My story: I grew up in Australia in what I describe as The Bush. I was born (along with my brother Obie and twin sister Sally) in a converted banana packing shed to hippie parents, Linda and Royce. My parents have always been incredibly supportive my whole life giving me the gift of self worth and self confidence. As a young adult, I was enamored with children. I ended up going to college and getting a social work degree because I was drawn to helping and empowering people to help themselves. I put myself through college by being the best nanny I could be. I was able to support families with their most important asset, their children. Through being a nanny over a span of 10 plus years and having a supportive family, I thought I was emotionally ready for children. Then at 31 weeks pregnant we learned for sure that we were having twins (though, at 28 weeks I thought I might have heard two heartbeats). Wow, ha. 2, really. I was ready for 1 kid! Truth be told we were very happy. I have loved being a twin and so being blessed to raise twins seemed pretty darn awesome. But, overwhelming all the same. My 4th trimester: After six days in the hospital we were glad to be home. I had the loving support of my dedicated husband, my mother and in-laws, and my twin sister.  Even with this support the transition was still overwhelming. Twins, I tell you, they are work. Although I worked with children of all ages as a nanny, all I personally know is what twins are like 24/7. Delusional, is the word that comes to mind. My whole fourth trimester I felt delusional as did my husband (and that was with help). The 16 to 24 bowel movements a day, feedings every 2 to 3 hours, attempting to breast-feed, pumping, washing bottles and breast pump parts, trying to remember to eat, showering (not too much of that), and attempting to sleep, are all perfect ingredients to make you feel delusional. To be honest, there was not much time to truly enjoy and relish the beauty and magnificence that were my newborn identical twin boys. Looking back, I feel robbed. I distinctly remember one day (maybe two months in) finally stopping and looking at my tiny, tiny boys and realizing that it was the first moment I truly felt like I was looking at them and seeing them (typed with tears streaming down my face). What had I missed in the chaos, emotional roller coaster, and lack of sleep? My fourth trimester was overwhelming and full of unknowns. I had the support of a husband, family and friends, and still I was overwhelmed. I wanted a magical fairy who would grant me wishes so that I could be the best parent I could be. I understand that not everyone gets the support of family and friends but everyone deserves it. Because of my experience, I intuitivly and deliberately try to support my mama and papa friends. I have had the pleasure of giving back to some of my friends in their fourth trimester. This has been wonderful not only for them but for me, as I feel like I am able to give back what I received during that challenging time in my life. I gain so much joy from helping others going through this time by giving them space to focus on what is important to them. I want every family to feel like they are supported in the weeks after welcoming baby home. I don’t want the little things to get in the way of you enjoying this truly amazing time. These little souls are wonderful and you shouldn’t have to miss a minute. Please let me lighten your load so that you can concentrate on what is important to you and your family and allow you to be the best parent(s) you can and want to be. Tess Scholl