SECTION XXVI: MULTIPLE-BIRTH DILEMMAS
Therapist’s Overview
WITH SEVEN YOU GET AN EGGROLL
GOALS OF THE EXERCISE
1. Express thoughts and feelings regarding the birth of multiple children.
2. Identify stress management techniques to deal with the obligations and burdens of having multiple children.
3. Identify resources available and needed (physical, emotional, financial) to assist in childcare.
ADDITIONAL HOMEWORK THAT MAY BE APPLICABLE TO MULTIPLE-BIRTH DILEMMAS
• When I Feel Anxious It Is Like . . . Page 42
ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS FOR WHICH THIS EXERCISE MAY BE USEFUL
• Unwanted/Unplanned Pregnancies
SUGGESTIONS FOR PROCESSING THIS EXERCISE WITH CLIENT
The birth of a child is a wondrous and miraculous event. Experiencing the birth of several at a time is even more miraculous but can be quite overwhelming as well. All members in the family will need to identify and express their feelings as the dichotomy of joy and stress abound.
EXERCISE XXVI.A
WITH SEVEN YOU GET AN EGGROLL
FOR THE MEMBERS OF A FAMILY EXPERIENCING MULTIPLE BIRTHS
The birth of a child is a wondrous and miraculous event. Experiencing the birth of several at a time is even more miraculous but can be quite overwhelming as well. All members in the family will need to identify and express their feelings as the dichotomy of joy and stress abound.
1. Family members should first freely express their shock and fears with each other regarding being able to handle such responsibilities. (Try to use as many “I” statements as possible.)
2. As a group discuss various ways of handling stress. (Perhaps listing these ideas and putting the list where it can be easily accessed would be beneficial.) Typically with stress, individuals will engage in various types of negative self-talk. Such talk should be identified and replaced by positive and realistic statements.
3. Write a list of any negative statements. Additional statements can be added.
4. Write an alternative list that counters each negative statement. These two lists should be kept in plain view or easily accessible.
Therapist’s Overview
HOW ARE WE GOING TO DO THIS?
GOALS OF THE EXERCISE
1. To reduce the level of stress that families will inevitably feel when experiencing simultaneous multiple births.
2. To identify ways of adjusting to the new family size and to the numerous responsibilities that accompany the births.
ADDITIONAL HOMEWORK THAT MAY BE APPLICABLE TO MULTIPLE-BIRTH DILEMMAS
• When I Feel Anxious It Is Like . . . Page 42
ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS FOR WHICH THIS EXERCISE MAY BE USEFUL
• Unwanted/Unplanned Pregnancies
SUGGESTIONS FOR PROCESSING THIS EXERCISE WITH CLIENT
Families experiencing simultaneous multiple births will need to make many decisions regarding living arrangements, who can help and when, where will they get the clothes and food for their new babies, how will they pay for it all, and many others. Adjusting will require a significant amount of effort and energy as well as the support of others.
EXERCISE XXVI.B
HOW ARE WE GOING TO DO THIS?
FOR THE MEMBERS OF A FAMILY EXPERIENCING MULTIPLE BIRTHS
It is tough enough for couples to have one child. The birth of multiple children increases such struggles and worries. This exercise will help you create some strategies for coping with the many stresses that accompany multiple childbirths.
1. Contact the nearest support group and attend two or three meetings.
2. Pull together other family members as well as friends who are willing to help out. Discuss what help is needed and at what times. Also, designate who in the family will coordinate these efforts.
3. Develop a daily schedule of who is doing what and when. Be sure that you include lighthearted family recreational activities at least every other week, or at least a weekly family meeting to discuss how each person is doing.