Extreme Motherhood – My Life With Triplets

If you do not have multiples you must have wondered (like me) what it would be like having two babies and above screaming, feeding, pooing and “unsleeping” at the exact same time. I have a great level of respect for moms with multiples and that includes the very strong and gorgeous Desiree who did not have twins but TRIPLET!!!…

Having one was crazy and I couldn’t imagine how it would be like having three of the same age at the same time.. Seriously! So, I wanted to hear it from the “horse’s mouth” and know for sure what it is like and to answer the questions floating in my head and indeed the head of moms-to-be pregnant with multiples and those of us that just often wonder….because our one drives us bananas!

I had the pleasure of interviewing Desiree on her experience as a mother to three gorgeous toddlers and how she manages to pull through and stay sane. She was such a delight despite having three toddlers…superhuman ey?! Enjoy!:)

Name and occupation?

Desiree Fortin

I am a Mom and Photographer

How many kids do you have?

I have triplets.

What was your reaction when you found out you were pregnant with multiples?

I was absolutely shocked. Our Doctor initially told us we were having twins, and then she found the third heartbeat. It was exciting and terrifying all at the same time. We knew we had quite a journey ahead of us, but we were over the moon to know our family was growing by 3!! We trusted God would pave the way for us and He did. We are so blessed.

How was your delivery experience?

My Doctor was remarkable and I was so blessed to have her and such an amazing delivery and NICU team. I delivered at 34 weeks 1 day, 1 day passed our goal date. The anticipation to meet my babies was overflowing! I had a c-section and I knew I was in good hands. Unfortunately, after the triplets were born, I experienced some complications. I was rushed back to the OR for blood transfusions. My Doctor and nurses took great care of me despite what was happening. To be honest, I know I had a life threatening experience, but the love for my babies made everything less terrifying. I had waited so long to be a Mother, and I finally became one.

How did you cope after delivery?

For me, the c-section recovery was not as hard as I anticipated, even after all my blood loss and how weak I was. I feel like I am a pretty strong woman and I have a high pain tolerance and I just focused on caring for my kids and myself so I could heal.

What is the best advice anyone has ever given you in regards to raising your kids?

You may not always not know what you are doing and that is okay because that is Motherhood.

How do you stay sane?

I try and get the babes out of the house every single day–whether it be the park, beach, play date, grocery store, anywhere. It is great for them and for me. I also have a lot of family and friend support, as well, which I am incredibly grateful for. I especially needed it when the babies first came and the torture of sleep deprivation kicked in!!

What will you say is a product you cannot do without?

I love our triplet stroller…we use it every single day!

How different or similar are your kids in terms of character/personality?

They are so different, yet so similar! Our identical twin boys share many similar qualities–even physically. They have the same exact teeth coming in at the same time!! I enjoy seeing each one of them find who they are and watching their personalities blossom because they are each their own person.

What is the best advice you can give a mom that’s pregnant with multiples?

Have grace for yourself on hard and tiring days and know that you are an incredible Mom doing a great job caring for your little babes!!

If you had a choice, would you rather have had one after the other or at once again?

I think since I know how strong my body is and how proud I am of my pregnancy and my journey to becoming a Mom, I would keep things just as they are! I mean carrying triplets was no joke, but it was incredible! And absolutely love being a Mom to my babes!! I wouldn’t trade my story for anything!!!

Who has been your biggest support?

My parents have been an incredible support. We actually ended up moving in with them a couple months before the triplets were born. I know it has been a lot on them. They took in our whole family. Even when the babies came, my parents helped my husband and I with middle of the night feedings–so much love. I feel fortunate to have them.

How much sleep do you get?

Right now, our babes are sleeping through the night, so we are on a 7am-7pm schedule, so sleep is stellar!!!

What’s the most challenging aspect of having multiples?

For me, right now, it is challenging going places (depending on where we go). I always want to get them out of the house, but I have to think about where we are going and making sure it is safe and that I can handle all three of them by myself.

What’s the best part?

I get to experience the love for a child triple fold!!!

Any more babies in the future?

I am not sure. We have 12 frozen embryos, so possibly. We knew when God gave us so many embryos that He had a large story hope for us and others. If we choose not to use anymore embryos we will adopt them out to other couples struggling with infertility. Either way, my heart is incredibly blessed by the journey the Lord has made for us!!!

Thanks to Desiree. Sending loads of love and kisses to you and your unbelievably beautiful family. Follow her on Instagram guys @thefortintrio.

Do you have multiples? Whats your secret to staying sane?

XO.