26 June 2023 , 19:17
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A woman who feared she would never conceive after seven years of trying has welcomed miracle triplets naturally.
Monique Bertrand, 38, had struggled to get pregnant having been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
To help aid her chances, she lost more than six stone – dropping to 12st 5lbs – by switching to a healthier lifestyle.
After seven years, she feared there was “no hope” and she and her partner John, 39, started seriously researching fostering and adoption.
But to her surprise she fell pregnant in April last year.
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And at eight weeks, she was even more shocked to find she was carrying not just one child but three.
Monique with son Machó (SWNS)Doctors delivered Lylah on November 9, 2022 at 2.27pm and Machó at 2.28pm, both weighing 2lbs 8oz, while Trinity was delivered at 2.29pm, weighing 2lbs 1oz, all via c-section.
The trio, now six months old, are thriving after 50 days spent in the special care unit at University Hospital Lewisham in South-East London.
Monique, an assistant director for education, said: “When the doctors told me I wouldn’t be able to have children it was just a disaster.
Monique and Judith Bertrand with the triplets (SWNS)“When the sonographer said it was triplets I just shouted in confusion and happiness. I just burst into tears on the table. It’s been a blessing with so many challenges. The doctors called them miracle babies.”
The pregnancy was not smooth sailing and just after the baby shower in October 2022 the couple were told Trinity was at risk as her umbilical cord wasn’t working properly.
Doctors offered them an abortion to secure the health of her siblings but Monique refused.
Lylah, Machó and Trinity lay together on a cushion (SWNS)Thankfully, all babies were sent home healthy on December 29.
The triplets are thriving and forming their own personalities.
“Lylah is the smiler,” Monique said. “She barely cries, she’s just so sweet.
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Monique had almost given up on having children when she fell pregnant (SWNS)“Machó is like all men, very needy. He always wants me to pick him up and is mummy’s boy toy.
“Trinity is the lioness and well beyond her months. She’s the one who is the most intellectual and is trying to crawl.”
Follow the family on their Instagram @ferreira_triplets.