addressed by Mid-Jersey
Mothers of Multiples
Wide range of issues
addressed by Mid-Jersey
Mothers of Multiples
By jennifer dome
Staff Writer
FARRAH MAFFAI Heather (l) and Emily Chibnik, 2, are joined by Logan Mascia at the keyboard during a recent play group meeting at the Ostrowski house.
No one can argue that parenting is not such an easy job.
Although becoming a parent of two or more children simultaneously presents even more challenges, an organization exists that can help make the transition a little easier.
Helen Chibnik, president of Mid-Jersey Mothers of Multiples (MJMOMs), said there are presently 50 active members and about a dozen honorary members of the organization. Most members are from Monmouth County and southern Middlesex County.
While Chibnik already had a 4-year-old girl, Melody, before the birth of her twins, Emily and Heather, now 2 years old, she said she was unaware of the differences of rearing a single child as opposed to multiples.
"Preparing for twins seemed to be so different," Chibnik said.
MJMOMs holds a general meeting at the firehouse on Jackson Street in Matawan once a month. During these meetings, members break off into discussion groups about issues ranging from sleeping or eating problems the children are experiencing to sibling rivalry.
Group members hold play dates regularly for their children and also have activities strictly for the mothers and sometimes with their significant others. Members recently began arranging monthly support groups as well, Chibnik said.
MJMOMs throws an array of parties, such as the Halloween and spring party and a summer barbecue for all family members.
A special, yearly party for the husbands, friends and family members who are involved in raising the children also allows the mothers show their thanks to the other supporters in the their lives.
As members, the mothers receive a monthly newsletter that includes announcements and tips for raising the children. The newsletter also has a section called "thrift," where members can advertise for things they need, or that they would like to sell or trade, Chibnik said.
Debbie LeSeur, a co-vice president of MJMOMs, said the organization has meant a lot to her since moving to East Brunswick two years ago. She has twin girls, Jacqueline and Nicole, both 4 years old.
"I think it’s a great club, especially for mothers with infant twins," LeSeur said.
Her twins now have many play dates, and she said MJMOMs has taught her a lot about raising them. The organization brought in pediatric nurses and dentists to answer the mothers’ questions, LeSeur said, and the nurses are expected to speak to the mothers about women’s health issues next month.
"We try to make it nice for the moms," LeSeur said.
One of the most useful aspects of MJMOMs is the buddy system, she said. When a member is a new mother, a designated buddy will call and lend support.
"It really is very helpful," LeSeur said of the club. She added that the mothers of older twins are especially helpful to mothers of younger twins.
Lisa Ostrowski, mother of 22-month-old Caitlyn and Ryan and 6-year-old Emily, said the members of MJMOMs talk about a variety of issues both in their meetings and outside of them, discussing how the twins eat, sleep and play together, and how to get them to play with other children.
The group’s membership dues are $35 a year, according to Chibnik. A portion of the money goes to the state and national mothers of multiples organizations, she said.
For more information about MJMOMs, log on to www.midjerseymoms.org.