Help needed for parents of twins

More help is needed for parents of twins in Jersey, according to the founder of a playgroup for multiple births.

Nineteen sets of twins are born in the island out of every 1,000 births. In England and Wales the figure is 15.

Vicky Pearce, who runs a group for for multiple birth children, said some parents are struggling to cope.

She would like information about the practical and financial help available to be more readily available.

Mrs Pearce said nursery nurses at Highlands College could give practical help and support to parents, but many mothers are unaware such help is available.

Currently parents of twins in Jersey receive about 1,000 from the States in a one-off maternity grant before the birth.

The Twins and Multiple Births Association (Tamba) only 36% of 1,300 mothers it surveyed had been offered specific parenting sessions to prepare them for caring for twins, triplets or more.