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An Annual Cross-Canada Celebration
Did you know that May 28th is National Multiple Births Awareness Day? Established in 2005 by Multiple Births Canada, this date has been designated as the day for raising national awareness of the unique issues faced by multiple-birth individuals and their families. The date is symbolic as it is the birth date of the Dionne quintuplets, who have helped Canadians to better understand the challenges faced by Canada’s multiple-birth community.
As well as educating others, National Multiple Births Awareness Day provides a venue to unite and celebrate our personal journeys as parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, spouses, daycare and service providers, educators, and health professionals supporting Canada’s multiple-birth community.
Ideas and information on how to celebrate are detailed below.
2011 Awareness Day Survey Results and Media release.
2011 Survey Results
2011 Survey Results Media Release
2011 Theme:
“Prenatal education and professional support must reflect the unique needs of Canada's multiple-birth community”
What is the purpose of this year’s awareness theme?
In the words of Linda G. Leonard, RN MSN, Multiple Births Specialist, Associate Professor Emerita, University of British Columbia:
All expectant multiple-birth parents need to receive multiples-specific information and continuous support from their team of health professionals. Why? It enables parents to:
- Know how to best care for themselves during what is often a physically and emotionally challenging pregnancy;
- Increase the chances of delivering healthy multiples at or close to full term;
- Recognize signs that a possible problem with the pregnancy may be developing and seek help early;
- Make essential plans for welcoming two or more babies into their lives;
- Gain the confidence and knowledge needed to take on the unrelenting demands of parenting twins, triplets or more; and
- Be an active and informed participant with health professionals in making decisions that ensure the best possible outcomes for mother, babies and the family.
Unfortunately, many Canadian families manage their multiple pregnancy with little or no direct support from a prenatal multiple-birth course – some because their community lacks the resource, others because they are unaware of the availability of such courses.
MBC recognizes that some Canadian health agencies, professionals, and individuals are addressing this need by offering a prenatal multiple-birth course. In support, we are promoting known courses by listing them on our website, however there are noticeable gaps. The outreach planned for this year’s theme will result in a more complete list. It will also draw attention to the communities lacking this important educational resource.
MBC hopes this list will encourage additional programming in geographic areas where multiple-birth specific courses are not currently being offered and encourage all course providers to offer a full scope of topics as part of their prenatal multiple-birth course.
How is MBC collecting information about prenatal multiple-birth courses?
MBC is currently administering an online survey directed at course providers offering this type of programming. Please contact us at office@multiplebirthscanada.org with the names and email addresses of course providers as soon as possible; once received we will send these course providers an invitation to participate in the survey.
Findings from this survey will be posted on this page later this summer.
Are there other ways multiple-birth groups celebrate National Multiple Births Awareness Day?
MBC encourages groups to plan activities in their local communities – see the community celebration planner link below. In this way, multiple-birth groups across Canada will create a venue to network with multiple-birth families and provide an opportunity to meet with media to spread the news about this year’s theme.
Once groups confirm their celebrations, they are encouraged to email details to the Business Office at office@multiplebirthscanada.org so they can be posted on this page.
Celebration Ideas and Planning Information
Here are some resources used annually by MBC in celebrating National Multiple Births Awareness Day:
(This page was last updated - May 25, 2011)
A 2011 Calendar of Activities
A 2011 Calendar of Activities listing various events happening across the country to mark National Multiple Births Awareness Day is found below. Check back regularly as we past more details and more events as we approach our special awareness day!
Chatham-Kent Multiple Births Association
Saturday June 4th 9:00 am - 11:30am
Ontario Early Years Centre on Murray St, Chatham
In partnership with the Chatham Ontario Learning Years Centre will be celebrating National Multiple Births Awareness Day with cake, face painting and fun!!! Come join in with the festivities...
chatham@multiplebirthscanada.org
www.multiplebirthscanada.org/~chatham
Kitchener-Waterloo POMBA
Saturday May 28th 12:00pm - 4:00pm
Waterloo Park, at the East Gazebo
We are holding a fun gathering at Waterloo Park for parents of multiples, the kids, their friends and family. Fun games, crafts, a parade and even a clown to hang out with the kids.
kitchenerwaterloo@multiplebirthscanada.org
www.multiplebirthscanada.org/~kwpomba Brant Multiples 'N' More
Saturday May 28th 2:00pm - 4:00 pm
Kidtastick Indoor Play Centre. 625 Park Rd North Brantford
We will be celebrating Multiple Birth Awareness Day with an afternoon of fun and refreshments. Come join in the fun and celebrate with multiples in the Brantford area.
brant@multiplebirthscanada.org
Durham Parents of Multiples
Saturday May 28th 1:00pm
Whitby Heydenshore
Join Durham Parents of Multiples to celebrate Multiple Births Awareness Day (MBAD). Each year, DPOM takes part in this day to help raise national awareness of the unique issues faced by multiple-birth individuals and their families. This year, our event will take place on May 28th and be held at Whitby Heydenshore Park from 1:00 to 5:00. Please join us for a fun day with your family. Enjoy games and meet other parents of multiples in recognition of MBAD! Please pack a picnic lunch. Everyone is welcome!
durhamparentsofmultiples@yahoo.ca
Temiskaming Multiple Births
Saturday May 28th 3pm - 7pm
New Liskeard Waterfront Park
Come join Temiskaming Multiple Births is celebrating National Multiple Births Day from 3-7 pm at the New Liskeard waterfront park (by the Mini-Putt). There will be kids games, boardwalk strolls and a supper BBQ.
temiskaming@multiplebirthscanada.org
Saskatoon Parents of Twins and Triplets Organization
Saturday May 28th 10:30am - 2:00pm
Sutherland Curling Club (141 Jessop Ave, Saskatoon)
The Saskatoon Parents of Twins and Triplets Organization (SPOTTO) will hold our Spring Sale on Saturday May 28th at the Sutherland Curling Club (141 Jessop Ave, Saskatoon) from 10:30 to 2:00. Great deals on infant and children's clothing, equipment and toys.
SPOTTO will also celebrate National Multiple Births Awareness Day with cake and balloons!
www.spotto.ca
saskatoon@multiplebirthscanada.org
Information
For more information about National Multiple Births Awareness Day, please call the MBC Business Office toll free at 1-866-228-8824 or email us at gail.moore@multiplebirthscanada.org
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Awareness Day
