Mum to be of TRIPLETS...OMG...HELP !!

[Melanie&Lucky]

Hi :)

I'm so nervous posting here! After so many rounds of IVF, my DH & I are FINALLY pregnant with triplets!! When we found out, we were in complete shock!!! :D:D:D

I'm 13w5d now, all going well so far and :fingerscrossed: that all continues to do so.

I'm posting here for the 1st time, to see if there are any other triplet Mums or Dads out there who are able to offer advice on the following:-

1. feeding (& how often) bottle or booby (inc express) fed?

2. prams (we're not fussed on the road train type, 3 in a row - what else is out there?)

3. sleeping (how long before they slept through the night)

4. Did you sleep all 3 bubs in 1 cot to begin with? How old were they when they were put in their own cot?

5. how did you cope with 3 babies?

6. Did you get extra help? If so, how many extra people?


Any any other advice you can offer would SOOOO appreciated !! OMG, we have SOO much to learn!!! We have been in touch with the Multiple Birth Association and hopefully they are sending me some info soon.

[Moorish]

Oh WOW!!! HUUUUUUUGE congratulations to you both!
I hope you find all the info you need - good luck for the remainder of your pregnancy! :babydust2:

[Hokey Pokey]

Congrats!!

[Jakois]

Wow, triplets:smiliedance:. Congratulations. You must be so excited:flowerz:.

[laylasmumma23]

:flowerz: Congratulations :flowerz: wow how exciting for you!
I cant give you the info you need but i know a girl on here that nannies for triplets and twins..who might know the answers to some of your questions. :) I'll ask her and get back to you :yes:!

[beebs]

wow - crazy! that is amazing news. There is another girl on here that is preg at the moment with triplets - her user name is tripletime.

You may want to join your local chapter of AMBA - they have lots of things for multiple mummies:)

[mum23boys]

Wow! Congratulations you must be so excited. I can give you advice on two but not three sorry.
As for the pram I had a valco twin side by side that I could attach a toddler seat to the front of and the other day I seen a set of triplets in the same pram except the toddler seat had a reclining seat at the front. If you go to the thinktwins website they have some good side by side ones that have a reclining seat at the front or up top near the handle.

[Sheer Bliss]

:yelclap: Congratulations!! How exciting!

I can't help either sorry, i'm due with twins in June, so it's all new to me!

The only thought I have on prams, is that if there are no prams for 3 that take your liking, you could opt for one like the valco (i think somone mentioned it) side-by-side, and have one bubba in a sling to start wuth, until they are old enough to have one in the toddler seat? With 3, there might be one that doesn't like the pram so much, so a sling could make outings easier if they settle better in the sling/carrier.

[Blueberry Crumble]

Congrats!!

Just hadto have a little giggle at your question about them sleeping thru the night, cause I cant see you getting much sleep after they are born for a lonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnng time LOL.

[twinmummee]

Hi,

Congratulations! I can't help with triplets, but our girls are almost 10 months old so can talk from twin perspective...

Our girls shared a bassinette for 3 months and then went into separate ones. They didn't go into a cot until almost 7 months (which was a bit too old I think in hindsight). Then they shared the cot top and tail for a few nights and then into separate ones.

As for sleeping through, sorry I don't have much good news there. We got about 3 or 4 weeks of bliss at 4 months and then they started teething. It has only been over the last week or two that they have been sleeping through again. But every baby is different!

Feeding - I couldn't get tandem feeding, I was hopeless so from 4 weeks we alternated bottle and boob feeds and from about 11 weeks they were fully bottle fed. I went in with an open mind, and that's what worked best for us.

That's about it I guess, not sure about help, but think you can and I know you will get extra payments for a multiple birth, apparently 3 is where the "multiple" kicks in.

Leanne

[Melanie&Lucky]

:)Thanks for your congrats and good wishes! All of this feel SOOO surreal.



As for the pram I had a valco twin side by side that I could attach a toddler seat to the front of and the other day I seen a set of triplets in the same pram except the toddler seat had a reclining seat at the front. If you go to the thinktwins website they have some good side by side ones that have a reclining seat at the front or up top near the handle

Mum23boys - thanks for your advice on the prams, I will check it out. I don't like the 3 in a row "road train" type pram we saw at a baby shop, its far too big and cumbersome.

I don't think that I will be able to put one of the babies in a sling as I don't have a very good back, so I don't know how my back is going to cope with my expansion. I think i'm going to be very sore!

Any other great advice is most welcome!! :)

[Lastcenturymum]

Congratulations! :yelclap: I have a friend who had triplets (already had a less than 2 year old) if you like I can contact her for info, or put you both in contact. She breastfed her girls till 14 months:yelclap: and managed with help - she had her parents come regularly to help and a few friends, including a friend of mine who went each week for half a day to help bath the girls. She devoted herself to her bubs and family made sure she had time with her little girl as well. I am in awe of her. Her husband was a wonderful support. I think they are now 2 years old.
I know she had 3 cots, but not sure from what age.

When her bubs were about 15 months old another friend came one morning a week to mind them so she could go play basketball. Support is so important, I hope you have lots

PM me if you want me to get in touch with her - she is inspirational - but human too!;)

She's just moved in with her dad for 10 weeks while they have an extension to their house!

:hugs: to you and hope all goes well

[brooke88(mum2b09)]

Don't have any advice as I'm having 2 but just wanted to say congrats!

My sister and I are great friends with identical triplet boys, they're my age (20).

They certainly would have been a handful! They're very naughty but loads of fun and are extremely good looking but know it lol. They absolutely adore they're mum who is amazing, she had the triplets, a single and then twins! :eek: She had a very supportive husband.

I can ask they're mum anything you're unsure of if you like.

Good luck :thumbsup:

[beebs]

Yeah contact the Family Assistance office. I'm sure tripletime said that you guys are eligable for cleaners and nannies! Cool!

[Melanie&Lucky]

Thanks for your good wishes!!! So lovely to hear! We have only just started to tell family and friends in the last week, most don't believe us when we say we are having triplets!! Their reaction is "OMG, really?" I don't think that their shock at this news was bigger than ours, though!! :laughing:



Yeah contact the Family Assistance office. I'm sure tripletime said that you guys are eligable for cleaners and nannies! Cool!

Cleaners and nannies??? Really??? Might go vist them today!!!!! :laughing:

[twinmummee]

My mum's a twin and when we told my family she thought we were making it up....even when I showed her the sonographer's report she said we had typed it up ourselves!!! Took her a while for it to sink in!

[TripleTime]

CONGRATES!
I have just about all your answers! I am expecting my triplets in 16 weeks & 4 days :yes:

First things first- Join your local AMBA, they are the best people to talk to & everyone will have something to say about how you should raise them. You will learn to let it go over your head, trust me. Most of them will the parents of singletons & having triplets is a whole different ball game!


1. feeding (& how often) bottle or booby (inc express) fed? The way i am doing it is to express, so anyone can feed them without me having to be there. I know i wont have enough to feed them soley from the boob so i will have to supliment with forumla. Each feed & only if you can, feed one with breast milk & the other 2 with forumla & next feed swap it around. So that each feed someone different is getting breast milk.

2. prams (we're not fussed on the road train type, 3 in a row - what else is out there?)
Ok, this has been my biggest issue to date! I ended up buying a Valco twin runabout Trimode with the reclinging toddler seat. Seat isnt out untill april & all the prams have sold out as the new modle is coming out in june. Other option i was looking at was an ABC pram, its a twin buggy with a reclinging toddler seat on top. Didnt get as it was taller than me.

3. sleeping (how long before they slept through the night)
I dont have an answer to this one yet, dont get your hopes up as you may be let down. Each baby is different. Just think of it as having 3 kids at different ages.

4. Did you sleep all 3 bubs in 1 cot to begin with? How old were they when they were put in their own cot?
Our 3 will be their own cot from word go, that way if someone wakes up they shouldnt disturb each other.

5. how did you cope with 3 babies?
Its my first & all i know. Be thankful for that one too.

6. Did you get extra help? If so, how many extra people?
You will qualify for in home day care through the government as you have 3 under 3. You use the child care rebate just someone comes to you.

If there is anything else you want to ask, feel free to send me a PM. I am home all the time.

[TripleTime]

Thanks for your good wishes!!! So lovely to hear! We have only just started to tell family and friends in the last week, most don't believe us when we say we are having triplets!! Their reaction is "OMG, really?" I don't think that their shock at this news was bigger than ours, though!! :laughing:

We had the same when we told family, my partner wasnt with me when i found out we are having triplets. He didnt beleive me when i told him, luckly i had video evidence.:laughing:



Cleaners and nannies??? Really??? Might go vist them today!!!!! :laughing:

Yes really! Im getting it organised through a case worker at my hospital. Thats what they are their for.
My advice is get yourself organised now! I am 17 weeks and having trouble moving around & its only going to get harder.

[Melanie&Lucky]

WOW! BIG HUGE THANK YOU for all the great info! Fantastic! :)


Yes really! Im getting it organised through a case worker at my hospital. Thats what they are their for.My advice is get yourself organised now! I am 17 weeks and having trouble moving around & its only going to get harder.

Oh WOW! I don't have a case worker at the hospital as yet, but I'll definately be making some inquiries, thats for sure. At what stage did you get a case worker? When does the cleaner start? Before or after the babies are born? Obviously the Nanny starts when they come home.

I did go to the Family Assistance office today and found out about the benefits, but they didn't have a clue about the nanny & cleaner, and didn't know where to refer me to.


My advice is get yourself organised now!

Oh yeah, I'm definately an organised person, am already getting things sorted. My belly isn't that big as yet, just looks like I ate a big lunch! You're 3 weeks ahead of me. Maybe I'll get a growth spurt soon. :)

I have joined my local MBA and am going to the Expectant Parent's night this week and will be meeting another triplet Mum there. I think that there are other couples also pregnant with triplets! :)

Thanks again! :)

[TripleTime]

WOW! BIG HUGE THANK YOU for all the great info! Fantastic! :)



Oh WOW! I don't have a case worker at the hospital as yet, but I'll definately be making some inquiries, thats for sure. At what stage did you get a case worker? When does the cleaner start? Before or after the babies are born? Obviously the Nanny starts when they come home.

I did go to the Family Assistance office today and found out about the benefits, but they didn't have a clue about the nanny & cleaner, and didn't know where to refer me to.



Oh yeah, I'm definately an organised person, am already getting things sorted. My belly isn't that big as yet, just looks like I ate a big lunch! You're 3 weeks ahead of me. Maybe I'll get a growth spurt soon. :)

I have joined my local MBA and am going to the Expectant Parent's night this week and will be meeting another triplet Mum there. I think that there are other couples also pregnant with triplets! :)

Thanks again! :)

Your welcome,

I asked my midwive to orgainise a meeting for me, which she did. They normally start getting those things ready around 20 weeks. Every one is starting when we get home from hospital. My theory was evan if i only get the baby sitter for 2 hrs a week just so i can have some me time & the cleaner once a fortnight. I know they probaly wont do it my way but atleast its done.

I googled the in home care before i went to MBA but they also had a heap of information on it too.

I had a massive growth spurt between 14 weeks & now. Issue im having is that now i am measuring 23ish weeks of a singleton pregnacey most of the maturnity clothes ive bought dont fit anymore. T-shirts & stretchy pants have become my best friend.

Expectend parents at MBA was a god send to me, as there are only 2 of us in our club that have triplets, including me. Take a note pad with you, one thing i didnt do. Liz had a massive amount of information (she has 7yr old triplets) most of which i dont remember as my brain has gone to mush.

[Samaras Mummy]

Congratulations :)

[FiveInTheBed]

Hi :)

I'm so nervous posting here! After so many rounds of IVF, my DH & I are FINALLY pregnant with triplets!! When we found out, we were in complete shock!!!

I'm 13w5d now, all going well so far and :fingerscrossed: that all continues to do so.

I'm posting here for the 1st time, to see if there are any other triplet Mums or Dads out there who are able to offer advice on the following:-

1. feeding (& how often) bottle or booby (inc express) fed?

2. prams (we're not fussed on the road train type, 3 in a row - what else is out there?)

3. sleeping (how long before they slept through the night)

4. Did you sleep all 3 bubs in 1 cot to begin with? How old were they when they were put in their own cot?

5. how did you cope with 3 babies?

6. Did you get extra help? If so, how many extra people?


Any any other advice you can offer would SOOOO appreciated !! OMG, we have SOO much to learn!!! We have been in touch with the Multiple Birth Association and hopefully they are sending me some info soon.


:smiliedance:Congrats!! How lovely :goodvibes:

I am a twin mummy so can only answer for two newborn bubs (but I had a 19month old as well so the logistics were similar...not anywhere near the same..just similar:goodvibes:)

1 feeding...I bf my twins to 9 months. I think if you hiberbate a little for the first couple of weeks, plan on feeding and sleeping feeding and sleeping, and have support from family and friends to keep the house running you could do it.
Some people say when one wakes to wake the other so they get in sync..this didn't happen for me, I just accepted that I had two different little people and fed on demand most of the time, during the day seemed to be easier for feeding.
Do what is best for you family though!!

2..We have the Adventure Buggy Company Twin with a toddler seat..It fits through normal door ways - is actually easier to handle than our double stroller. You could use it with two in front and one in a sling or carrier for a while...we first tried rotating ours so a little one was up top at about 6months when they were aitting up strong...Keep in mind you will probably wanna have someone with you early on so a double with a carrier should work..otherwise I 'think' I have seen a Mountain buggy triple (across) if you want all three in the pram - I suppose it depends how much walking you do.
..also the Kia Carnival Grand is an awesome car!!

3...ummmmm..I'm not good for this one, as ours still don't 'sleep through'..we are happy to have them in our bed to get some rest.

4...although we had two cots set up, we would put them in one for day sleeps(easier to change one cot if one gets soiled with piddle spew etc:p), and in a porta cot in our room at night....They loved being cuddled up next to each other for the first few weeks. we moved them into their seperate cots and rooms at around 4 months so it was easier to feed and settle. now all three kids are in the same room and have a 'toy room' in the other room.
I think its a 'play it by ear' thing.

5...having help is great! being organised the night before helps! looking at your little ones smiling in their sleep makes it all worth it! accepting that life is going to be a whole lot different for a fair while makes it go alot smoother!
...i'd be talking to those above mentioned triple mums and trying to build a little support network.

6..My dp and mum took 6 weeks holiday, then when they went back to work I had some girlfriends that would pop in once or twice a week, to help with nappy changes, cuddles, and adult converstaion. and my Nan still (2 years later) comes around every Monday to help me get on top of my washing, mopping and other house hold duties - this also is GREAT family bonding time.


Best of luck!!! take care of yourself and those precious bubs.

oooh how exciting...yay for multiple mummies!!

[Melanie&Lucky]

Krystal - Thanks for your post.

How often are you OB visits at the moment?

I had visits at 9w, 12w, next visit is 16w, then dunno after that. Next week, I am going back to my previous doctor who used to be an OB as I can't stand a 4 week wait between visits! I think it will get more regular after 20 weeks. I have another scan at 16 weeks to check on cervical length and that will be monitored closely.

You mustn't be far off your next big scan :) where you can find out the sexes. We will find out too, but will keep it to ourselves. :D

FiveintheBed - huge thanks for all your advice, much appreciated. :thumbsup: Sounds like you have great family support. :) Like you say, the babies are individuals. It cannot be expected to run the routine like a military schedule, thats unrealistic! :laughing: I will check out that pram too.

I'm 14 weeks tomorrow!!! I can't believe it, feel surreal !!! :raspberry:

[TripleTime]

Krystal - Thanks for your post.

How often are you OB visits at the moment?

I had visits at 9w, 12w, next visit is 16w, then dunno after that. Next week, I am going back to my previous doctor who used to be an OB as I can't stand a 4 week wait between visits! I think it will get more regular after 20 weeks. I have another scan at 16 weeks to check on cervical length and that will be monitored closely.

You mustn't be far off your next big scan :) where you can find out the sexes. We will find out too, but will keep it to ourselves. :D

Anytime.:)

Im on 2 weekly visits & have been since 13 weeks. 4 weekly scans sound a little to far apart for my liking, alot can happen in that time. But thats me. I am being watched like a hawk tho.

Had a scan today & found out the sexes, think i told everyone that i new at the hospital.

[bgbgbb]

We've never had twins or triplets, just 4 kids close in age.

For a pram I recommend Baby Jogger (we have gone through 7 prams and this one is by far the best, we have the twin version).

They are a US company and the prams are VERY light to push and store quite easily. Baby jogger have offices in Australia and although they dont advertise the triple stroller I know they are able to order them for you.

A link to Baby Jogger Australia is:

http://www.bjstrollers.com.au/

and the best picture of the Baby Jogger Summit 360 triple stroller is:

http://www.strollersdirect.com/Baby-Jogger-Summit-360-Triple-Stroller-in-Red-and-Black.htm

Best of luck!!!:flowerz::flowerz::flowerz:

[Melanie&Lucky]

For a pram I recommend Baby Jogger (we have gone through 7 prams and this one is by far the best, we have the twin version).


They are a US company and the prams are VERY light to push and store quite easily. Baby jogger have offices in Australia and although they dont advertise the triple stroller I know they are able to order them for you.

A link to Baby Jogger Australia is:

http://www.bjstrollers.com.au/

and the best picture of the Baby Jogger Summit 360 triple stroller is:

http://www.strollersdirect.com/Baby-...-and-Black.htm

Thanks for that! :) Appreciate your help! :) I've seen that stroller once before when I was surfing the web. It does look very good, but I'm wondering how on earth you would get that through a doorway or drive it down a supermarket aisle (yes, I know that that won't be happening for a while) but I wondered because it was wide, do you have any idea of how practical it may be?

[TripleTime]

For a pram I recommend Baby Jogger (we have gone through 7 prams and this one is by far the best, we have the twin version).



Thanks for that! :) Appreciate your help! :) I've seen that stroller once before when I was surfing the web. It does look very good, but I'm wondering how on earth you would get that through a doorway or drive it down a supermarket aisle (yes, I know that that won't be happening for a while) but I wondered because it was wide, do you have any idea of how practical it may be?

It doesnt fit through a standard door way.
Honestly i reckon your best to go the way i did.

[bgbgbb]

The twin version definitely fits through a standard doorway but I think the triple would struggle. It would be a great outdoor stroller and the added advantage is that it holds kids up to 20kgs each (in case you're up to buying 2 prams!)

[TripleTime]

Triple would definatly stuggle, its over a metre wide. Can go a twin Valco with a reclining toddler seat. Its waht ive done.

[bgbgbb]

It's worth checking online in the US. I remember when I was living in Ireland a family nearby had triplets which was 2 side by side and another seat that faced them (a bit like a quad stroller, but without the extra seat). It was wide enough to fit through most stored and the babies got to see each other! I think they had different capsules fitted when they were newborns. If I can find it, I'll let you know.

[2littlemonkeys]

how are you

havnt had a chance to reply to your post yet i have a few suggestions for some of your questions , but have not had a chance to get to them , but dont worry there is plenty of time to worry bout those things ;-)
just wanted to give my opinion on the stroller , we had a few triple strollers at different times in the girls lifes but without fail the mountain buggy was my favourite , it is amazing a bit pricey but worth the money it is 3 side by side and last from newborn to 5 years old
check out website and also if you contact them direct they may be able to help you with a good price if you are interested , after trying lots of other triple strollers i would never get any thing else ,
ps i am not a fan of the train style either , had one was a NIGHTMARE to push
0395702833 ask for john he is the rep for australia , he is lovely and very helpfull ,website is www.mountainbuggy.com i would only reccomend the urban , not the terrain as the wheels dont swivel and is very hard to push, the urban is a dream can push with one hand
hope this helps

[2littlemonkeys]

hi mel ,
hows it all going just thought id pop in and bring the thread forward im sure everyone is wondering how you are all doing are bubs born yet
cant wait to here from you

[Melanie&Lucky]

Hi :wave:, yes, I'm still here, so sorry I have been MIA.

Our 3 babies were born at 24 weeks gestation due to complications with the pregnancy. Its been a very very stressful time and we are by their cribs at the hospital every day. :( They are in ICU and are 6 weeks old, and putting on weight. Still walking on egg shells and we pray that they grow bigger and stronger every day. They will be in ICU for several months. Once again, apologies for not posting sooner. Life has been so busy, no time to scratch, it will get busier when they get home, but we can't wait for that day to come!

[V8]

Wow Triplets at 24 weeks, that must be really full on, i hope they continue to do well and that you have loads of support, congrats!!

[Mell]

All the best, it is going to be a very full on ride from here on in.:hugs::hugs::hugs:

My best friend had twins at 24 weeks and they turned one 3 mths ago and they are both doing really well.

[2littlemonkeys]

wow mel ,
wishing you and your family all the best doctors and medicine is so amazing these days im sure your little ones will be home with you soon , it will be a long road im sure but when you look back in a years time at there first birthday it will all seem so long ago ;-)
big hugs to all of you thinking of you all
:-):hugs::hugs::hugs:

[meliko]

hello ladies!!!

My name is also Mel and I am also having triplets! I am 18.5 weeks and so far everything is going very smoothly!!

Mel- your little darlings were born at 24 weeks!! wow! I hope they are doing well, I am so stressed about preterm labor, it stresses me out everyday!

[TripleTime]

O - I hope you dont mid me updating everyone.

I do know they are gaining wight nicely & tolerating their feeds, which is a big thing. Next on the hit list is maintain their own temp.