Becky Sefton, 29, and partner Adam Balduckie, 33, from Staffordshire, were stunned to discovered they were expecting naturally conceived identical triplets, which are phenomenally rare, with the chances of having them as high as one in 2 million. Identical triplets ‘miracle’, after doctors warned they had a 50% chance of losing all three girls. Doctors even advised them to have fewer children, which would enhance the likelihood of rescuing the other two but would cost them one of the newborns.
The couple made the decision not to, and on March 28 welcomed 3 lb. identical twins Ellie and Everlyn and their sister Ella into the world. They were born seven weeks early. We had a natural conception; I discharged two eggs, one of which divided into twins, and the other a single egg. There was a strong chance—more than 50%—that none of them would contract it during our pregnancy.
With only one placenta, there is a significant chance of cross-contamination between them. But we made the decision to stay out of the way and let nature run its course. They jumped to the rocks and yelled, defying our assumption that if we lost one or all of them, it meant they weren’t intended to survive.
Her due date was May, but she was hospitalized nearly 2 months early. On March 27 when contractions began. I went into labor at six the next day and didn’t even realize it. I had a cesarean section, I woke up from a cesarean section but didn’t even know what was happening.
A miracle, really. The anesthesiologist genuinely exclaimed, “Oh my God!” as they emerged from the procedure wailing and in tears. Since their lungs hadn’t fully matured, he claimed he couldn’t believe they were all weeping. Adam, a window repairman, was not allowed to attend deliveries at Birmingham Women’s Hospital when Becky delivered via caesarean section due to door lock requirements.
Really, it’s extremely challenging. My need for a speedy cesarean section caused my partner to miss the birth. He wasn’t sure if they had already been delivered when he got to the hospital. Following my recovery, I spent four days in the hospital. Adam was unable to see me there, but he was allowed to visit his girls.
Everlyn was transferred to Good Hope Hospital for more intensive treatment while the other children remained at Birmingham Women’s Hospital before being allowed to go home. It is really difficult and stressful for me to see them in separate visits and in different hospitals.
The girls are doing a great job. They are all comfortable and yet have distinct personalities. All the kids are working hard to help, which is great. We are only happy when we are all together.
Our family’s life is more colorful when we have more children, little heroes. Having bravely overcome all difficulties to stay with us.
