FAQs

Who leads the multiple birth antenatal courses?

All the teachers are qualified midwives or antenatal teachers with a minimum of two years’ experience. They are all mothers with a keen interest in multiple births. This differs from many antenatal course providers where courses can be run by a trainee or inexperienced practitioner.

How can coming on a course change the experience of birth and early parenting of my twins or triplets?

Being prepared helps couples to feel more aware of their options and more confident about their birth and parenting decisions. Many couples expecting twins or more have had a roller coaster journey and the course gives them the opportunity to take control in a practical way and to feel more positive. Some people are apprehensive about having more than one baby and knowing what support is available and some coping strategies can lighten the load.

What is the difference between a Twin Birth/Twins Trust course and an NHS antenatal course?

The Twins Trust courses have been designed specifically to meet the practical and emotional needs of multiple parents. The information provided is based on the latest research and best practice not just on one particular hospital’s policy. No judgements are made on the mode of birth or way to feed and participants are able to discuss their concerns and questions in a relaxed environment. 95% of participants last year rated their course as excellent or very good.

What types of topics are covered during the course?

Each course is slightly different as couples have an opportunity at the start of the day to draw up an agenda of what they want covered. However typically the topics are:-

  • Birth and delivery choices for multiples
  • What to expect in labour
  • Factors influencing vaginal versus caesarean birth for twins or triplets
  • How to make caesarean birth special if that is the chosen option
  • Recovery after a caesarean birth
  • Prematurity of twins, triplets or more
  • What to expect in a Special Care Baby Unit
  • How to breastfeed or feed twins or triplets
  • Co-bedding twins or triplets
  • Impact on couple’s relationship
  • Equipment choices for twins or more
  • Routines for twins or triplets
  • Support available

What is the difference between a Twins Trust antenatal course run by Twin Birth and an NCT course ?

Below is a table to illustrate some of the differences between Twins Trust and NCT antenatal courses.

TWIN BIRTH IN CONJUCTION WITH TWINS TRUST NCT
TEACHER QUALIFICATIONS Registered Midwife or Diploma in Antenatal Education with NCT licence to practice.
All teachers are trained in multiple births.
Diploma in Antenatal Education and NCT licence to Practice.
No compulsory training on multiple births for teachers.
MINIMUM TEACHER EXPERIENCE Min 2 yrs post qualification experience Trainee or qualified teacher – no minimum experience required
GROUP SIZE 4-8 couples 4-12 couples
COURSE HANDOUTS PROVIDED 3 booklets – on Healthy Multiple Pregnancy, Feeding Multiples and Preparing for Parenthood + handouts Pack of handouts
COURSE CONTENT Multiple specific Mainly directed towards singletons
COURSE ATTENDEES All parents expecting twins, triplets or more from surrounding areas Usually mostly parents just expecting a single baby but maybe from a very localised area

I have already booked an NCT course, should I do both ?

This course is specifically designed to meet the needs of multiple parents so time will be spent on issues that may not be covered at all in an NCT antenatal class such as how to feed more than one baby, meeting a family with twins, what to expect in special care, and the support available for multiples. It also provides the opportunity to share experiences and form a support network of other parents who are also expecting more than one baby. As some aspects of caring for a baby are similar for a singleton or for multiples there may be a small overlap of information but the emphasis is very much on meeting multiples needs.

I already have a child(ren) but am now expecting twins will the course still be useful?

Yes definitely, about 15% of couples on the one day course have already had a child and their evaluations of the course are always extremely positive. As the course concentrates on multiple birth it is just as relevant for experienced parents as for those who will be parenting for the first time. Clearly there will also be first time parents on the course and some of their questions may be ones that you already know the answers to but there will be parts of the course where you are given different issues to discuss than the first timers such as how to prepare siblings for the arrival of your twins or triplets.
We also run some courses for parents who already have children. Details can be found on the website.

How do I book a multiple birth antenatal course?

All the course locations and dates are online on TWINS TRUST website and you can book online or by calling the Twins Trust office.

How many weeks should I be when I book the antenatal course ?

Courses are suitable for couples from 20 weeks onwards. Due to the higher likelihood of early arrivals with multiples and the increased likelihood of feeling tired towards the end of the pregnancy it is advisable to book earlier rather than later if possible.

All the courses I want are fully booked what can I do?

Please register your interest and you can be placed on a waiting list – it is sometimes possible to run an additional course. If you are expecting triplets or more we will always do our best to make sure you can get a place.

My birth partner won’t be able to make that day can I come on my own?

You are very welcome to come alone or if you would prefer you may like to bring a friend or relative with you.

Are the courses inclusive for all types of families?

We welcome all individuals on our courses and if you have any concerns about whether your needs will be met on the course we are happy to discuss these with you beforehand. If you are expecting babies through surrogacy we are happy to advise on how the course may be relevant to your situation.

What if I have special needs or require wheelchair access?

Please let us know your requirements and we can advise you on whether the venue is suitable for your needs or if we can make special arrangements for you.

Information on venues

You will be sent venue details with directions 10 days before your course