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PPD After Delivering Twins

Multiples and Postpartum Depression

By Teri Brown

The National Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs offers support on many levels. Members receive NOMOTC's Notebook, a bimonthly newsmagazine containing feature articles about parents of multiples and their children and parenting tips, book reviews and items of club and individual interest. Perhaps most important, organizations such as the National Organization of Mothers of Twins provide social support through pen pal programs, group meetings and mentor programs. They also provide new mothers of multiples information on area and local resources.

"Clubs can help mothers of newborns build a network of friends," says Adcock. "These friends can come once a week and watch the babies, thus providing Mom with an opportunity to get out or to take a much-needed nap. Some clubs also help moms with newborns by providing meals for the family at designated times."

Adcock feels strongly that new mothers need to be aware of the risk of PPD and reach out for help if faced with PPD. "That's especially true after giving birth to twins or other higher order multiples," she says. "At that time, it often seems everyone is making reference to the 'double joy' or 'double blessings' you have just received. Given the situation, any sadness can seem out of place. So perhaps for the mother of twins, it takes a 'double' amount of courage to admit to PPD and reach out for help."

Want to see more?

• Postpartum Depression: When Having a Baby Gives You More Than the Blues
• Learning to Let Go: Coping With the Stress of New Parenthood
• Postpartum Depression: Preventing Tragedy
• Talk about it!