A systematic review of the challenges experienced by parents of multiples

Wilkinson, C ORCID: 0000-0002-9313-6585 and Rice, J A systematic review of the challenges experienced by parents of multiples. Psychology and Health. ISSN 0887-0446 (Accepted)

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Abstract

In recent years, growing attention has been directed toward the postnatal challenges experienced by parents of multiples. However, no systematic review has synthesised these challenges comprehensively across multiple domains (psychological, physical, financial and healthcare-related challenges). This review aimed to systematically identify, explore and synthesise the postnatal challenges experienced by parents of multiples within the UK. The review was conducted in accordance with the 2024 Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines and followed the PRISMA framework for study identification, screening, inclusion, and exclusion. A quality appraisal of included studies was also undertaken. Nine studies with varied methodological designs met the inclusion criteria. Thematic synthesis revealed a range of postnatal challenges, which were categorised into four domains: psychological (e.g. stress, guilt), physical (e.g. exhaustion, feeding difficulties), healthcare (e.g. lack of specialist support) and financial (e.g. increased childcare costs). These findings highlight the complex and cumulative nature of parenting multiples. They demonstrate the need for tailored psychological interventions, enhanced professional training, and revised postnatal guidance that better reflects the lived realities of families with multiples. Future research should support this by addressing gaps in evidence, particularly around daily accessibility challenges and the perspectives of healthcare professionals.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	1302 Curriculum and Pedagogy; 1701 Psychology; Clinical Psychology; 4206 Public health; 5203 Clinical and health psychology; 5205 Social and personality psychology
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman L Education > LB Theory and practice of education
Divisions:	Education
Publisher:	Taylor and Francis Group
Date of acceptance:	21 October 2026
Date Deposited:	02 Nov 2026 14:01
Last Modified:	02 Nov 2026 14:01
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/29790

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