Where to get support when you have triplets and more

Finding support when you have triplets or more

Welcoming triplets or more is an incredible experience, but it can also feel intense and exhausting. Feeding several newborns, keeping up with household tasks and attending frequent appointments can quickly become overwhelming.

You might feel tired, lonely or unsure if you’re doing the right thing. That’s completely understandable, especially if you don’t have much local support. The important thing to remember is that you’re not expected to manage everything alone.

There are many sources of help, from people you already know to specialist services for families with twins, triplets or more. Understanding what’s available can boost your confidence and make daily life feel more manageable.

Support that can make the biggest difference early on

Family and friends are often the first people to offer help. They might drop off a meal, pick up shopping or cuddle one baby while you feed another. These small acts can give you time to rest or focus on one child at a time.

It can sometimes feel hard to ask for what you need or to accept help that’s offered. You might worry about being a burden or feel that you should cope alone. If you can, try to be specific. For example, you could ask someone to fold washing, load the dishwasher or hold all three babies while you shower. You can also read ‘How to ask for and accept help’ (LINK - INF-25) for more ideas and reassurance.

Your healthcare team is another key source of support. Health visitors, midwives, GPs and neonatal staff are there to help you adjust to caring for more than one baby. Contact them if you feel unsure, overwhelmed or just need reassurance.

Not every professional will have experience with triplets or more, so being clear about what you’re finding difficult can really help. If getting to a weighing clinic with several newborns feels impossible, you can ask whether extra home visits are available. When you talk about your babies’ progress, try to discuss each child individually so nothing gets missed.

Your healthcare team can also refer you to charities and local services, including some of the organisations listed below. Try to stay open to their suggestions, even if you’re unsure at first.

Where you can find practical and emotional support

Twins Trust offers specialist support for families expecting or raising twins, triplets or more. As the UK charity for multiple birth families, we understand the unique pressures you may face.

Our online communities (LINK) give you real-time support from other parents of multiples who truly understand life with more than one newborn. Many parents find these spaces especially helpful during night feeds or on tough days. Online advice should sit alongside professional guidance, but it can make you feel far less alone.

Our helpline (LINK) is run by twin and triplet parents who know how challenging some days can be. They offer a listening ear, reassurance and practical hints and tips that have helped other families.

We also provide in-home support (LINK - in-home support service) for families with triplets and more. Our support practitioners and early years trained volunteers offer a set number of home visits. Their goal is to help you gain confidence so you can manage in the way that works best for your family.

If you’re thinking about feeding support, we offer online drop-ins (feeding drop-ins) and one-to-one sessions (LINK feeding peer support) with NCT-trained specialists who have experience feeding more than one baby.

Local parent-and-baby groups can also be a lifeline. Attending with several babies might feel daunting, but many people are keen to offer a hand. Family hubs and children’s centres often provide free sessions and extra support for families.

Some areas have specific clubs (LINK - clubs page) for twins and multiples, where parents share tips that are tailored to life with more than one baby.

Volunteer-based services may offer more hands-on support. Organisations such as Home-Start can provide practical and emotional help if you’re facing extra challenges.

Support from volunteers might include:

• Home visits during the week
• Practical help with day-to-day tasks
• Friendly emotional support when things feel tough

Many local churches and community groups also offer support to families who are struggling. If things feel heavy, it’s okay to get in touch and say you need some extra help.

Perinatal mental health teams and national mental health charities can support you if you’re feeling low or anxious. Your GP or health visitor is usually the best first contact for local mental health services. You can also find information and support from PANDAS Foundation.

Looking after yourself while caring for triplets or more

Caring for more than one newborn puts real pressure on your body and mind. Feeling overwhelmed, tearful, anxious or low for more than a short time is a sign that you deserve more support, not that you’re failing.

Your wellbeing matters just as much as your babies’ needs. When you get the right support, you’re better able to enjoy your children and cope with the demands of daily life.

Try to keep in mind that you don’t have to do everything at once. Accept offers of help where you can, and keep asking questions of professionals and other parents. Whether support comes from family, health services, charities, volunteers or other parents of twins, triplets or more, you’re not on this journey alone.

Reaching out is not a sign of weakness. It’s a positive step towards protecting your health and helping your children to thrive.