New thinking and more help

"Mummy says it is very important that everyone remembers we are individuals and not just 'the twins.' Years ago it was very confusing - twins were called Lottie and Dottie or Tim and Tom.

"They were dressed identically and given one present between them at Christmas and on their birthday. Books about twins emphasised their 'sameness', But today there has been a complete turnaround.

"It is much easier for mummies and daddies of twins these days. There is a greater recognition of their needs . . . and what they need is a rest.

"We get through 60 nappies a week and haven't quite got the hang of sleeping and eating at the same time, so our Mummy and Daddy are exhausted. They say their life is an endless whirl of feeding, changing, shopping and washing, but they wouldn't have it any other way.

"We know Mummy feels special when she goes out with us. However tired she is, her spirits are lifted when strangers peer into the pushchair and tell her how beautiful we are.

"Some older ladies share horror stories about how difficult it was for them. No consideration was given to how hard it is to care for more than one baby. Even medical professionals were ignorant of the pressures and anxieties, but all that has changed.

"There's an organisation called Tamba (Twins and Multiple Births Association Tel: 0151 348 0020). It offers help, support and advice and even has a helpline for when the going gets really tough. We happen to know Mummy rang it once when we were both crying and Daddy was still at work."