Customer Reviews

When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads: Proven Guidelines for a Healthy Multiple Pregnancy, 3rd Edition

5 star:		(191)
4 star:		(24)
3 star:		(13)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

When I found out I was pregnant with twins, I looked to pregnancy books to help, but they approached twins as "a little extra pregnant". It wasn't until this book that I started REALLY knowing how to care for myself and my 2 babies. It saved my pregnancy and my sanity. A MUST! For example, the worshipped "What to expect when you're expecting" books gave me absolute INCORRECT information regarding exercise, diet, weight gain, working... and I spent the first part of my pregnancy miserable that I was losing weight and feeling awful. Something in my gut told me that 10 pounds in the first half of the pregnancy wasn't enough for twins. Also, the diet they wanted me to follow was making me throw up every day. My body, again, told me to just eat whatever I could keep down, but "THE BOOK" made me feel guilty about even LOOKING at a cheeseburger. Well, again, THANK GOD I found Dr. Luke and Tamara's book. It confirmed everything I'd already felt was right. Plus, it is written with a great positive attitude with so much encouragement. I would not be having such a healthy pregnancy without it. I will never stop being grateful for this book! I've told so many people about it and am happy to spread the word. READ IT READ IT READ IT!

I have several of the leading books that cover twin and supertwin pregnancy, and this is by far the best of them all. First, this is one of only a handful of books devoted primarily to multiple pregnancy, as opposed to what you do with the babies once they are born. It therefore covers in much greater depth issues like special dietary requirements for multiples, signs of preterm labor, how to cope with bedrest, and more. I bought this book shortly after my multiples were diagnosed because I didn't want advice on whether to give the babies rhyming names or let them sleep in the same crib -- I wanted guidance on how to get through my high-risk pregnancy with as few complications as possible, so that I would be able to go home with two healthy babies. And this book does an excellent job of educating you about potential problem areas (without being unduly scary) and more importantly, listing concrete and do-able things that will maximize your chances of avoiding these problem areas. Second, this is one of the few pregnancy books that isn't patronizing, cloying in tone or hopelessly dumbed down. The authors clearly respect their audience and this comes through in the style and tone. Third, this book is written by people who know of what they speak: a physician who runs a moms of multiples clinic at a well-regarded teaching hospital, and a medical journalist who has twins herself. Also, anecdotes taken from real moms who survived multiple pregnancy are interspersed throughout, giving excellent tips and helping reduce that "I'm a freak" feeling one can get when instead of having a blissful trouble-free pregnancy, one has to deal with serious medical issues. If you are pregnant with twins or supertwins, you owe it to yourself and your babies to read this book and discuss it with your doctor.

This book is worth its weight in gold. I was shocked to find out I was having twins and came across this book which opened my eyes to how different a multiple pregnancy is from a singleton pregnancy. I read and reread this book during my pregnancy and even read it now after the twins have arrived - it was a fabulous resource on everything from my emotional state to how and what to eat to how to survive once the twins arrive (I am surviving just fine!) to how to eat while breastfeeding multiples. I truly believe that this book and the information in it played a large part in me carrying my twins to 35 1/2 wks and them being born large (6 lb 1 oz and 6 lb 3 oz) and healthy. I urge you to get this book if you're expecting more than one baby - you need to understand what is going on in your body and understand how important nutrition and rest is for your growing babies - Dr. Luke explains it all in a way that is easy to understand and comprehend. Good luck!

I thought this book was the single most useful book I read during my twin pregnancy. I have not found such a clear, concise and well-organized source of information on such topics as how much weight is necessary and healthy for an expectant MOM (mother of multiples) to gain, what a NICU is, who works there and what they do, premature babies and the problems they might have, EXACTLY what to expect if you have a surgical delivery, and most importantly, the special precautions that expectant MOMs should take throughout their pregnancies.

Reading this book helped me take the best possible care of my unborn babies and myself, not to mention making the most of my prenatal appointments, by educating me in detail on topics that other twin books only brushed across. When complications occurred I was prepared for them, I knew what was going on, and so I didn't panic. I did develop some potentially serious problems, gestational diabetes for me and IUGR for one of my sons (and no, I didn't develop diabetes from eating junk food; I have a family history of Type II diabetes). Despite these difficulties, I carried my identical twin sons to 37 weeks, and they weighed 5 pounds 5 ounces and 7 pounds 3 ounces at birth. My doctor later told me that overall, I had one of the healthiest twin pregnancies she had ever seen-normal blood pressure, no anemia, very few preterm contractions, no bed rest, and two healthy babies who were discharged to go home with me. I think the crash course in high-risk obstetrics that I got from reading this book is one of the chief reasons why.

I have read two major criticisms of this book from fellow reviewers. The first is that the tone is unnecessarily frightening. The second criticism was that the book offers advice on diet that is not, shall we say, orthodox. At least one reviewer complained that this book advised pregnant MOMs to "lay around and eat cheeseburgers all day," and that "apparently everything brings on contractions."

I would counter that the expectant MOM who will benefit most from the repetition of warnings about preterm labor is the woman who thinks that just because she's pregnant with 2,3 or 4 babies doesn't mean she shouldn't carry on in her usual Superwoman style. There is a perception, especially among younger, college-educated women, that any doctor who advises a pregnant mother to slow down and limit her physical activities is a neo-Victorian throwback who thinks that pregnancy is a disease. As the first among my girlfriends to get pregnant, I heard a lot of this sort of talk. My (childless) workout buddy even tried to convince me to ignore my OB's orders and exercise anyway! The fact remains that even for a healthy, fit, woman, a multiple pregnancy carries higher risks for mother and babies than a single pregnancy does.

By all means think for yourself: if your doctor advises restrictions on your activities, or changes in your diet, you should certainly ask why. Likewise, if you disagree with the advice offered in this book, discuss it with your doctor. But do remember that while pregnancy is a very limited time in your life, it is a time of literal life-and-death importance to the babies you are carrying. No, a diet comparatively high in protein and fat and low in exercise is not what is healthy for most people, but for a limited time period and for a specific purpose you will survive it. The point is to give your body the nutrients it needs to build all those babies, and the time and energy to do so. You may have your own ideas about how to achieve that goal--but make sure they are in line with the actual needs of a multiple pregnancy and not some fantasy of what pregnancy "should" be like!

To sum up, whether or not you initially agree with the advice this book offers, open your mind and give it a chance. The book includes reams of information that you won't find anywhere else, and multiple pregnancies really are different. If you are expecting multiples, throw out "What to Expect When You're Expecting" and read "When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets or Quads" instead.

My name is Barbara Luke and I am the author, along with Tamera Eberlein, of this book. We received a very negative review on January 26, 2006 (Bay Area book lover) and I would like to respond. The basis for my recommendations are the many studies we have done over the past 18 years--improving outcomes in multiple pregnancies has been the focus of my career. I do not claim to be a medical doctor--I make that very clear in the opening of the book--I am a registered nurse, and a registered dietitian (I have a Master's degree in Foods and Nutrition), with my doctorate in Maternal and Child Health from Johns Hopkins University. I am a scientist and practitioner, and as such qualified to do the research I do, and to translate it for the consumers it affects most. I recommend a diabetic diet for all pregnant women--right from the beginning of pregnancy--because it is the healthiest way to eat. The recommendations in this book are based on many years of research--some based on the remarkable outcomes at our clinic at the University of Michigan--others from the studies from our University Consortium on Multiple Births--a network of collaborating Universities around the country. No one knows the exact nutrient requirements for a multiple pregnancy, but the estimates in this book have been shown to result in fewer complications, bigger and healthier babies, and longer gestations--as well as healthier mothers. The National Academy of Sciences recommends 2,500 calories a day for singletons, so 20-50% more calories for an additional baby is not excessive. Most important is the pattern of weight gain--the BMI-specific weight gain goals by 20 and 28 weeks, when the placentas are being fully formed. If these goals are met (particularly the 28-week goal), fetal growth and birthweight is substantially improved. Just because twins are more common these days doesn't mean they aren't high-risk. The purpose of this book is not to make mothers feel guilty, but rather to empower them to have the healthiest pregnancies possible. Knowledge is power, and what you learn from this book will help you work most effectively with your physician or midwife to have the best outcome of your multiple pregnancy. If you would like to ask me specific questions, you can reach me at bluke@drbarbaraluke.com; or if you would like an individualized nutrition consultation, visit my website at www.drbarbaraluke.com. Best wishes for a healthy pregnancy!

When I got pregnant with twins, I searched every available resource on the topic. I bought five books most of which discussed issues like names and whether or not to dress your twins alike. I read those books in about two hours and got very little information. I read this book cover-to-cover about ten times! Since I had some minor complications at the end of my first singleton pregnancy, I only imagined the worst with this pregnancy.

This book is unlike any other twin pregnancy book. The number one goal of this book is to help you carry those babies as long as possible. The longer those babies stay inside, the higher likelihood of having healthy babies. This books details warning signs of premature labor, tips for getting the most out of what you eat (cheeseburgers are not off limits), reducing morning sickness, and in-depth descriptions of the NICU. If the story about the co-author's twins doesn't convince you to take better care of yourself, this book has comparison pictures of head circumference and feet prints at various stages of pregnancy just to illustrate how small a premature baby really is. This book does highlight many problems associated with prematurity, the leading problem with twin pregnancies. If you are approaching your twin pregnancy with an open mind and the understanding that you may delivery early, this book will help you take a very active role in reducing many of your risks.

I credit Dr Luke and Tamara Eberlein with the fact that I delivered twin girls at 38 1/2 weeks (scheduled c-section after I begged my doctor to 'get these babies out!' after I still hadn't gone into labor). My girls were 7 lbs 6 oz and 6 lbs 11 oz. They left the hospital with me after 3 days. My nurse told me that I was one of the most hydrated person that she had ever seen. I told her that Dr Luke's book told me to drink drink drink as much water as possible and I did. The nurse told me that it was probably a factor in having such a lengthy twin pregnancy. Good Luck!!

My girls were born at 31 weeks -- we got even THAT far because of Dr. Luke and Tamara's book. I read this one from cover to cover several times. It was the only book I was able to find that really explained in detail the difference between a multiple pregnancy and a singleton. I've experienced pregnancy and birth five times, but my twin pregnancy was completely different in almost every way. It was because of Dr. Luke's advice that I put myself into a Perinatologist group's care, and because of their proactive care when I began to show signs of preterm labor, my twins arrived at 31 weeks instead of 26 or 28, as they were threatening to do. Because of this book's eating plan, my girls also arrived at excellent weights for their gestation age -- 3 1/2 lbs and 4 lbs. While I was hospitalized prior to their births, the information this book provided prepared me to handle the interventions that were necessary; gave me enough knowledge to ask the right questions on my specific condition; and helped me to accept without shock and fear the special needs of my newborns in the NICU. We've been very blessed -- our girls are doing fine and are coming home after less than 3 weeks in the hospital. If it wasn't for all the information in Dr. Luke and Tamara's book, I would have been a basket-case! Instead, I understood what was going on at all times, and the need for certain procedures both for me and the girls. I honestly believe that my twins are here strong and healthy because of the information this book provided. It is a must-read for all parents expecting multiples.

After seeing pregnancy with multiples passed over lightly in virtually every pregnancy advice book, this book is a welcome relief. We who are carrying twins (or more) are really having a somewhat different experience of pregnancy than those with singles, and we get a lot of bad advice. The most painful of this bad advice is, not surprisingly, around weight gain, as we tend to bulk up MUCH more quickly, based simply on the fact that we are hefting twice the amount of baby and baby support system. At last, a common-sensical book to tell us what we should and should not be doing, based on our somewhat different situation, and to give us the facts we need to deal with our friends, employers, and physicians.

Where this book falls a little flat is in its consistent need to advertise itself within its pages to us readers who have already bought it. One feels as though the author cannot stop selling her knowledge, as if she cannot believe that we actually have purchased her book. This rather obsessive need makes her move the more useful chapters on eating and fetal development back farther into the book, making a reader wade through a few preliminary chapters in which she repeatedly tries to prove her credentials to us.

Also, this author seems to think a twin pregnancy starts at about 10 weeks. As an older mom who got unexpectedly pregnant, I have been closely monitored since Week 4, so I wished for some info about these earlier weeks. Considering the number of IVF moms I've met since becoming pregnant, I suspect that many of us know about our multiples earlier than Week 10. Information on "vanishing twins" also would be extremely helpful as well, since knowing about one's pregnancy with multiples at this early stage often leads physicians to endlessly talk about this possibility with us.

But these minor issues should, by no means, stop you from buying this book and reading it from cover to cover. It really does have what you need to know, and I have found it a godsend during my twin pregnancy. The author's determined seriousness about the uniqueness of our situation when we are bearing multiples and her insistence that we treat our pregnancies as different from the normal singleton one have been a great boon to me. I have learned what to tell even my Ob/gyn, let alone my boss and friends, about issues such as weight gain, bedrest, and my use of a maternal-fetal specialist. I know that I am eating and caring for myself in a better, more healthy way that supports my unique pregnancy. The advice herein is worth every penny.

Out of all the books that I can find on twins, this one has given me the most useful and practical information. It is up to date, and written by a Dr. who runs a clinic in Michigan just for multiple births. It is full of guidelines and helpful suggestions on making your pregnancy enjoyable no matter what happens. Instead of worrying me terribly about all of the "risks" in carrying twins, they calmly and reasuringly tell you what can go wrong without making you a nervous wreck. This book also tells you how to prevent these "problems" before they happen and what to expect if they do. There is a list of places to contact with questions in the back that also helped me. I am very thankful that I found this book. It has been and will continue to be an excellent resource for my pregnancy and beyond. I think that it should be required reading for any parent(s) expecting multiples.

I wrote a review of this book back in January of 2001. At the time, there were only a few of us who had read and reviewed it. In reading over the subsequent reviews written after this date, I found most people were pleased with the information and advice Dr. Luke provides. For the most part, I was too. However, there were a few readers who, like me, critiqued the book for its slightly alarmist slant and unreasonable dietary recommendations. Now that my fraternal twin boys are 15 months old, I wanted to follow up on my review and offer a retrospective critique.

I still rate the book with three stars for the same reasons I gave in my previous review. As a vegetarian, one of the real drawbacks of the book was lack of any advice (other than one paragraph exhorting the expectant mother to switch to a red meat based diet on page 68)on a vegetarian pregnancy. Also the sheer volume of food recommended was unmanageable for me. (I broke down and cried thinking that I had been doing everything wrong!)I also do not think the approval of burgers, fries, ice cream, and other junk food to maintain caloric intake, if even if just on occassion, is sound advice. Based on most of the reviews, I realize I'm in the minority in my views, but for those of you coming away from this book feeling more anxious than comforted, take heart! I remained vegetarian throughout my pregnancy (I did eat dairy and eggs) and ate when my body told me it needed food. I did drink lots of water. Pre-term labor, my biggest fear, never came true. I got to 39 weeks and my twins were 7.2 and 8.5! Even I was astonished. Was I merely lucky? My doctor didn't think so. What was more, within two months after giving birth, I was within five pounds of my pre-pregnancy weight since I hadn't consumed any empty or unnecessary calories. (I gained about 50 pounds total). I would again emphasize that there is a lot of good advice in this book, BUT read other things AND listen to your doctor. If you are a slightly more anxious expectant mother (I was!), one of the best things you can also do is join a Mothers of Multiples club in your area (you can join even before giving birth) and talk to some real Mommies who can give you a variety of perspectives, otherwise it is so easy to feel overwhelmed and at times overly worried.