Mothering Twins During the First Year of Life: A Metaphor Analysis.

This secondary qualitative analysis identified metaphorical expressions mothers of twins used to describe their first year caring for their infants. Data from the primary grounded theory study were reanalyzed using metaphor identification procedure and revealed eight metaphors: blur, life on hold, being an orchestrator, being a juggler, being an equalizer, being a quick-change artist, being a milk factory, and open invitation. These metaphors give clinicians an insider's view of the struggle's mothers of twins experience during the first year after birth. Being attentive to the metaphors mothers used can provide a unique approach to helping them. Lactation consultants are key to providing much needed support for mothers who are breastfeeding twins.