A young mum gave birth to rare identical triplet girls after being told by doctors they’d all be boys.
New parents Jake Hammerton, 22, and his partner Caitlin Knight, 20, were thrilled to discover that Caitlin was pregnant. At their 22-week scan, the couple from Sheffield found out that they were having identical triplet boys – a one in 200 million case without IVF – so naturally they went away and started prepping for the arrival of their little lads.
However, in a dramatic turn of events, when it came to giving birth at 32 weeks, Caitlin was shocked to discover that all her babies were in fact girls.
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As soon as little Thea, Lily and Esmae – originally named Theo, Luca and Jude – were born, they needed medical care in separate cots for three weeks before they were allowed to reunite with their parents on 11 September. The process involved giving them medication and oxygen until they were healthy enough to interact with others.
Jake, an electrical engineer, said that he had to explain to his partner about the incredible twist in the story after her C-section, but at first she had a hard time believing him.
"When I told Caitlin after her C-section, she wouldn't believe me. The doctors had to convince her. To be honest, our biggest concern was them coming out healthy. They weren't what we were expecting, but they're all doing well so we are happy.
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"Bringing them home will definitely be a challenge, but it's one we're ready for."
Caitlin also revealed her thoughts when she heard the news about her little ones.
"When Jake told me they were all girls, I thought he was joking. I kept saying 'Stop, it's not funny!'” she said. "When I saw the babies for the first time, I just cried. I was so overcome with emotion – I can't explain it.
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"Bringing them all together for the first time was such a nice feeling. Now I just can't wait to bring them all home."
But it wasn’t always smooth sailing for the new parents.
While both Jake and Caitlin were thrilled to find out they were expecting, the new mum revealed that their second scan wasn’t as positive as they hoped it would be.
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"At our second appointment they went through all the risks and it was all doom and gloom,” she said. “They offered us an abortion but we said absolutely not.
“We knew we wanted to keep them."
Fast forward a few months and the little family is now ready to start their new lives together.
"I can’t wait to bring our babies home, and just get on with it ourselves. Nappies and feeding without all the wires,” Caitlin said.
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"It's been a strange experience but I don’t think there’s anything to compare it to,” Jake added. "It was definitely a shock getting three daughters instead of sons!
"I think it’ll make it more real once they’re home. We're ready."
Nasima Khatun