Having Twins: A Parent's Guide to Pregnancy, Birth and Early Childhood (Paperback)

by Elizabeth Noble (Author), Leo Sorger (Editor), Louis G. Keith (Foreword)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
The well-received first edition ( LJ 11/15/80) served as a core book on the topic for many years. Now, Noble has revised and expanded this indispensable tool on the history and physiology of twinning. New material on prenatal care, birthing, bonding, and emotional coping provides updated information. The excellent section on nutrition has been enhanced to include modern, alternative choices, and the section on exercise remains unchanged and one of the best for multiple-birth mothers. Both physical and emotional needs are equally considered by Noble, as her realistic treatment of possible complications is balanced by her sensitive, and at times personal, insights. The bibliography, source list, and appendixes complement this highly recommended book.
- Mary Hemmings, Univ. of Calgary Law Lib., Alberta
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
This complete guide to multiple pregnancy is now fully revised and brought up to date with a decade's advances in research, in understanding the psychology of parents and twins, and in the author's experise in guiding expectant and new parents through all aspects of having twins. More women than ever are having twins, and this book is ever more needed. And because every multiple pregnancy is by definition a special-needs pregnancy, the parents should have all the knowledge available to promote a successful outcome. Of particular interest in the revised edition are new chapters on prenatal psychology, prevention and treatment of premature delivery, twin bonding, and the experience of loss. The best and latest in prenatal care is stressed, with special attention to the importance of nutrition and physical preparation.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Mariner Books; 2nd edition (January 10, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395493382
• ISBN-13: 978-0395493380
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 8.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #981,570 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best technical information on twins, January 5, 1999

By A Customer

This book, should be required reading for a multiple-birth pregnancy. Noble assumes you're looking for detailed information, and provides it. Unfortunately, having an unexpected multiple-birth pregnancy IS scary, and I don't think a chapter on death is out of place--particularly now that women are having higher-order multiples. I was actually grateful to read about other women who weren't especially thrilled to find out they were having twins. (Of course, many women who were absolutely thrilled were also included in the book.) It's a hard happiness for many women. Finding out other people had difficulty accepting the news helped me a great deal.

Noble's view on sea vegetables might seem a little weird, especially for people who've never traveled. Surprise--people are finding out that the "traditional" American diet may not be the healthiest, especially for a pregnant woman. I live in a rural area and wasn't able to get sea vegetables, but if you're sick of milk and cottage cheese, you'll try anything. The calcium requirements for a mother carrying multiples are amazing. She also is a great person to read if you feel pressured into "not eating" during pregnancy for fear of gaining too much weight. The health of the babies is what's paramount, and she does a great job of supporting women. Doctors in America are much more likely to do c-sections for multiples --that's a proven fact, and it's also been proven that might not be neccessary. The more informed you are, the better your choices. Get this book if you only buy one multiple-birth book--it's the most complete.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best advice for a healthy full-term twin pregnancy!, December 28, 2001

By	boring "angelia92" (shelbyville, IN United States) - See all my reviews

My midwife advised us to get this book as soon as we found out we were expecting twins. I am a Lactation Consultant and already had it as a reference for clients.
I found the information to be extremly truthful and very informative. I too followed their advice on nutrition as also advised by my midwife. It was difficult to consume so many calories and protein but I did it for the health of my babies and myself.
While reading this book I found out why I was experiencing all these different things with my body that I never experienced with my other 4 births and pregnancies. I also was very prepared and informed of all the things to expect with multiples.
Between my midwife and this book I felt totally confident and positive about my pregnancy and birth. Without it I would have been in the dark and frightened!
I ended up delivering vaginally and totally natural at 39 weeks and 4 days. My b/g twins weighed 7lbs 14oz and 7lbs 15 oz. I never had any problems the whole pregnacy (absolutely NO BEDREST) and my babies stayed with me the whole time and went home with me. If I did not have such great resources the outcome may have not turned out so great!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Still the Best!, August 28, 2000

By	K. Keyworth (East Lansing, MI United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I bought this book back in 1991 when it was just published, and I was pregnant with twins. My twins are now 9 years old, and I have not seen a book since then that is as informative and emotionally holistic as Elizabeth Noble's HAVING TWINS. I followed her advice for weight gain and protein intake as well as whatever other advice I was able to accomodate. My twins were born 1 week AFTER their due date and 7 lbs 2oz and 7 lbs 4 oz. I guess you could say it really worked!

I felt the chapter on the death of a twin was completely appropriate. I appreciated being able to talk about that possibility and make plans for "what if." The chapter is tastefully written with deep respect for the reader. I found it extremely moving and useful.

I am just about to buy this book and give it to a friend of mine who is pregnant with triplets - super twins. If I had been able to find a better book, I would have bought it, but the writing and advice in Elizabeth Noble's book is as good today as it was 9 years ago when I bought it for myself.