Moms of Multiples Unite

Spotlight on the Triangle Mothers of Twins and Triplets Club

It's an experience few singleton moms can imagine. You go to the doctor expecting a baby and are told that you have not one but two or three little buns in the oven! Take for instance the experience of Emily Almasy. Halfway through her pregnancy she decided to pay for an ultrasound that her HMO didn't deem necessary. And with no family history, imagine her surprise when the sonogram showed two babies. "The doctor had listened to the heartbeat during earlier visits, but my test results were all normal and there was no reason to look for a second heartbeat. So the sonogram was a real shock," said Emily. "I immediately turned to the Triangle Mothers of Twins and Triplets Club for support."

Today, Emily is the president of the Triangle Mothers of Twins and Triplets Club. More than 500 members strong, the club is the fourth largest of its type in the nation. Most moms come to the club for the advice, support, and encouragement only another mom of multiples can give. "One mom taught me how to feed two babies at the same time. That was invaluable advice. I was actually able to do something other than feed," said Emily. Among members every question and concern is taken seriously. Whether a mom of 4-year-olds is deciding to put her kids in the same class at school or a new mom is looking for a way to track feeding and diapering identical babies, the club has a veteran willing to help.

In addition to peer-to-peer advice, the club offers a host of services for members. It collects meal donations for new moms, hosts a variety of child and adult socials, and even has a bereavement committee. The club also organizes "stroller days" - a chance for moms and kids to meet at local malls for an afternoon of strolling and socializing.

One of the most popular club events is the semi-annual clothing and equipment sale. Twice each year the club takes over the Kerr Scott building at the state fairgrounds and hosts a large, member-run sale of gently used children's clothes, toys, and equipment. On Friday night the sale is for members only, but opens its doors to the public on Saturday morning. For dates of the upcoming sale, visit the Triangle Moms of Twins and Triplets Club Web site at www.tmott.org.