Multiplication Term 1 2022

MULTIPLICATION NWSMBA Newsletter Term 1, 2022 If undelivered please return to: North West Sydney Multiple Birth Association PO Box 562 Winston Hills 2153 STAMPS

Contents: From Your President 3 Notice of Annual General Meeting 5 Australian Baby Card 6 North West Sydney What’s On for NWSMBA? 7 Multiple Birth Association Member Announcements 8 ABN 41 564 010 893 PO Box 562 Birthdays 9 Winston Hills 2153 Mini Multiples & More 10 0402 119 940 Playdays 11 [email protected] www.nwsmba.amba.org.au NPMT 12 facebook.com/NWSMBA Multiple Birth Awareness Week 13 Meetings Tribute to Louis 16 Members, prospective members, friends and guests are welcome. Upcoming Events 17 8pm sharp on the first Tuesday of each month (except January). NICU Care Packs 18 Confirm with AMBA National Convention 2022 19 [email protected] Random Acts of Kindness 20 for venue location and online link. AMBA & NWSMBA Fundraisers 21 AMBA Discounts & Member Benefits 22 & 24 Membership Club Services 25 Useful Contacts 26 Natural or adoptive parents, legal guardians, expectant parents, Information Sessions 27 carers of multiple birth children Contact Us 28 and adult multiples are eligible for NWSMBA membership. Front Cover New Members: $40 pa NWSMBA Reptile Park day out. 22 families celebrated AMBA Renewing Members: $35 pa turning 50! If you have a photo you would like to share on our front page, please email it to [email protected] Copyright All material appearing in Multiplication is subject to Copyright unless indicated otherwise. Requests to reproduce material in whole or part should be directed to the Editor at [email protected]. Disclaimer Statements, opinions and points of view expressed in this newsletter are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent those of the Association. Information contained herein is not a substitute for personal, medical, psychiatric or psychological advice and readers are urged to consult their health advisers about specific questions or problems. Mention of goods or services in this newsletter does not represent an endorsement by the North West Sydney Multiple Birth Association Changed contact details? Moved house? New additions to the family? Make sure your contact details are up to date by logging onto the NWSMBA MyAMBA portal here: https://my.amba.org.au/site/nwsmba 2

From your President, This week we see the close of Term 1, or life member can nominate. In addition to 2022, and we get ready for school committee positions, we also look for volunteers holidays and a visit from the Easter to fill our support roles. If you have a passion Bunny. The last few months have been busy, about a particular area in the world of multiples and would like to contribute, please contact us to with the recommencement of our playgroups. see how you can help. In particular, we are Despite the rain, our families have enjoyed a looking for more volunteers to help run PlayDays chance of play and conversations. and NPMT. With our current volunteers returning to the workforce, and juggling family In March, we celebrated Multiple Birth commitments, having a buddy to “job share” Awareness Week with a NWSMBA family day at these roles help ensure that the playgroups can the Australian Reptile Park. 22 families met up for continue to run weekly. If you think you may be a day in the sun (and some cake!). The kids able to help, please let us know! enjoyed meeting some animals, making new friends and of course, the playground. We On behalf of the committee, I wish to extend closed Multiple Birth Awareness Week with a everyone the warmest wishes for a relaxing and fundraising BBQ at Castle Hill Bunnings. This safe the Easter break, and I look forward to was again a successful day, despite the heavy seeing you at our Mothers Day Celebrations in rain keeping many shoppers away. Thanks to May. the volunteers who gave up their time on the day and also those who helped plan the event. Nicole NWSMBA managed to raise over $900 from the day, which will go towards hall hire fees for our free play groups. Next month is our Annual General Meeting, Nicole Chapman - President where we call for nominations for committee. All positions are declared vacant, and any financial About the North West Sydney Multiple Birth Association Founded in 1972, North West Sydney Multiple Birth Association (NWSMBA) is a volunteer run, not-for-profit community association that provides members with support from other member families around the issues relating to raising multiple birth children. Our goals are to provide a means of communication for sharing information on the care and raising of multiple birth children and to provide regular social meetings and functions for our members. 3

4

Notice of NWSMBA Annual General Meeting 2021-22 We'd like to invite you to the Annual General Meeting of the North West Sydney Multiple Birth Association, to be held on Tuesday 3rd May 2022 at 8pm. You can join this meeting online via GoToMeeting. The ordinary business of the meeting will be: ● To confirm the minutes of the previous annual general meeting and of any general meeting held since that meeting ● To receive from the Committee reports upon the transactions of the Club during the last preceding financial year ● To elect members of the committee for the 2022-2023 membership year. If you wish to discuss any detail of the business of the Annual General Meeting - including putting your hand up for vacant committee roles! - the NWSMBA committee encourages you to get in touch with us at [email protected] for clarification prior to the meeting being held, or contact current President Nicole Chapman on 0418 425 772. A reminder that only financial members of NWSMBA are eligible to vote on any motions proposed during the Annual General Meeting. Each member family is eligible to cast one vote. QUORUM We must have a minimum of 10 members in attendance at the AGM to go ahead. Given you can attend from your lounge room, we're hoping you can help us add to the numbers joining us! VOLUNTEER FOR COMMITTEE Please consider a volunteer role with NWSMBA! We need your support to keep our programs running for our Member families. A nomination form must be completed and emailed to the Secretary at [email protected] by 8pm Sunday 1st May 2022. (To complete the form > File - Download - Microsoft Word). We look forward to welcoming you at our AGM! Your 2021-2022 committee 5

Australian Baby Card The Australian Multiple Birth Association has recently re-negotiated it’s partnership with the Australian Baby Card, and thanks to their efforts, all NWSMBA memberships include an Australian Baby Card valued at $30.00. With the Australian Baby Card you can: ● Get great kids discounts on products and services ● Discover where to shop online - giving you more time! ● Get great ideas on bringing up your baby, or how to run a successful party, or prepare for motherhood. ● Plan your weekly family, playgroup or Mother's group outings. ....the list is endless. You can check out some of the discounts and offers on offer here. An email was sent at the start of January with your unique digital card number. Please check your junk folders if you haven’t received it. If you would like to receive a physical card, or have any questions, please email Leisl [email protected] NWSMBA Members receive a FREE Ardo Double Pump Kit and inserts valued from $50.00 with Breast Pump Hire. Visit our on-line hire shop to see our range of pumps available. 6

What’s On For NWSMBA? April May Mon 4th Playdays Sun 1st NWSMBA Mothers Day Event Tue 5th Committee meeting Mon 2nd Playdays Fri 8th NPMT Tue 3rd Committee meeting & AGM Mon 11th School holidays commence Fri 6th NPMT ; CC Mini Multiples Tues 12th Expectant Parent Evening Mon 9th Playdays Thur 14th School holiday catch-up Fri 13th NPMT ; CC Mini Multiples Livvi’s place Mon 16th Playdays Wed 20th Mum’s night out Wed 18th Mum’s night out Fri 29th NPMT ; CC Mini Multiples Fri 20th NPMT ; CC Mini Multiples Mon 23rd Playdays Tues 24th Expectant Parent Evening Fri 27th NPMT ; CC Mini Multiples Mon 30th Playdays June July Mon 6th Playdays Fri 1st NPMT ; CC Mini Multiples Tue 7th Committee meeting Mon 4th School holidays commence Fri 10th NPMT ; CC Mini Multiples (Look out for our holiday Mon 13th Playdays Tue 5th catch up dates!) Fri 17th NPMT ; CC Mini Multiples Mon 18th Committee meeting Mon 20th Playdays Wed 20th Playdays Wed 22nd Mum’s night out Fri 22nd Mum’s night out Fri 24th NPMT ; CC Mini Multiples Mon 25th NPMT ; CC Mini Multiples Mon 27th Playdays Fri 29th Playdays NPMT ; CC Mini Multiples Playdays & NPMT: Weekly throughout school term 10am-12pm, 7 Restore Church, 47 Britannia Rd, Castle Hill Central Coast Mini Multiples: Weekly during the school term 10am-12pm Expectant Parents Evening: Woodbury Park Community Centre, 1 Woolmers Cres, Mardi Mum’s Night Out: NWSMBA Committee Meeting: 7:30pm, location advised upon registration 8pm, see Facebook Post for location 8pm, location and online link advised upon registration

Member Announcements Welcome to our new members! ● Rebecca Gaynor & Nicky Brennan with Marley & Juniper, born in January 2022 ● Emma Taylor & Dan Clark, with twins Ashton & Tyler, born in February 2022 ● Kelly & Simon Lee, with Zachary, 3 years & Marcus & Sebastian, born in October 2021 ● Anmol & Raj Sandhu, with twins born in February ● Sanjana Jagadish & Anand Ramachandran, with Nirvaan & Ayushmaan, born in November 2021 ● Farah Alhamad & Ahmed Banna, with twins Amir & Adam, who celebrated their 1st birthday in April. ● Jennifer Baldwin and Family expecting twins in July 2022 ● Jess & Nathan Harrison with Samuel & Matilda, born in September 2021 ● Aarti Jere & Ranganath Mantravadi expecting twins in June 2022 ● Hannah & Luke Jarman with Benjamin & Theodore, born in June 2021 ● Janne Beelen & Jesper Poels with Jesse & Jake, born in December 2021 ● Elise & Wayne Cullen with Angus & Wyatt, born in November 2021 ● Abby Fleming & Brad Mungean, with Ava & Mia, born in November 2021 ● Janne Beelen & Jesper Poels, with Jesse & Jake, born in December 2021 ● Shae Gowman & Matthew Cologon, with Patrick & Adam, born in September 2021 ● Melissa Cameron & Dean Falzon, with Isabelle, 5 years, Liam & Cameron, who were 1 in March ● Jess & David Spence, with Cooper & Charlotte, born in January 2022 ● Elise & Natha Thomas, with Mireya, 5 years, Valencia & Arcadia, born in June 2021 Congratulations! ● Catherine Knight & Julian Tregelis welcomed Theodore, Oscar & Angel Baby Louis in December ● Becca & Nicky Brennan welcomed Marley & Juniper in January ● Emma Taylor & Dan Clark welcomed Ashton & Tyler in February Expectant Parent Evenings Join us for our next Expectant Parent Evening. Our volunteers cover wonderful hints and hacks on not only surviving but thriving a multiples pregnancy and the first year. Register today: https://forms.gle/pztaXyit3gVS4Ybb8 or, email Rebecca at [email protected] 8

Birthdays February March 2nd Eliza Brake, 13th birthday 1st Alexander Wilkinson, 7th birthday 6th Caleb Gauci, 14th birthday 2nd 7th Evelyn Rooke, 7th birthday 3rd Toby Burrows, 10th birthday 12th Ellie & Zoe Ferrinda, 2nd birthday 5th Giselle & Scarlette Thai, 1st birthday 6th Liam & Cameron Falzon, 1st birthday 15th Vaayu & Ved Desai, 1st birthday 14th Sienna & Scarlett Arnold, 1st birthday 17th Oscar Wilkinson, 10th birthday 18th Max & Lara Giorelando, 1st birthday 22nd Zachary Lee, 3rd birthday 24th Sienna Lindsay, 15th birthday Harper & Hudson Gates, 1st birthday Charlie & Marcus Prince, 1st birthday 26th Madison & Gianna Tenberge, 11th birthday 25th JElliott Blunden, 3rd birthday Oliver & Matilda Snedden, 1st birthday Tom & Fiadh O'Grady, 1st birthday Grace & Henry Riley, 6th birthday Rory & Georgina Rooke, 4th birthday Oscar & Cooper Oakes, 9th birthday Ayleen, Elizah & Miraal Afzal, 1st birthday April 1st Gabriella & Rafael O'Donnell, 2nd birthday If you have joined the Club in the last few months and Logan Crane, 7th birthday don’t see your name here, you may have not given 2nd Amaira & Mia Isaac, 3rd birthday permission for us to publish your details. If you want 9th Lucas & Leo Mills, 2nd birthday to change your preferences, please log in to your 11th Zac Cooper, 19th birthday account and update them by visiting 13th Gemma Fei & Zoe Mei Mills, 1st birthday www.nwsmba.tidyhq.com 14th William & Elias Karas, 2nd birthday James & Hannah Valente, 5th birthday 16th Aiden & Ezra Dow, 3rd birthday 20th Peyton & Charlotte Harding, 2nd birthday 24th Matthew & Levi Lam, 3rd birthday Forrest & Sterling Creed, 1st birthday 25th Caitlyn Ellis, 5th birthday Amir & Adam Alhamad, 1st birthday 26th Lily & Toby Innes, 6th birthday 28th Ava & Mia Pickard, 1st birthday 29th Xavier & Eden Naidu, 5th birthday 30th Lucy & Paige Wilkinson, 4th birthday 9

Mini Multiples & More We have had an amazing first term of Mini Multiples & More here on the Central Coast. We’ve been fortunate enough to welcome 21 families to our playgroup with our biggest turn out being 12 families - totaling 24 twins. Our youngest multiples were only 5 weeks old when they came for their first time right up to our 3 - 4 year old multiples older siblings. Our babies have grown, hitting milestones such as rolling over, sitting up, crawling and soon to be walking. We’ve enjoyed sensory play, sandpit time, building with blocks, drawing, reading books, climbing to the top of our play tower, sliding down the big slide and swinging on the swing. Our mums (and a grandmother) have formed some great friendships and enjoy each other’s company, sharing stories, seeking advice and suggestions and much more. We were lucky enough to have a sleep consultant join us for one of our sessions and she passed on lots of words of wisdom and has helped lots of our families work on that all important topic of little people's sleep. We held our first Mum’s night out which was lots of fun and have us a chance to catch up without our little people in tow. It’s been great building our community here on the Central Coast and can’t wait to see our tribe grow. Taryn Wallis 10 Mini Multiples & More Coordinator

Playdays Playdays started 2022 in virtual form, allowing us to catch up after the holidays, as well as celebrate Valentine’s Day through our screens, before in-person meetings went ahead at the end of February. Nicole and Corinne saved the day in covering the first couple of weeks back while my twins weren’t well - many thanks again to both! Once better, we followed with bringing the luck of the Irish to Playdays for a St. Patrick’s Day Party. We enjoyed dressing up in green, colouring in some cheeky leprechauns, feasting on green cupcakes and hunting for the pot of gold treasure. After so much rain, we made the most of some sun to also take part in a water play session, complete with water table, paddling pool, play sink and lots of colourful balls. The kids had a super time and were all nicely worn out afterwards! The last play day of term saw us try our hands at painting - once suitable kitted out in protective wear, our little Playdayers delighted in creating colourful masterpieces, as well as adding a few cute splodges to each others faces ������. Very many thanks to all the families who have come along this term - we 11 are so happy to see returning faces, as well as welcome new attendees and have had lots of Monday morning fun with you all! We are also currently looking for a volunteer to act as designated back-up for Playdays to cover any sickness / absence. It would be very straightforward and having someone in place would be hugely beneficial in ensuring we don’t have to cancel any sessions, if anything comes up - please let me know if you can help by e-mailing or dropping me a message. Looking forward to term 2 - feel free to contact me for any further info. All very welcome to come along and join in! Chloë Staniszewska & Steph Rooke Playdays Coordinators [email protected]

NPMT It has been so lovely to have NPMT back the last few weeks. Lucky for our little people, Friday mornings have been clear and sunny so we have taken advantage of the grass area and playground. We have had many attendees over the last few weeks ranging in age from 10 weeks to 2 years old! It has been lovely connecting with other multiple mums and watching our children start to become friends. If you are free on Friday mornings please come along from 10-12am! BYO rug, snacks and toys! Next term we are looking for a volunteer to help with alternate Friday’s at NPMT. It’s a very easy role and you will be well supported. Please reach out if you are free to help. Charlotte Giorelando 12 New Parent Coordinator [email protected]

During the week of 20-27th March, Australian Multiple Birth Association clubs celebrated Multiple Birth Awareness Week across Australia. This year’s theme was “Educating the Educators”. Multiple specific education is required from the moment parents discover there is more than one. Families should have access to high quality education that addresses and prepares them for the additional medical, social and emotional challenges they may face. Some of the unique considerations for families and professionals to consider include: ● Classroom placement - whether to split them or keep them together - is one of the biggest dilemmas faced by parents of multiples. ● School readiness - with 65% of twins and 95% of higher order multiples born prematurely and higher rates of developmental delays, the decision about when multiples start, can be more difficult. ● Being treated as individuals - ensuring professionals and the general community, acknowledge multiples as separate entities and avoid comparisons or labels. ● Fostering individuality - encouraging and supporting multiples to develop their own unique personalities, friendships and interests. ● Respecting the multiple bond - understanding and fostering the unique bond that twins, triplets or more have and supporting them through transitions that involve separation. ● Additional family stressors - awareness of the increased rates of mental health issues and financial strain amongst multiple birth families. AMBA hosted a number of Webinars addressing the different issues around this year’s theme. If you didn’t get a chance to watch them live, you can still access them via the AMBA website, or the links below.. Please feel free to share these with your family, friends and school. AMBA has also published a position statement on Classroom Placement of Multiples in Schools. This is a valuable resource for those families readying for their multiples to start school. Webinar: Professor Mark P. Umstad - Improving outcomes in multiple birth pregnancies Webinar:Dr Katie Wood - Insight into the unique needs of multiples Webinar:ICOMBO Chairperson Monica Rankin - Multiples in School - to keep them together or to separate? 13

NWSMBA Celebrates MBAW22 On Sunday 20th March, twenty-two NWSMBA families met at the Australian Reptile Park to celebrate MBAW22. After what feels like a lifetime of rain, the sun broke through to make for a perfect day. The kids enjoyed exploring the park and meeting many of the different animals on display. We met up for a morning tea of cake and a group photo, and even got to meet a python! Demonstrating what a small world of Multiples it really is, it turns out that the keeper was herself a twin. She was very excited to see so many twins in one place, and to hear what we were celebrating. She grew up thinking that she and her sister were fraternal - as told by the doctors due to the separate placentas and sacs, only to find out via DNA testing that they we in fact identical! Thank you to all the families for joining us on the day, and thank you to our volunteers for organising the cake and venue! 14

15

Tribute to Louis I am a mother to three precious boys - Theodore, Oscar, and Louis. Yet when people ask me how many children I have, I pause. Swallow. Breathe. And say two. When they ask if my boys are twins, the answer is a little harder to come by. Last year, we were equally excited and terrified to discover that we were carrying 30 little fingers, 30 little toes, and three additional heartbeats... TCTA triplets! Before we knew it, we were celebrating small fetal milestones, and edging closer to meeting our babies. It was at a routine clinic appointment before starting my work day, 30 weeks into the pregnancy, that we learned that our sweet \"Baby A\" had no heartbeat. A fetomaternal haemorrhage - Something few people have heard of and even less have experienced. For an unknown reason to this day, our baby lost a large proportion of his blood into my bloodstream and slowly drifted off to sleep. Forever. He has a name. His name means \"warrior\". His name is Louis. Our Louis. Our warrior. Louis lived inside me for over 200 days. Over 200 days that we nurtured him, felt him, cheered for his small fetal victories, grew to know him. Over 200 days that were far too short, but we will utterly cherish for all the rest of ours. We made a decision to continue with the pregnancy in the interest of having the best possible outcome for our surviving two boys, despite the scary reality that there was no guarantee that it wouldn't happen again. Alongside his brothers, I continued to carry Louis and kept him warm and safe in \"God's waiting room\" until my waters broke at 34+2. With sincerest gratitude to NWSMBA's Membership Coordinator, Leisl Gauci (who sacrificed her day off as a midwife and came to work that day to take Louis under her wing), in the most peaceful and loving way, he entered and left this world. There is a saying that \"There is no foot too small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world\", in which we wholeheartedly agree. Louis touched our lives and imprinted our hearts in ways that many would not understand. Whilst our precious little angel never took a breath, he existed. We knew him well. We understood his personality. He is forever a part of our family, forever our second born son, and forever loved and remembered. As for Teddy and Oscar, after a stint in NICU they came home and continue to be two healthy and smiley little cherubs. They bring us an indescribable amount of love and happiness. One day they will understand that they had a brother, Louis, who ran on ahead before them. They will know how much joy he brought us as we watched him grow during regular scans. They will hear of how cheeky his personality was and of the poking and kicking games he would play with his dad. They will learn how beautiful he looked on the day he was born, and of his little button nose. They will sense how much their mummy and Daddy love all three of them, unconditionally. But for now, life is about getting through each day as it comes, one snuggle at a time, with our warrior watching over us all. 16

Upcoming Events Relearning socialisation skills post Covid Are your children having difficulty adjusting to life after Covid, with their social skills? Perhaps they are super shy or on the flip side think everyone is their best friend. Talk Play Grow are sharing some tips for parents to navigate these issues though a facebook live event on our Closed Group on Friday 20th May at 12.30pm. Register: Click here April School Holiday Catch Up Join us for the first school holiday catch up that we've had in ages! The fully fenced playground, Livvi’s place at Bernie Mullane Kellyville is a popular playground for all. This event is for all ages, from babies to school aged kids Bring your own food/ drink etc. See you at 10am, Thursday 14th April. Register: Click here Celebrate Mother’s Day with fellow NWSMBA members! This is family event to celebrate NWSMBA's awesome mum's at Storey Park, Hornsby. We have booked the Community Centre within the fully fenced playground. Afternoon tea will be provided. Please join us on Sunday 1st May at 1:30pm Register: Click here 17

NICU Care Pack Reminder Our NICU Care Packs together with Stockland Care grant are designed to help parents of premature multiples during their NICU journey. Please contact the club if you are a new member and currently have your premature multiples in NICU as we would be more than happy to send a pack to you. Pictured: Alana Pearce holding Kye & Taj (2nd recipient of the NICU packs) Each NICU care packs include: - Welcome to the club letter - Information brochure on expecting twins, triplets or more - $30 voucher to redeem on parking at Westmead hospital or to buy beverages/food at the hospital cafe - 2 x keep cups - 2 x Robert Timms Italian Espresso Coffee Bags - A range of tea bags - 2 x JC’s Outback mix - 1 x Vaseline sanitising hand cream - 1 x Nivea lip balm - 1 x packet of baby wipes - 2 x picture frame fridge magnets (1 per child if it’s more than twins) - 2 x inkless hand and footprint keepsake (1 per child if it’s more than twins) I can be contacted via NWSMBA or you’re welcome to email me at [email protected] Barbara Heffernan Premature Birth Support Volunteer 18

AMBA National Convention 2022 NWSMBA is proud to be hosting this year’s AMBA National Convention as part of the club’s 50th Anniversary celebrations. The weekend convention is an opportunity for members from the 39 AMBA affiliated clubs to meet, share ideas and learn. A number of the sessions are aimed for member families rather than just committee members and volunteers. Friday night we celebrate the contributions that our volunteers have made to the AMBA and wider Multiples communities with the AMBA Appreciation Awards. Saturday night dinner is a fun social event which is always a highlight of the weekend, while the Sunday sessions are jam packed with guest speakers on a wide range of topics., We would like to invite you to save the date and keep posted to find out more! Do you have a local business that may be able to help? The Convention Planning Committee are looking for donations towards convention. Donations can be either in the form of cash, or in goods and services that can be added to the delegate’s goody bags or as a prize for the Convention Raffle. It is expected that more than 80 delegates and guests will be in attendance across the weekend. As thanks for your donation, your business will be recognized on the Sponsors page of the Convention Website, as well as the Convention Facebook page and during the event. 19

During Term 4 the following members were nominated recipients of our Random Acts of Kindness: 1. Peita Marie 2. Hannah Jaman 3. Nicole Chapman 4. Taryn Wallis 5. Melissa Meeba This initiative will continue into Term 2, 2022 with the choice of one of the following, $50 voucher for Coles or Woolworths or $100 Demi Chef voucher. We encourage members to nominate another member who is in need of a pick-me-up for special consideration by emailing [email protected] Sometimes a recipient will be chosen at random from our membership database. This initiative is possible thanks to Demi-Chef and the amazing fundraising effort of our members and volunteers over the few last years. 20 ‘Kindness is spreading sunshine into other people's lives regardless of the weather’ - RAKtivist

AMBA & NWSMBA Fundraisers Enter our fundraising code nwsmba12 at the checkout. 20% of all sales will come back to our club! Don’t forget to select North West Sydney Multiple Birth Association at check out and Bright Star Kids donates 15% back to our club! 21

AMBA Discounts For a full list of offers and discount codes, including reduced cost formula, log into our membership portal https://nwsmba.tidyhq.com/public/pages/benefits or email [email protected] These offers have been negotiated for members by AMBA (Australian Multiple Birth Association) and the NWSMBA committee. Please see terms and conditions. 22

AMBA Discounts Contact us for details 23

Member Benefits 24

NWSMBA Club Services Expectant Parent Evenings New Parent Morning Teas Playdays We offer information sessions For parents of multiples aged up to For pre-school aged children, every for parents expecting multiples. 18 months, every Friday during Wednesday during school term from school term from 10am–12pm. Experienced parents of multiples will be Free of charge. 10am–12pm. on hand to share their stories and tips Free of charge. about the special challenges associated VENUE: Restore Church, 47 with raising twins, triplets or more. For Britannia Rd (cnr Bounty Ave), VENUE: Restore Church, 47 Britannia Rd (cnr Bounty Ave), Castle Hill.. For details email: Castle Hill For details :[email protected]. details email [email protected] au. [email protected]. Member Discounts Facebook Group Equipment Hire As an AMBA member you have Current members can ask to join Full, Electronic and Life members received an Australian Baby Card and our closed group: may hire NWSMBA equipment in you are entitled to receive exclusive accordance with our insurance fb.com/groups/NWSMBA discounts from a range of retailers requirements. Australia-wide. It’s an ideal place to post questions and seek support from other For equipment hire details email: Save on furniture, baby equipment hire, swimming and dance lessons, families of multiples — plus your [email protected] educational toys, clothing, shoes, friends can’t see! You can also post cloth nappies, play centres and much items to buy/ swap/sell/give away Feeding Pillows—We have several pillows to make breastfeeding and more! (subject to our guidelines). bottle feeding See www.abcbaby.com.au for more Follow our public page to find out information! what’s happening at your Club: easier. fb.com/NWSMBA Hire: $10 per month Formula Discounts Mums Nights Out Refundable Deposit: $100 Ask us about the discounts for Held at 8pm on the third Hospital Visits multiples on formula available Wednesday of the month, all mums through Nutricia , Bellamy’s., and are invited to get together for a light We can visit our members while supper and a lot of laughs. This is they are in hospital, either on bed Blackmores. a great opportunity to catch up with some old friends and make some rest or after the arrival of your For details email multiples. new ones without the kids [email protected] interrupting every few minutes. (subject to volunteer availability) [email protected] The locations change to spread the love across our geographic 25 catchment, so save the date and keep an eye on our Close Facebook Group for details.

Useful Contacts Breastfeeding Helpline 1300 308 307 ParentLine NSW 1800 686 268 1300 1300 52 rednose.org.au breastfeeding.asn.au Weekdays: 9am–9pm Child Protection Helpline Weekends: 4pm–9pm Tresillian Parent’s Help Line to report suspected child abuse or 1300 272 736 (7am-11pm) 1300 364 277 neglect nsw.relationships.com.au tresillian.org.au 132 111 24 hours, 7 days Suicide and crisis support Karitane Careline 02 9382 6539 13 11 14 Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm (except 1300 227 464 lifeline.org.au public holidays) Mon–Thu: 12.30pm–9pm www.mothersafe.org.au https://www.lifeline.org. Fri–Sun: 9am–3.30pm For au/ Call a Mum on (02) 9477 6777 parenting help, visit 8am–11pm, 7 days dialamum.com.au www.karitane.com.au 26 beyondblue 24 hour Help Line Child Abuse Prevention Service 1300 22 4636 1800 688 009 beyondblue.org.au childabuseprevention.com.au

Information Sessions Workshop: Expecting Twins or More at Westmead Hospital This is an additional workshop for those couples expecting twins or more. Parents-to-be of multiples are encouraged to attend this workshop before 34 weeks gestation if possible. DVDs specific to multiple birth and parenting are shown. The educator is a mother of twins, and a member of NWSMBA This program is offered on a Saturday throughout the year. The workshop starts at 9am and finishes at 1pm, with a morning tea break. This program is discounted for those who have booked into the 'Having a Baby' evening course series or Saturday/Sunday Birth Course. Make sure you include your booking number when completing the registration. We advise that you first attend the 'Labour and Birth' classes before this workshop. Cost: $30.00 if you are attending the Birth Course on a Saturday or Sunday. Cost: $50.00 if you are not attending the Birth Course an a Saturday or Sunday. Bookings Essential: 1 ticket per couple https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/twins-or-more-program-10808438135 or email [email protected] Expectant Parent Evenings NWSMBA runs regular Expectant Parent Evenings. Held approx every two months in a location central to North West Sydney, our volunteers cover wonderful hints and hacks on not only surviving but thriving a multiples pregnancy and the first year. To register your interest for an upcoming information evening, complete this form, or email Rebecca at [email protected] 27

Contact Us Thank you to our amazing team of volunteers who work endlessly to bring the club and all its support and services to our multiples families. President [email protected] Vice President [email protected] Secretary [email protected] Treasurer [email protected] Membership Coordinator [email protected] Expectant Parent Coordinator [email protected] New Parent Coordinator [email protected] Playdays Coordinator Contact [email protected] Editor [email protected] Higher Order Multiples Support [email protected] Premature Birth Support [email protected] Special Needs Support [email protected] Bereavement Support [email protected] Perinatal Depression & Anxiety Support [email protected] Dads Support Contact [email protected] Equipment Officer [email protected] 28