Tamba launched a groundbreaking initiative to support parents of multiple births and protect against the heightened risk of Post Natal Depression.
Thegroundbreaking ‘GET READY FOR MULTIPLES!’ initiative, as part of Twins, Triplets and More Awareness Week (28 June – 4 July).
With research showing that mothers of multiple births are almost twice as likely to suffer Post Natal Depression (PND) as mothers of singletons, ‘GET READY FOR MULTIPLES!’ is designed to protect and prepare expectant and new parents of multiple births for the challenges that lie ahead.
In 2009, a major study revealed that 17% of mothers of multiple births 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. The same research found that just one third (36%) of mothers were offered specific parent education on having a multiple birth.
This is a serious concern as the research found that mothers who experienced PND were less likely to have attended such classes.
One year on, Tamba seeks to tackle this problem with the launch of the carefully trialled ‘GET READY FOR MULTIPLES!’ initiative for expectant and new parents of multiple births. The initiative includes FREE and subsidised pre- and ante-natal courses for families and health professionals throughout the UK; a FREE practical guide for mothers who may have PND; and the FREE Twinline (0800 138 0509) which offers information and emotional support for parents and professionals.
Significantly, the percentage of mothers who have attended trials of the antenatal course and reported having PND was 11% (compared to 17% in the original study); only 13% were either unsure if they had it or avoided seeking help. A majority also reported that it made a positive
impact on their early parenting experience. Tamba President Judi Linney MBE, a former midwife, Health Visitor, and Public Health Director said: ”It’s a very different – and sometimes daunting – ballgame, being pregnant with two or more babies and caring for them in their first months of life.
Unfortunately, with so many health professionals still lacking the specialist knowledge needed to prepare expectant parents for the challenges of having a multiple birth, it’s not surprising that lots of parents really struggle. ”GET READY FOR MULTIPLES! will empower and support parents and their health professionals before and after the birth of their babies, enabling them to make the most of this precious time”.
Mother of triplets, Maggie Couston, also a Clinical Psychologist, contributed to the guide on Post Natal Depression. She commented: “I wish GET READY FOR MULTIPLES! had been around when I was expecting my triplets. My children bring me immense joy, but in the months after they were born I often felt overwhelmed and not good enough. At times I thought the babies’ needs would be better met by me leaving or ending it all. “I hope that mothers who might be struggling and feeling isolated will read the free Post Natal Depression guide, which will help to give them back control as a parent to make informed decisions, access support, and most importantly be able to really enjoy time with their babies.”
Twins and Multiple Births Association" width="250" height="129" align="left" />Tamba is the national organisation working to help parents and professionals to meet the unique challenges that multiple birth families face.
For more information on its ‘GET READY FOR MULTIPLES!’ initiative visit
http://bit.ly/multiplebirths
Download the Postnatal Depression – A Guide for Mothers of Multiples here
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