pregnant with triplets!

Lisa - posted on 02/25/2010

My BBG triplets are almost 23 months old. My only regret through my pregnancy was that I worried so much. Worried about their health, my health, bed rest, was I eating enough, how am I going to feed 3, the logistics of 3 babies.... (sound familiar?) Do what you can control- REST and WATER. Then, try to just enjoy your pregnancy (not always easy- but just think of the amazing miracle happening!) Our trips were born at 35 w 4 d, 4.9 lb - 5.8 lbs and 6 to 9 days in NICU for feeding. There always seems to be more horror stories- but remember misery likes company- almost all the triplets I've come across are very healthy. As a mom to teenagers who were 17 months apart, I would say triplets seem actually easier. They play with each other and the same toys- it's great! Once you get down the logistics of everything- it really isn't a big deal. Triplets have been the most amazing blessing- way more fun than a singleton. Tip: get lots of sleep gowns- toss the sleepers with snaps- avg sleeper has 6 snaps- do you really want to unsnap/snap 18 snaps at 2am and 4 am??? (It took me 4 weeks to figure that one out! D'oh!!) Also- those 1st couple of weeks- write down diaper changes and feedings and take the info to the dr- helpful for dr and gives you more confidence. After a little bit- it seems like old hat. Get ready for the most amazing and wonderful ride of your life. There are just no words to describe how truly awesome and fun having triplets can be. Congratulations!!
PS- go to tripletconnection.org - great advice there!!

Michelle - posted on 02/19/2010

I also have twins and an older child. But I found being organised is a super huge help. Also sleep where possible, drink heaps of water especially while pregnant and if you intend to breastfeed. Enlist help from family and friends both during your pregnancy and after the babies come into the world. Even if you can get someone to help you for a couple of hours a day would be a big help for your family - to help you with your older kids, do the washing or the dishes, bath time and making meals. Anything is appreciated and gives you less to do and think about, especially in the first six months. I always found it helped to make sure that the baby bag was packed and stocked up each night. It was amazing how often I had to race out the door quickly or unexpectantly. Nothing worse than not having the essentials ready, when you are rushing and having to organise more than one baby. In Australia we have places that you can purchase bulk nappies that are seconds. They isn't anything really wrong with them, maybe they have the picture on the nappy upside down or the occasional tab on the nappy is a dud. But I rarely found a dud tab or upside down picture. So hopefully there is somewhere around where you live that does this aswell. I found that the more expensive isn't always the best either. Unless your babies have sensitive skin or allergies, I found the no name brand nappies and some of the no name brand wipes were perfectly adequate for the job. If people want to buy you heaps of newborn clothes well let them. One they aren't cheap and only get used for a short period of time, even with premmies. I had many hand me down clothes, presents, op shop finds and clothes bought off ebay for my twins. I reckon buying one of those special hoses you can attach to your toilet to hose down any accidents/messes in the toilet (sorry can't remember what they are called) are life savers. So much of a help when your babies are bigger and making bigger messes. Saves us handwashing most of the yucky stuff off ourselves!! I also found having a baby diary was such a help. Especially for my hubby who had been at work all day, and needed to know where I was up to with the girls routine. And some days you can't think straight, let alone trying to remember what happened 2 hours ago. So being able to write it down straight away, helps you obtain a routine and for you to remember what has happened, and who needs a feed next, how much they had etc. And it can help doctors or maternal nurses understand how your babies are progressing and what happens during the day, or a good reference if there was a situation that needed to be looked back over the last few days or weeks. Getting close to the later stages of your pregnancy if you are still able to, if not enlist your partner or helper to make up batches of food and freeze them. So much easier to have this, especially when they are newborn and your are tired. You don't have to think too much, just defrost! Not sure of your two older children's ages, but get them to be in charge of appropriate aged tasks, so they can help you out - take out the rubbish, set the table for meals, fold the baby clothes, water the garden etc. Most older siblings love to help with their baby sisters/brothers. A big congrats to being pregnant with 3 special little people. Take it easy and good luck.

Ronni - posted on 02/18/2010

Hi so sorry it has taken so long to get back to you…busy. Hope you and your little ones are doing well. Here are the savings tips you asked for. I bought the $250 stroller from Target…I know all the other moms on this site love the very expensive band but my friend has the expensive pergo????and hates it. She never takes it anywhere and its hard to maneuver, but mine turns on a dime and I can break it down and put it in my van by my self. But the most important thing was the price lets face it they won’t be in this thing forever and $250 is better then $900 I can think of so many other things to spend that money on.
I shop at Costco/Sam’s and Wal-Mart the most. Costco Wipes are great we went threw 2 boxes a month ($18 each) until 12m. Formula; I also used Costco but this will depend on their health (2 cans for $20) we went through 9 cans a month until 8m… I compared the ingredients…they are all the same and my Doctor agreed. Oh and make enough for the whole next day the night before it can last a good 24hrs in the refrigerator.
Diapers we used Wal-Mart, and Target brand after all the others ran out and I have never had a rash (when some one asks what you need don’t be shy….ask for diapers!!!!) “Butt Paste” it’s the best works great all my friends use it. Except for a few must have cute outfits… I shop at thrift stores and eBay… they grow way to fast to worry about their clothes right now.
Here are some websites that will help with coupons and stuff. Sing up for the Toys r Us rewards card. (free baby stuff)
www.planningfamily.com
www.Carters.com
www.Gymboree.com
www.pampers.com
www.coupons.com
www.childrensplace.com
www.babycenter.com
www.bestfreestuffonline.com
Hope this helps
I agree with Melissa, Listen to your body. REST!!! Drink LOTS & LOTS of water, eat as much as you can. I was never on bed rest, had my babies at 34weeks, all came home after 5days. Schedule schedule schedule and they were sleeping 5 hrs at night at 3months and it just got better it can be done. I wish you and yours the happiest healthiest pregnancy and delivery.

Melissa - posted on 02/01/2010

Also here is the web site with all the freebies for trips listed on it. Most of them want a copy of their birth cert. so all you can do is get eveything ready to send in after you get that. http://multiplesdiscountclub.com/Freebie...

Melissa - posted on 02/01/2010

Congratulations. I have 4 year old triplets.
First I would recommend seeing a MFS or Perinatologists, most OB's are not up to date on triplet pregnancy's. I found out the hospital I thought I would be delivering at only had a level II nursery. You need to deliver at a hospital with a level III or IV NICU. I ended up delivering at a hospital that was 2 hours from my home.
I didn't have any other children and there were days if I had then some one would have had to been there to help!
I worked full time (desk job) until 20 weeks. I worked 1/2 days for 4 more weeks. I was home (on the couch) from week 24 till week 28. I went into the hospital at 28 weeks and was there until my c-section at 34w5d. My monkeys were in the NICU/Special Care for 11 days as feeder/growers.
Listen to your body. REST!!! Drink LOTS & LOTS of water. This will help keep you from dehydrating and also help keep you from going into pre term labor. There is also a book you might want to read, "When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads". I didn't read it but I wish I would have know about it.
My babies all came home when they were 11 days old. They were on a 4 hour schedule. It took 2 hours to feed & change all of them. That left 2 hours for sleep. For the most part my DH & I did it on our own. If they slept during the day I did to. I can not tell yoou how many times I went to sleep in front of their bouncy seats with my head on a stack of diapers.
Good Luck! If you have any questions ask away, maybe we can answer them for you!

Denise - posted on 01/29/2010

First, congratulations! I am a first time mom of 3 triplet boys. One Fraternal and two Identical. I suggest that you take it easy and don't over do it and eat lots of protein. I had to go on bed rest at 25 weeks in the hospital and gave birth at 26 w and 2 days. The boys all had long NICU stays, my last boy will be coming home this Sunday :) after 5 months. In the event that you have to go on bed rest, have lots of things on hand to entertain you from home or possible hospital stay like books, netflix is a great asset, anything crafty. Stay calm and positive for yourself and family. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact me. The boys are 5 months and thriving. The beginning will be a roller coaster ride, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel when you are feeling so tired. Your small children may even surprise you with lots of help. Take care!

Etta - posted on 01/17/2010

Thank you all so much for your comments. Just knowing other have made it, makes it seem possible to me. I am now 12 weeks along and I am starting to get used to the idea a little more. I think I am most worried about my other children when everything goes down. Did anyone have to be on bed rest? I am worried no one will want to help BEFORE the babies come. I would also appreciate the money saving tricks, thankyou Ronni! Thanks everyone for your support!

Ronni - posted on 01/12/2010

Congratulations!!! We have BGG that are 16months...and it is so much fun. I'm not going to lie it will be hard to have the energy at first, especially with two small children at home but your already a mom so you have that part covered...its the time with the other kids and partner that will be hard. Just don’t read too many books…. the words” waste of money” comes to mind…. I read 5 books about multiples and they didn’t help. I probably pulled one thing from every book and I was a first time mom. Once your beautiful babies are home relax; your already a mom so you know what to do…..it’s just about repetition and having a schedule. As far as things needed, Sleep! Breast pump…. because one of the babies always gets left out on the rotations….plus you need your sleep and that’s the best way for someone to help. You don’t need 3 of everything like people think…more like one or two ( except for the big stuff…..car seats & high chairs) If you would like I can send more info on money saving tricks. Just let me know. But have fun! There is so much joy coming your way. :)

Nicole - posted on 01/07/2010

Hi Etta! Congratulations! How far along are you?

I have 10 week old triplets and we are loving it! I know exactly how you are feeling. We were totally freaked out for the first several months of the pregnancy. The biggest thing I worried about was the pregnancy itself. My biggest piece of advice would be to plan ahead and stay as active as possible. There will be a point where it will be difficult to get around and you don't want to stress about getting the nursery done and stocking up on diapers, etc.

I will send you a message.

Congrats again! I know it's scary, but you will make it! Just don't read too much of the stuff on the internet..it really freaked me out.

Ciera - posted on 12/30/2009

WOW! Congratulations! how exciting for you...well, probably scary now but so exciting! I have twins and that hasn't been hard. Most people say they couldn't do it and I thought that before I had them but now I see that whatever you're given comes with that much more capability, so I am sure the same will go for you. Good luck and again, congratulations! Consider yourself to now be blessed to be in the small elite group of moms of triplets!

Ali - posted on 12/29/2009

I have twins so i cannot exactly give you advice on triplets but God will not give you more than you can handle. It is very overwhelming but you will do just fine. I would definatley encourage you to accept any and all help from you friends and family....You are going to need their help and support. Congratulations!!