While having multiple babies can bring many joys, it can also increase the possibility of the parents experiencing emotional distress and / or relationship difficulties, when compared with parents of one baby.
Caring for more than one baby can be a rewarding and challenging, as well as a shock at the same time. As one mother shared, "I didn't know whether to laugh, or cry, when my babies came home." Some mothers think about how they will care for their babies frequently during the pregnancy, others put it to one side and prefer to 'deal with it' when it becomes a reality.
Caring for twins or more can be very tiring, isolating and at times depressing. In the early months it can often seem like a relentless chain of work. Many mothers feel 'trapped' in their own home, being 'snowed under' with caring for their babies. Making trips out of the house can seem more like planning a military manoeuvre, rather than an outing and it is often easier just to stay at home. Babysitters can be 'thin on the ground' for parents of multiples. It is hard enough to find someone to look after one newborn baby, let alone two or more.
Relationships can also suffer. Mothers can resent the fact that their partner can just get up and walk out the door, while they are left to deal with mothering. Or they may feel guilty that their babies (or partner) aren't getting all the attention that they think they need. Many mothers find it is enough for them to care for their babies and keep themselves sane, and will tend to put their relationship last.
Fathers can feel very overwhelmed with seeing their partner struggling with caring for the babies. They may miss their partner who seems so totally consumed with caring for his children. Fathers can also feel unappreciated in their working role, but also feel very pressured to try and make ends meet financially, as well as doing their bit to help out with the babies. This can be as much a juggling act as staying at home!