A TEDDY bear's picnic will launch a new support group in Otley for parents expecting a multiple birth.
Helen Page, of Fowlers Croft, knows from personal experience how much of a shock it can be for an expectant mother to discover she is going to have twins, triplets or quadruplets.
The 25-year-old was eight weeks pregnant when she found out she was expecting twins (due in August), and remembers having a massive list of questions to ask - but being unable to find a group to help.
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She said: "There are groups around, including one in Menston, but they are very difficult to get to from Otley when you have three young children, no car and need to be back in time to do the school or pre-school run.
"I'm lucky to have Internet access and to have looked after my friend's twins when they were small, but not everyone is this lucky"
Through TAMBA, the Twins and Multiple Births Association, and Twinsclub.co.uk, Helen made contact with other mums interested in starting a group focussed on supporting parents and carers of multiple birth families.
Otley Multiples will be launched at a Teddy bear's picnic at Wharfemeadows Park at 1pm on Wednesday, May 28.
Anyone interested in finding out more can contact her on 07939 535 260 or visit
Saturday 26 April 2008
Thursday 24 April 2008
telegraph.co.uk - Midwife gives birth to identical triplets
A midwife has beaten odds of a million to one to give birth to identical triplets.
Carmela Testa, 23, gave birth to Gabriella, Alessia and Olivia, who were all naturally conceived, seven week prematurely.
The proud parents with their identical triplets Olivia, Gabriella and Alessia
Identical triplets are so unusual that doctors are divided over how often they occur.
Some research has even suggested that the odds are as high as 200 million to one, but the UK’ s Twins and Multiple Births Association said one in a million was a more realistic figure.
The girls were kept on an incubator in Peterborough Maternity Unit where they built up their strength until they were taken home to the house Miss Testa shares with the proud father, her fiancé Richard Rees, 22.
As a midwife, Miss Testa was aware just how exceptional her pregnancy was. ”I found out at my 12-week scan I was having triplets,” Miss Testa said.
"I knew they would be identical because there was just one placenta, so they were from the same egg.
"I was very shocked. They weren’t planned. They were born on January 9, two days after my birthday so they were a lovely present.”
There was a family history of multiple births, but her were the first triplets.
"I’m quite small - only 5ft - so at the unit, they joked that out of all the midwives, it would have to be me that gave birth to triplets,” she said.
"Everyone was great there. My three close friends delivered each of the babies.”
Non-identical triplets are far more common than identical ones with around 160 born in Britain each year. Non-identical triplets occur when two or three different eggs are fertilized by different sperm.
Identical triplets are caused by one fertilized egg splitting into three genetically indistinguishable eggs.
Another method of producing non-identical triplets is when three separate sperm fertilise three different eggs.
Triplets of this type became increasingly common during IVF.
The 15-week old triplets were tiny when they were born in January weighing between 3lb 4 and 3lb 10.
Telling them apart is a challenge.
Mr Rees, a vocational coach, said: “Olivia has a strawberry birthmark on her neck, Gabriella is a little bit smaller and Alessia has a sharper cry.”
Carmela Testa, 23, gave birth to Gabriella, Alessia and Olivia, who were all naturally conceived, seven week prematurely.
The proud parents with their identical triplets Olivia, Gabriella and Alessia
Identical triplets are so unusual that doctors are divided over how often they occur.
Some research has even suggested that the odds are as high as 200 million to one, but the UK’ s Twins and Multiple Births Association said one in a million was a more realistic figure.
The girls were kept on an incubator in Peterborough Maternity Unit where they built up their strength until they were taken home to the house Miss Testa shares with the proud father, her fiancé Richard Rees, 22.
As a midwife, Miss Testa was aware just how exceptional her pregnancy was. ”I found out at my 12-week scan I was having triplets,” Miss Testa said.
"I knew they would be identical because there was just one placenta, so they were from the same egg.
"I was very shocked. They weren’t planned. They were born on January 9, two days after my birthday so they were a lovely present.”
There was a family history of multiple births, but her were the first triplets.
"I’m quite small - only 5ft - so at the unit, they joked that out of all the midwives, it would have to be me that gave birth to triplets,” she said.
"Everyone was great there. My three close friends delivered each of the babies.”
Non-identical triplets are far more common than identical ones with around 160 born in Britain each year. Non-identical triplets occur when two or three different eggs are fertilized by different sperm.
Identical triplets are caused by one fertilized egg splitting into three genetically indistinguishable eggs.
Another method of producing non-identical triplets is when three separate sperm fertilise three different eggs.
Triplets of this type became increasingly common during IVF.
The 15-week old triplets were tiny when they were born in January weighing between 3lb 4 and 3lb 10.
Telling them apart is a challenge.
Mr Rees, a vocational coach, said: “Olivia has a strawberry birthmark on her neck, Gabriella is a little bit smaller and Alessia has a sharper cry.”
Sunday 20 April 2008
Newsquest Essex network - And triplets make 8!
A TRIO of babies was the last thing Michele Campbell and husband Robert were expecting to see when she went for her scan.
Michele and Robert Campbell, who are both 41, already had five children - the youngest being 12.
Michele said: "I had been feeling ill but to be told I was expecting triplets was a total surprise.
"I could see my husband looking at the scan and saw his facial expression but could not make it out."
She added: "We did not expect it at all. It was quite funny. She asked if I had had IVF. I said No, I have five children'.
"I suddenly thought, it's twins but she said, no it is triplets. Robert was laughing but I wasn't! It took me four days to get over the shock."
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Michele had to be hospitalised when she was 24 weeks pregnant and the babies were delivered by Caesarian section at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge at 30 weeks - ten weeks early.
Sophie weighed the most at 3lbs and 2ozs followed by Daniel, who weighed 2lbs and 151/2 ozs and little Arthur, who weighed 2lbs and 5ozs.
The babies were taken to the intensive care unit in Addenbrookes before being transferred to Colchester General Hospital's special care baby unit.
The babies were transferred at separate times as their health improved, but it meant them being in different hospitals at times.
The triplets were born on November 6 and Sophie was allowed home on Christmas Eve with Daniel going home before the new year.
Arthur, who was the smallest, was the third one home.
Michele, who is a nurse, said taking care of the triplets was hard work but she said she was getting help from her other children, Rachel, who is 19 and attends Reading University, Joseph, who is 18 and at Colchester Sixth Form College, Edward, who is 16 and is studying to be a chef at Colchester Institute, James, 14, and Anne, 12, who are students at St Benedict's College.
Michele, of North Station Road, Colchester, said: "Individually the triplets are all good. They are healthy apart from the usual things premature babies have."
She added: "All the children have been fantastic. They are absolutely marvellous.
"With Rachel being at university, it is like my right arm has gone but the boys have gone above and beyond - they are so good with them."
Michele and Robert Campbell, who are both 41, already had five children - the youngest being 12.
Michele said: "I had been feeling ill but to be told I was expecting triplets was a total surprise.
"I could see my husband looking at the scan and saw his facial expression but could not make it out."
She added: "We did not expect it at all. It was quite funny. She asked if I had had IVF. I said No, I have five children'.
"I suddenly thought, it's twins but she said, no it is triplets. Robert was laughing but I wasn't! It took me four days to get over the shock."
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Michele had to be hospitalised when she was 24 weeks pregnant and the babies were delivered by Caesarian section at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge at 30 weeks - ten weeks early.
Sophie weighed the most at 3lbs and 2ozs followed by Daniel, who weighed 2lbs and 151/2 ozs and little Arthur, who weighed 2lbs and 5ozs.
The babies were taken to the intensive care unit in Addenbrookes before being transferred to Colchester General Hospital's special care baby unit.
The babies were transferred at separate times as their health improved, but it meant them being in different hospitals at times.
The triplets were born on November 6 and Sophie was allowed home on Christmas Eve with Daniel going home before the new year.
Arthur, who was the smallest, was the third one home.
Michele, who is a nurse, said taking care of the triplets was hard work but she said she was getting help from her other children, Rachel, who is 19 and attends Reading University, Joseph, who is 18 and at Colchester Sixth Form College, Edward, who is 16 and is studying to be a chef at Colchester Institute, James, 14, and Anne, 12, who are students at St Benedict's College.
Michele, of North Station Road, Colchester, said: "Individually the triplets are all good. They are healthy apart from the usual things premature babies have."
She added: "All the children have been fantastic. They are absolutely marvellous.
"With Rachel being at university, it is like my right arm has gone but the boys have gone above and beyond - they are so good with them."
Daily Mail - Mother gives birth to one-in-500,000 quadruplets, including three identical boys
A mother has given birth to a rare set of quadruplets in which three of the four boys are identical, it was revealed today.
The boys were born 11 weeks premature in January having already survived odds of one in 500,000 to leave their mother's womb alive.
Their parents plan to introduce themselves and their babies at a news conference later today.
There are fewer than 100 documented cases of "identical triplets plus one" in the United States, hospital officials said.
Two embryos were implanted into the mother, and both were fertilized, hospital spokesman Michael Schwartzberg said.
One of them split, then split again, creating the identical triplets.
The boys were delivered by Caesarian section January 29, on their mother's 32nd birthday, at Baltimore Medical Centre in Towson, Maryland.
Joshua Drew was born first, then Gavin Michael, Cody Benjamin and finally Logan Christopher, the non-identical one.
The babies were treated at the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit, and all four have been home in Belcamp, Maryland, about two-and-a-half weeks weeks.
The boys were born 11 weeks premature in January having already survived odds of one in 500,000 to leave their mother's womb alive.
Their parents plan to introduce themselves and their babies at a news conference later today.
There are fewer than 100 documented cases of "identical triplets plus one" in the United States, hospital officials said.
Two embryos were implanted into the mother, and both were fertilized, hospital spokesman Michael Schwartzberg said.
One of them split, then split again, creating the identical triplets.
The boys were delivered by Caesarian section January 29, on their mother's 32nd birthday, at Baltimore Medical Centre in Towson, Maryland.
Joshua Drew was born first, then Gavin Michael, Cody Benjamin and finally Logan Christopher, the non-identical one.
The babies were treated at the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit, and all four have been home in Belcamp, Maryland, about two-and-a-half weeks weeks.
Thursday 17 April 2008
Moved triplets heading for home
Triplets born after their mother was airlifted from Aberdeen to Liverpool due to a lack of space on maternity wards are heading home.
Jennifer Gray, 28, was transferred after staff at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital discovered there was not enough space for her babies.
Ms Gray was taken to Liverpool Women's hospital where she had two boys and a girl, who were said to be doing well.
They were flying back to Aberdeen Maternity Hospital on Tuesday.
Chloe, Declan and Kyle will require further treatment.
'Get back'
Ms Gray and her partner Lee Brown said they were relieved the babies were doing well, but would consider lodging a complaint with NHS Grampian.
Ms Gray told the BBC Scotland news website: "Me and the two boys are flying back to Aberdeen, and then Chloe with Lee.
"They are doing really well, but I will be glad to get back to Aberdeen."
An NHS Grampian spokeswoman said: "As discussed with both parents, Jennifer was transferred with the safety of her three babies in mind. The Aberdeen unit is busy and multiple pregnancies inevitably involve higher risk and, in this case, three available cots.
"The neonatal intensive care units are in daily contact about cot availability, and transfers do take place in the interests of safety. Many transfers are for medical reasons, where the baby requires specialist care only available elsewhere."
Jennifer Gray, 28, was transferred after staff at Aberdeen Maternity Hospital discovered there was not enough space for her babies.
Ms Gray was taken to Liverpool Women's hospital where she had two boys and a girl, who were said to be doing well.
They were flying back to Aberdeen Maternity Hospital on Tuesday.
Chloe, Declan and Kyle will require further treatment.
'Get back'
Ms Gray and her partner Lee Brown said they were relieved the babies were doing well, but would consider lodging a complaint with NHS Grampian.
Ms Gray told the BBC Scotland news website: "Me and the two boys are flying back to Aberdeen, and then Chloe with Lee.
"They are doing really well, but I will be glad to get back to Aberdeen."
An NHS Grampian spokeswoman said: "As discussed with both parents, Jennifer was transferred with the safety of her three babies in mind. The Aberdeen unit is busy and multiple pregnancies inevitably involve higher risk and, in this case, three available cots.
"The neonatal intensive care units are in daily contact about cot availability, and transfers do take place in the interests of safety. Many transfers are for medical reasons, where the baby requires specialist care only available elsewhere."
Sunday 13 April 2008
A comfort blanket to cling to in case you're carrying twins
With more people having multiple births, you can now buy cover before the first scan to ease the financial strain. Laura Harding and Julian Knight report
With the patter of tiny feet comes the gurgle of money being washed away. As any parent knows, having a family can create a massive drain on resources as the children grow older. Now imagine the extra pressure on personal finances of giving birth to twins, triplets or, in very rare cases, even more little bundles of joy.
But if that prospect seems daunting, there is at least a comfort blanket you can cling on to. Mums- and dads-to-be can now take out multiple-birth insurance, giving them a cash payout in the event they have more than one baby.
And the chances of this happening are greater than you might think. There are around 10,000 multiple births in the UK every year, equating to one in 67 of all maternities.
Older mums are far more likely to have multiple births and, because as a nation we're becoming parents later in life, that means an increasing number of us are going to be hearing the patter of more than one set of tiny feet.
Prospective parents must take out the policy before the 11th week of the pregnancy – in other words, before the first ultrasound scan – and the cost of the insurance is calculated according to certain details about the couple. Those who have had fertility treatment in the past two years are not eligible to apply.
"The age of the expectant mother and her family history, and the history of the father, can increase the cost of the premium," says Dean Atkin from Marcus Hearn, an insurance broker offering a multiple-birth policy. "The minimum cost is based on someone up to the age of 24 with no record of twins."
In this minimum-cost category, according to Mr Atkin, the one-off premiums range from £84 (for a £2,000 payout after the birth) to £210 (for a £5,000 payout). At present, payments are capped at £5,000.
However, for older parents and those with a family history of multiple births, premium costs can be far higher – in some cases, many hundreds of pounds.
"As the expectant mother gets older, this adds to the increase in the costs," Mr Atkin confirms.
Marcus Hearn sold 125 policies in 2007 and paid out three times; so far this year, it has sold between 40 and 50.
"I certainly think our insurance is good value for money," adds Mr Atkin. "We launched the policy to assist with the cost of bringing up two babies instead of one, which can be substantial. The latest figures show that the average cost of raising a child up to the age of five can be as much as £20,000."
But Peter Gerrard, head of insurance research at price-comparison site Moneysupermarket.com, is far from convinced of the worth of this "quirky" insurance. "There is a massive chance you won't have them [twins]," he argues.
"When you look at the statistics of how much it costs to have kids, for the sake of a £5,000 payout, I would say put the premium money into a high-interest savings account and then take that money and use it for baby costs."
David Kuo, head of personal finance at financial comparison site fool.co.uk, is even more scathing about the worth of multiple birth insurance. "You're better off putting money on the horses," he says. "If you know there's a history of multiple births in your family, then make a contingency plan yourself because it's just not worth it. Start putting money to one side in a savings account or, if you're prepared to take those kinds of risks, into a stock market unit trust fund, and it will add up."
He adds: "I'd stick to essential policies like motor and building insurance."
A gamble pays: baby cover 'takes the pressure off'
Liz Elkington, 34, a TV producer and director from London, took out insurance for the possibility of a multiple birth because she was a twin herself.
The gamble paid off when Liz and her husband Chris, 34, an accountant, had twin boys, Bailey and Reece, in July last year.
They paid a £700 premium to broker Marcus Hearn soon after Liz found out she was pregnant. The cost was higher than usual due to her history. At the three-month scan, Liz was told she was going to have twins. And when they arrived, she received a cheque for £5,000.
This windfall came in very handy. "It's kept us in nappies, milk – everything you double up on with twins," says Liz. "When we found out we were having twins, we were delighted, but we never budgeted for it. It's not a massive amount we received but it's enough to take the pressure off."
The couple say they would not hesitate to take out a policy again if they decide to have more children. "The babies are amazing, so if they would be anything like them, I would like to have more. The older you get, the more likely you are to have twins, so I would definitely take out the insurance."
With the patter of tiny feet comes the gurgle of money being washed away. As any parent knows, having a family can create a massive drain on resources as the children grow older. Now imagine the extra pressure on personal finances of giving birth to twins, triplets or, in very rare cases, even more little bundles of joy.
But if that prospect seems daunting, there is at least a comfort blanket you can cling on to. Mums- and dads-to-be can now take out multiple-birth insurance, giving them a cash payout in the event they have more than one baby.
And the chances of this happening are greater than you might think. There are around 10,000 multiple births in the UK every year, equating to one in 67 of all maternities.
Older mums are far more likely to have multiple births and, because as a nation we're becoming parents later in life, that means an increasing number of us are going to be hearing the patter of more than one set of tiny feet.
Prospective parents must take out the policy before the 11th week of the pregnancy – in other words, before the first ultrasound scan – and the cost of the insurance is calculated according to certain details about the couple. Those who have had fertility treatment in the past two years are not eligible to apply.
"The age of the expectant mother and her family history, and the history of the father, can increase the cost of the premium," says Dean Atkin from Marcus Hearn, an insurance broker offering a multiple-birth policy. "The minimum cost is based on someone up to the age of 24 with no record of twins."
In this minimum-cost category, according to Mr Atkin, the one-off premiums range from £84 (for a £2,000 payout after the birth) to £210 (for a £5,000 payout). At present, payments are capped at £5,000.
However, for older parents and those with a family history of multiple births, premium costs can be far higher – in some cases, many hundreds of pounds.
"As the expectant mother gets older, this adds to the increase in the costs," Mr Atkin confirms.
Marcus Hearn sold 125 policies in 2007 and paid out three times; so far this year, it has sold between 40 and 50.
"I certainly think our insurance is good value for money," adds Mr Atkin. "We launched the policy to assist with the cost of bringing up two babies instead of one, which can be substantial. The latest figures show that the average cost of raising a child up to the age of five can be as much as £20,000."
But Peter Gerrard, head of insurance research at price-comparison site Moneysupermarket.com, is far from convinced of the worth of this "quirky" insurance. "There is a massive chance you won't have them [twins]," he argues.
"When you look at the statistics of how much it costs to have kids, for the sake of a £5,000 payout, I would say put the premium money into a high-interest savings account and then take that money and use it for baby costs."
David Kuo, head of personal finance at financial comparison site fool.co.uk, is even more scathing about the worth of multiple birth insurance. "You're better off putting money on the horses," he says. "If you know there's a history of multiple births in your family, then make a contingency plan yourself because it's just not worth it. Start putting money to one side in a savings account or, if you're prepared to take those kinds of risks, into a stock market unit trust fund, and it will add up."
He adds: "I'd stick to essential policies like motor and building insurance."
A gamble pays: baby cover 'takes the pressure off'
Liz Elkington, 34, a TV producer and director from London, took out insurance for the possibility of a multiple birth because she was a twin herself.
The gamble paid off when Liz and her husband Chris, 34, an accountant, had twin boys, Bailey and Reece, in July last year.
They paid a £700 premium to broker Marcus Hearn soon after Liz found out she was pregnant. The cost was higher than usual due to her history. At the three-month scan, Liz was told she was going to have twins. And when they arrived, she received a cheque for £5,000.
This windfall came in very handy. "It's kept us in nappies, milk – everything you double up on with twins," says Liz. "When we found out we were having twins, we were delighted, but we never budgeted for it. It's not a massive amount we received but it's enough to take the pressure off."
The couple say they would not hesitate to take out a policy again if they decide to have more children. "The babies are amazing, so if they would be anything like them, I would like to have more. The older you get, the more likely you are to have twins, so I would definitely take out the insurance."
Wednesday 9 April 2008
New Multiples Group in Cynon Valley
A NEW playgroup has been set up in the Cynon Valley to cater especially for parents with multiple tots.
Magical Multiples is run every Wednesday, from 10am until noon, at St Elvan’s Parish Hall, Aberdare.
Faye Airey, a mother of two-and-a-half-year-old twins, thinks the group is a great way for parents, grandparents and carers to spend a couple of hours a week.
“Going to playgroups are often a bit difficult for parents of twins and triplets,” she said.
“While other mothers are sat down while their child is playing happily, we are usually busy trying to settle the second or third child.
“It is a lot easier to relax when you are with people in a similar situation, who understand the demands of having not one, but two or three children of the same age,” she said.
Triplets mother Yvonne Morgan loves going to Magical Multiples and believes it not only improves her own social life, but that of her two-and-a-half-year-olds Abi, Jac, and Kara.
“I feel it is important for them to mingle with other children their own age, because otherwise they only have each other to play with,” she said.
“They love coming to the playgroup – it also means my house stays a lot tidier too,” she said.
Magical Multiples is the only playgroup of its kind in the South Wales Valleys, the next nearest being either Cardiff or Newport.
Playgroup co-ordinators are keen to get parents and carers from all over the Rhondda Cynon Taff area to bring their children along. The playgroup is non-profit-making and costs £2 per session, which covers the cost of the hall and also snacks for the children.
Monthly newsletters about forthcoming events are also included. For more details call 07852 666556.
Magical Multiples is run every Wednesday, from 10am until noon, at St Elvan’s Parish Hall, Aberdare.
Faye Airey, a mother of two-and-a-half-year-old twins, thinks the group is a great way for parents, grandparents and carers to spend a couple of hours a week.
“Going to playgroups are often a bit difficult for parents of twins and triplets,” she said.
“While other mothers are sat down while their child is playing happily, we are usually busy trying to settle the second or third child.
“It is a lot easier to relax when you are with people in a similar situation, who understand the demands of having not one, but two or three children of the same age,” she said.
Triplets mother Yvonne Morgan loves going to Magical Multiples and believes it not only improves her own social life, but that of her two-and-a-half-year-olds Abi, Jac, and Kara.
“I feel it is important for them to mingle with other children their own age, because otherwise they only have each other to play with,” she said.
“They love coming to the playgroup – it also means my house stays a lot tidier too,” she said.
Magical Multiples is the only playgroup of its kind in the South Wales Valleys, the next nearest being either Cardiff or Newport.
Playgroup co-ordinators are keen to get parents and carers from all over the Rhondda Cynon Taff area to bring their children along. The playgroup is non-profit-making and costs £2 per session, which covers the cost of the hall and also snacks for the children.
Monthly newsletters about forthcoming events are also included. For more details call 07852 666556.
Monday 7 April 2008
Gym fixes for mum
JUDO champ Sharon Mills knows all the right moves when it comes to keeping the kids occupied... she takes them all - including her three-year- old triplets - to the gym.Blonde bombshells Poppy, Peaches and Pebbles, and their sister Laura, four, like nothing better than a five-minute session on the mini exercise bike or a little rowing. Then there are the dance classes and they all enjoy a dip in the pool.Sharon, 38, who also has a 14-year-old daughter, is a former British and Commonwealth judo champion, was a member of the gold medal-winning European judo team and achieved fifth place in the individual world champion- ships. Now the super-fit mum, of Birch Road, Walkden, teaches judo - when she's not busy keeping her lively gang of girls fit and healthy.She said: "People think I'm very brave taking four children with me to the gym but I don't really have any choice. And anyway, they love it."
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