The Australian Multiple Birth Association (AMBA) is a not-for-profit organisation comprising of multiple birth families. The organisation provides support, resources and education to multiple birth families.

Australia’s first club of ”mothers of twins” was created in Newcastle, New South Wales in 1969.  AMBA was subsequently formed in 1974 and is the national coordinating body of multiple birth associations across Australia.  AMBA is active in increasing awareness of the unique needs of multiple birth families, improving the resources available to them and promoting the production and distribution of literature relating to multiple birth issues.

AMBA clubs offer a supportive ear from “those who know”, however it is more than that: regular social interaction for those who feel isolated; whether it is home visits, a phone call, coffee mornings, playgroups, evenings out or weekends away; education at a local level such as expectant parent sessions or first-food introduction classes; breastfeeding support, equipment hire and, volunteer coordination and assistance.  These services go a long way to help multiple birth families in raising their children born in very special circumstances.

Primarily, AMBA’s member base are families with children of preschool age and under, however the school-age and over numbers are growing due to the Association’s and clubs’ recognition that challenges of parenting multiples do not end when children start school.  In many respects they are just beginning!

AMBA has grown to a membership of over 4,000 families Australia-wide, ranging from expectant parents to parents of adult multiples.  AMBA is a grass-roots organisation, membership fees are collected at a local club level and affiliation fees fund state committees and national activities.  Both levels exist to assist and guide local clubs and to provide a framework for club activities.

AMBA club services include but are not limited to:

• Regular newsletter from local areas highlighting local services, discounts, personal stories, social opportunities and articles on raising multiples;
• Clubs may offer a discounted breast pump hire service and hire of twin breastfeeding pillows, and other equipment such as prams and play equipment, or have arrangements with a local service which hires such equipment;
• National membership card entitling families to discounts both nationally and in their local area;
• Subscription to the AMBA Magazine, a bi-annual publication produced and published by AMBA;
• Access to the AMBA Community Forum on the web.  This service provides invaluable support from “those who know” at the touch of a button, regardless of geographical location.