Twiniversity Podcast with Natalie Diaz

In this episode, I chat with Lily, a first-time mom who was preparing for life with one baby—until the ultrasound revealed twins. Eight and a half months later, she’s still learning to bend with the chaos, find her center in the exhaustion, and embrace the version of motherhood she never expected. Lily opens up about the emotional whiplash of going from imagining life with one newborn to suddenly preparing for two. She shares the honest truth behind the picture-perfect twin mom moments we see online—the sleepless nights, the identity shift, the overwhelm no one prepares you for, and the quiet fear of “Am I really cut out for this?” We talk about postpartum emotions that don’t get enough airtime, why patience became her survival skill, and how her mom’s simple advice—“bend, don’t break”—became her anchor in the hardest moments. We also explore what it really takes to stay present through the noise: releasing expectations, accepting help, and finding joy in the tiny, messy moments of connection. This episode is for any parent who’s ever felt stretched thin, outnumbered, or unsure—but kept showing up anyway. EPISODE THEMES 📝 * When life gives you two instead of one   * Navigating postpartum emotions without losing yourself   * Redefining motherhood and identity   * Finding strength through flexibility   * Twin mom guilt, overwhelm, and resilience   * The unexpected gift of community support GIVEAWAYS 💰 🎉 YOU'RE INVITED: Need more support, join us each month for our Twiniversity Virtual Meeting. Meet Nat and Lauren and bring them your biggest twin life challenges each month of the year.  For dates and more details visit. www.twiniversity.com/Membership ✔️Subscribe to the Twiniversity Email Newsletter! https://www.twiniversity.com/subscribe/ [https://www.twiniversity.com/subscribe/] Expecting twins? Twiniversity has you COVERED with online classes! ⬇️ Breastfeeding Twins: https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/HTaVcGhH/checkout [https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/HTaVcGhH/checkout] Twins After Singletons: https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/hegrd8Ez/checkout [https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/hegrd8Ez/checkout] Baby Safety (CPR, First Aid, Car Seat Safety, Childproofing): https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/AccFMLk8/checkout [https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/AccFMLk8/checkout]   CONNECT WITH LILI MIROJNICK 💌 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lmirojnick [https://www.instagram.com/lmirojnick]   CONNECT WITH US 🎙️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Twiniversity [https://www.instagram.com/Twiniversity] Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/twiniversity/ [https://www.pinterest.com/twiniversity/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Twiniversity/ [https://www.facebook.com/Twiniversity/] Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@twiniversity [https://www.tiktok.com/@twiniversity] X: twitter.com/Twiniversity [http://twitter.com/Twiniversity] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/60TDcDJoEtQHwqLzZ8L9rX?si=9734d507f23845e6 [https://open.spotify.com/show/60TDcDJoEtQHwqLzZ8L9rX?si=9734d507f23845e6] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/twiniversity [https://www.youtube.com/twiniversity] Email: community@twinuniversity.com [community@twinuniversity.com]

In this episode, I sit down with Traci, a fellow twin mom whose story hits home for so many of us. From a complicated pregnancy and early delivery to the long, sleepless days of NICU life, Traci opens up about what it really felt like to raise twins when nothing went according to plan. We talk about those moments when people’s “innocent” comments—about how hard it must be, or how they could never do it—end up feeding that quiet voice of self-doubt that so many twin parents carry. Traci shares how she learned to ask for help, even when it felt impossible, and why that simple act can be the difference between barely surviving and actually healing. This conversation reminded me how easy it is to feel alone as a twin parent, especially when everyone around you is parenting one baby at a time. But it also reminded me how powerful it is when we tell the truth—about the guilt, the exhaustion, and the fierce love that keeps us going. Whether you’re still in the trenches of the early years or figuring out how to let your twins grow into their independence, this episode is your reminder that self-doubt doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you care. EPISODE THEMES 📝 * When “helpful” comments feed your self-doubt   * The emotional toll of early delivery and NICU life   * Asking for help when you’re used to doing it all   * Letting go of guilt and finding balance   * How twin parenting evolves over time   * The power of community and honest connection   GIVEAWAYS 💰 🎉 YOU'RE INVITED: Need more support, join us each month for our Twiniversity Virtual Meeting. Meet Nat and Lauren and bring them your biggest twin life challenges each month of the year.  For dates and more details visit. www.twiniversity.com/Membership ✔️Subscribe to the Twiniversity Email Newsletter! https://www.twiniversity.com/subscribe/ [https://www.twiniversity.com/subscribe/] Expecting twins? Twiniversity has you COVERED with online classes! ⬇️ Breastfeeding Twins: https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/HTaVcGhH/checkout [https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/HTaVcGhH/checkout] Twins After Singletons: https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/hegrd8Ez/checkout [https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/hegrd8Ez/checkout] Baby Safety (CPR, First Aid, Car Seat Safety, Childproofing): https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/AccFMLk8/checkout [https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/AccFMLk8/checkout]   CONNECT WITH US 🎙️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Twiniversity [https://www.instagram.com/Twiniversity] Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/twiniversity/ [https://www.pinterest.com/twiniversity/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Twiniversity/ [https://www.facebook.com/Twiniversity/] Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@twiniversity [https://www.tiktok.com/@twiniversity] X: twitter.com/Twiniversity [http://twitter.com/Twiniversity] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/60TDcDJoEtQHwqLzZ8L9rX?si=9734d507f23845e6 [https://open.spotify.com/show/60TDcDJoEtQHwqLzZ8L9rX?si=9734d507f23845e6] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/twiniversity [https://www.youtube.com/twiniversity] Email: community@twinuniversity.com [community@twinuniversity.com]

In this episode, I talk with Zara—a journalist, women’s health reporter, and twin mom—about how knowing too much sometimes gets in the way of just being a parent. Before she even saw two heartbeats on the ultrasound, Zara was knee-deep in reproductive health journalism, covering everything from fertility to pregnancy complications. But when life threw her not one, but two babies, the story she thought she knew so well got personal—fast. We talk about how being informed can sometimes lead to anxiety instead of empowerment, how fertility struggles shaped her perspective on motherhood, and what happens when the glamorous celebrity twin narrative meets the harsh reality of a high-risk pregnancy. From dealing with preeclampsia to unpacking the media’s obsession with twins, Zara gets honest about the emotional whiplash of twin parenting and why she believes we need more real talk and less tabloid sparkle. Whether you’re pregnant with twins, parenting through postpartum chaos, or just trying to make sense of the internet’s latest parenting advice, this episode is a reminder that it’s okay to be both grateful and overwhelmed. Knowledge is power—but sometimes, not knowing everything gives you the space to breathe. EPISODE THEMES 📝 * How working in women's health media shaped Zara’s parenting mindset   * Why knowing too much can lead to more anxiety, not less   * Infertility, loss, and the emotional cost of conception   * The real challenges of twin pregnancy: PUPPP, cholestasis, preeclampsia   * Debunking the glamorization of twins in the media   * When to advocate for a maternal-fetal medicine specialist   * The identity crisis of a twin mom who wanted a “regular” pregnancy   * Why Twiniversity exists: to tell the truth and support each other through it   GIVEAWAYS 💰 🎉 YOU'RE INVITED: Need more support, join us each month for our Twiniversity Virtual Meeting. Meet Nat and Lauren and bring them your biggest twin life challenges each month of the year.  For dates and more details visit. www.twiniversity.com/Membership ✔️Subscribe to the Twiniversity Email Newsletter! https://www.twiniversity.com/subscribe/ [https://www.twiniversity.com/subscribe/] Expecting twins? Twiniversity has you COVERED with online classes! ⬇️ Breastfeeding Twins: https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/HTaVcGhH/checkout [https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/HTaVcGhH/checkout] Twins After Singletons: https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/hegrd8Ez/checkout [https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/hegrd8Ez/checkout] Baby Safety (CPR, First Aid, Car Seat Safety, Childproofing): https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/AccFMLk8/checkout [https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/AccFMLk8/checkout]   CONNECT WITH ZARA HANAWALT 💌 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zarahanawalt/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/zarahanawalt/?hl=en] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zara-hanawalt/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zara-hanawalt/]   CONNECT WITH US 🎙️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Twiniversity [https://www.instagram.com/Twiniversity] Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/twiniversity/ [https://www.pinterest.com/twiniversity/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Twiniversity/ [https://www.facebook.com/Twiniversity/] Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@twiniversity [https://www.tiktok.com/@twiniversity] X: twitter.com/Twiniversity [http://twitter.com/Twiniversity] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/60TDcDJoEtQHwqLzZ8L9rX?si=9734d507f23845e6 [https://open.spotify.com/show/60TDcDJoEtQHwqLzZ8L9rX?si=9734d507f23845e6] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/twiniversity [https://www.youtube.com/twiniversity] Email: community@twinuniversity.com [community@twinuniversity.com]

In this episode, I talk with Julie—an identical twin, adoptive daughter, and now grandmother—about the extraordinary journey she and her sister took to find their birth mother at the age of 48. What began as a search sparked by a health scare turned into a deeply emotional exploration of identity, loyalty, and sisterhood. Julie shares how navigating a closed adoption system, confronting family dynamics, and facing both rejection and reunion shaped her understanding of herself as a twin and as a daughter. We discuss the emotional layers of being raised with your twin while separated from your origins, the challenges of searching later in life, and the complicated but powerful connection they ultimately forged with their birth mom. We also explore what it means to honor both adoptive and biological family bonds, how DNA testing changed everything, and why twinhood remained Julie’s strongest anchor through the ups and downs. Julie’s story is a powerful reminder of how deeply identity and connection intertwine—and how even decades later, it's never too late to seek the truth. Whether you're an adoptive parent of twins, a twin yourself, or simply curious about how identity and family evolve over time, this episode is full of vulnerability, wisdom, and hope.   EPISODE THEMES 📝 * Growing up as identical twins in a closed adoption * Why Julie and her sister began their search at 48 * How changing state laws opened the door to reunion * The emotional complexity of adoptive and birth family roles * Facing rejection—and acceptance—during the search * Navigating loyalty, identity, and grief as adult adoptees * How twinhood shaped every step of the journey * Advice for adoptive parents raising twins today   GIVEAWAYS 💰 🎉 YOU'RE INVITED: Need more support, join us each month for our Twiniversity Virtual Meeting. Meet Nat and Lauren and bring them your biggest twin life challenges each month of the year.  For dates and more details visit. www.twiniversity.com/Membership ✔️Subscribe to the Twiniversity Email Newsletter! https://www.twiniversity.com/subscribe/ [https://www.twiniversity.com/subscribe/] Expecting twins? Twiniversity has you COVERED with online classes! ⬇️ Breastfeeding Twins: https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/HTaVcGhH/checkout [https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/HTaVcGhH/checkout] Twins After Singletons: https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/hegrd8Ez/checkout [https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/hegrd8Ez/checkout] Baby Safety (CPR, First Aid, Car Seat Safety, Childproofing): https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/AccFMLk8/checkout [https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/AccFMLk8/checkout]   CONNECT WITH JULIE MCGUE 💌 Website: https://juliemcgueauthor.com/ [https://juliemcgueauthor.com/] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-ryan-mcgue-a246b841/?trk=public-profile-join-page [https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-ryan-mcgue-a246b841/?trk=public-profile-join-page]  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julieryanmcgue/ [https://www.instagram.com/julieryanmcgue/]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juliemcguewrites/?ref=_xav_ig_profile_page_web# [https://www.facebook.com/juliemcguewrites/?ref=_xav_ig_profile_page_web#]    CONNECT WITH US 🎙️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Twiniversity [https://www.instagram.com/Twiniversity] Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/twiniversity/ [https://www.pinterest.com/twiniversity/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Twiniversity/ [https://www.facebook.com/Twiniversity/] Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@twiniversity [https://www.tiktok.com/@twiniversity] X: twitter.com/Twiniversity [http://twitter.com/Twiniversity] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/60TDcDJoEtQHwqLzZ8L9rX?si=9734d507f23845e6 [https://open.spotify.com/show/60TDcDJoEtQHwqLzZ8L9rX?si=9734d507f23845e6] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/twiniversity [https://www.youtube.com/twiniversity] Email: community@twinuniversity.com [community@twinuniversity.com]

In this episode, I talk with Paige—a proud member of the Twiniversity mom squad—about her journey through twin parenthood and the unexpected challenges that reshaped her family’s first year. What started as a smooth pregnancy shifted dramatically at the 20-week scan, when Paige’s daughter was diagnosed with a congenital lung defect requiring surgery right after birth. Paige shares what it was like to navigate the NICU with both twins, including the emotional ups and downs, the critical role of hospital social workers, and the resources that made all the difference—from Medicaid to home nursing care. She opens up about the relief that came with finding financial and emotional support systems, and why advocating for your family’s needs is so essential when medical complexities enter the picture. We also dive into the realities of transitioning home from the NICU, balancing medical care with everyday parenting, and the challenges of finding the right support team. Paige’s story is not only about resilience but also about the importance of knowing where to turn for help. Whether you’re a parent preparing for the NICU, navigating a complicated pregnancy, or simply curious about the resources available to families with unique medical needs, this conversation is full of honesty, encouragement, and practical guidance. EPISODE THEMES 📝 * Paige’s twin pregnancy journey and medical diagnosis at 20 weeks * Life in the NICU and navigating early interventions * How social workers support families with insurance, services, and resources * The financial and emotional relief of finding the right support systems * Preparing for life after the NICU and adjusting to home nursing care * Advocating for yourself and your family in the medical system * Why community and resources make all the difference for twin parents   GIVEAWAYS 💰 🎉 YOU'RE INVITED: Need more support, join us each month for our Twiniversity Virtual Meeting. Meet Nat and Lauren and bring them your biggest twin life challenges each month of the year.  For dates and more details visit. www.twiniversity.com/Membership ✔️Subscribe to the Twiniversity Email Newsletter! https://www.twiniversity.com/subscribe/ [https://www.twiniversity.com/subscribe/] Expecting twins? Twiniversity has you COVERED with online classes! ⬇️ Breastfeeding Twins: https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/HTaVcGhH/checkout [https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/HTaVcGhH/checkout] Twins After Singletons: https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/hegrd8Ez/checkout [https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/hegrd8Ez/checkout] Baby Safety (CPR, First Aid, Car Seat Safety, Childproofing): https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/AccFMLk8/checkout [https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/AccFMLk8/checkout] CONNECT WITH US 🎙️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Twiniversity [https://www.instagram.com/Twiniversity] Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/twiniversity/ [https://www.pinterest.com/twiniversity/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Twiniversity/ [https://www.facebook.com/Twiniversity/] Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@twiniversity [https://www.tiktok.com/@twiniversity] X: twitter.com/Twiniversity [http://twitter.com/Twiniversity] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/60TDcDJoEtQHwqLzZ8L9rX?si=9734d507f23845e6 [https://open.spotify.com/show/60TDcDJoEtQHwqLzZ8L9rX?si=9734d507f23845e6] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/twiniversity [https://www.youtube.com/twiniversity] Email: community@twinuniversity.com [community@twinuniversity.com]