18 feeds a day + 150 nappies a week = magical

IRELAND’S newest sets of triplets, all of which were born at the same hospital, yesterday got to meet for the first time.

Parents Kevin McCaughey and Sheila Hoare from Clonakilty, Co Cork, and Ronan and Liz Forde, from Aglish, Co Waterford, have been firm friends since meeting before the birth of their daughters in Cork University Maternity Hospital.

Sheila and Liz were in the same ward with hyperemesis, an extremely severe form of morning sickness associated with women expecting multiple births and both couples have remained in touch offering each other advice and support.

Yesterday, Kevin and Sheila’s daughters, Lizzie, Anna and Jo who are nine weeks old, met with Ronan and Liz’s new arrivals Erin, Eden and Keelin, who are one week older.

Needless to say, surprise was the first reaction both couples experienced when told they were having triplets.

“When we were told it was a huge shock. The nurse told me that she never saw someone go so many different colours at once and it’s been tough going since day one,” said Ronan.

Sheila, who also has an 8-year-old son Sonas, had a similar reaction when told by her sonographer that he could see three separate heartbeats on the scan.

“When we got the scan the sonographer asked how I got pregnant. I thought it was a trick question but then he said he could see three separate heartbeats. Obviously, it was a total shock,” said Sheila.

Since then both couples are dealing with the difficult task of 18 feeds per day, changing 150 nappies every week and in between trying to get even one hour of sleep. It hasn’t been easy for either family but both are enjoying watching their new daughters grow.

“It’s three times as magical and I wouldn’t have thought that it would be. Even at 3am its great because you are seeing three little personalities develop,” said Sheila.

According to Sheila, the help of friends in the community and family have been crucial.

“People have been wonderful. They have offered clothes and buggies, it’s been great. There has been an overwhelming community response to the girls and we have been so touched by that,” she said.

Although Sheila and Kevin have received the help of a paediatric nurse to help with feeding, Ronan and Liz, who are first-time parents have not been so fortunate.

Both couples are critical of the lack of state support for families with triplets.

“The lack of support is our biggest gripe,” says Ronan.

“We have had no help as such from the HSE South. We have home help for one hour a day but she can’t pick up the babies for insurance reasons, so it’s been tough. We are not looking for help for seven days a week or anything like that but some support would help.”

However, some companies have helped both couples.

For Kevin and Sheila, Ecobaby nappies offer them a certain amount free, while Cow & Gate sponsor tins of formula for Ronan and Liz, help which both families greatly appreciate.

However, for both couples, the knowledge that they can turn to each other for help and advice is what they most value.

“It’s great to have people like Ronan and Liz that know what you are dealing with and that you can text at 3am with a question or a concern. It’s really been so helpful,” said Sheila.