Joys, challenges of raising triplets

ON DECEMBER 3, 2004, Vibu and Vijay Moodley, of Umhlatuzana, Chatsworth, became proud parents to triplets — a son Saien and two daughters, Samara and Thasmika.

- MONISHKA GOVENDER [e-mail]

With no history of multiple births in their families, the couple, who were 35 and 37 respectively at the time, said they were shocked and surprised when they had found out that they were expecting triplets.

Vibu, 59, a businessman and Vijay, 56, a teacher, had decided to have another baby because they wanted their eldest daughter, Karissa Naidoo, 29, to have a sibling.

Vijay described her pregnancy as not easy and frightening.

“Carrying multiples is a high-risk pregnancy. It was challenging. I thank God for giving me the strength and courage to successfully get through it. My spine ached with the weight of the babies, and my stomach was stretched to capacity,” she said.

“My gynaecologist at the time was the brilliant Dr Jonathan Nathan Hansen, and I had complete faith in him. The paediatrician was the late Dr Thasarathan Pillay, and he took the best care of my babies.”

She said throughout her pregnancy and the birth, Karissa, who was 8 at the time, was always involved in the journey.

“I wanted her present every step of the way. As an only child for so many years, Karissa was spoiled and pampered,” said Vijay.

She said when they took the triplets home, it was not easy juggling life between four children.

“Days and nights merged as one with the babies getting up at inconsistent intervals for feed and diaper changes.

“My son took 30 minutes to drink 100ml of milk throughout the night. Fortunately, I had an experienced nanny through the nights. My mother-in-law's help and patience with my colic baby, Saien, was unwavering. Like clockwork at 5pm, he would be uncomfortable. Thankfully after three months, it disappeared,” said Vijay.

She described the first few years as challenging and said she only started making time for herself when they were much older.