By YASEMIN TALAT
TWINS, triplets, quadruplets and more will be celebrated this week as part of Multiple Birth Awareness Week.
The week will celebrate the joy of parenting multiples while educating communities about the unique challenges that parents of multiples face.
It will also raise awareness of the important work done and support given to families by the Australian Multiple Birth Association and many local clubs like Wyndham Twins Plus.
Mother to triplets, Pahan Nanayakkara was very thankful for the support she received from her family, the hospitals and Wyndham Twins Plus, especially since her triplets came as a surprise.
“I knew it was going to be really challenging for me, I don’t know anyone who’s had triplets in my family or friends,” Ms Nanayakkara said.
When Mrs Nanayakkara first found out about her pregnancy, she and her husband Dinesh were happy to be having a baby, which soon turned into two.
But by the second scan Mr and Mrs Nanayakkara were told about the third addition to their growing family.
They signed up as members of Wyndham Twins Plus right away and started seeking information.
“Support is very important especially for the mother and father,” Mrs Nanayakkara said.
“It’s good to talk to mothers who have multiples and share our stories,” she said.
“Parents with multiples, I see them as super mums and dads because they’re doing a big task, it’s not easy at all.”
“Having multiples is a beautiful thing even though it’s a lot of work, you see them growing together and bonding, it’s an amazing experience.”
The 2014 theme is “You’re not alone” and parents are invited to go along to the Wyndham Twins Plus New Parents Night on 27 March.
The group will also host a picnic as part of this week’s celebrations on 16 March.
For more information on events, support groups and memberships visit http://www.wyndhamtwinsplus.org.au/
