There are twins galore in Port Stephens.
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From Sunday, March 11 to Sunday, March 18, Fairfax Media is celebrating Multiple Birth Awareness Week.
Multiple Birth Awareness Week, an initiative of Australian Multiple Birth Association (AMBA), has a few purposes, including hosting community awareness events and providing support for families and individuals.
“Multiple birth families are vulnerable,” AMBA chairperson, Ashlee Tenberge, said. “Offering emotional and social support is what our organisation is all about.
“Every day, our volunteers enable families with twins, triplets or more to find their strength by providing information and support. It's about connecting these families with a wide community so that they know they are not alone.”
Many families with multiples have travelled, or still are travelling, a long and difficult road. The task of carrying, delivering and raising two or more children at once is extremely demanding with many associated risks and challenges including:
- Up to 65% of all multiples are born preterm (80% if triplets or more)
- Low birth weight occurs in 50% of all twin births, and 95% of triplet and higher order multiple births
- 15% of identical twins are affected by Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome
In 2018, AMBA is focusing on raising awareness around the strength that comes from being supported by an effective network.
AMBA is encouraging families to contact a multiple club in their area, which can be done here: amba.org.au/clubfinder
There are two AMBA clubs in the Hunter: Newcastle Multiple Birth Club Inc and Hunter Valley Multiple Birth Association.
Do you have twins, triplets, or more, in your family? We want to see your photos. Send your photos to portstephens@fairfaxmedia.com.au to be included in our 2018 gallery.
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Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
