Finding additional support to help when the babies arrive

Planning support for life with more than one newborn

Welcoming twins, triplets or more is exciting, but it can also feel intense and exhausting. There are extra feeds, nappies, appointments and household jobs, often with very little sleep. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed or unsure at times.

Planning where your support might come from before your babies arrive can really help. It’s not about doing everything perfectly. It’s about having people, services and information around you so you feel more confident and less alone.

Support can come from many places. Family and friends, healthcare professionals, Twins Trust, local groups, volunteers and mental health services can all play a part in helping your family thrive.

What to think about before your babies come home

Start by thinking about who’s already in your life. Family, friends, neighbours or colleagues might be willing to help but unsure what you need. It can be easier for everyone if you’re specific. You might ask someone to cook a meal, put on a load of washing or hold one baby while you feed the other.

You may find it hard to accept help, especially if you’re used to managing alone. Try to remind yourself that support is a practical tool, not a sign you’re not coping. If you’d like ideas on how to ask, we’ve got advice on asking for and accepting help (LINK).

Your healthcare team is another key part of your support network. Health visitors, midwives, GPs and neonatal staff want you and your babies to do well. Let them know if appointments feel difficult to manage with more than one newborn. For example, you can ask about extra home visits if getting to a clinic is too much. Talking about each baby separately can also help make sure no concerns are missed.

It’s important to feel listened to. If something doesn’t feel right, say so. Advocating for what your family needs is a positive step, not a problem.

Different types of support you can draw on

As a charity created for multiple birth families, Twins Trust understands many of the challenges you may face. Our online communities (LINK) bring together parents who ‘get it’, which can be comforting during night feeds or difficult days. While this doesn’t replace medical advice, it can ease isolation and offer practical tips.

Our helpline (LINK) is run by parents of multiples who know how demanding this time can be. They can listen without judgement and share ideas that have helped other families.

We also offer in-home support (LINK) - home visits and practical help for families with twins in severe need, and all families with triplets and quads. Our support practitioners and early years trained volunteers aim to build your confidence so you can cope in a way that suits your family’s needs.

Feeding support (LINK) is also available. This includes online drop-ins (LINK) and one-to-one support (LINK) with trained feeding supporters, all of whom have experience feeding more than one baby. Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle feeding or combining both, you deserve patient and practical guidance.

Local parent-and-baby groups can be another helpful space. It may feel daunting to attend with more than one baby, but many people are keen to offer a hand. Family hubs [LINK - https://www.gov.uk/find-family-hub-local-area] and children’s centres [LINK https://www.gov.uk/find-sure-start-childrens-centre] in many areas provide free sessions and extra support.

Some areas also have clubs (LINK) for twins and multiples, which can be especially reassuring if you’d like to meet families who share similar experiences.

Volunteer support services can offer hands-on help at home. This might include practical tasks, time to talk or support during a difficult patch. These services are designed to be kind, non-judgemental and flexible. You can search for local support here [LINK https://www.home-start.org.uk/find-your-nearest-home-start]

Many churches and community groups also provide practical or emotional support. You don’t have to be a regular attendee to ask what’s available.

Emotional health is just as important as physical health. If you’re feeling very low, anxious, numb or on edge, reach out early. Your GP or health visitor is a good starting point for information about local services, including perinatal mental health teams. National organisations, such as PANDAS [LINK - https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/], also offer support.

Moving forward with confidence in your support network

Parenting twins, triplets or more can be demanding, but it’s also full of connection, pride and joy. With the right support around you, you don’t have to carry everything on your own.

Reaching out isn’t a weakness. It’s a way of caring for yourself so you can care for your babies. Whether support comes from professionals, charities, faith groups, volunteers, family or other parents of multiples, you deserve help that fits your family.