Dear K.,
Congratulations! I love having twins. Mine are 11 months and while it has been challenging the joys and daily excitement far outweigh any negatives. My best advice for getting through the first few months is twofold.
If you intend to breastfeed (by all means do if you want to! It is very possible to breastfeed twins. We are on 11 months of breastfeeding and still going strong) buy yourself a breastfeeding pillow specifically designed for twins. I reccommend the E-Z 2 nurse breastfeeding pillow. It can be purchased at http://www.doubleblessings.com This pillow is the ONE thing that I have used the most and still continue to use. It is invaluable! It is also helpful for bottlefeeding and can be used by spouses and other care-takers to feed the babies at the same time. It is a tremendous time saver!
Also, before the babies arrive try to get yourself as organized as possible. I mean REALLY organized. Anything you can get done now will be a big help down the line. Organize your changing table so that everything you need is absolutely at hand and easy to reach even in a blind exhausted stupor at 3 am. Same with closets, drawers, etc. Put together medical files for each baby to keep all of your medical records and bills straight. This may sound preachy but honestly once the sweeties arrive it is tough to get anything done except feeding, burping, diapering...repeat. for the first few weeks. Once a routine is established things do ease up. I heartily reccommend a routine for yourself and the babies. I know that some say that regimentation is tough on an infant, so consider a "flexible regimentation" Anticipate feeding times, nap times, diapering times...etc as much as possible and when one baby wants to eat feed the other, same with sleep. Really try to get them on the same schedule as much as possible. Down the line when grandparents go home and spouses go to work, or you go to work, a schedule will really help you out.
I have to say that those are the things that have helped me the most. The pillow, and being organized. Also being calm and listening to my intuition about what is right for my babies and myself. You will find your own stride and develop what is right for you and yours. Now that my babies are 11 months they play together, nap together, eat together and altogether are thriving happy little ones. I can't believe how fast it has gone by and I actually miss the times when they were just tiny and needed little but a full tummy, a warm swaddling, and a cuddle from a loved one. Having twins is incredibly special and my life is better for it.
So, I apologize for the windy letter but as you can tell this is a subject I am passionate about. Good luck, and Congrats again!
C.
PS you may consider trying to find a chapter of MOMC (the Mothers of Multiples Club) I joined up in my hometown and it has been a wonderful place to get good advice and support from women who really know what you are going through. ~C