TRIPLETS PASS 6 MONTHS MILESTONES

The triplets went for their 6 months check up.

After having to wait for the third bus (no room for their chariot on first two!), they were there for hours.

As expected, they all passed the 4 month milestones and the youngest even passed some of the 6 months checks. Although they are 6 months old, as they were born at 24 weeks they have a degree of development catch-up to do.

They are all doing fantastically well and I have to say, I have never met such smiling happy babies and that goes for the elder sister too.

Their parents are an inspiration.

TRIPLETS, PLUS 8 MONTH OLD SISTER

4 babies to be looked after and no physical help from any government departments. Not a good situation, but proof that exceptional parenting skills do exist!

So long since I last wrote, because the Triplets were born at 24 weeks gestation on 19th August 2011 and their elder sister was only 8 months old at the time.

They stayed 4 months in hospital, first Queen Charlottes, then at the Whittington where their elder sister was born. What a great Neonatal and Special Care Unit they have there.

They were all home for Christmas and then the work truly began!
The differing amounts of medication with each feed was daunting; but their parents just got on with the job and with the help of a large white board to record and monitor everything, they have achieved an amazing result, proving that organisation is the key.

These 4 little people are the happiest, accommodating little souls who smile and laugh constantly. Their mum says they bring her pleasure all day, even though I can see it is relentless task.

Both parents have had to get on with it and have done the most amazing and remarkable job, with no help available from the state. Mum doing most of it during the weekday when Dad is at work and both mucking in the evening and weekends.

A wonderful story and an inspiration to all, with details to follow.

TRIPLETS NATURALLY

I am now helping with a 5 month old, who's mother is expecting triplets when she will be only 10 months! No IVF, just a very fertile mum (who was taking precautions too!)
A huge shock.

Mum looks 6 months pregnant already (actually nearly 15 weeks) and I try to do as much as I can, so she does not over do it.

The last baby arrived 7 weeks early, after a 5 day labour and then a C-section; so as much as possible must be done to reduce a very early labour this time. They are due to be delivered at 32/33 weeks.

Next week I go and see the new scan, which will show the sexes. Best know this time so we can prepare. Let's hope there is a boy in there somewhere!

4 of them, my hands will be full, that's for sure.
Forget my usual flexible routines. This will need to be strict and practical.

Then, how do we get them around?
In what?
Goodness!!!!!!!

INOCULATIONS & DIRTY CONDITIONS

I went with a baby to have the 2nd round of jabs yesterday and was appalled by the lack of hygiene by the nurse at the rather sub-standard surgery.

Not once did the nurse wash her hands whilst handling, filling and administering 3 syringes.
All the time using her computer keyboard, touching the patients couch, feeling her dirty desk and even opening the door and going out of the room.

When questioned, she said she washed her hands between patients. A lie, as the person before came out and we went in.

No swab, just dry cotton wool (sitting around in a bowl) in case of a bleed.

I seen a few bad habits, but this . . . . !

THERE IS NO RIGHT WAY, ONLY YOUR WAY

Please remember that there is no RIGHT way to look after you baby, only the way that suits you and your baby best.

Of course, there are wrong ways; but by the right way I mean, what works for you both.

Take all the books and videos on how to look after your baby and they will all contradict themselves.

Just try all ways possible and do what suits you and your baby.
But remember, what suits one day, may differ the next.

PREMATURE BABY and HYPEREMESIS GRAVIDARUM

As well as working with both new and former families, my own has continued to grow.

After a night mare pregnancy constantly feeling and being sick from week three, then needing regular IV fluid drips because of Hyperemesis Gravidarum, one of my daughters went through a 5 day labour, which was 7 weeks early and produced a lovely little girl.

She was delivered by c-section and had to be pushed back up the birth canal to get her out, as her nose and eyes were poking out, having a good look around and she was thrashing from side to side. Nosey little thing! All ended up well though.

Her poor little face was bruised all down the left hand side and she was in Intensive care for a week or two.
Then Special care till she was allowed home.

Horrid for both mum and dad, not to have their baby with them; but mum was so stoic with dad's support.

Now she is 4 months old and a smiling, bright little button.

INVITATIONS, RECOVERY and PREMATURE BABY

Time flies and "My" babies are getting so big!

My little one who had the bad cleft palate and lip had his second operation, this time on his soft palate and he has made a wonderful recovery.
He is 1 years old next month and a dear little boy. Smart as a button too.
There seems to be little adverse effect on his speech as far as they can tell, apart from him being a bit loud; but that's children for you!

I have seen many of my "little friends" over the last few months and have been invited to a christening, escorting a pageboy to a wedding and 2 birthday parties. (I wish my social life with my own age group was doing as well)!!
I am truly blessed to be included at their milestones.

I have 3 grandchildren now. The last born 7 weeks early before Christmas and it's hard to believe that the due date has still not arrived!
A difficult time for the parents having to be without their baby and all sorts of issues over steroid injections, epidurals and Neonatal care to be discussed next.

The main thing is, she is fit, well and gaining weight ... the baby that is.