Multiple births put strain on parental relationships

It may not come as a huge surprise (particularly if you’ve been there) but a new survey finds that a large proportion of families who have had a multiple birth (twins, triplets or more) have found that it put significant strain on the relationship with their partner.

Tamba (The Twins and Multiple Births Association) found the following:

• 55% of the 1000 surveyed couldn’t go out as often as they’d like.
• 57% had no opportunity to spend quality time with their partner.
• 45% felt the strain of increased financial demands on their relationship.
• 22% had considered separating from their partner.

Having said that, over 80% of the parents responded that they are doing a good job of parenting their children, which is great!

Tamba director, Helen Forbes said: “Some found the first year most challenging, with a lack of practical help rated highly as a stress factor, whilst those who found the pre-school or school age most challenging, the multiples’ behaviour, finances and couple relationship difficulties all put the family under stress.

“It’s also common for couples to find the antenatal period the most challenging, although keeping on top of other responsibilities was rated the highest stress factor, anxiety over the health of the babies was rated above lack of sleep.

“It is concerning that so many parents are feeling the strain. Our research shows just how important our on-going work to highlight the needs of families are, plus our working with the Child Poverty Action Group in its campaign for a fairer deal for multiple birth families through an equal amount of Child Benefit for each sibling.”

Tamba have a website and a free UK helpline (0800 138 0509) where parents and carers of multiple birth children can talk through their problems and seek guidance from fully-trained parents in similar situations.

Tamba