liners, and pacifiers for twins-quads.

• Proctor and Gamble: Parents of triplets and more can call (800)543-0480 to receive a free package of diapers for each baby.

• PLEASE NOTE: Some of these companies may no longer offer these deals. Please let us know if they do not so we can update our list.

These were designed for singleton Moms, but for first-time MOMs, this may provide some guidance.

• Organize your home before the baby arrives. Dealing with a new baby takes enough energy without having to sort through clutter. Start early! Many a baby has arrived much earlier than expected!

• Buy a diaper bag with several compartments and keep it stocked with a: blanket, extra outfit, diapers, wipes, ointment, snacks for Mom and feeding supplies.

• Place containers filled with diapers, wipes and ointment around the house. You won't want to walk to the nursery every time your newborn needs to be changed.

• Have a baby memory book, a baby how-to book and a notebook ready and accessible. You can fill in, find out and make notes whenever you have a spare minute.

• Plan on relaxing your housekeeping standards the first year after the baby's arrival. Focus on the needs of you and your baby. Aside from basic clothes washing and meals, the house can wait!

• Develop a feeding "system." If nursing, have a small bag filled with the essentials: small pillow, blanket, bottle of water and a burp cloth which you can grab at a moment's notice when the baby is hungry.

• Make lists. It only takes a moment to jot down errands to run, items to buy and things to do. The next time someone offers to help, you'll know exactly what needs to be done (and maybe if they see the list, they'll help even more).

Courtesty of Barbara Myers for www.mainstreetmom.com


A WELL STOCKED DIAPER BAG - MULTIPLES STYLE!

Having a well stocked diaper bag filled with essential items will make your on the go adventures much less stressful! That is if you are brave enough to venture out! Goodness knows it takes alot to "go out" with twins or more and this list proves that!

FOR THE FIRST SIX MONTHS

• Diapers- (at least 4 diapers a piece for an outing with twins that may last up to 5-6 hours)

• Wipes- ALOT! (for preemies cut the wipes in half to make the box last a little longer!)

• Rash Ointment

• Changing pad

• At least 2 changes of clothes for twins; 3-4 for trips.

• Washcloths (4-6 depending on twins or triplets)

• Burp cloths (4-6 " "}

• Lightweight blankets (4-6 " ")

• Plastic baggies (for those smelly gifts your children bear!)

• Toys/Books

• Bottles (at least 4 for twins, 6 for triplets) and formula.

• Bibs

• Hats (protect those bald beauties from the sun in winter and summer!)

• One time use camera (sealed in a plastic bag; you'll probably find out why!)

• $20 (just in case!)

FOR SIX TO TWELVE MONTHS

• You will probably actually be able to tote your diaper bag a little more comfortably by this time so cut your supplies by nearly half and you should still be fine for a few hours out!

• Snacks (lots!)

• Spoons, sippy cups, and water

• Antiseptic wipes (lots!)

• Neosporin or other medical ointment

• Band-Aids

• Disposable place mats