New Report: Make it a good start for multiple birth families 
AUSTRALIAN MULTIPLE BIRTH ASSOCIATION

New Report: Make it a good start for multiple birth families

In October 2024, the Australian Multiple Birth Association (AMBA) conducted a comprehensive research survey involving over 1,200 families across Australia, providing insight into the lived experiences of parents raising multiples. The findings paint a stark picture of the significant financial, emotional, and logistical challenges faced by these families, particularly in the crucial early years following the birth of twins, triplets or higher order multiples.

The report, titled Make it a Good Start for Multiple Birth Families, reveals widespread struggles among parents, including financial strain, exhaustion, mental health issues, and a lack of specialised support. Key findings from the survey include:

  • 70% of parents of multiples experienced financial difficulties during the first two years after becoming pregnant with multiples.
  • 87% of multiple birth parents reported experiencing extreme exhaustion.
  • 70% of parents of multiples faced significant mental health and wellbeing challenges during the first two years after birth.
  • 74% of parents felt isolated during the early years of raising multiples.
  • 63% of mothers of multiples finished work earlier than planned due to the challenges of carrying and raising multiples.
  • 89% of mothers had to finish work before reaching 35 weeks of pregnancy.
  • 56% of mothers of multiples were not offered breastfeeding support tailored specifically for multiple births.
  • 73% of parents of multiples reported that their children spent time in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or Special Care Unit (SCU).

This research underscores the urgent need for more comprehensive and targeted support for multiple birth families in Australia. The lack of specialised programs and resources has left many parents feeling unsupported during what is already a challenging and demanding period in their lives.

AMBA is calling for immediate action to ensure that parents of multiples have access to the financial, emotional, and practical support they need to thrive. The report highlights that Australia’s support programs for parents of multiples have not kept pace with international standards. In fact, Australia ranks near the bottom among advanced economies when it comes to the level of support provided to mothers and parents after the birth of multiples.

Today AMBA has release their Report and Budget Submission which includes the following recommendations for the 2025 Federal Budget:

  1. 1000 Days of Support - funding the Australian Multiple Birth Association
  2. Parental leave per baby - repeal Section 20 of the Paid Parental Leave Act 2010
  3. In-Home care and domestic support for multiple birth families

 

AMBA Chairperson, Silje Andersen-Cooke, said: “We want every multiple birth family in Australia to feel supported because we know that when parents are supported, children thrive. The “Make it a Good Start for Multiple Birth Families” report highlights that multiple birth families are struggling with a range of issues, from mental health challenges to financial instability, and isolation. These families need specialised support and resources to thrive and we are calling on the Federal Government to take urgent action.”

AMBA hopes that the compelling findings of this report will help drive important discussions and prompt policy changes. The AMBA is calling on the Australian Government to take immediate action to improve support for multiple birth families, including the incorporation of specific programs and funding in the 2025 Federal Budget.

Link to full report: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fZ1ZCdgqEdY7K9NyWZGqZhngeaW-RKNR/view?usp=sharing