Hi there, I am currently deciding whether to take up a volunteer opportunity with the multiple birth associations assisting a family of triplets and was just after some personal experiences of people who have used the services of volunteers or who have been a volunteer themselves. Basically i just want an idea of what i would be doing, how long people generally use the volunteers for, how many volunteers would be rostered on at the same time and any other incites.Thanks.

I had volunteers when my triplets were born, they were through the Red Cross association here in WA.

My carers (I had 2, on separate days) could do anything that pertained to the babies, so caring for, washing bottles, clothes washing etc.

They were not allowed to do general housework or general clothes washing.

One carer stayed with me for just over 12 months and the other stayed for 15 months.

Wow, you are an awesome person for volunteering!

My parents helped me out alot when our twins were babies. I found the best help was anything that enabled me to rest. They were pretty much led by me.

I would expect that the mum will want you to fit in with her routine. I would imagine that the help would related specifically to the babies. So maybe bathing, preparing formula if not breastfeeding, diaper changes, etc

Hi,

I have a carer (only have twins though) + two other kids. She does anything relating to the babies and children. Inculdes:

Changing Nappies
Sterilising Bottles
Giving Bottles
Washing babies clothes
Hanging out babies washing
Folding and Putting away washing
Holding / settling baby
Cleaning babies / children's rooms

Babies usualy eat, poop, spew, cry and sleep so I guess anything around those activities...

My carer is also happy to do anything also in relating to the runing of the household. She will grab groceries for me, help me get things for dinner, unstack the dishwasher, play with my older children, pack their lunch-box, school bag etc....

I intend to have my carer for at least 6-12 months. Ours is a paid carer though....

How lovely of you to volunteer!!

Michelle

hello we have 18 month old triplets and live in the UK (but we are Melbournians..) and have had a volunteer with us for the last year or so. She comes over once a week and used to help me feed, put away laundry, go for a walk (easier with 2 people!) or she'd entertain the boys whilst I did other things around the house eg cleaning, cooking or just go and sit quietly with a cup of tea. Now that the boys are bigger, I usually meet her somewhere so I have an extra pair of hands. We often go to the park/playground, or a soft play centre or do some shopping. We now have a triple stroller but doorways and park gates are a challenge so having an extra person and the option to take a double and single stroller makes getting out and about so much easier. She has been wonderful and we think of her as a key part of our lives. If you are able to offer some of your time each week - even a few hours - i know that any parent of multiples would value your help enormously.
Katharine