New research from Tamba, the Twins and Multiple Births Association, shows mothers of multiple births are almost twice as likely to suffer Post Natal Depression (PND) as mothers of single children.

Over 1000 mothers of multiples responded to the 2008 Tamba Health and Lifestyle survey:17% of respondents had experienced PND, whilst a further 18% were ‘not sure’ if they had. This is nearly double the number of all mothers who suffer PND (10%). A small number of women had walked out on their babies, but returned.

Others felt alone, cried regularly, some self-harmed, and a few contemplated suicide. Significantly, the Tamba survey found that mothers who experienced PND were:

• Less likely to have attended multiple-specific parent education classes;
• Less likely to be a member of Tamba;
• More likely to have received poor quality antenatal care;
• More likely to have developed pregnancy complications;
• These mothers also had less sleep and less help from friends and family.

Half of all respondents spent less than one hour a day talking to another adult, and many described feeling profoundly isolated.

Many mothers who suffered PND cited health visitors who promised to drop off leaflets about PND but did not do so; doctors who told mothers they could not be treated when breastfeeding; and advice to ‘take more time for yourself’ without any prospect of help to look after their babies.

Mother of triplets, Maggie Couston, also a Clinical Psychologist, recalled: ”The months after my triplets birth should have been a joyful experience but instead I felt exhausted and isolated. My babies were the most precious thing in the world to me, but I thought I wasn’t good enough for them, and frequently thought of ending things or walking away.”

Tamba President, Judi Linney MBE, who was a midwife, Health Visitor and Public Health Director, said: “At present many families struggle because not all of the NHS is sufficiently informed and equipped to meet the challenges of multiple births and pregnancies. Simple steps like improving access to multiple-specific parent education and providing practical support during the early days would do much to promote the health and wellbeing of mothers and their babies, and we call on the Government to ensure this happens.”

“In light of these worrying findings Tamba also calls upon the Government to help us keep the Tamba Twinline running all day and all night so that parents of twins and multiples have someone they can turn to for advice and support.”