Higher Order Multiples (Triplets, Quads or more)

For expectant families

Are you expecting three, four or more babies? Congratulations! No doubt your first reaction on hearing this news was shock and disbelief. Don't worry - you're not alone! Around 80-90 sets of higher order multiples (HOMs) are born in Australia each year. The majority of these are triplets, although 2004 has seen 1 sets of quads and 1 set of quintuplets born in Australia. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics the incidence of triplets is approximately 1 in 945 (based on year 2000), quadruplets 1 in 17,700 (year 2000) and quintuplets 1 in 156,000 (year 1998-99) .

Every one of these families has wondered at some stage about how they would cope with the emotional, practical and financial aspects of raising several children at once. Rest assured that most families will successfully overcome any perceived obstacles, and raising HOMs can be an overwhelmingly positive and awe-inspiring experience.

What will I need?

There is no need for expectant parents to immediately rush out and buy three (or more) of everything. The HOM Expectant Parents package and a number of other HOM publications provide practical advice on what you will need for your babies. It is often possible to avoid the expense of purchasing everything new.

What about my other children?

Many families expecting HOMs already have one or more older children and parents often ask "How will my older child(ren) cope with the arrival of several babies at once?" This is one of the more challenging issues that parents of HOMs will face and is a typical reason why membership of AMBA will prove to be invaluable. The best source of advice and support will be other HOM families.

Are you the partner, parent, friend or relative of a new or expectant parent of higher order multiples?
The first question friends & relatives often ask (after getting over the initial shock) is "How can I help?" You can play a vital role in supporting and encouraging new and expectant parents of HOMs, who may be too overwhelmed to even think about what help they need, let alone ask for it. AMBA has a number of publications which will give you ideas on practical ways to help. The most important thing you can do is encourage parents to believe in their own abilities and avoid negative comments like: "I'm glad it's you and not me" or "I don't know how you'll cope".