The world we once knew before children is completely changed, and that can often take moms by surprise.

The messages we receive convey an expectation that we should always be joyful, all-knowing, available for our children without complaint, and strive for perfection. However, the reality is much more complex. It is completely normal to have opposing feelings, and often at the same time.

We frequently find ourselves oscillating between joy and sadness, feeling like we should have all the answers while flying by the seat of our pants, and wanting to be as close to our children as possible, while desperately yearning for respite.

We are far from perfect, and that’s normal.

This complex emotional landscape also means that we experience emotions on a deeper level than ever before. We absorb and hold the emotional weight of our children and families often placing our mental health on the sidelines.

Sometimes, our identity blurs and we’re not sure who we are anymore.

Raising multiples who are going through the same developmental phases simultaneously can be an immense challenge.

This journey begins during pregnancy, where carrying multiples can pose significant health risks to both the mother and the babies, often resulting in premature births and extended stays in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Heightened distress and greater functional demands often follow a multiple birth and at times, it may feel like you’ve entered a state of hibernation, giving your whole self to care for your multiples while keeping your family together.

Raising multiples can evoke a range of emotions, sometimes conflicting, and it’s common to feel a sense of isolation during this journey. You’re not alone in this.