Ardeer identical twins Nastia and Lesia are far from double trouble, says mum Natalia Makohon.
“People say, ‘Wow it must be so full on to raise twins’, but I actually think it’s been great, and it would be harder if they were different ages,” Natalia says of her six-year-olds, who started prep this year at Ardeer’s Mother of God Primary School. “The girls have been so on par, so far … and I have great support.”
Part of the mother of four’s support network has been the Westgate Multiple Birth Association (WMBA) branch of the Australian Multiple Birth Association. The national body is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
More than 50 clubs in Australia are part of AMBA. The volunteer organisation and its clubs give support to families facing issues such as high-risk pregnancies, special needs, financial hardship and identity issues.
Up to 2 per cent of Australian births are multiple.
“It’s been so fantastic,” Natalia says of the Westgate group’s work. “We’ve been able to lean on each other for advice, start friendships between not only the parents but also the kids, and plan great social activities
WMBA president Christine Irwin said the group, which has more than 70 families involved, should be proud of its hard work. She said it welcomed new members.
