During my pregnancy with triplets, I eagerly purchased What to Expect When You’re Expecting. I found a brief section at the end about multiple births, which I poured over repeatedly, desperate not to overlook any detail.
When my water broke at 34 weeks, I felt prepared—knowledgeable and ready to conquer the operating room with confidence. That is, until after the delivery.
It turns out there was a crucial chapter missing from that book: the one about the challenges mothers face in the weeks that follow. I wish someone had shared these truths with me, so I could have adjusted my expectations. Now that I’ve experienced it firsthand, I can offer insights to other moms navigating this journey. Here’s what to expect after having triplets:
- You might catch only a fleeting glimpse of your babies before they’re whisked away to another room. It’s okay if you can’t hold them right away; they’re in good hands, getting the care they need. You’ll see them soon.
- In recovery, you may spend two hours trying to recall the little faces you saw during that brief encounter, cherishing the visual memories. One had dark hair… one had full lips… and maybe one had curly locks? Those thoughts about your precious little ones will help pass the time.
- When you’re finally taken to your room, you’ll still be connected to an IV and catheter, all while your family beams with pride, sharing who the babies resemble. You’ll hold the Polaroid photos taken in the NICU as if they’re priceless treasures—because they absolutely are. (Don’t hesitate to tell Aunt Emma, who’s trying to grab the photos, to back off!)
- Hours may pass before you’re strong enough to sit in a wheelchair and visit the NICU. You’ll have the IV stand and catheter bag alongside you, and at this point, you’d probably drive your bed like a scooter if you could. At least you’re on your way!
- Picking up your babies won’t be straightforward; you’ll have to navigate monitor wires and possibly breathing tubes. The NICU can be a crowded, noisy place with the constant beeping of monitors, but, oh my goodness—you’re finally holding your babies!
- While mothers of full-term babies discuss Meconium and Colostrum, you’ll hear about Bradycardia, oxygen levels, and Apnea. You’ll have daily meetings with the on-call NICU doctor. It’s not the joyful celebration you envisioned, but remember: you are a triplet mom, and you’re doing wonderfully.
- One of the toughest moments will be sitting alone at the discharge door with your flowers and three balloons that say “Congratulations.” This part is often overlooked; it’s heart-wrenching to leave the hospital without your little ones. I spent ten minutes sobbing as I waited for my husband to arrive. It’s okay to cry; it’s a release. Ignore the onlookers who might stare at you—let it out.
- You’ll feel stretched thin. Not only are you recovering from a C-section, but you’ll also be commuting to the hospital daily, sitting in uncomfortable chairs when your body craves a soft bed. Just take it one day at a time; eventually, this will be a memory.
- It’s rare for all babies to be discharged simultaneously, adding emotional and physical strain. You’ll still be healing while juggling nighttime feedings for one baby at home and spending hours at the hospital with the others. This is where you’ll need reinforcements—don’t hesitate to call on family and friends to lend a hand.
- The NICU will emphasize the importance of providing breast milk, but they might not allow you to breastfeed since your babies are too weak. As you attempt to pump, the exhaustion and endless back-and-forth may leave you feeling like a failure if your supply isn’t sufficient. You might even sense judgment from the staff. Remember, it’s okay to ask for formula—take care of yourself.
Although this list may seem daunting, knowledge equips you to handle the challenges ahead. The good news? Things will improve sooner than you anticipate. Once all your babies are home, you can establish a routine and start asking for help from family and friends.
When those helpers arrive, hand them a pile of laundry instead of a baby! When they inquire if you need anything else, say, “Yes, please empty my dishwasher.” Then, take a well-deserved nap. There’s nothing quite like crawling into cool sheets, knowing you’ll have three whole hours of peace.
Before you know it, your triplets will be seven, and you’ll be reminiscing about how quickly time flew. You might even find yourself wishing to relive those moments, if only for a day, to feel their little bodies in your arms again.
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Summary
Having triplets is a unique and challenging experience that many expectant mothers may not fully comprehend. Preparation is key, from understanding the emotional toll of NICU stays to the practical aspects of recovery and care. Embracing support and knowing what to expect can help you navigate this extraordinary journey.
Keyphrase: triplets delivery experience
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