Links to Related Topics
There are many websites with information on twins, research involving
twins, and multiple birth organisations. We have listed some sites below that
you may find interesting. Please note that ISTS is not responsible for the
content of the sites listed and provides these addresses for your information
and interest only. Due to the large number of sites, it is impossible to
closely monitor all of them. If you feel that something listed on any site is
inappropriate or if you would like to have a site considered for addition,
please notify us by emailing us at ists@qimr.edu.au.
Please click on the links below:
International Council
of Multiple Birth Organizations (ICOMBO)
ICOMBO is a
working group of the International Society for Twin Studies (ISTS).
Twin Registers and Research

AUSTRALIA

BELGIUM
·
East
Flanders Prospective Twin Survey

CANADA

CHILE

CHINA
·
Chinese
National Twin Program (CNTP)

DENMARK

GERMANY
·
German
Observational Study of Adult Twins (GOSAT) and the Bielefeld Longitudinal Study
of Adult Twins (BiLSAT)

FINLAND

ISRAEL

ITALY
·
Register
of Italian Twin Athletes (RITA)
·
Twin
Register of Rome (TERRY)

JAPAN
·
Osaka
University Aged Twin Registry

MALAYSIA

NETHERLANDS

NORWAY
·
Norway
Twin Registries
·
The
NIPH Twin Panel

SOUTH KOREA

SPAIN

SRI LANKA

SWEDEN
·
The
Swedish Young Male Twins Study

UNITED KINGDOM
The
Twin Research Unit (TRU) at St Thomas’ Hospital London was established in 1992
and is now part of King’s College London. Research focuses on determining the
environmental and genetic factors that cause common conditions such as
osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, obesity, stroke, migraine, cataracts, glaucoma
and back pain. With over 60 publications in the last 2 years alone, the TRU -
with the help of over 10,000 twins - has made a significant contribution to
science and our understanding of what causes common diseases. We hope our
discoveries will further aid the development of future potential therapies for
such diseases. Our achievements have gained considerable press coverage and we
have featured a number of times on BBC1’s City Hospital. The TRU is supported
by The Wellcome Trust, Arthritis Research Campaign, British Heart Foundation,
Chronic Disease Research Foundation, The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association,
and the European Commission.
In
order to participate in our ongoing research, we ask same-sexed twins
(identical and non-identical twins, male or female, age 16 and older) to
participate in a research visit at St. Thomas’ Hospital London, Monday to
Friday. The visit involves completing questionnaires and taking measurements
such as height, weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels. We also
carry out a bone mineral density scan and an eye test and other tests depending
on our research areas at the time. We are able to forward the clinical results to
you and your GP (if agreed) – a great health check our twins tell us! All data
collected and used as part of the study is, of course, anonymous.
Twins
who are interested in contributing to research but are unable to come to St
Thomas,’ are still invited to receive our newsletter and complete our
questionnaire which is posted out annually. However, for us to be able to use
the information both twins in a twin pair must agree to participate in the
research. Our newsletter (LINK) summarises our research and findings and also
features a ‘Twins in the News’ section and new publications about twins. We
hope you enjoy it. For further information, please feel free to contact us. We
look forward to hearing from you!
Twin
Research & Genetic Epidemiology Unit, King’s College London, St Thomas’
Campus, Lambeth Palace Road, London, SE1 7EH, TEL: 0207 188 5555.
·
Twins'
Early Development Study (TEDS)
·
Northern
Region Multiple Pregnancy Register
at
the Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, London
·
Twin
study of the development of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
at
the Unit of Diabetes, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London
·
Twin Study of Children with Language, Reading and Communication Problems
at
the University of Oxford

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
·
International
Twin Study
Worldwide Multiple Birth Support Organizations
Multifamilias
is the first support foundation for multiple birth parents. Contact:
master@multifamilias.org.ar
Parents
of Multiples is a young support organization for multiple birth parents whose
main purposes are: to share scientific information, everyday experiences, and
give support in those moments when it is needed. Contact:
informes@padresmultiples.com.ar
(in
Finnish)
Contact
info: gazso@ikresek.hu
The
first Association in Italy that specifically refers to families with multiples.
Through the Association's activities, it hopes to help many families by
soliciting institutions, media and firm interests.
(French
language newspaper for parents of twins, triplets and more)

PO
Box 306, East Islip, NY 11730-0306.
Telephone:
+1 631 859 1110 Email: Info@MOSTonline.org Website: www.MOSTonline.org
MOST in an international
non-profit organization and support network for families who have or are
expecting triplets, quadruplets, quintuplets, or more. MOST provides
information, resources, empathy, and good humor during pregnancy, infancy,
toddlerhood, and school age.
(previously
Parents of Multiple Births Association (POMBA) Canada)
This
Web Site offers information regarding multiple births. It includes pregnancy
and post-natal information and, from the point of view of new parents, it
attempts to address some of your questions and concerns.
Twintalk~SA
was established in October 2005, by Jacqui, a divorced mother of twin daughters
(age 7) and a son (9 years). Twintalk~SA is a strictly non-profit organization
which hopes to unite parents of multiples, both nationally and
internationally and provide a base of support, information and assistance.
Founder: Jacqui Thomas, South Africa. Email: jacqui_t@absamail.co.za
TwinsUK
is a brand new company dedicated to providing a comprehensive service to families
with twins or more from pregnancy to pre-school. From Twins Tips advice to
exclusive TwinKits™ and the
perfect gifts for two, our extensive range of practical and innovative products
are designed to make life a little easier and more enjoyable!
In-depth,
well-researched articles for parents of multiples on a variety of topics from pregnancy
and discipline to education and family travel. Included are a variety of
printable checklists specifically to help new parents of multiples get
organized.
Although
a joyous time, there are sometimes risks in multiple births. Hence this Web
Site also offers bereavement support for parents who have lost one, more or all
of their multiple birth children during pregnancy or in infancy.
Health Issues
Everything
you want or need to know about Low Birth Weight prevention with downloadable
information in multiple different languages.
PreemieCare
is a relatively new division of MOST. The mission of PreemieCare is to educate,
support and offer additional resources for families of babies born preterm.
Specifically for the year 2004/2005, PreemieCare's focus has been on RSV
awareness and prevention. Issues such as breastfeeding preemies, parenting in
the NICU, early intervention and much more are also addressed by PreemieCare.
-United
Kingdom Site
-Australian
Site providing support for families whose babies suffered from Twin to Twin
Transfusion Syndrom (TTTS)
Multiple Birth Bereavement Support
AUSTRALIA
Multiple
Birth Association Bereavement Support Group (M-BABS)
Contact:
Simone Zmood, President
PO
Box 105, Coogee NSW 2034, Australia
Telephone:
+61 3 9527 7144
Fax:
+61 3 9527 2537
Volunteer, non-profit support group -
affiliated with Australian Multiple Birth
Association (AMBA) - by and for bereaved multiple birth families,
caregivers and interested others, suffering loss at any stage of gestation or
age. Quarterly newsletter, "Multiple Dreams". Offers phone contact,
support group meetings, library and resources, and parent contacts in Australia
and worldwide.
CANADA
Loss of
Multiples Support Network, Multiple Births Canada (MBC)
Contact:
Lynda P. Haddon
check
website for address
Telephone:
Toll Free in Canada: (866) 228-8824
Monthly e-newsletter, Forever Angels; Members'
only e-mail connections; support literature; telephone, mail and e-mail
contact;website link to other support organizations; loss column within
Multiple Moments (MBC's national magazine); Adult survivor support;
Prenatal
Education and Bereavement Support
Contact:
Lynda P. Haddon
Multiple
Birth Educator
Bereavement support for parents,
grandparents, surviving co-multiples and when a multiple birth parent dies.
Triplets,
Quads & Quints Association (TQQ)
Contact:
Diane Myers
2968
Nipiwin Drive, Mississauga, Ontaria, Canada L5N 1X9
Telephone:
(905) 826-0734
Telephone support to bereaved families by
experienced and/or trained parents and referrals to appropriate community
services. No adult survivor support.
DENMARK
Nordic Twinnet
Contact:
Abelone Glahn
2,
Fjendstrupvej 2, DK-4850 Stubbekobing, Denmark
Telephone:
+45 54 49 00 94
Lone twin group for over 18 years old. Mail
support for parents, professional panel to answer parents' questions,
bereavement literature.
NEW ZEALAND
Twin and
Multiple Birth Loss NZ (Inc.)
PO
Box 51-984, Pakurange, Auckland, New Zealand
Peer support, meetings, phone support,
magazine Hearts & Wings, for anyone at any age with an interest in multiple
birth loss. Some adult survivor support.
NIGERIA
Worldwide
Twins and Multiple Births Foundation Inc.
Contact:
Odion Eremionkhale
PO
Box 8839, Somolu, Lagos, Nigeria
Twinless twin connection and counselling.
Some social assistance.
SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa
Multiple Birth Association
P.O. Box 2484
Northriding
2162
South Africa
www.samultiplebirth.co.za
Contact: Liesl
Ross
Tel:
0861 432 432
EM:
liesl@icon.co.za
The South
Africa Multiple Birth Association offers a support group for grieving parents.
SPAIN
Santiago
Dexeus Font Foundation
Contact:
Dr J Ruiz, Dr R Aurell
Dalmases
no. 50, 08017 Barcelona, Spain
Telephone:
+34 93 2274700, ext. 2104
Bereavement support services from conception
onwards as well as psychological support for couples prior to starting IVF
treatments.
SWEDEN
Svenska
Tvillingklubben (Swedish Twin Society)
Contact:
Margareta Olwe
Vlhallavagen
106, 11441 Stockholm, Sweden
Telephone:
+46 8 662 1222
Personal meetings in Stockholm, telephone
support. No adult survivor support yet.
UNITED KINGDOM
The Multiple
Births Foundation (MBF)
Contact:
Jane Denton or Marion Paterson
Level
4, Hammersmith House, Du Cane Road, London W12 0HS, UK
Telephone:
+43 0208 383 3519
Fax:
+43 0208 383 3041
Two publications on bereavement: "When a
Twin or Triplet dies" (for parents and twins); MBF Guidelines for
Professionals (Bereavement);
Twins and
Multiple Births Association (Tamba)/Bereavement Support Group
2
The Willows,Gardner Road, Guildford, England GU1 4PG
Telephone:
0870 770 3305
Twinline
freephone helpline 0800 138 0509
Contact with other bereaved families,
quarterly newsletter, parent contact list, quarterly meetings throughout England,
Book of Rememberance, Memorial Service every two years. No adult survivor
support.
The Lone Twin
Network
PO
Box 5653, Birmingham B29 7JY, England
Members receive a confidential list of all
members enabling them to contact each other. Annual Meeting and Newsletter. A
library held by a member. Directory of appropriate therapists and counsellors.
Support or member-led local groups.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Center for
Loss in Multiple Birth (CLIMB), Inc.
Contact:
Jean Kollantai
PO
Box 91377, Anchorage AK 99509, US
Telephone:
+1 907 222 5321 or +1 907 274 7029 (Lisa Fleischer)
Support by and for parents and bereaved
families. Quarterly newsletter. Materials for professionals, parents and
interested others for specific situations. Parent contact network,
regional/local gatherings for bereaved multiple birth parents. Limited adult
survivor support.
National
Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs
Contact:
Dawn Keller
National
Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs, Inc.
Executive
Office,2000 Mallory Lane, Suite 130-600, Franklin, TN 37067-8231
Telephone:
+1 651 248 231 4480
Bereavement support Coordinator who
corresponds with families. No adult survivor support.
Twin Studies Centre,
California State University
Contact:
Dr Nancy L Segal
CSU
Fullerton, 800 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton, VA 92834, US
Telephone:
+1 714 278 2568
Ongoing study of twin loss in childhood,
adolescence and adulthood; referrals for counselling and support groups;
distribution of information on loss of twin;
The Triplet
Connection
Contact:
Janet L Bleyl
PO
Box 99571, Stockton, CA 95209, US
Telephone:
+1 209 474 0885
"Tender Hearts". Networking
information for bereaved higher order multiple families. Referral of adult
survivors.
Twinless Twins
Support Group International
PO
Box 980481, Ypsilanti, MI 48198-0481, US
Support for multiples of all ages who have
lost their sibling(s).
OTHER
BEREAVEMENT SITES
-personal stories
and memorial sites
-parental support,
on-line chats, links. Click on 'Multiple Loss'
-personal stories,
on-line chats
-Chicago, USA -
support for multiples with special problems and needs
-Multiple Birth:
Prenatal education & bereavement support for parents and professionals
*please send additions or corrections to Lynda Haddon or ISTS
International Society for Twin
Studies
Page design by K.M. Kirk
Page maintained by ISTS
Last revised: Thursday, 26 February 2009