Managing health appointments and hospital visits when you have twins or triplets

Working with your health visitor after a multiple birth

After your pregnancy and birth, you might still be under the care of the neonatal team, specialist midwives or hospital outreach staff. Once everyone is happy with your babies’ progress, your care usually transfers to a health visitor in the community.

Your health visitor is often the person who joins everything up. They can link you to local support groups, parenting services and other health teams, such as perinatal mental health or speech and language services. They will weigh your babies, check their growth and ask about their development.

They can also advise you on day-to-day questions, such as when and how to introduce solid food. No question is too small or too simple. Every appointment is a chance to ask what is on your mind and get the reassurance you need.

Health visitors usually offer regular developmental reviews, once they are happy with the baby's progress, often around twelve months and again at about two-years-old. These checks help you understand each child’s progress and give you time to talk through any concerns. However if you have concerns in the meantime and feel like you need another visit then please do reach out to them for further support.

Making the most of health visitor support

Your health visitor should feel like a partner, not an extra pressure. You do not need to cover everything in one visit. Instead, you can focus on what matters most right now. Keeping a short list of questions or worries on your phone can help you feel more prepared and less rushed.

Try to be as honest as you can about how things are at home. Health visitors usually know a lot about extra services, charities and community support in your area. If you tell them what you are finding hard, they are better placed to suggest help or make referrals for you.

It can also help to:

• Make sure each baby has their own appointment slot and their own notes updated clearly
• Ask the health professional to talk about one baby at a time to avoid confusion when updating red books
• Mention if advice does not feel realistic or safe when you are caring for more than one baby

Health visitors are not always specialists in multiples, but they should be willing to listen and learn from you. Your experience matters and you deserve to feel heard. If something is not working for your family, it is ok to say so and ask whether there are other options.

Shaping health visitor appointments around your babies and you

You have some choice in how appointments are arranged. You might find it useful to:

• Ask for longer or more frequent appointments so each baby is properly checked
• Request home visits if travel, stairs or childcare make clinic visits stressful
• Explain any advice you have been given that does not feel realistic for twins, triplets or more
• Talk openly about how you are coping emotionally, not just how the babies are doing

If early mornings are difficult, ask whether there is a later slot that fits better with feeds and naps. You can also say if back-to-back appointments are too much, or if you would rather spread them out.

Having another adult with you can make a big difference. An extra pair of hands to undress, dress and comfort your babies while one is being examined can make the visit feel calmer and quicker.

When you phone the GP surgery, do not assume they remember that you have multiples. Let the receptionist know, so they understand why you may need more time, more than one appointment or extra support to get there.

Preparing for hospital and clinic visits with multiples

Hospital or specialist appointments can feel daunting, especially if you need to go in with more than one baby. If an appointment is just for one child, see whether a partner, friend or family member can look after your other children at home. Focusing on one baby can help you listen carefully and ask all the questions you need.

Before any appointment, check the time and place carefully. Think about traffic, parking and how long it will take to get everyone ready. If you can, visit the hospital or health centre once with a partner so you know where to park, which entrance to use and whether you will need lifts or ramps with a buggy.

Pack more than you think you will need. Extra nappies, clothes and milk can be a real safety net if you are delayed or kept waiting. Knowing you have enough supplies can ease some of the stress if your babies become hungry or unsettled.

Try to arrive with a little time to spare, so you do not feel rushed finding the right clinic or ward. If things feel overwhelming, remember that you can always ask staff for help, whether that is holding a door, finding somewhere to feed, or clarifying the next steps in your babies’ care.

You are doing a demanding job every day. With some planning, clear communication and the right support, health appointments and hospital visits can feel more manageable and give you the information and reassurance you need.