In today's Spotlight article, we are happy to welcome Azie, a mum to four, on her journey as a mom of premature triplets in Singapore. From facing pre-eclampsia to navigating the NICU, discover the real challenges and victories in triplet parenthood.
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Hi Azie! Congratulations on your beautiful family. Can you please briefly introduce yourself?
Hi! I'm Azie, I'm a mother to a set of GGG (yes, all girls!) triplets aged 2 years 8 months and to a 6 month old singleton boy. My trichorionic triamniotic (TCTA) triplets were born premature, at 29 weeks and 2 days, and they were conceived via in vitro fertilization (IVF).
What was the most memorable part of your parenting experience so far?
Definitely when the triplets reach their milestones 'on time' despite being premature babies––their first smiles, crawls, steps and words!
What was your initial reaction upon discovering you were expecting triplets? Can you describe the emotions and thoughts that went through your mind?
The news was definitely shocking but also half-expected, as we had been informed about the possibility of the embryos splitting. However, I didn't expect it to happen to me after years of trying for a baby.
I remember breaking down in the car after learning about the triplets. I wondered if my body could handle a triplet pregnancy.
What was the most difficult part of your pregnancy?
I was diagnosed with obstetric cholestasis at 18 weeks. Every night my body would itch but there were no rashes. To combat this, I had to take antihistamines every other night.
Can you share a little about your triplets’ birth story with us? Did the delivery go as planned, or were there any unexpected complications?
Upon reaching 28 weeks, doctors discovered protein in my urine, which was a sign of pre-eclampsia. I had to be admitted and gave birth via emergency c-section a few days later when my oxygen levels dropped. It turned out that I had fluid in my lungs. On the day of the emergency C-section, I was informed that it had to be postponed to the next day due to an abnormality in my heart—one of the chambers was not beating properly.
In short, almost every organ in my body slowly started to fail.
What was the atmosphere like in the delivery room when your triplets were born? Can you describe that moment?
I remember being in a daze and didn't even hear my first triplet crying until the anaesthetist asked me if I could hear my first baby cry. And then the subsequent triplets were born and I paid close attention to their cries. It was definitely a surreal moment.
Following the birth, were your triplets immediately taken to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)? If so, how did you cope with the separation and uncertainty during that time?
I didn't get to see my triplets until three days later because I was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for two nights myself and then to the High Dependency Unit due to severe pre-eclampsia. As for the triplets, they were taken by the NICU team immediately. I couldn't even get a glimpse because their first hour of life was the most crucial.
Being separated in the hospital was not easy. Leaving the hospital without my babies felt even worse. However, I told myself that this was a chance for me to recover and recuperate before the storm came home.
That must have been a challenging period. How long did it take for your blood pressure to return to normal? Did you need any follow ups at the hospital after that?
Thankfully after two weeks of medication, my blood pressure became normal. No follow ups were required.
So glad to hear that! What were some of the challenges your premature triplets experienced? Can you share some of those details with us?
Triplet 2 had Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA). It is a heart defect that is common in premature babies. It is an extra blood vessel that was supposed to close but did not. Thankfully the problem was resolved as the vessel closed after 2 doses of brufen. No surgery was needed although she still goes for follow up.
Triplet 3 had Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP). This happens when abnormal blood vessels grow in the retina. If left untreated, the retina can be either distorted or detached. She had to undergo 2 laser procedures.
How did you and your partner cope with the NICU experience emotionally and practically?
We told ourselves to take one day at a time. It was definitely exhausting travelling to the hospital almost everyday. Apart from that, there were many new medical terms that we had to understand despite our minds being flustered with what was going on.
We dreaded every phone call from the hospital because it was not always good news. We had to constantly remind each other that everything would be ok.
Can you share what parents of preemies can do during their NICU visits that will help them bond with their little ones?
Once their conditions are more stable, parents are allowed and encouraged to do Kangaroo Care with their baby under the nurses' supervision. We were only allowed to carry our preemies after a certain point, upon the doctors' notice.
Parents are also encouraged to read, sing and talk to their babies.
How are your triplets doing now? Have they overcome any significant challenges since their birth?
The triplets are now in their Terrific Twos! Apart from the big sigh that I heave each time they quarrel, I'm very thankful that they are meeting their milestones and are developing well. Their PDA and ROP issues have also been resolved.
Any words of encouragement or tips for other NICU mums and dads?
Hang in there. The journey may be tough and uncertain but always remember that you are not alone. Their stay in the NICU is temporary and always be strong -- your baby needs you more.
What advice would you give to family and friends with regards to supporting parents of preemies?
This journey is not something that everyone understands or can relate to. Well-meaning people tend to compare or share their experiences about their children who were not born prematurely. When preemie parents start to share details about their situation, sometimes it is best to just lend an ear instead of giving unsolicited advice.
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Our heartfelt thanks goes to Azie for sharing her story with us so openly. We hope that it encourages and benefits other multiple or preemie mummies out there.
Read also: Navigating the NICU As Parents of Premature Babies
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