Triple Time!

by Kate

I knew right away from the look on the doctor's face that something was up. Her face was scrunched up and she appeared to be counting. I panicked, thinking something was wrong with the precious baby I had spent so many nights praying for. I squeezed my husband, Matthew's, arm as I prepared for the worst.

"Well, Kate, it seems as if all the babies are going to be fine!"

"Babies?" I gulped.

"Yes, it seems as if you are getting three for the price of one!"

The initial emotion was, of course, shock and bewilderment! But when we realized we were about to become the proud parents of triplets, we were thrilled. Phone calls, shopping trips, baby showers and doctor's appointments followed. And on September 26, 1997, three beautiful, perfect babies arrived.

They were about six weeks early and very small, but healthy and adorable nonetheless. We had decided to try breastfeeding, and attended LLL meetings throughout the pregnancy, so I began pumping my milk into bottles to be given to the babies through their IV tubes. I knew my children were so small and helpless, but my breastmilk was nourishing them and helping them grow. My babies were so tiny, and I was more than tempted to stop pumping my sore and aching breasts.

Did my milk even make a difference? Several nurses seemed to think formula would help them gain weight and come home faster. I was exhausted and very emotional. I wanted my babies home with me.

Late one night I was sitting in a NICU private room, pumping away, and crying when Matt walked in. He told me not to feel guilty if I couldn't provide enough milk to completely nourish our babies, I was trying, that is what counts, and even though breastmilk is best, he would not be angry if I switched them to formula. I looked at him as if he were crazy. I was on an emotional roller coaster, and right there in that hospital room, I started yelling at him!

"Are you crazy? You want me to give them powdered chemicals instead of my milk? I thought we have been through this...breastmilk is what God
intended for babies! Why do you think they are getting so healthy? Why do you think their tubes are vanishing one by one? Why do you think the nurses are so impressed with their progress?"

My poor husband was shocked. He was just trying to comfort me and I nearly bit his head off. Not to mention that our favorite nurse, Kara had entered the room to see what all the commotion was about! I'm sure it was quite the scene! I was still attached to the double pump, and throwing an exhausted tantrum to my bewildered husband! She asked what was going on, and when Matt began to explain, we began to giggle and then belly laugh! It was such a silly argument! Matt was just trying to make me feel adequate and I went way out of control with my hissy fit.

Kara explained that my milk WAS making a huge difference and if I wanted to, I could try to latch on Madeline Grace, the largest baby, tomorrow. I was ecstatic and instantly agreed. Well as soon as Maddie put her lips to my breast, I knew this was meant to be. Three days later I nursed James Patrick, and Sarah Claire finally breastfed a week later!

I am proud to say that we have survived teething, sore nipples and growth spurts without skipping a beat! Now at nearly three, and in preschool, I still have three eager nursers! When they get home each morning they can't wait to latch onto their "nurs."

It IS possible to nurse triplets!

After the first six weeks it is actually very easy! I am such a happy mother, I have three very beautiful, happy children who are active and healthy. I know my milk has played a big part in that, and I encourage all
you multiple moms out there who are afraid to try nursing to give it a shot...it has fulfilled me in so many ways, and I am so grateful for the bonding opportunities breastfeeding has given me.

I am now a breastfeeding advocate and an active member of a multiple group. And I am spreading the good word to whoever will listen! Breastfeeding is a magical, fantastic experience...stick with it, love and enjoy your children!

Good luck!