Want to know what its like parenting triplets? This #MultipleBirthAwarenessWeek we caught up with mum Helen and she gave us an honest and very real insight into the beautifully chaotic life of parenting triplets Kennedy, Zachary and Austin.
What do you love most about having triplets?
When we found out I was pregnant with triplets I really struggled with the feeling of ‘loss’ around never having a singleton pregnancy. I worried about the high risk nature of a multiple pregnancy and how I would be able to meet each of their needs in order to form secure attachments. While I know these feelings of loss are normal for an expectant multiple parent, I still often imagine what it would be like to have one baby at a time. Having said that, I really wouldn’t change it for the world. I love the uniqueness of our situation, the instant family we created and the fact that they will always have each other.
How much sleep do you average each night?
We get about eight hours a night! The triplets go down at 7 pm and thankfully sleep until 6.30 am. Obviously this has changed during regressions and illness (and going on holiday can be tricky) but thankfully they’ve always been pretty good sleepers. Setting up good sleep habits from about five months, with the help of a sleep consultant was our saviour. And then moving them into separate bedrooms at seven months helped too. Dark rooms. White noise. Sleep bags. Comforters. All amazing tools!
What do you find is the hardest thing to juggle whilst parenting three?
ILLNESS. I think every multiple parent would agree. While it is inevitable that they will get sick, it takes three times as long to recover, and all they want is a comfort and a cuddle or to be held. When you only have two arms this is near impossible. It’s made worse when the parents are sick too, as you still have to ‘parent’. And while we knew the statistics, the relationship with your partner does take a back seat, especially in the first few months/years. As does your own self-care or ‘me time’. And I think it just comes down to being so tired. Safety is also tricky to manage because you have to have eyes everywhere. And we have one who loves to explore…
What’s the funniest thing you’ve encounted whilst parenting triplets?
The funniest thing so far has been the interactions between them now they are talking. They really do have their own language. And as they get older they’ve started working as a team to get things done. I do also laugh when people stop me to say “good work” or “you’re superwoman”. And there’s plenty of times we’ve had to laugh because otherwise we’d cry… mostly poo related situations!
Are the kids very alike or are they displaying very different personalities?
The triplets are so different, they’re actually not alike in any way. They each have a different personality. Kennedy is very girly and loves dressing up and accessorising. Austin loves animals and is very active. Zachary is obsessed with trucks and diggers.
What advice would you give other parents pregnant with multiples?
ROUTINE! Create a routine from day one, even though you’re told not to wake a sleeping baby, with multiples it is just a different story. Wake them to feed all at once. This will mean you will get down time and rest. Ask for help. Contact a sleep consultant. Make use of other multiple mums (they really are the only ones who will ever ‘get it’). Be prepared for constant change. And feel free to listen to peoples advice but do your own thing. Whatever works for you. But also appreciate the uniqueness of the situation. Enjoy the dynamics. Capitalise on the fact that you have multiple little helpers now.
Read more Paedicare blog posts about parenting.