About IMBA
Ipswich Multiple Birth Association Inc. (IMBA) was established in 1987 by local Mums and Dads of twins, triplets or more. Our association covers the boundaries of Springfield to Gatton and encompasses Ipswich and its surrounding areas of Esk, Toogoolawah and Boonah.
Australia’s first club for mothers of multiples originated in Newcastle in 1969 and The Australian Multiple Birth Association (AMBA) was subsequently formed in 1974. AMBA is the national co-ordinating body of all multiple birth associations in Australia and by joining IMBA you gain affiliation with AMBA and all of the associated clubs.
As a non profit, volunteer based organisation our aims are to provide practical and emotional support, access to information, friendship and social functions. To allow an opportunity for parents to share their coping strategies and discuss events unique to their situation, through communicating and sharing of information on the care and raising of multiples.
IMBA also strives to improve the resources and information available to families of multiples and to increase the awareness of these needs in our society.
Our club offers the following services to our members:
- Hire of twin feeding pillows and hospital grade double breast pumps and sell double breast kits at a highly reduced rate. We also have Bumbo seats for hire. Our member’s library is full of useful and informative books specific for multiples.
- Once home, a complimentary food hamper consisting of a family lasagne, bread, milk, coffee/tea and chocolate, delivered by one of our members.
- Free playgroups, family events (picnics, Christmas Party), parent’s nights.
Our playgroup is a wonderful opportunity to let the kids all play together, enjoy some craft and have a yummy morning tea. It’s a nice way for mums and dads to relax, with the knowledge that everyone there has, is or will be experiencing the same highs and lows that go hand in hand with having multiples. See our Events page for upcoming playgroups (members only).
About AMBA
INFORMATION FROM https://www.amba.org.au/families/clubs/why-join
Raising twins, triplets or more is an experience. We aim to make it a positive one.
AMBA clubs operate independently and each offer slightly different services. For the most part, clubs offer similar services targeted at the 0-5 age group such as new & expectant parent information sessions, playgroups, seasonal social events, newsletters, social media support, equipment hire and buy/swap/sell opportunities.
The AMBA Board of Directors works alongside the clubs to implement national offers that all member families can take advantage of, in addition to local club services.
When you join an AMBA affiliated member-club, you are entitled to great benefits.
Hands up if you’ve ever experienced negativity as a result of someone finding out that you have multiples or are expecting multiples… Unfortunately, we know that many of you have. We see negativity all the time – on social media, in the shops, at expos, and we experience it ourselves. When you are expecting multiples, it’s super important to surround yourself with a support network who will raise you up and help you get through your pregnancy.
A multiple pregnancy is classified as higher risk, we won’t sugar coat it. We will, however, provide you with resources and opportunities to get through it while maintaining your mental well-being. If you are already part of a multiple birth family, then you need different things; you need to surround yourself with other families who are going through the same thing so you don’t feel like the weirdo with more than one baby to manage.
It is well documented that families with multiples are at higher risk of experiencing PND and isolation. AMBA exists to reduce this in multiple birth families. Your local affiliated member-club (or unofficial support group if you are in a regional area) are there to offer face-to-face opportunities for your family to connect with other families who have been there and done it before (or are in it right now!).
There are some harsh realities around a multiple birth and things can get hairy and a bit risky. We don’t ignore these factors; we address them head on with practical resources for you to have better conversations with your health care provider and work towards a positive outcome for your family.
YOU WILL FIND YOUR TRIBE WITH AMBA. JOIN YOUR LOCAL AMBA CLUB TODAY.