Advice for Expecting Triplets: Featured in the Virginian-Pilot!

Proud moment: Sharing my published advice for expecting triplets in the Virginian Pilot

I recently responded to the Dear Harriette column in the Virginian-Pilot after seeing a letter from a pregnant mother who wrote in about what to expect with triplets on the way. I couldn't resist, sharing advice for expecting triplets based on my own experience with multiples. What a great surprise to see that my letter appeared in the local paper.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I’m writing to “Welcoming Three,” the reader who is pregnant with triplets. After seeing your letter in the newspaper, I felt like I should reach out and share a little advice as the mother of 31-year-old triplet sons. During my pregnancy, I worried a lot about whether they would be born too early, be healthy and all of the usual fears of a first-time mother. One of the best decisions that I made was to pay attention only to people who had had good outcomes. There are many folks who want to share their experiences, good and bad, which heightened my own fears.

Contact Multiples of America (multiplesofamerica.org), a group that offers information and support to families both before and after the birth of multiples. Honor this time to let your babies grow and develop by eating well, resting often and being the best incubator that you can be. Accept help offered by family and friends, but build in time for yourself.

It is a wonderful -- but not always easy -- adventure to be blessed with three. I used to tell myself that since I’d never had one before, I’d never know how much more difficult three would be. Wishing you and your partner much happiness through this process. -- Been There

DEAR BEEN THERE: Thank you for sharing your experiences.