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The Struggles of Families with Multiples: A Financial Burden

By Megan Harwood-Baynes, Cost of Living Specialist

When Monique Bertrand discovered she was pregnant with triplets at just eight weeks, she could hardly imagine that this extraordinary blessing would lead her family to the edge of financial turmoil. The revelation came as a profound shock, especially as she had previously been informed that conceiving children naturally would be impossible for her. Initially contemplating fostering children, Monique’s life took an unforeseen turn, revealing the harsh realities of raising multiples.

Financial Impact of Raising Multiples

Recent research underscores the staggering financial implications that families with twins or triplets face. On average, these families endure a financial setback of at least £20,000 during the first year after the birth of their children. This figure starkly contrasts with families who have two children in succession, who do not face the same level of financial pressure. As more data is collected and analyzed, it becomes abundantly clear that the financial responsibilities associated with twins and triplets can be overwhelming.

Following a challenging pregnancy, Monique gave birth to her triplets, Macho and Lylah, who weighed just 2lb 8oz each, and Trinity, who weighed a mere 2lb 1oz. The birthing experience required the attentiveness of a team comprising 35 medical professionals. Unfortunately, the difficulties did not end there. A comprehensive study commissioned by the charity Twins Trust and conducted by Per Capita revealed that raising multiples in the UK is considerably more challenging compared to other advanced OECD societies, primarily due to inadequate support systems in place.

As Monique stated, “Triplet mums just need extra hands.” The early weeks postpartum were particularly taxing since the triplets required extensive care in the hospital for 50 days. Simultaneously, Monique faced her own hospital admission lasting 34 days. Upon returning home, her partner’s two-week paternity leave had already elapsed, leaving her alone to care for three infants. “I felt I could not do it. I felt I wanted to run away. There was no support in any way,” she recalls, advocating for recognition of the unique challenges faced by parents raising multiples.

Economic Consequences for Families with Multiple Births

The financial struggles are further exacerbated as families report a 15% decline in household income—which translates to roughly £12,500 when accounting for various expenses. Compounding the issue, a staggering 72% of these families find themselves needing to purchase a new vehicle to accommodate their rapidly growing crew. The reality is stark; twins and triplets are often born prematurely, demanding that families take additional time off work to care for their children, which further depletes their financial resources.

"People don’t realize, I have to pay for everything three times," Monique pointed out. “A twenty-pound baby outfit for me costs sixty. We go through nappies like they are tap water; formula… the costs just mount up.” The financial strain can be soul-crushing. "There is no passing things down between children; you have to have everything at once. It almost bankrupted us," she described. The situation became so dire that some mothers, in an effort to save money, have had to transition their infants to cow’s milk prematurely due to the overwhelming costs of formula.

During this tumultuous time, support started pouring in from families that Monique had previously assisted. Friends would send clothes, food, and baby supplies to ensure her family could make ends meet. “The doorbell would ring, and it would be Amazon delivering three high chairs,” she reflected, highlighting the immense community support that helped bridge the gap during an incredibly challenging period.

A Call for Improved Support Systems

Frank Fallon and Frankie Wakefield had their own unique journey when their twins, Ezra and Theo, made a premature appearance just a day before their wedding. After undergoing IVF, the couple had carefully implanted one embryo to minimize the potential risk of multiples. However, a surprise awaited them at their eight-week scan where they learned there were two healthy heartbeats. Born three months early, Frank faced the heartbreaking reality of juggling work obligations with hospital visits. He recounted, “I would go visit them at 6 am before work, and we had to rely on friends and family to drive Frankie to the hospital to see them.”

Now, as their twins flourish into energetic toddlers, the couple is finally preparing to celebrate their wedding. However, they, too, raise concerns about the lack of systemic support for families with multiples. Frank lamented, “Everything just adds up. Extra nappies— We order around 240 every four to six weeks—high energy bills due to more frequent baths. I think I am at Tesco every day buying litres of milk for them.”

Childcare Costs That Break the Bank

In the midst of all these challenges, the burden of childcare cannot be underestimated. Almost 90% of the 1,800 families surveyed reported that current childcare provisions fall woefully short. Monique found herself grappling with this reality when she prepared to return to work, ultimately drafting her resignation letter upon realizing that the cost of childcare for her triplets would exceed £5,000 a month. “It broke my heart because I have never not worked,” she said.

Recognizing the daunting prospect of rising childcare costs, Monique’s family convened and volunteered to look after the triplets on different days, making it feasible for her to return to work. Although she now qualifies for 15 hours of free childcare, she still faces an additional £3,500 per month in expenses, necessitating significant reliance on family support.

Similarly, Frank contemplated enrolling the twins on alternating days at different childcare centers to alleviate their £4,000 monthly childcare bill. “We are fortunate to have both been promoted, but our prior jobs couldn’t have supported such expenses,” he expressed.

A Wider Call to Action

The report by Twins Trust emphasizes the pressing need for maternity pay to be distributed on a per-baby basis rather than on a lump-sum per pregnancy basis. Additional recommendations include expanding the Sure Start Maternity Grant along with providing enhanced mental health support for families dealing with the challenges of raising multiples.

Shauna Leven, Chief Executive of Twins Trust, stated, “This report lays bare the grim reality facing families with multiples—the financial burden, the mental health toll, and the lack of support.” She added that "Raising multiples is harder in the UK than almost any other nation. We will continue to campaign tirelessly to tackle the issues highlighted here so that our families can access the support they desperately need and deserve.” With one set of multiples born every hour across the UK, it is crucial for society to extend a helping hand rather than relegating these families to the back of the queue.

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In situations where parents face overwhelming financial pressures and navigate bureaucratic systems for support, the AI legalese decoder can play a pivotal role. This innovative tool translates complicated legal and financial jargon into plain language, making it easier for families to understand their rights and available benefits. By simplifying complex documentation and providing accessible information about maternity benefits, childcare grants, and other support mechanisms, families can make informed decisions that may alleviate some of the financial burdens they carry. With the added clarity that AI legalese decoder provides, families can better advocate for the resources and support they deserve to thrive in their pivotal roles as parents of multiples.

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