Sunday, April 19, 2009

Triplets... it's starting to sink in

Thanks, everyone, for your kind, funny, shocked, and excited messages. All the "holy mackerels" and "holy cows" captures how we feel too!

Dh and I have been reading, talking, laughing, and contemplating. We're trying to absorb the unabsorbable news. How do you feed, change and care for three preemie infants? How do you raise three kids? I'm already wishing I had a 3rd b**b, and another arm!

Our thoughts inevitably jump to the future. We think about a week from now "Will we see three strong heartbeats?" to a few months from now, "How premature will they be born and will they survive or have lifelong disabilities?" to a few years from now, "How amazing would it be to take them places and do fun family stuff?" We imagine their sibling dynamic and interactions, and dream about whether we're expecting boys, girls or a "mixed bag." My prediction: 2 boys and a girl. We are excited, amazed, and scared. Is it too much to ask to have three healthy kids? Our primary emotion is one of realistic optimism and excitement, but I know triplet pregnancies are high risk, and do not always have a good outcome.

We've begun to frequent triplet blogs, triplet forums, and other online triplet or High Order Multiple resources. I've watched triplets being born on YouTube (and cried...), and have searched for narrower carseats, triplet strollers and other things that might help with surviving the hardest first four months, like Miracle Blankets and Bottlesnugglers.

Since I may end up on bedrest before their birth, I've started figuring out my employer and our state's short term disability policy.

On Monday, I'll be 6 weeks pregnant, and my infertility clinic graduates their pregnant patients between 8-10 weeks. This means I have 2-4 weeks to find an OB who specializes in high risk pregnancies, or better yet, a board-certified Maternal Fetal Medicine doc (perinatologist).

Since I live in a rural area with only a level II NICU, I suspect I'll need to travel to the nearest big city for prenatal care and Labor & Delivery. That's fine by me - I'd prefer to be in good hands. Thankfully the same city where my fertility clinic is located also has a university hospital with a great L&D facility and a level IV NICU. There are five perinatologists to choose from, one of whom is a woman (my pick of the bunch.)

We're in information gathering mode this weekend, and have used every second to try and prepare ourselves as best we can.

36 comments:

'Murgdan' said...

Wow. Wow. Wow. It sure shakes things up a bit, eh? ;-)

Nikki said...

Wow - that's a lot of stuff to take in and think about! Good luck with everything guys!

Anonymous said...

Good for you - it sounds like you are getting the education and preparedness you need! How exciting!

Ms. Perky said...

I can tell you from experience that it is entirely possible to feed, change and care for three preemie infants. I breastfed my triplets for 14 months.

I was on bed rest for 3 1/2 months before I delivered - but I will say that of the triplet moms that I know, I was in the minority.

Radian carseats are the narrowest. There aren't a lot of triplet strollers out there - truthfully after the beginning, I moved to using a double stroller and wearing the third baby (I favor a mei tai for baby wearing).

You have the right train of thought to seek out a perinatologist. This is definitely the right way to go, for sure. Be sure to find one with significant experience with HOMs.

Do know that the vast majority of triplet pregnancies these days DO have favorable outcomes, given the right care. You'll read all the scary scary outcomes when you do google searches and read blogs, but remember that the truth is that today's outcomes are, by and large, successful, healthy babies.

Good luck!

My Endo Journey said...

WOWZERS! I can't even imagine the gamut of emotions! :) I hope things go well next week with the US (you did say next week, right?). And, good luck on the hunt for 3 of everything!!! Triple the blessings for sure :)

Whats Normal said...

You can do it, If I can you can..
http://douglaskaliejohnmichael.blogspot.com/

ME! said...

It is a huge concept huh? I think you are doing a GREAT job at thinking of everything that you need to!!! GOOD JOB!!

I think I need a third arm now..and the 3rd b**b..humm...where would you put it? All in a row? lol!!

Nichole said...

I know that it is scary right now, but I am just over the moon for you. Triple blessings! Amazing!

Anonymous said...

It's good to be thinking (and hopefully) enjoying the moment. One cannot help but let the mind take it's course...in absorbing such enormous news! Just know you are in our thoughts as you approach your next scans...it's a process and my hope is that the outcome is whatever you wish it to be in your heart. Also know that you've got support around you and make sure you use it, ask for it and take whatever you are given...babies are costly business, they grow in and out of clothes so fast...and their needs are continuously changing. Whichever way...I have NO doubt you are going to be awesome parents and a wonderful mother in particular *HUGS*

Shaz

Celia said...

Yow. That is thrilling! Many congratulations to you and best wishes for a healthy and safe pregnancy.

Kristin said...

Holy Sh*t...WONDERFUL, FABULOUS news!

The only thing I remember reading is that multiples (especially high order) pregnancies do better if you gain more weight. Hoping and praying you have a happy and healthy 9 (or close to 9) months.

~ICLW

Anonymous said...

Here from ICLW - congrats on the pregnancy. Triplets!!! I wish you luck and that you grow that extra arm and b**b!!

Amy said...

When it rains it pours, I guess. That's amazing news! Wow!

Mr. Shelby said...

HOLY CRAP!

(I'm a triplet, so I can't wait to read more of your experience)

Melissa G said...

I can't even tell you how happy your story has made me feel. I'm reading your blog for the first time today and I devoured the last few posts. I'm so excited for you and I look forward to following your journey. Congratulations to you and your husband.

ICLW

Gina said...

Hello from ICLW!

Wow I found you at an amazingly wonderful time! I look forward to following in your journey :o)

Anonymous said...

Oh My God! Congrats. I wish you the best ....you give us endo girls hope after all.

ICLW

Kate said...

I am still totally in the holy shit zone about your news-- still totally delighted, almost squealable- and I am NOT a squealer. And I bet your transition into pregnancy sensations will be about, say, three times faster than some of us! Take care of your Self in the midst of all of this wonderfulness-- get as much rest as your life allows. And know that these are some lucky lucky kids to have chosen you. See? smart already. warmly, Kate

Kate said...

PS Bless Ms Perky-- always good to get some real life recommendations from someone who would really know- and good to know that things are possible!

Anonymous said...

Great news. Lots of planning ahead.
ICLW

Ms. Perky said...

Thanks for your comment on notaclowncar - just wanted to let you know that my triplet-centric blog stuff is elsewhere (I try to keep that stuff off of notaclowncar) so if you're interested in a peek into the future, that's all at http://chezperky.typepad.com

Triumph in Learning said...

Wow!! That is Amazing!! I'm new to your blog..and just wanted to say hello. I'm head for my 1st IVF with ICSI cycle next month, and reading your posts gives me hope that it really may work for us too:)

HUGE Congrats!!! I know you both well be great parents!!!

Hannah
~ICLW

Jill said...

Triplets! YAY! Congrats to you :)

ICLW

Hillary said...

Congrats on your pregnancy -- times 3!! It sounds like you are well on your way to being as prepared for three bundles of joy as you can be :)

ICLW

Mrs. Gamgee said...

I'm sorry I didn't add you to my blog roll sooner... I was really happy when I found your blog again on the ICLW list and am absolutely bowled over by your news (but nothing compared to what you're feeling, I know)!

Sending prayers and good thoughts your way! Happy ICLW!

Anonymous said...

WOW!!! Congratz on your trip pregnancy. I wish you both the best.

ICLW

Word Nerd said...

WOW x 3! You will have your hands full, but I'm sure it will work out. One of my co-workers has IUI triplets. She was on bed rest for the last few months, and I can't remember how long they were in the NICU, but they're doing great.

Best of luck to you!
~C
ICLW

Mo said...

Just catching up with you - WOW!!!! Congrats!!! One step at a time - you'll figure it all out. Hang in there and keep breathing!!

Awesome news!

Mo

In Due Time said...

Congrats! :-)

Beautiful Mess said...

Congratulations times THREE! Wow, how exciting! I hope you can find all the information your looking for without TOO much overload.
*ICLW*

..al said...

Triplets...Woohoo!

All the very best!

*ICLW*

Lisa said...

WOW, congrats!!


Happy ICLW : )

Cara said...

Damn - if that isn't the best iclw news I've come across yet, AWESOME news - CONGRATS!!

iclw

Nina said...

Oh, honey, congrats!! I'm so excited for you!

Nina said...

Congrats! Hoping everything goes well!

Anonymous said...

Still so happy for you! Is it sinking in yet? Write again soon, looking forward to seeing how you are hanging in there and how the "trips" are doing!

ICLW