Antenatal

Firstly, a BIG CONGRATULATIONS you are expecting more than one baby!

Having twins, triplets or even more is a very special event and although the rate of twin births is on the increase it is still relatively rare in relation to single pregnancies. It is also very special with at least twice the pleasure.

Firstly, be prepared for possible negative or non-encouraging comments from friends and family when you break your wonderful news, especially those that have had only one child. "Fabulous news", "Congratulations", Well done" etc is what you should be hearing, however, people who have had only one baby cannot comprehend ever being able to do more than they did, so you will probably hear  " how will you cope?" and "what will you do?". This should not be taken personally but feel free to tell them that it is not what you want to hear especially if you have been trying for some time or that your pregnancy was as a result of fertility assisted treatment. You should be focusing on having a healthy and lengthy pregnancy so do not surround yourself with people who do not support you in this.
However, this will also prepare you for the continued attention you will get when your babies are born and of course the "they are gorgeous" is added to the "it must be hard", "how do you cope", "two for one" "buy one get one free" comments which  will be there for some time! Great for the self-esteem but no good for a quick trip to the shops!

The majority of information we provide (excluding Club information) will be more relevant to twin pregnancies and parenting, as triplets and more will require specialist support, info and knowledge. This is readily available from TAMBA who also have a Supertwins group dedicated to those families and carers of triplets and more. If you are expecting more than twins please still get in touch as we welcome all families and carers of multiples and we have several sets of triplets in our Club and always welcome more. TAMBA now offer a free ‘Healthy Multiple Pregnancy Guide’ which is packed with information including suggested shopping lists, complications that may occur and what to look out for, suggested healthy lifestyle and foods, preparing for the birth and the babies, finances and what benefits you may be entitled to – are just a few topics that are covered in this very handy booklet. You do not need to join to receive the booklet but it is definitely worth looking into when the time is right for you.
For Antenatal Parents, we offer a free support and advice service during your pregnancy and early stages of parenthood. This is given by our volunteer mums who are not trained experts but mums of multiples who have been there and done it!

We always recommend you attend Playgroup at some time during your pregnancy in order to meet and chat with other mums/carers of multiples. This is the best way to find out what life is really all about and to realise that we are all well-grounded, very friendly and generally quite relaxed people!
Any antenatal or new parents with another child or children are more than welcome to bring the older child along whilst they visit Playgroup as well as when their new arrivals are born. This will help them to understand about having more than one brother or sister at once, how exciting and special it will be for them and also how important they will be in your life when the new babies arrive. Involving an older child is vital as they can be a great help if made to feel really important or can develop behaviour issues if excluded. Many of our members have older children and asking them how they managed and involved their child will help you also.

If you have any questions about the group please call 07932 670610
or email foresttwins.tripletsclub@googlemail.com

The FTTC have been described as "making you feel human again" and "a life-line" so remember you are not alone.
For more information about TAMBA and antenatal classes please use our Useful Links page.