'Raising Twins'--Doctor writes how-to book on twins from experience

"I wanted to give other mothers the sense that they're not alone, to be an uplifting voice for them and to encourage them through this challenge," Flais said. "I wanted them to know that others have done it and that the experience has made their lives richer."

The board-certified pediatrician and mother of four children recently published "Raising Twins: From Pregnancy to Preschool: Advice from a Pediatrician-Mom of Twins." The book offers many experienced-based tips for families raising multiples, and its advice is approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

More than twins
Although Flais' book focuses mainly on twins, she includes appendixes about triplets and pre-term birth, as well as fact sheets about the rise in twin births and the difference between identical and fraternal twins.

Topics she tackles include body care during pregnancy, preparing older children for the arrival of two or more siblings, outings, potty training, discipline, toddler safety and the importance of "one-on-one" time.

A routine ultrasound six weeks into Flais' second pregnancy revealed the identical twins. This was a shock to Flais and her husband Michael because twins do not run in their families. So Flais said she read all the available books she could find on birthing and raising twins, but they only intensified her nervousness.

"They were a little bit doom and gloom, and I found them to be lacking specific advice on how to do things," Flais said. "For instance, it might say, 'Keep the twins on the same schedule,' without giving a little more guidance. When the twins were born, I felt relieved and sensed that this might be easier than I thought it would be."

Adapting to routine
Flais streamlined nursing by feeding both twins at the same time. As a pediatrician and mother, she recommends breast-feeding since it is kinder to the children's health and the pocketbook, although after three and half months she did switch to formula.

At first she felt guilty waking up the easy-going twin, but soon discovered that both babies adapted to the routine. They not only grew hungry at the same time, their sleep/wake patterns became similar, which helped to ensure the entire household received enough sleep.