News / National
Woman welcomes triplets, bringing family to 6
57 mins ago |
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A Glen View mother is celebrating a rare and unexpected blessing after giving birth to triplets at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital on Saturday - a development that doubled her number of children from three to six overnight.
The mother, Dephinate Chitsaka, says while she is overjoyed, she is also overwhelmed by the sudden demand for resources and care required to raise three newborns at once.
Chitsaka, who is unemployed, told The Herald that she only learned she was carrying triplets a few days before delivery. Doctors had initially indicated that she was expecting twins.
"This was my fourth pregnancy, and I never thought I would give birth to triplets. It was a very painful experience because I delivered naturally, but I was excited and overjoyed because this has never happened in my family," she said.
"I was born into a family of two - just my brother and I - but he passed away. When I went for a scan last week and they said I was expecting twins, I couldn't believe it. I thought it was a mistake by the radiographer," she added.
The babies - two girls and a boy - have not yet been named. They remained in an incubator yesterday with doctors monitoring them after noting low birth weight, although their overall condition was reported to be stable. Chitsaka expects to be discharged within days.
She said she is grateful for the gift of life but anxious about the future, especially when it comes to providing milk, clothing and basic care.
Having raised three children before, she is fully aware of the emotional and financial demands ahead, and she is appealing for assistance from well-wishers within the community.
Multiple births are becoming increasingly common globally due to fertility treatments. However, naturally conceived triplets remain rare. According to the World Health Organisation, Africa records the highest rates of multiple births - particularly twins - influenced by genetics and rising maternal age.
For Chitsaka, the journey ahead will require strength, support and community solidarity as she navigates her new reality - a mother of six, with three tiny lives now depending on her.
The mother, Dephinate Chitsaka, says while she is overjoyed, she is also overwhelmed by the sudden demand for resources and care required to raise three newborns at once.
Chitsaka, who is unemployed, told The Herald that she only learned she was carrying triplets a few days before delivery. Doctors had initially indicated that she was expecting twins.
"This was my fourth pregnancy, and I never thought I would give birth to triplets. It was a very painful experience because I delivered naturally, but I was excited and overjoyed because this has never happened in my family," she said.
"I was born into a family of two - just my brother and I - but he passed away. When I went for a scan last week and they said I was expecting twins, I couldn't believe it. I thought it was a mistake by the radiographer," she added.
The babies - two girls and a boy - have not yet been named. They remained in an incubator yesterday with doctors monitoring them after noting low birth weight, although their overall condition was reported to be stable. Chitsaka expects to be discharged within days.
She said she is grateful for the gift of life but anxious about the future, especially when it comes to providing milk, clothing and basic care.
Having raised three children before, she is fully aware of the emotional and financial demands ahead, and she is appealing for assistance from well-wishers within the community.
Multiple births are becoming increasingly common globally due to fertility treatments. However, naturally conceived triplets remain rare. According to the World Health Organisation, Africa records the highest rates of multiple births - particularly twins - influenced by genetics and rising maternal age.
For Chitsaka, the journey ahead will require strength, support and community solidarity as she navigates her new reality - a mother of six, with three tiny lives now depending on her.
Source - The Herald
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