For parents of newborns, life can be hectic. And for those who have twins, triplets or more, the task of caring for them can be even more busy.
For those who find themselves with multiple bundles of joy, Horsham Rural City Council and the Maternal Child Health Nurse centre offers a special program to help out – the Multiple Birth Support Program.
This program is supported by a dedicated group of volunteers. With of 3 sets of twins born already and with more on the way later this year, new volunteers are needed.
For volunteer Lorraine, the experience of offering practical support to a family with multiple newborns is extremely fulfilling.
"If you love children like I do, it's rewarding. My children live away, my grandchildren live away, so it's just an enjoyment to get up and know you are helping somebody."
For parent of twins Brianna, Lorraine offers much appreciated support.
"It's nice to have someone to hold the baby and feed the baby - especially when I am doing four feeds a day."
"So things like folding clothes or washing dishes, cleaning up, helping feed the girls, playing with them, holding them – she is happy to do anything."
"It's also nice to have a conversation with another adult!"
Volunteer Lorraine has spent many years caring for children and encourages more people to step up and join the program.
"It's a big job when you have got two babies and a toddler as well. I just hope somebody reads this and thinks 'Oh yes, I could do that, that's something I could do'."
With more twins due to arrive in the municipality soon, now is the time to get involved.
For anyone interested in volunteering for the program, they can reach out to Jo Taylor at the Kalkee Road Children's Hub on 0437 747 280. Ideally volunteers will be able to offer a few hours a week, or a few hours a fortnight.
Volunteers will be provided with training, support and information, and the opportunity to help out a family in their community.
