Good things come in threes

When first-time parents Michelle and Terrence Clarke learnt last year that they were going to be the parents of twins they were happy. Two months later, the Clarkes learnt that there would be one more. “When we told everyone we were having twins they were excited, when we said triplets they said, ‘Oh gosh, poor you,’” said Michelle. Terrence said they were a little shocked, but he told Newsday that his side of the family has a history of triplets — his aunt and two uncles. The babies — two boys and a girl — were delivered at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital on April 1 via Caesarian section at 31 weeks.

Taylor came first at 5.46 am weighing 1.23 kgs, then came Jonah at 5.47 am at 1.65 kgs, and Jaden at 5.51 am weighing 1.75 kgs. They are the first set of triplets for 2005. It has been an emotional “roller coaster” for the first-time parents because the babies had complications after birth. Jonah and Jaden had problems with their lungs and were on a ventilator for two weeks, unlike their sister Taylor who, although the smallest, came off the incubator after only two days. While she was initially sceptical, Michelle is very happy with the care and treatment she has received at the PoSGH. In an interview at the hospital she told Newsday the original plan was for the babies to be delivered at a private institution.

However, her obstetrician advised that because triplets were usually born before their due date and would require a neonatal unit, she should go to PoSGH which was headed by Dr Petronella Manning-Alleyne. Terrence said: “We investigated and found out that private nursing homes don’t have the level of care for multiple births.” The Petit Valley couple said even if the babies were born at a private facility, transporting them to the neonatal unit of PoSGH afterwards would be too risky. They also decided against going abroad for the birth. The Clarkes were hoping for a May delivery but Michelle said her water broke at 2 am on April 1. She arrived at PoSGH 45 minutes later. From the time the attendant took her to the Labour Ward, the doctors, nurses and anaesthetists rallied to provide her treatment. 

She said: “I have never seen people hurry and scurry so. The doctor on call came right away. He called the consultant. The nurses prepared me for the C-section in no time.” It took a team to deliver the triplets and there were “about 12 people” involved. Michelle said: “They are very capable especially with the equipment they have to work with.” (She said part of the incubator which Jonah was in was secured with duct tape). The Clarkes appealed for greater attention to be given to the Maternity Department. Terrence said: “Regardless of your colour, class this is where you end up. This is the place for neonatal care. They should treat it better.” When complications developed after the birth, the couple was assured by the staff that the babies would improve.

While three babies are a handful, Michelle, a human resource manager at Neal and Massy Holdings and Terrence, general manager of Scotia’s Merchant Bank, said they have the support of their families. Lately, triplets are not uncommon at PoSGH. Dr Petronella Manning-Alleyne said there were seven sets in 2004 (one was transferred from Tobago). She said the medical follow-up of the triplets is no different from other babies born early. They will be monitored for any complications which may arise due to their premature birth.