Multiplied There’s HOW MANY days until

NOVEMBER—DECEMBER 2012
Multiplied
Ryan and Sam Mitchell
Inside this issue:
CMMBC party time!
6
Pushing my buttons
8
Twins off to school
12
About breastpumps
15
Family photo tricks
18
Meet a member
26
P.O. Box 1223, Pukekohe
There’s
HOW MANY
days until
Christmas?!
Email: [email protected]
CMMBC COMMITTEE
CO-PRESIDENT
CENTRAL CONTACT
HUGGIES CONTACT
Esther Williams
[email protected]
Tel: (09) 239-1091
CO-PRESIDENT
TRIPLETS SUPPORT
SECRETARY
EQUIPMENT HIRE
COMMUNITY LIAISON
ANTENATAL SUPPORT
NEWSLETTER EDITOR
WEBSITE MANAGER
Stacey Morunga
[email protected]
Tel: 021 669 632
Natasha Hobson
[email protected]
Charlie Saunders
[email protected]
Tel: (09) 235-2295
Donnelle Belanger-Taylor
[email protected]
Tel: (09) 267-9041
GRANTS OFFICER
SUPPORT COMMITTEE
Sian Stewart
[email protected]
Tel: (09) 238-0480
Louise Mackie
[email protected]
Tel: (09) 267-0992
MEMBERSHIP OFFICER
TREASURER
Alicia Jeffery
[email protected]
Tel: (09) 238-8363
Lara Utatao
[email protected]
Tel: (09) 233-6811
Tel: (09) 238-8646
BOUNCY CASTLE HIRE
WALKING GROUP
Karen Buchanan
[email protected]
Tel: (09) 269-6967
JOIN OUR COMMITTEE! ANY ASSISTANCE IS APPRECIATED. CONTACT
ESTHER WILLIAMS FOR MORE DETAILS.
FUNDRAISING · SUPPORT · EVENTS · MORNING TEA HOSTS · etc...
Page 2
NOVEMBER—DECEMBER 2012
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
This newsletter marks a new chapter in our family as George and Harry
started school this term. It certainly feels strange!
We congratulate Natasha, Damian, Max and Aden on the birth of their
daughter and sister, Amelia. Amelia has already attended her first
committee meeting and it's been a good reminder for me to see how
much work goes into doing the equipment!
The first week of October also marked Multiple Birth Awareness Week and we look
forward to celebrating this and Christmas with you at our Christmas Party on Sunday the
18th of November.
I had the pleasure of attending the NZMBA AGM along with Stacey, who also attended the
rest of the conference with Alicia. I want to thank Stacey and Alicia for representing our
club and it was great to get the feedback and affirmation that our club is doing some pretty
special things! The NZMBA have released two new resource books which will be available
to our members. Please note the new user name and password for the NZMBA Website
which is in this newsletter.
Many thanks for the many donations the club has received in the last few months. If you
have any second-hand clothing or baby gear you would like to pass on, please use our
Facebook page to place any donations.
I am really looking forward to our next 'Multiplied' Antenatal Class in November and to
seeing lots of you at the Christmas Party! It seems too early to wish you a happy festive
season so enjoy the build up and take care!
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those held by Counties Manukau Multiple
Birth Club (CMMBC). Unless stated, products advertised are not endorsed by CMMBC.
NOVEMBER—DECEMBER 2012
Page 3
NEW BABIES
Tara Duffin & Anthony Gordon along with big sister Addison welcomed
Cooper and Miller (both 2.3kg) on 25/8/12 by C-section.
Caren van Ingel-Kal & Stephan Blumenburg, with Ryan, welcomed Bella
(2.65kg) and Kayla (2.64kg), 20 minutes apart on 14/09/12.
Nicki & Harley Short and big brother Jarvis welcomed Cooper Anthony
(6lb10) and Eden Ngaire (6lb5), 30 minutes apart on 18/09/12.
Haylee & Roy Bellingham welcomed twin girls Amber (2.925kg) and
Skyla (2.975kg) on 18/09/12 (their Dad's birthday!) at 11am & 11.02am.
Anna Fuapau, with Tazmyn, Tyler, Tiannah and Teegan, welcomed Trinity (2.70kg) and Treyden (2.66kg) on 20/09/12.
Cassandra & Va'ai Opeti-Finau, with Tovo, Lopelota, Anakiu, Latai and Melenaite, welcomed Melemata (2.2kg) and Salote (2.8kg) on 20/09/12.
Natasha Hobman and Damian Dexter, along with proud big brothers
Max and Aden, welcomed Amelia Mia Dexter (6lbs) on 5/10/12.
Craig and Shelley Murphy welcomed Declan John Murphy (2.42kg) and
Ailish Ruth Murphy (2.16kg) on 7/10/12.
Katie Andersen and Stuart Bennett welcomed Paige Elisabeth (2.57kg)
and Mackenzie Rose (2.67kg) on 20/10/12.
Clinton, Sebastian and Anne Williams are proud to welcome two beautiful little GIRLS into
the works, much to our amazement! Emily Louise (6lb6oz) and Eleanor Anne (7lb7) were
born on 25/10/12.
NEW MEMBERS...
Tara Duffin & Anthony Gordon with Addison and twins Cooper and Miller.
Michelle & Siato Tamua, expecting twins 24/02/13.
Simone Keven & Toshi Kuribara, expecting twins 07/04/13.
Page 4
NOVEMBER—DECEMBER 2012
November
December
3rd Xander Belanger-Taylor 8
6th Tazmyn Faupau 9
8th Logan & Connor Roberts 6
15th Tyla Keven-Kuribara 4
18th Trent & Addison Morrow 1
21st Zodie Heemi 5
22nd Evelyn Lambert 6
22nd Willow, Connor & Summer Wright 1
23rd Alysha-Jayne Chalmers 8
26th Mason, Aria & Reeve deTourettes 2
28th Isabella Chalmers 13
28th Janessa Chalmers 6
30th Charlotte & Jessica Shortt 3
5th Jordan Fakava 17
8th Alexis & Charlotte Buchanan 2
8th Monique Meyer 2
10th Thalia & Deighton Wright 3
12th Mele Huahuku 4
12th Latai Opeti-Finau 3
14th Ella & Paige Manning 2
14th Emily & Trinity Holmes-Brunsdon
21st Holly & Morgan McEwan 2
21st Brandon-Lee Daniela 15
27th Myka Newman 8
If your child is not listed here and their birthday falls in November or December, it means our database is not up to date.
Please email the club with updated details at [email protected].
Congratulations to Davina & Jason Wright on their first year with
triplets! I’d like to give her special recognition for the fact that she
continues to breastfeed Willow, Connor and Summer.
What a fantastic achievement!
… & MORE NEW MEMBERS!
Caren van Ingel-Kal & Stephan Blumenburg, with Ryan, and Bella and Kayla.
Sharyn & Bevan Martinovich, with Peta, expecting twins 18/01/13.
Victoria Crisp & Jeff Watkinson, with Jade, expecting twins 08/03/13.
Miriam & Gavin Arnet, expecting twin girls 30/01/13.
Celeste & Jared Bowden with twins Eli and Harper.
Anna Fuapau, with Tazmyn, Tyler, Tiannah, Teegan and twins Trinity and Treyden.
Cassandra & Va'ai Opeti-Finau, with Tovo, Lopelota, Anakiu, Latai, Melenaite, and twins
Melemata and Salote.
Jeshreen Priya Chand, Niraj Singh and big brother Tanveer are expecting twin girls on
7/11/12.
NOVEMBER—DECEMBER 2012
Page 5
CMMBC PARTY TIME!
Christmas Party and
Multiple Birth Awareness Week Celebration
Sunday 18 November, from 11am
St Andrews Church, Pukekohe
(corner of Queen St and Wesley St)
Bouncy Castle • Raffles • Face Painting • A special visit from someone in a red suit!
Bring a plate to share for morning tea
All family members are welcome
Because CMMBC will be supplying gifts for the man in the red suit to distribute, we need to
know how many children will be coming. Please RSVP before November 9 so that your
children don’t miss out.
RSVP to Esther Williams
Before November 9
[email protected]
Tel: (09) 239-1091
Or send a Facebook message
Page 6
NOVEMBER—DECEMBER 2012
GET-TOGETHERS
Because the holiday period is so unpredictable and busy, it can be difficult for people to
commit to events. Keep an eye on Facebook for impromptu get-togethers, especially during the school holidays! Please feel free to post if you would like to host a morning tea.
Hope to see you all at the Christmas party!
BOUNCY CASTLE AVAILABLE!
Great for birthday parties and other events! It’s
easy to set up, and can be used indoors or outdoors. The hire fee is $50 for members ($80 nonmembers) plus $100 bond.
Contact Karen Buchanan for bookings.
[email protected],
Tel: (09) 269-6967
MULTIPLED NEEDS YOU!
Our newsletter relies on your stories and photos! You can share them on our
Facebook page, or email the newsletter editor at [email protected].
(please use CMMBC in the subject so I know it’s not spam!)
We would love to see you on Facebook, to share your photos and
stories with us. It’s a great way to get to know each other!
Just search for “Counties Manukau Multiple Birth Club”.
CMMBC POLO SHIRTS
Embroidered CMMBC shirts are available in sizes 4-18, in two styles, and in
both purple and green! Get in touch with Esther to place an order.
[email protected]
Adults $35 / Kids $25
NZ MULTIPLE BIRTH ASSOCIATION
If you have any queries or questions for NZMBA, please contact them in confidence on
0800 4 TWINS or e-mail [email protected]
NOVEMBER—DECEMBER 2012
Page 7
PUSHING MY BUTTONS
By Donnelle Belanger-Taylor
Originally published on stuff.co.nz
I love my kids, but boy, they can make me angrier than anyone else in the world.
They're not malicious, but their timing can be terrible. My worst buttons are things from
my own childhood. My kids are not responsible for those sensitive spots, or even know
about them. When I acknowledge that, I can usually see the funny side.
Here's some buttons that my kids have prodded lately…
Button: Over-dramatising
Perhaps the most perplexing example of over-dramatics happened last week. My eldest,
who is seven, came home halfway through dinner. He'd been at the neighbours' place. He
looked at his plate, yelled "You only cook asparagus because you hate me! I HATE YOU
TOO!" and stormed off to his room.
Actually, I cooked asparagus because I like it. I make almost all meal decisions so that
they're acceptable to everyone in the household, but sometimes, just sometimes, Mum
gets to choose something that she likes.
It doesn't mean I hate you. If you don't like dinner, the standard rule applies. You have to
take one bite. That's it. If you don't like it - great! More asparagus for me.
But if you shout about your dinner... you just opted to go without. There'll be no stinky pee
for you.
Button: Ingratitude
Getting my kids to tidy (or do other jobs) is often a source of irritation. It infuriates me
when my eldest whines "It's not FAIR! Why do I have to do everything?!" when I ask him to
pick up his toys, particularly when I'm exhausted from a long day.
Recently he complained "Why am I the only one picking up books?"
I responded "Because I'm cleaning the toilet. Want to swap?"
He didn't. Darn. At least the books got picked up without further comment.
Page 8
NOVEMBER—DECEMBER 2012
Button: Obstinacy
My three-year-old twins are often obstinate.
"Finn, it's time to pick up your trains."
"NO! I like a giant mess!"
(Actually, this just made me laugh.)
Button: Lying
My girl twin has just worked out that it is possible for her to blame Finn for things that she
has done. While he is generally the evil twin ("ha Ha HA!"), yesterday she got caught out.
"Someone" poured a full cup of milk, put it on the computer chair, and spun the chair
around. "Someone" was supposedly "Finny did it", even though it was Vieve who had milk
in her hair and across her face. The fact that she was sliding back and forth in the slippery
spiral of milk splatters was another subtle indication that she might be responsible.
I've navigated the blatantly lying stage before with my oldest, but it's a new experience
having to determine a culprit when Finn is saying "Vieve did it" and Vieve is saying "Finn
did it". This time it was obvious, but it isn't always.
We'll do our darnedest to be fair, but lying will be treated more seriously than the original
event.
Button: Waste
I've written before about grocery shopping with kids. It's much more manageable these
days, and serves as a terrific practical maths lesson for my seven-year-old.
That said, it's still exhausting.
After our last tiring supermarket trip, I carried the boxes of groceries up our stairs, and
then the grumpy three-year-olds up our stairs, then unpacked the groceries and put them
away. Then I took a load of washing outside and hung it up.
When I came back inside, I found a litre of milk spilt across the kitchen floor, and handfuls
of drinking straws shoved inside the now half-empty milk bottle.
Worse than that, though, worse than that... was the tomatoes.
(continued on next page)
NOVEMBER—DECEMBER 2012
Page 9
(continued from previous page)
An entire pottle of newly purchased cherry tomatoes had been carefully lined up on the
kitchen floor, and then squished. Presumably "someone" was conducting a thorough experiment on the compressive properties of feet when applied to fluid-filled spheres.
The scattered tomato seeds made delicate red trails across the kitchen floor, reminiscent of
a fireworks display.
My brain was also reminiscent of a fireworks display, but I turned to my three children,
who were staring at the mess, and said "You need to go outside, now." The financial waste
irritated me, but I was also annoyed that I'd gone to the effort of bringing the milk and tomatoes upstairs and unpacking them!
As I mopped up milk and tomato juice, I realised something. The initial compression experiment might have been conducted with feet, but they'd decided to speed up their technique. Repeatability is a significant part of the scientific method, after all.
"Someone" had used the rocking horse in order to automate the squishing process.
I'm still not entirely sure whether to be more horrified by the waste, or by the ingeniousness.
We all have things that we are sensitive to. What buttons do your kids push, unintentionally or otherwise?
Alexis and Charlotte Buchanan
Page 10
NOVEMBER—DECEMBER 2012
FREE NAPPIES!
Kimberly Clark will send out a carton (4 packets) of Huggies nappies to each
new family of multiples in New Zealand (This offer is only available once).
Please contact Esther on (09) 239-1091 or e-mail [email protected] as
soon as you can after the babies’ birth as only newborn size is available.
Please note this offer is only available to CMMBC members (you will need to
provide us with your membership number).
Work and Income Entitlement
Home Help
Families who have triplets or under fives at home and then have twins are entitled to a home help
subsidy from WINZ. This is not income tested and comprises of 240 hours for twins and 1560 hours for
triplets.
Phone 0800-559-009 for more information.
Through WINZ ‘Working for Families’ you may also be entitled to childcare subsidies.
Providing meals for families with newborn babies, and families who are in crisis. Many mums with new
babies find that the most difficult time of the day is dinner time; especially if you have other children that
need feeding! Our meals have been previously prepared and frozen and when called upon, one of our
mums will hand-deliver one of these meals. As we mums know, that meal can be a real sanity saver!
http://www.bellyful.org.nz/
NOVEMBER—DECEMBER 2012
Page 11
TWINS OFF TO SCHOOL
By Esther Williams
George and Harry have been at school a whole week and we have all survived!
One of the most commonly asked questions is “Will you separate the boys at school?” I
find this quite a weird one to consider, because even though I am a
trained teacher and know my boys better than anyone, I am really
not sure how they will be in a classroom together. George and
Harry often played independently from each other at day care and
I feel they benefited hugely from having a day at day care alone
every two weeks. So ask me again next year, but for now they are
in the same new entrants classroom (this is also dependent on the
size of the school and number of new entrant classrooms of
course).
I felt both boys were ready for school. They have good alphabet
(letter-sound) knowledge and the basic numeracy skills needed for
learning, and fortunately were super excited about starting school!
They can dress themselves and are able to express themselves well orally, and they even fit
their uniforms (though they do look very tiny in them!). They had just one school visit (I
would encourage more but George and Harry were already quite familiar with the school)
and their teacher was well prepared with name tags for their bags etc which gave them a
sense of belonging. She also buddied them up with a child they chose on the first day,
which I thought was great.
One of the things I am very sure about is that reading to your child every day is one of the
most important things you can do for your children. Jason and I made sure we always read
them a book each, even when we were so tired that we really didn’t feel like it.
Perceptual motor skills are vital and we can do lots of things as parents to ensure our children develop the ability to receive, interpret and respond successfully to sensory information. For example, it is very challenging for a child to write if he or she has a weak pencil
grip. You can improve pencil grip by encouraging play with games or activities that encourage the use of the thumb, index and middle finger (tweezers, tongs, picking up Lego bricks
etc).
Page 12
NOVEMBER—DECEMBER 2012
Our classrooms rely heavily on visual and aural perception skills.
Playing memory games or puzzles, and talking about what your
child has seen or done are very simple ways of making these connections.
After the first week the boys were shattered! They were so exhausted and most definitely needed a quiet weekend to recuperate. I think it’s a huge jump going to school from 9am to 3pm five
days a week and so if they need a break during the week now and
then this term I won’t hesitate. George has found it a bit more
challenging socially, whereas Harry has made a very smooth transition. George is definitely the more sensitive of the two and I think
it will take him a while to find new friends and feel comfortable in
his new learning environment. I am trying hard to take a step back and let them find their
own way! (I teach part time at the same school so it’s hard for me not to go and check on
them at morning tea and lunch!)
So did I shed a tear on their first day? Surprisingly I held it together and kept busy all day
so that I had no time to stop and think! I miss them though, and I think it will hit me later
in the term when I may eventually slow down (yeah right!). I also think I grieved a little in
the holidays as I was reminded constantly that they were starting school.
Anyway, I’ll keep you posted and look out in the next newsletter for more ideas on preparing your children for school!
Christopher and Benjamin Morse have a
disagreement over who exactly the dummy
belongs to!
NOVEMBER—DECEMBER 2012
Page 13
MULTIPLES IN THE NEWS
Twins Zac and Josh Lyon will be the first, and youngest New
Zealanders to attempt to cross from the Antarctic coast to
the South Pole and back again.
The Waikato University students will undertake the 2260km
journey in November next year, striving to set the record for
the fastest return journey in less than 69 days.
Dunedin's Tahuna Normal Intermediate School
has 14 pairs of twins.
Deputy principal Keith Hutton said "A lot of
them have similar interests and strengths. But I
do think they're all their own little people."
Amsterdam's oldest prostitutes have been thrust into the
spotlight with the release of their memoirs and a documentary film about their lives. The film, Meet the Fokkens, follows 70-year-old identical twins Louise and Martine Fokken
as they share secrets of selling sex in the city's famous red
light district.
British conjoined twins, Ruby and Rosie Formosa, have been successfully separated. Now aged 12 weeks, they were born joined
at the abdomen and shared part of their intestine.
The babies were born at a healthy weight of 5lb 3oz each, despite
doctors expecting them to be tiny.
Anna Paquin and her husband Stephen Moyer have welcomed their twins
“a few weeks early”, but have remained tight-lipped about their birth
date, names, and genders. The babies are reported to be in good health.
Page 14
NOVEMBER—DECEMBER 2012
ABOUT BREASTPUMPS
CMMBC is very grateful to The Baby Factory for their generous donation of
two hospital-grade breastpumps. This brings our total to ten. Fabulous!
What is a breastpump?
A breastpump can be either manual (hand-powered) or electric. It
is used to express and collect breastmilk for later feeding, or to
help increase milk supply. They have a flange which fits over your
breast, with your aureola and nipple in the centre. As suction is applied and released,
droplets or streams of milk will gather and flow down to be collected in a container. (This
diagram is only a general indication.) There’s lots more information online.
What is a hospital-grade breastpump?
A hospital-grade pump is designed to safely have multiple users, because they include barriers that prevent any chance of cross-contamination. They are more durable and have
stronger motors. They are far more effective and quicker than other pumps, which is important when you’re coping with more than one baby!
Why do we need so many?
The pumps are always in high demand. It is completely possible to breastfeed multiples,
but establishing a nursing relationship can be more difficult than with one. Having a pump
gives mum an option that may ease a tough spot on her breastfeeding journey.
Providing hospital-grade breastpumps (without a $3000 price tag,
or $140 monthly hire fees) is a tangible way that CMMBC can help
mothers achieve their personal breastfeeding goals. We’d like to
have one available for every mother when her babies are born, if
she desires.
Thanks again to The Baby Factory for making a real difference!
Kendall Cochrane from The Baby Factory delivers our new breastpumps! Thank you!
NOVEMBER—DECEMBER 2012
Page 15
CMMBC EVENTS CALENDAR
November 2012
Mon
5
Tue
6
Wed
Thu
7
Fri
Sat
Sun
1
2
3
4
8
9 RSVP for
10
11
17
18 11@am
Xmas Party!
10am @
Gardens
12
13
14 7:30pm @
15
16
Esther’s
19
20
Xmas Party
21
22
23 10am @
24
25 CMMBC
Gardens
26
27
28
29
Antenatal
Class
30
December 2012
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16 10am @
Playground
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25 Christmas
Day
26 Boxing Day
27
28
29
30
31 New Year’s
Eve
Page 16
NOVEMBER—DECEMBER 2012
CMMBC EVENT INFORMATION
The most up-to-date event information is on Facebook!
Just search for “Counties Manukau Multiple Birth Club”.
We’d love to see you there.
Multiple Birth Awareness Week is 1-7 October. Check Facebook for events.
7:30pm @ Esther’s: Our monthly meetings (usually the 4th Monday in each month) start at
7.30pm. We’re a casual bunch of parents who like a chance to catch up and make decisions
about the club. Everyone welcome! November: 28 George Cres, Buckland, Pukekohe.
CMMBC Antenatal Class: See page 29 for details.
RSVP for Xmas Party: Contact Esther if you’re coming to the party. See pg 6 for details.
11am @ Xmas Party: St Andrews Church, Pukekohe. Bring a plate. See pg 6 for details.
10am @ Playground: Meet at the new playground on the corner of John St and Nelson St,
Pukekohe. There’s a path for scooters, ride-ons and bikes, a flying fox, a playground for
younger kids, and plenty of seating. Weather-dependent, so check Facebook.
10am @ Gardens: Meet in the foyer at the Botannic Gardens between 10am and 10:15am,
for a casual stroll around the Gardens. Weather-dependent, so check Facebook!
Watch Facebook for other impromptu get-togethers!
DID YOU KNOW?
Fingerprints

Begin to form in the womb during the twelfth week

As hands and feet grow, the details of friction ridges stay constant

A product of both genes and embryo's movements in womb

So identical twins don't have matching fingerprints!
NOVEMBER—DECEMBER 2012
Page 17
FAMILY PHOTO TRICKS
Once your family gets a bit bigger, it can be really difficult to get a nice photo of all your
kids together... especially with them all looking in the same direction.
I have lots of photos like this:
which, while they are a fairly accurate representation of life in our household, are not
really worth getting printed or sending to people.
So how can you get decent photos of all your kids?
One way to get a matching set of photos is to set yourself up at the bottom of a slide. Kids
of all ages will gladly slide again and again and again, giving you plenty of chances to get
great shots. You can play with flash, focus etc. if your camera allows, but otherwise just
aim for the smiles!
Then just sort through all the photos, choose the best photo of each child, and put them
together!
Page 18
NOVEMBER—DECEMBER 2012
Mattias and Asher
Ahokava sleeping
hand in hand.
NOVEMBER—DECEMBER 2012
Page 19
I WISH SHE’D GO AWAY
Hormonal mum is here again,
She always screams and shouts.
Her kids are nothing but a pain,
Her head is filled with doubts.
She's sick of always picking up
The same damn piles of stuff;
Like cars and dolls, an empty cup,
And Lego, crumbs and fluff.
She's ever such a grumpy mum
Who cannot stand the noise
Of trains, guitars, a bongo drum
And other favourite toys.
Tomorrow she will be all right
And in a better mood.
So until then, she'll say "Good-night!"
(And raid the fridge for food).
Although on any other day
She loves to have a hug,
Today she thinks "Just go away!"
And dodges with a shrug.
By Donnelle Belanger-Taylor
Originally published on stuff.co.nz
Norton and Nathaniel Yengtung with big brother Neil
Page 20
NOVEMBER—DECEMBER 2012
THOUGHTS
Levi and Kyson Edwards
There’s no time like the
present, and no present like
time.
- David LaMotte
Holly and Morgan McEwan
Sisters make the best friends
in the world.
- Marilyn Monoe
Isla and Elliot Stewart
Let them eat cake.
- Marie Antoinette
NOVEMBER—DECEMBER 2012
Harlem and Tyler Hoggart
Nothing can stop me from
loving my brother.
- Brandy Norwood
Vieve and Finn Belanger-Taylor
There’s no other love like the
love for a brother.
- Astrid Alauda
Harry Williams
You spin me right round,
baby / Right round, like a
record, baby / Round round
round round!
- Dead or Alive
Matthias and Asher Ahokava
A well-spent day brings happy
sleep.
- Leonardo da Vinci
Teina, Kai and Niwa Morunga
The family is one of nature’s
masterpieces.
- George Santayana
Any of your funny, quirky
or touching photos are very
welcome! Crying, sleeping,
messy– it’s all good.
You can post them on the
Facebook page, or email
them to
[email protected]
(please use CMMBC in the
subject line)
Page 21
BABY-SIGN BASICS
HAPPY
CHRISTMAS
THANK YOU
Baby sign is a great way to communicate with your babies before they are able to talk. If
you start signing from around 4 months, they may sign back as early as 7 months! It’s
never too late to start.
TWIN LOSS NZ
Twin Loss NZ is a nationwide support group for those who have suffered the loss of one, more or all of
their twins, triplets or higher multiples in a multiple birth from early pregnancy through to childhood
and beyond—including the loss of a twin sibling in adulthood.
Those who have lost twins may be connected together with others in a similar situation through reading
our magazine Hearts & Wings , or if they would like, through meetings or by phone or email.
On our website you will find more about us, as well as articles and information available to download
for families, health professionals and others.
Twin Loss NZ
P.O. Box 51-984
Pakuranga 2010
[email protected]
www.twinloss.org.nz
Contact:
Jan Liddell—(09) 411-9922
Advertising in the Counties Manukau Multiple Birth Newsletter:
If you are interested in advertising in the CMMBC Newsletter, please contact us on
[email protected] or call (09) 239-1091.
COST:
2 Editions (½page) = $25.00 2 Editions (Full Page) = $35.00
4 Editions (½page) = $50.00 4 Editions (Full Page) = $70.00
6 Editions (½page) = $75.00 6 Editions (Full Page) = $105.00
Page 22
NOVEMBER—DECEMBER 2012
Well Women
Helping You and your family cope with Antenatal & Postnatal Distress
Mothers of multiple births are almost twice as likely to
suffer Post-natal Depression than mums of single children
Post-natal Depression (PND) is not just about being sad. You might feel:
Guilty
Anxious
Irritable
Forgetful
Humourless
Exhausted
Overwhelmed
Indecisive
Unable to cope
If you constantly feel like this, you should talk to a GP or your LMC. Well Women can help, too!
Call or email us today and let us help you.
021 1588 134
[email protected]
Well Women Franklin, a Registered Charity,
Registration number: CC43492
Phone 09 235 2295
NOVEMBER—DECEMBER 2012
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NOVEMBER—DECEMBER 2012
518 Buckland Road, Buckland —0800 215 754
http://www.bucklandstorage.co.nz
• Purpose-built, Alarmed, Secure
• Economical Solutions
• Flexible Sizes
• Short or Long Term
• Electronic Gate Access 7.30am - 8.30pm / 7 Days
Storage • Parking • Workshops
Generous supporter of
Counties Manukau Multiple Birth Club!
Young Explorers provides quality care and education in an environment that
encourages active exploration and discovery.
We cater for children from 0-5 years of age from 7.30am-5.30pm.
We offer 20 hours ECE, and WINZ subsidies.
For all enquiries please phone Natasha Jones on (09) 238 4852 or pop in for
a visit at
Young Explorers, 566 Buckland Road, Pukekohe.
http://www.youngexplorers.co.nz/
NOVEMBER—DECEMBER 2012
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MEET A CMMBC MEMBER
Alicia Jeffrey
Age: 24
Children: Two
Lives in: Pukekohe
My boys are Harlem and Tyler and they are 3 years old. We were told they were fraternal,
but that's debatable. They are my only children. They are typical three-year-olds testing my
patience more and more everyday! They fight, but they also always look out for each
other and share that unique bond that only twins have.
When I found out it was twins I laughed, my mum cried and their dad thought the sonographer was joking. I always thought having twins would be awesome and I guess sometimes
wishes do come true!
The biggest challenge I’ve found with twins would probably have to have been the breast
feeding. I struggled a lot. I lasted 8 weeks and was happy with that. Also needing two of
everything!
The biggest blessing is definitely being blessed with two beautiful healthy baby boys! Also I
was living at my Mum and Dad’s house at the time of having the boys. My mum and my
older sister were godsends and I couldn't have done it without them!
I am proud of my boys everyday. They are growing up so fast and never cease to amaze me
with their kind hearts and big smiles. I was pretty proud of how well they toilet trained, as
Ididn't think it would be as easy as it was. And I have to say I'm pretty proud of how far I've
come in the last year since doing it all on my own, being a single mum can get tough at
times!
I love the support that CMMBC gives. I love that there is so much the club provides in
terms of equipment, information, outings and the newsletter. Everybody involved in the
club is so willing to help and that's what makes it such an awesome club. Joining CMMBC
was definitely another blessing!
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NOVEMBER—DECEMBER 2012
WHANAU CORNER
By Melissa Mackay, honorary “Auntie” to Kai, Niwa and Teina Morunga
"So... I am pregnant this time".
"Oh, that’s great news Stace, so so happy for you!!"
"Yeah, but that’s not all..."
I remember when Stacey told us that yes, she was pregnant. Yes, 'it' was healthy; and yes,
good strong heartbeats.
"Heart... beatS???"
"Oh, yes. There’s three!"
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. It’s not everyday that your friend announces not
only a first pregnancy, but triplets at that! It's one thing to anticipate the arrival of a beautiful baby... but three!
I was so thrilled to hear the news, but there was so much I wanted to know! Did you know
that this could happen?? Were there multiples in the family? How do they all fit??! But
Stacey, being her organised and calm self always had the answers.
We watched her through her pregnancy as her gorgeous wee bump would suddenly double over night. I remember her last trip away for work; she showed me photos of her
stomach before and after over a three day span and I was amazed at the difference in size
(and aisle space!). It was incredible to watch the movement of different hands and feet, all
fighting for a space inside - Niwa usually winning out, as per the scan videos!
And soon enough the day was here. I got the text to come meet the triplets. They were
perfect. Similar in face but their individual personalities already starting to shine through.
Niwa, the gorgeous wee princess, Kai, happiest at lunch
and always smiling, and wee Teina, smallest of the
bunch, but so strong.
I've had the pleasure of watching them grow from
bouncing babies to terrific toddlers. They are still perfect and gorgeous. It’s still entertaining to watch the
three of them playing, fighting and laughing together.
ALL HANDS ON DECK! 'Aunties' Melissa, Anna and Glynnis, welcome Niwa, Teina and Kai home from the hospital.
NOVEMBER—DECEMBER 2012
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NOVEMBER—DECEMBER 2012
ANTENATAL CLASSES
CMMBC antenatal classes are facilitated by our president, Esther (a qualified
childbirth educator), and are tailored for multiple births. If you already have
other children, this class will address the differences between single and multiple pregnancies, births and infancy.
These classes will be FREE to CMMBC members, and will take place every three months.
They will be a one-day, weekend class, and topics covered will include:

Pregnancy care and discomforts

Breastfeeding

Birth options

Life with multiples

Postnatal Care
A very popular part of the class is the “new parent panel”, where parents of young multiples share their experiences, and answer questions.
The next CMMBC antenatal class will run on Sunday 25th of November. To book, please
contact Esther Williams, (09) 239-1091 or [email protected]
Our multiples antenatal class is designed to follow-on from standard antenatal classes.
FREE CHILDBIRTH AND
PARENTING CLASSES
Pukekohe & Papakura
LMC Services Ltd, PO Box 76262, Manukau City 2241
Pregnancy * Labour * Induction * Breastfeeding * The Early Days
Qualified Educators
Michele Neild
Gina Johnston
Manukau and Franklin
ANTENATAL AND POSTNATAL CLASSES
Antenatal classes cover:
Support in Labour
What to get for your babies
Unexpected Outcomes
Stages of Labour
Infant Feeding
Medical Pain Relief
Safe Sleeping
Natural Pain Relief
Car Seat Safety
Franklin: Cathy (09) 238 5942, [email protected]
Manukau: Emily, (09) 268 0226, [email protected]
Classes run 7pm—9pm
Charlie Saunders (CMMBC member)
Esther Williams (CMMBC president)
Papakura—Bruce Pulman Lodge
Pukekohe—Plunket Rooms
Baby & You classes cover:
First Aid & CPR
Transition to parenthood
Baby massage
Infant Feeding
Nutrition
Sleeping
Active Movement
Franklin: Lauryl 022 622 8312, [email protected]
To book please contact LMC Services Ltd,
ph: 09 279 3377
NOVEMBER—DECEMBER 2012
Manukau: Charlie (09) 235 2295, [email protected]
Classes run 10am—12pm
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CMMBC SUPPORT
Antenatal Support/Education
Charlie Saunders
[email protected]
(09) 235-2295
Esther Williams
[email protected]
Tel: (09) 239-1091
Breastfeeding Support
Charlie Saunders
[email protected]
(09) 235-2295
Donnelle Belanger-Taylor
[email protected]
(09) 267 9041
Premature Babies and Triplets /
Combination Feeding
Stacey Morunga
[email protected]
Tel: 021 669 632
OTHER RESOURCES
Regional Breastfeeding Support
La Leche League, www.lalecheleague.org. For
your nearest meeting: (04) 471-0690 or check
webpage for your local leader/
Pukekohe Maternity Hospital – (09) 238-9359.
Support group: Monday 10am—12pm
Papakura Maternity Unit – (09) 299-9102. Support group: Every 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the
month, 9.30am – 11am.
Postnatal Depression
Franklin Well Women
[email protected]
(021) 158 8134
Gastric Reflux and Allergies
Gastric Reflux Support Network NZ
0800 380 517
www.cryingoverspiltmilk.co.nz
Bellyful - provide meals and help for new mums.
Jacqui Ritchie, [email protected]
Useful Phone Numbers
PlunketLine
Healthline
Barnados Parent Help Line
NZ Poison Centre
La Leche League
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0800 933 922
0800 611 116
0800 727 368
0800 764 766
(04) 471-0690
NOVEMBER—DECEMBER 2012
CMMBC EQUIPMENT HIRE
CMMBC are proud to be able to provide members with useful, high-quality
hire equipment. Hire costs only a minimal donation towards storage costs, and
a bond which is refunded when the equipment is returned.
For bouncy castle hireage, contact:
Karen Buchanan, [email protected], Tel: (09) 269-6967
For all other equipment enquiries, contact:
Natasha Hobson, [email protected] , (09) 238-8646
CMMBC now has TEN hospital-grade breastpumps! What a fantastic resource for all our
multiple families. Thanks to The Baby Factory for donating our two newest pumps.
Out and about
Breastpumps
Safety
Infant capsules with base units
Wooden playpen
Double Snap-n-Go
Medela Double Symphony
hospital-grade breastpumps
Frontpacks
Tommee Tippee manual pump
Safety barriers
Double buggy
Fun at home
Bouncy castle!
Double umbrella stroller
Exersaucers
Carry cot for Mountain Buggy
Jolly Jumpers
Wandering Kiwi Toddler Locators
Bouncinettes
Safety gates
Kari-Me baby slings
Port-a-cots
Baby swing
Safety harnesses
Baby hammocks
Manduca baby carriers
Little Tykes playset
Bumbo seats
NOVEMBER—DECEMBER 2012
Many thanks to Buckland Storage
for subsidising our storage costs!
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
Expecting Twins, Triplets or more? Why not join the Counties Manukau
Multiple Birth Club for only $30.00 a year! Been a member in the past?
Don’t want to miss out? Renew your membership today!
COUNTIES MANUKAU MULTIPLE BIRTH CLUB
2012 – 2013 SUBSCRIPTION FORM
? MEMBER RENEWAL
? NEW SUBSCRIPTION
(Please tick appropriate box)
PARENTS
NAME
HOME PHONE
MOBILE
HOME ADDRESS
EMAIL ADDRESS
SIBLINGS
NAME
DATE OF BIRTH
SEX
? BOY
? GIRL
? BOY
? GIRL
? BOY
? GIRL
? BOY
? GIRL
MULTIPLE DETAILS
NAME
EDD / BIRTH DATE
SEX
BIRTH WEIGHT
? BOY
? GIRL
? UNKNOWN
? BOY
? GIRL
? UNKNOWN
? BOY
? GIRL
? UNKNOWN
? BOY
? GIRL
? UNKNOWN
Please send your completed subscription form and cheque for $30.00 to:
Counties Manukau Multiple Birth Club, P.O. Box 1223, PUKEKOHE
Alternatively, you can transfer payment directly to our bank account:
ASB Bank 12-3032-0762177-000
PLEASE USE YOUR FULL NAME AS A REFERENCE
(If paying by electronic transfer, please email [email protected] with all relevant details – ensure you mail us your
completed form too)