Updated: Dec. 2, 2016
Originally Published: Aug. 26, 2012
During my pregnancy with triplets, I eagerly picked up a copy of What to Expect When You’re Expecting. I was particularly drawn to the small section at the end that addressed multiple births, and I poured over it repeatedly, determined to absorb every detail.
When my water broke at 34 weeks, I felt prepared, equipped with knowledge and ready to conquer the operating room—confident and empowered. That is, until after the delivery.
There was one critical chapter missing from my reading: the reality of what a mother goes through in the weeks following the birth of triplets. If only someone had shared the candid truths with me, I could have better managed my expectations. Now that I have gone through this experience, I’d like to share what other moms might face that often goes unspoken. Here’s what you can expect after having triplets:
- You might only catch a fleeting five-second glimpse of your babies before they are whisked away to another room. It’s perfectly normal if you can’t hold them right away; they are receiving the care they need. You’ll see them soon.
- In recovery, you may find yourself spending two hours trying to piece together the fleeting images of those little faces—one with darker hair, another with fuller lips, perhaps one with curly hair. Those memories will help pass the time.
- Once you’re taken to your room, you’ll still have your IV and catheter in place. You haven’t yet met your babies, but your family, beaming with pride, will tell you who they resemble. You’ll cherish the Polaroid photos taken in the NICU, holding them like priceless treasures. Don’t hesitate to assert yourself if someone tries to grab them from you—your emotions are valid.
- It may take several hours before you feel well enough to sit up and be wheeled to the NICU to finally meet your babies. With your IV stand and catheter bag in tow, you might wish you could drive your bed like a scooter, but at least you’re on your way!
- Picking up your babies will require careful maneuvering around monitor wires and possibly breathing tubes. The atmosphere will be bustling and noisy, filled with the beeping of monitors; however, nothing compares to the joy of finally holding your little ones.
- While mothers of full-term babies hear terms like meconium and colostrum, your conversations will involve words like bradycardia and oxygen levels, along with daily meetings with the NICU doctor. It’s not the celebration you envisioned, but embracing this reality is essential. Remember, you are doing something incredible.
- Being wheeled out to the discharge door may feel surreal and heartbreaking, as you sit alone with flowers and congratulatory balloons. This moment can be one of the most challenging emotionally; it’s the part no one prepares you for. I remember sobbing quietly while waiting for my partner to pick me up. Allow yourself to cry; it’s a form of release.
- You will feel stretched thin. Not only do you need to recover from your C-section, but you’ll also be making daily trips to the hospital, sitting in uncomfortable chairs while your body craves rest on a cozy bed. Take it one day at a time; this phase will eventually pass.
- It’s rare for all babies to be discharged simultaneously, which can intensify your emotional and physical strain. You’ll be managing nighttime feedings for one baby at home while spending hours at the hospital with the others. This is the time to enlist help—don’t hesitate to ask family and friends to lend a hand.
- The NICU will stress the importance of providing breast milk, yet they may not allow you to breastfeed due to your babies’ weakness. You might feel overwhelmed trying to pump amidst exhaustion. It’s common to feel judged or guilty for not producing enough milk, but remember, seeking formula is also a valid option.
While some of these points may seem daunting, having a grasp on what to expect is empowering. The silver lining is that things will improve sooner than you anticipate. Once all your babies are home, you can establish a routine and lean on your support system.
And speaking of support, when friends and family come to help, hand them chores, like folding laundry, instead of babies! When they ask how else they can assist, suggest they empty the dishwasher. Then, take that well-deserved, uninterrupted nap. There’s nothing quite like the bliss of slipping into cool sheets for a few hours of peace.
Before you know it, your triplets will be seven, and you’ll find yourself reminiscing about how quickly time has flown. You may even wish for just one day to hold their tiny bodies in your arms again.
For more information on home insemination, you can explore this blog post. Additionally, if you’re interested in bouncy castles, check out this authority on the topic. For further resources regarding pregnancy and home insemination, visit Mount Sinai’s infertility resources.
Summary:
Welcoming triplets can be a transformative yet challenging experience. From the moment of birth, mothers may face unexpected emotional and physical hurdles, including limited initial contact with their babies and the demands of NICU care. It’s crucial to navigate these challenges with a support system and realistic expectations. With time, healing, and help from loved ones, life with triplets can become more manageable and rewarding.