In a multiple pregnancy, it is common for babies to need extra care in hospital after birth. Multiple pregnancies can therefore be particularly stressful for parents.

Occasionally, one baby may need to be admitted to the neonatal unit or transferred to another hospital, while the other baby or babies can stay with you in the maternity ward⍰. 

It is natural to focus your attention on the baby you can care for in this situation. However, this may create challenges as you try to establish routines. It is normal to feel torn and overwhelmed, but there is support for parents with multiples to help navigate this time. 

Sometimes, one of your babies is ready to be discharged, which can be very difficult, especially if your home is far from the hospital. You can ask your hospital about bringing a baby back to the neonatal unit when spending time with a baby in hospital. Some hospitals try to keep multiples together until discharge, even if only one baby needs special care. This makes it easier for parents to be present and care for their babies. Spending time with your sick baby and taking photos with them and the family can also help.

Try to get some rest when you can, even in short intervals. Consider reaching out to friends and family for extra support, especially if your babies are in separate hospital rooms or if one baby is discharged before the other. The NICU care team should also be able to help you balance the needs of your babies and offer support to help you get close to each of them.

If you feel sadness, hopelessness, worry, nervousness or dread, you can ask for help. If you think you sleep very little or too much, you eat very little or too much, these can be the signs of elevated stress and please do not hesitate to ask help from health professionals, your partner, your family or friends, community support groups or charities that may be local or virtual. You are dealing with a very demanding situation, and it is important that you get the help you need.

In some cases, you may need to be transferred to another hospital during pregnancy, labour or after the birth. This may happen if your local hospital does not have enough space, staff or the level of care you need.