Press release: Twins and Multiple Births Association
(Tamba) celebrate their 35th anniversary
o
Women giving birth to multiples each year has increased by 89%
formed
1,2
since the charity was
th
On Saturday 16 November the Twins and Multiple Births Association (Tamba) will be celebrating their
th
35 anniversary at Woburn Safari Park with approximately 150 twins and triplets.
As well as enjoying a day out, twins and triplets from around the country will also enjoy celebratory afternoon tea
and personal appearances from a cheeky little pig called Peppa, at intervals throughout the day.
This celebration comes at a time when multiple births are the highest ever recorded. Since Tamba was set up in
1,2
1978 the number of women giving birth to multiples each year has increased by 89% This increase is largely
due to more couples receiving fertility treatment but also due to women choosing to start their family at a later
age.
With more families raising twins, triplets or more in the UK, it is vital that these families are aware of the help and
support Tamba can offer them. With good preparation, families of all ages can really enjoy the experience of
raising twins, triplets or higher order multiples.
Tamba was originally started by a doctor and 4 mothers of twins who struggled to find any information or advice
on raising multiples. Since Tamba was formed the charity has directly supported over 100,000 families.
Mum of recently born twins says ‘Thanks to Tamba there are so many more resources available to parents of
multiples. I have found the support from Tamba invaluable. For me, attending the practical preparing for
parenthood course was particularly useful. The course explained about Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome
(TTTS) and also helped me to prepare for my twins spending some time in neonatal care.’
Tamba is the only UK organisation providing support to families of twins, triplets and higher order multiples. As
well as campaigning on issues that affect multiple birth families, Tamba provides information to families, runs a
helpline, offers bereavement support, provides social networking opportunities, runs courses and now for the first
time we are conducting clinical research to change clinical practice for ever.
Judi Linney MBE, Tamba President and an active Founder member said ‘I’m thrilled that the charity has grown so
much over the past 35 years. Through our work we aim to support as many families as possible to meet the
unique challenges that multiple birth families face. We are truly grateful to everybody that has supported us’
Although families are better supported, the ever growing multiple birth population means there are more families
facing the unique challenges of multiple births. Expectant parents of multiples receive less help preparing for the
arrival of their babies. Parents of multiples also tend to have lower than average incomes and are more likely to
separate and divorce due to the extra pressure. Multiple birth babies have a 50% chance of spending time in
neo-natal care and are 6 times more at risk than singleton babies of having cerebral palsy. Tamba offers support
to these families via our various resources and support services.
Reassuringly into adulthood, there is very little to differentiate multiples from others in terms of material well3
being .This is no doubt a tribute towards the hard work and love of parents of multiples.
Notes to editors
About The Twins and Multiple Birth Association (Tamba)
Tamba is the national charity dedicated to improving the lives and well-being of families with twins, triplets or
more. Representing 12,000 families and 180 local clubs in the UK, Tamba provides help and support to both
parents and professionals to meet the unique challenges that multiple birth families face.
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For further information, please visit www.tamba.org.uk
Follow us on twitter https://twitter.com/tamba_twins_mb and
facebook https://www.facebook.com/twinsandmultiplebirthsassociation.
For confidential and emotional support for families with multiples, please call Twinline which is staffed by trained
volunteers that are parents of multiples and can offer support on sleeping feeding, crying, behaviour, discipline,
school issues or special needs. It is free to call from a landline and is open everyday from 10am – 1pm and from
7pm – 10pm on 0800 138 0509
Multiple birth statistics
Data from the Office of National Statistics:
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In 1978: 5930 multiple births in England and Wales
2011: 11,505 multiple births in England and Wales
References
1.
2.
3.
Characteristics of Birth 2, England and Wales, 2010http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/re-referencetables.html?edition=tcm%3A77-230095 Last accessed November 2013
Births in England and Wales by characteristics of Birth 2,
2011http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/dcp171778_298892.pdf Last accessed November 2013
Stephen McKay, The Effects of Twins and Multiple Births Families and Their Living Standard, March
2010