When I was expecting triplets, I eagerly grabbed a copy of “What to Expect When You’re Expecting.” To my surprise, there was a mere snippet at the end dedicated to multiple births. I devoured every single word, reading it repeatedly to make sure I didn’t overlook anything.
When my water broke at 34 weeks, I thought I was fully prepared. Armed with knowledge, I was ready to conquer the delivery room! I felt empowered, strong, and, dare I say, brilliant. Or at least that’s how I felt—until after the delivery.
It turns out there was a crucial chapter missing from that book: the one that outlines just how challenging the next few weeks can be for a mom. I wish someone had warned me about the unexpected aspects of this journey so I could better manage my expectations. Now that I’ve been through it, I want to share some insights with other moms about what to really expect after having triplets:
- Blink and You’ll Miss It: You might only catch a fleeting five-second glimpse of your little ones before they’re whisked away to another room. Trust that they’re being well taken care of, and you’ll see them soon enough!
- Memory Lane: In recovery, you could spend two long hours trying to recreate those brief images of your babies. One had dark hair, another had chubby cheeks, maybe one had a hint of curls? Those fleeting thoughts will help pass the time.
- Hospital Room Blues: Once you’re in your room, you’ll still have your IV and catheter, but everyone else in your family has already met the babies. You’ll cherish the Polaroid snapshots taken in the NICU like they’re priceless treasures. And it’s perfectly fine to tell Aunt Mary to back off if she tries to grab them from you!
- Wheelchair Adventures: It may take several hours before you’re strong enough to roll yourself in a wheelchair to the NICU to see your babies. You’ll feel like a pro as you navigate the rolling IV stand and catheter bag along with you.
- Baby Handling 101: Picking up your little ones won’t be as simple as you think. You’ll have to carefully navigate monitor wires and possibly even breathing tubes. The NICU can be a busy place with constant beeping, but nothing compares to the joy of finally holding your babies!
- Different Vocabulary: While mothers of full-term babies might discuss meconium and colostrum, you’ll be introduced to terms like bradycardia and apnea. Daily meetings with the NICU team can feel overwhelming, but remember, you’re doing an incredible job as a triplet mom!
- The Discharge Dilemma: Leaving the hospital can be a heart-wrenching experience. Sitting by the discharge door, surrounded by flowers and balloons, you may feel a wave of sadness wash over you. I spent ten minutes crying alone while waiting for my husband. Let it out—embrace the ugly cry, and don’t worry about the curious onlookers!
- Stretched Thin: Balancing healing from a C-section while commuting to the hospital every day can be tough. You’ll find yourself sitting in uncomfortable chairs when what you really need is a cozy spot to rest. Just take it one day at a time; this too shall pass!
- Timing Woes: It’s rare for all babies to be discharged together, which can make things emotionally taxing. While still recovering and managing nighttime feeds for one baby, you’ll want to spend as much time as possible with the others in the hospital. Don’t hesitate to call for backup—friends and family can be your lifesavers.
- Pumping Pressure: You’ll hear how crucial breast milk is for your babies, yet you may not be allowed to breastfeed due to their fragility. As you attempt to pump, feelings of inadequacy may creep in if you can’t keep up. If that happens, don’t let anyone make you feel guilty—sometimes formula is the best option!
While some of these experiences might seem daunting, knowledge is your best ally. Understanding what to expect can help you navigate the challenges ahead.
The good news? Things will improve quicker than you think. Once all your babies are home, routine will set in, and you can start to lean on friends and family for support. When your helpers arrive, hand them a basket of laundry instead of a baby! And when they ask what else they can do, suggest they empty the dishwasher. Then, treat yourself to a glorious nap—there’s nothing like the bliss of slipping into cool sheets for a few uninterrupted hours.
Before you know it, your triplets will be seven, and you’ll be reminiscing about how quickly the time flew. You might even find yourself wishing you could relive those precious early moments, if only for a day!
For more insights on home insemination and related topics, check out our blog, and for reliable resources about pregnancy, visit Healthline. If you’re looking for tools to assist with family planning, Make a Mom offers excellent products.
Summary
Expecting triplets is a whirlwind of emotions and challenges, from brief first glimpses of your babies to navigating the complexities of the NICU. You’ll face unique hurdles, but knowledge and support will help you through. Remember to ask for help when you need it, and cherish the moments you have with your little ones as they grow up so fast.