As my newborn twins are placed into my arms, I take in every inch of them – from their chubby cheeks to their tiny toes. ‘You’ll have your hands full now,’ smiles the midwife. Hearing her words, I can’t help but laugh. Because, little does she know, I already have two more sets at home…

For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted a big family. As a teenager, I’d earn my pocket money by babysitting. Even then, everyone said I was a natural with children. I couldn’t wait to have a brood of my own.

So when I met my partner, Jonny, in August 2001, I was eager to start a family. A year later, I found out I was pregnant – with twins! So excited, I bought two of everything, from cots to Babygros. Ayesha and Bradley were born in June 2003, followed by Joshua three years later. Then, in September 2009, when I started feeling a little bloated – and needing a nap every five minutes – I immediately bought a pregnancy test. As the faint line appeared, a huge smile spread across my face – we were having another baby!

Wanting more

Jonny was thrilled, and together we went to our first scan. As the sonographer read my notes, and smoothed the gel over my tummy, I saw a look of shock pass across her face. ‘You’re having twins,’ she said. I thought I must have misheard her. I already had one set – maybe she was confused. But as she showed me the screen, there was no denying it.

Jonny and I beamed at each other. I wasn’t nervous, just excited. I already knew how to deal with two newborns – how to breastfeed both at once, and how to survive on just a few hours of sleep. I knew our loved ones would help with childcare – and we’d be inundated with gifts of clothes and toys.