Two-and-a-half years ago, twins Lachlan and Lily were born, giving the family reason to celebrate Multiple Birth Awareness Week.

"To find out we had two babies was scary but a bit like winning the Lotto as well," Mrs Kearton said.

"Having two babies, you have to do everything twice. If two babies are crying and you are on your own, it is really hard to pick both of them up. And breastfeeding at the same time, it was not possible unless I had someone helping me."

Mrs Kearton had no idea being over the age of 30 when she conceived increased the chances of a multiple birth.

"It was a little bit of a shock. We didn't have other twins in either of our families, and I thought you had to be on fertility treatment for it to happen."

The Keartons are members of the Westgate Multiple Birth Association, a group of parents in the west who meet regularly to share support and advice.

Mrs Kearton said multiple births were becoming more common due to women having children later in their lives and couples having more success with fertility treatments. "We have had an influx of members; we've had 15 new families join us over the past 12 months."

The association runs a playgroup and regular social events.