The unborn twins featured in the programme were suffering from a very rare condition, Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome - TTTS sometimes called FFTS (Feto-Fetal Transfusion Syndrome) or TOPS (Twin Oligohydramnios-Polyhydramnios Sequence).
This is a complex and rare condition and you can find out all about it, how it is treated and where treatment can be offered in the UK at the Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome Association website.
Antenatal Results and Choices or ARC provide non-directive support and information to parents throughout the antenatal testing process and when an abnormality is diagnosed in their unborn baby. They offer continued support to parents whatever decision is made. Call their helpline on 0207 631 0285 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm). You can also email info@arc-uk.org or go to their website.
Bliss support parents of babies born prematurely to help them both practically and emotionally. Contact the family support helpline 0500 618140 (free, confidential Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm) or email enquiries@bliss.org.uk.
Tamba provide information and mutual support for families of twins, triplets and more. Their support, listening and information service, Twinline 0800 138 0509 (free, confidential every day of the year 10am to 1pm and 7pm to10pm) is staffed by trained volunteers who are parents of multiples, and can answer questions on many topics including sleep, feeding, crying, behaviour, discipline or special needs. Or you can email asktwinline@tamba.org.uk. Tamba Bereavement Support Group has its own website www.tamba-bsg.org.uk for parents who have lost a baby, or babies, during a multiple pregnancy or at any stage after birth.
The Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society - SANDS provide support for bereaved parents and their families when their baby dies, before, during or soon after birth. Call the helpline 020 7436 5881 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm) or email support@uk-sands.org.
One of the babies in Emergency in the Womb is born with a congenital heart condition.
The Children's Heart Federation is dedicated to helping children with congenital or acquired heart disease and their families, by providing information, working to gain recognition of their needs, and ensuring adequate resources are available. Call the CHF information line 0808 808 5000 (free, Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm). Their website includes the Congenital Heart Disease Portal which provides information about treatment of congenital heart disease so that parents can make informed choices about their child's care and treatment.
When a child, or expected baby, is diagnosed with a disability parents can experience feelings of disbelief, anger, despair and isolation. Whatever medical condition your child may have, Contact a Family can provide support, advice and information and also put families in touch with each other. Contact their helpline 0808 808 3555 or Textphone for people with hearing difficulties on 0808 808 3556 (both free, Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, Monday evenings 5.30 to 7.30pm). The Contact a Family website features a directory of specific conditions and rare disorders.
Other support links:
Twins Club - support for parents of twins and multiples
Baby World - for general information as well as congenital heart conditions
Newlife Foundation - offers comfort, support and information to anyone concerned about or affected by child disability
The Child Death Helpline offers support to anyone affected by the death of a child, whatever age
Your Comments
Post your comment
Please note: In order to post a comment you need to be registered and logged in to Channel 4:
Sign In Here or Register Here
Comments closed
Comments are closed at the present time
Comments
Thank you for your comment!
Your message will be reviewed and the best ones will be published below.
If you intended to make an official comment to Channel 4 please contact us.
Comments