By Danielle Galvin
For any first-time parent, it’s overwhelming to hear people warn you about “what you’re in for”.
Whether it’s sleepless nights, reflux, tantrums – parenthood is a journey you can’t possibly prepare for.
So for parents who have twins or triplets, that moment of being told “there’s more than one heartbeat” must be a daunting – albeit wonderfully joyful and exciting moment. One you’d never forget.
For mum of twin girls, Keren Finn, she remembers connecting with fellow twin mums for the first time, when she was about five months pregnant.
It was the “extra support” she needed from a group who knew what it was like to embark on twin life. Keren is now president of that group, the Camberwell Area Multiple Birth Association.
“I certainly recall the first time I met some of the other solo parents in CAMBA and they had their babies, toddlers and older kids,” she said.
“As soon as I saw they were alive and happy, and it’s do-able, that gave me a lot of hope.
“The support and community you get from it – it’s like my second family.”
While Keren still connected with the mother’s group through the council, it was incredibly beneficial to connect with other twin parents.
“It’s a very different thing,” she explained.
“Having people going through the same thing with their kids – you tend to bounce off each other, it’s an amazing network.”
The group has had to turn virtual given the Covid-19 lockdowns, however many of the services offered by the club have continued throughout isolation – including premmie packs (boxes of small sized clothing for premature babies), the pillow bank, Chums4Mums program, antenatal sessions. And they remain hopeful that their Christmas party will go ahead.
Pre-lockdown, members would meet for a playgroup on a Tuesday and once a month there’s an under-1s and expectant mums meet and greet.
It’s an incredible opportunity for mums who are expecting multiples to get a feel for what they can expect.
Words of advice and wisdom, maybe a few horror stories too!
“They are able to see what’s going on and get that reassurance from other mums that are there,” Keren said.
“That’s an amazing, beautiful cycle to see.”
Each year CAMBA runs a number of social events for both children and parents.
In the past they’ve visited Hays Paddock, Box Hill Steam Railway as well as other local attractions.
They like to keep it local and support local business too.
The group’s focus is to connect parents – as well as kids.
It’s a way for new parents to know there is support available, you just have to know where to find it.
To find out more, visit https://www.camba.amba.org.au/
