Triplets on way.

[kentDee]

Hello. We are having triplets and wondering how people cope? We have a dd who is 3 already. It's obviously life changing but after a rough few weeks with extra tests & scans I have finally got my head round the fact I'm carrying 3 babies- and I'm scared. Anyone with experience of this??

I dont I'afraid, but I wish you lots of luck and hope all the hard work ahead of you is not too too hard. I hope also the birth and the triplets are going to be ok and fit and well. Best of luck!!
I have had 3 children but well spaced apart. 23yrs , 21yrs and 11 yrs,.. still hard work at times. With just my youngest now mostly at home, I am liking it now better ,,,,its so much easier.
I cant imagine what its going to be like having 3 babies at once.
... but a lot of arduous night feeds , nappy changing and feeding springs to mind.
I hope you find time to get out during the first year and enjoy having them.
Best wishes xxx

Hi KentDee - Goodness me what a shock. I had a similar experience when I had a 'surprise' twin pregnancy - two unexpected extra babies to add to my three. The medical stuff and strain on my body and emotions and finances was pretty scary. I was all over the place for ages as I am a bit of a control freak and had big plans for my career at the time.

I found a multiples bulletin board on babycentre which was very helpful as a number of us at similar stages could discuss the various issues as we sped along the crazy rollercoaster. In fact I still have some close internet + real friends as a result. The internet and facebook were lifesaving substitutes for community during the times when I was housebound and/or rushed off my feet. Another thing that really helped me to cope was relying on friends and family to do the school/pre-school run.

My 3rd child was 3 when we found out and I really worried about the impact on him - not one baby but two to push his nose out of joint. But we approached it positively and he is still convinced he is the luckiest and most loved boy in his school (as he has a big brother and big sister and a little brother and little sister). Having extra siblings is often viewed with guilt by parents eg worrying that you can't spend enough time with their firstborn. But I am one of 5 and I know that each sibling is such a precious gift and friend for life; the parenting changes to providing a framework for relationships between siblings, rather than being the one doing most of the relating directly.

Financially it is tough - I have managed to keep working but I know this is unusual. I have found that embracing a simpler lifestyle has many blessings. I see my friends angsting about where to take their holidays etc and sometimes I find having less choices can be quite liberating.

Barbara Hepworth (amazing sculptor) had one child and then triplets and she is quite an inspiration. Also I would recommend "Extreme Motherhood - The Triplet Diaries" by Jackie Clune is a hilarious book about all the ups and downs to come.

Feel free to ask any questions, I'll try and remember to check back. Sending love. xxxx