New support group launched for Winsford twin mums

Planning how you are going to cope with twice the amount of nappies, clothes, bottles, cots and feeds can leave expectant mums feeling nervous and anxious.

Two mums who know exactly what this is like have decided to reach out and help other parents by launching a support group called Winsford Twins.

Leanne Morgan, who has 15-month-old twins Noah and Nyla, and Steph Bowyer, 29, who gave birth to Grace and George just four months ago, are keen to share their experience.

Leanne Morgan with twins Noah and Nyla

Leanne Morgan with twins Noah and Nyla

"When I was told I was having twins it was a shock," said Leanne, who gave up her job in a bank to care for her children.

"I remember thinking 'Oh my God'. Mine came five weeks early, it was absolutely incredible.

"You get into your own little routine. It is double the joy."

Stephanie Bowyer with twins George and Grace

Stephanie Bowyer with twins George and Grace

Lockdown has been a lonely experience for new parents as couples have been unable to rely on families for practical support.

Babies and toddlers have also missed not being able to mix and interact with other children at nurseries and play schools.

"Our babies were born when Covid hit so no-one could go near them or hold them, " said Leanne, who also has a seven-year-old son Theo. "My mum lives in Spain and managed to see them six months ago. But lockdown was a silver lining for us as my husband Michael had three months off.

Fifteen-month-old twins Noah and Nyla Morgan who were born on Valentine's Day, 2020

"Having twins can be quite lonely but it's not all doom and gloom. There are funny moments as the children play with each other."

Steph said: "I was on my own at the clinic because of the pandemic when I was told I was having twins. I nearly fell off the table. It took months to sink in. It is quite a daunting thing.

"You're worried that everything is going to cost twice as much but you realise that you don't have to buy two of everything."

Four-month-old twins George and Grace Bowyer

The support group encourages mums to chat on social media and exchange ideas, advice, clothes and equipment.

READ > Comedian John Bishop celebrates dad and uncle's 80th birthday at The Old Star

Sharing tips reassures new mums who may be struggling, as parents who have twins of all ages from toddlers to teenagers have joined the group.

Mums say they feel relieved just to be able to talk to each other.

"Routine is the key," said Steph. "Just keep going until you find something that works for you. I don't care what they do and when they do it as long as they sleep and eat at the same time. You've really nailed it when you find ways to feed them both at the same time.

Grace and George Bowyer

"My partner Scott is fantastic, such a hands-on dad.

"It is a military exercise getting out of the house. It's like trekking up Everest, the amount of things you have to take with you."

Twin mums say the joy and pleasure of seeing two babies grow and develop every day is very rewarding.

"To see the two of them smiling is the best feeling in the world," said Steph. "There is nothing like it, it is quite unique. They are never going to be alone as they grow uup. I can't wait for them to start school and get to know each other.

George and Grace Bowyer

"The cost of childcare is absolutely phenomenal but I am very lucky as I work at a nursery and get staff discount.

"We hope that this new group will bring mums together and hopefully we will get pregnant mums getting in touch.I don't think people without multiples truly understand what it is like."

The families have not been able to see each other yet because of the pandemic but hope to meet up once restrictions are lifted.

Mums wishing to join can visit Winsford Twins at facebook.com/groups/300265218169954/