Image source, bbc

Labour MSP Johann Lamont says the committee can consider employment law relating to multiple birth.

Ms Edmonstone says childcare is one of the most important areas, stopping mothers getting back into work.

She says any top up in this area would be helpful.

Ms Peck relates a story of a mother with triplets who was really isolated, as her husband worked away from home.

The TAMBA representative says nursery was far too expensive an option but says the local MSP contacted the council which helped provide a lifeline.

Jennifer Edmonstone notes the higher costs for multiples in terms of formula as mothers are less likely to breastfeed than with single births.

Childcare cost is also an issue, she says.

Having twins in nursery often means the costs exceed salary so it is often easier for one parents not to return to work, Ms Edmonstone explains.

Twins doesn't cost double but it is about 50% more than having one child, it is estimated.

Ms Edmonstone says ways the Scottish government could help include:

• increasing and matching child benefit for each multiple born
• more funding for childcare earlier
• improving maternity and paternity pay by bringing this petition to the attention of Westminster

Image source, bbc

Jennifer Edmonstone says this petition relates to devolved and reserved issues and she calls on the MSPs not to lose sight of the bigger picture.

Ms Edmonstone says having a multiple birth is so different in so many ways.

The petitioner says there is a "true struggle", it is "undeniably a privilege", with highs and lows.

She highlights the high risks involved with multiple birth and the extra costs associated with this.

These stresses lead to a higher rate of post-natal depression with a mother with a multiple birth.

Image source, Helen Peck

This petition calls for the Scottish government to provide better support for multiple birth families, including both financial and non-financial support.

A SPICe briefing is available on this this petition., external

3% of births in Scotland in 2016-17 were from multiple pregnancies, with 68% of these babies born prematurely.

A national parenting strategy was issued in 2012 aimed at supporting parents and all those involved in raising children. It does not specifically address support for parents of twins or multiple children.

Helen Peck of TAMBA thanks the committee for taking the time to hear evidence on the petition.

She notes a £1.6m fund for families in neonatal care has been announced and she seeks further information on how this will be allocated for multiple birth families.

Ms Peck also wants to look across portfolios to consider how polices can best support families.

First up, the Public Petitions Committee takes evidence from:

• petitioner Jennifer Edmonstone
• Helen Peck of the Twins and Multiple Births Association, external

Image source, Saltire News

If will first take evidence on a new petition, PE01683: Support for families with multiple births, external.

The petition, which calls for families who have multiple children from the same pregnancy to be given additional financial and non-financial support, received 514 signatures.

Good morning and welcome to Holyrood Live on Thursday 15 March 2018.

After general questions we’ll bring you extensive coverage of first minister’s questions.

Image source, Scottish Parliament/PA

SNP MSP Ivan McKee will then lead a debate on driverless cars.

The Scottish government will then give a statement updating parliament on the South of Scotland Partnership.

Image source, PA

MSPs will then debate Labour MSP James Kelly’s Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Repeal) (Scotland) Bill, before almost certainly defeating the government and passing it at decision time.