Parenting Insights
What to Anticipate After Welcoming Triplets
by Laura Hastings
Updated: Dec. 2, 2016
Originally Published: Aug. 26, 2012
During my pregnancy with triplets, I eagerly acquired a well-known pregnancy guide, What to Expect When You’re Expecting. I meticulously absorbed every detail, especially the brief section on multiple births, reading it repeatedly to ensure I didn’t overlook anything crucial.
When my water broke at 34 weeks, I felt prepared. Armed with information, I was ready to face the operating room with confidence and determination. However, post-delivery, I discovered a significant topic was missing from the book: the challenges mothers face in the weeks following the birth of multiples. Now, having navigated this journey, I aim to share insights about the realities that often go unmentioned. Here’s what you should expect after having triplets:
- You may only catch a fleeting glimpse of your babies before they are whisked away to another room. (It’s perfectly fine if you can’t hold them right away; they are receiving the care they need. You will see them soon enough.)
- In recovery, you might spend hours trying to recollect the brief images of the little faces you glimpsed. One had darker hair… another had fuller lips… perhaps one has curly hair? (These thoughts will help you pass the time.)
- You will be moved to your hospital room still connected to your IV and catheter, while family members who have already met the babies share their excitement about who the babies resemble. You may hold onto Polaroid pictures taken in the NICU like they are priceless treasures. (Feel free to assertively ask Aunt Mary, who is eager to see the photos, to “step back” if she tries to take them from you.)
- It may take several hours before you feel strong enough to sit in a wheelchair and visit the NICU to meet your babies in person. You’ll have the rolling IV stand and catheter bag with you. (At this point, you’d gladly navigate the hospital in a scooter if necessary—at least you’re finally on the move!)
- Picking up your babies will require careful maneuvering around monitor wires and possibly breathing tubes. The environment may feel chaotic, with the constant beeping of monitors echoing through the unit. (But oh, what a joy it is to finally hold your little ones!)
- While mothers of full-term babies hear terms like meconium, colostrum, and baby weights, you may find yourself grappling with terms like bradycardia, oxygen levels, and apnea during daily meetings with the NICU team. This is not the celebratory experience you envisioned. (As a mother of triplets, these are terms you must familiarize yourself with. Embrace your strength.)
- Being wheeled out to the discharge door, alone with flowers and three congratulatory balloons, can be a surreal and emotional experience. It’s a moment that many overlook in their planning. I found myself sobbing quietly, waiting for my partner to arrive, as the last place I wanted to go was home. (Allow yourself to grieve; it’s a cleansing process. Don’t mind the onlookers—embrace the moment.)
- You will feel stretched thin, attempting to recover from your C-section while commuting daily to the hospital. Sitting in hard chairs for hours will only emphasize your need for rest. (Take each day as it comes; soon, this will be a memory.)
- It’s rare for all babies to be discharged simultaneously, which can heighten emotional and physical strain. While you’re still healing and managing nighttime feedings at home, you’ll spend countless hours at the hospital with your other babies. (Don’t hesitate to reach out for support from friends and family; they can be valuable allies in this journey.)
- The NICU will encourage you to provide breast milk, but if your babies are too weak to breastfeed, you may struggle with pumping. Feelings of inadequacy and guilt may arise, especially if your supply isn’t sufficient for three infants. (Remember, it’s okay to ask for formula if needed!)
Though some of these experiences may seem daunting, being prepared with knowledge can empower you. The good news is that things will improve more swiftly than you anticipate. Once your triplets are home, you can establish a routine and seek assistance from family and friends.
And when help arrives, don’t hesitate to delegate tasks like laundry instead of baby-holding. When they ask what else they can do, request assistance with household chores. Then, indulge in a much-needed nap, relishing the bliss of uninterrupted rest. Before you know it, your triplets will be seven, and you’ll reflect on how quickly time passes, perhaps wishing for just one day to relive those early moments with them.
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Summary:
Expecting triplets brings unique challenges that go beyond the initial excitement of pregnancy and delivery. From limited first glimpses of your newborns to navigating the complexities of NICU care, understanding these experiences can help prepare you for the journey ahead. Embrace the support of loved ones, prioritize self-care, and know that the early hardships will eventually give way to joyful moments with your growing family.