Welcome to the second part of Georgia’s story. Georgia (she/her) and her husband, Matt, are parents to triplets Finn, Marlo, and Jude.
In this episode, Georgia shares her experience with her triplets' early days and the rest of their journey in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Special Care Nursery (SCU). For five days, the triplets remained in the NICU, which coincided with the isolation length for Georgia’s positive Covid-19 status. Subsequently, they were moved to the SCU, where they stayed for a total of 32 days, with 27 days specifically spent in the SCU.
Georgia expresses the indescribable feeling of leaving her babies in the hospital while going home. On day 3, her emotions overwhelmed her, and coupled with the hormonal changes, she found herself in tears as she departed the hospital. The unnatural sensation of separation from her babies left her yearning to have them home with her.
To ease the transition, Georgia and her partner, Matt, stayed at Georgia's parents's house for two weeks, where they received valuable support. During this time, her parents took care of household chores, cooking, and provided assistance, which proved essential during this period.
Contrary to the idyllic portrayal of the "Fourth Trimester" and the "baby bubble" on social media, Georgia's early postpartum experience involved frequent visits to the hospital, instead of rest and relaxation. Reading about these idealised experiences contrasted greatly with her own reality.
However, after the 32-day hospital stay, Georgia and Matt finally brought their babies home and began to experience the cherished and serene "baby bubble" they had longed for. Despite being born prematurely at 31 weeks and 4 days, the triplets thrived and remained remarkably healthy, exceeding Georgia's expectations.
The process of introducing breastfeeding was calm and gradual due to the premature birth and the babies' underdeveloped suck and swallow reflex. Georgia allowed each baby to spend time on her chest, encouraging their curiosity around breastfeeding by sniffing, licking, and suckling at her breast.
Upon returning home, Georgia adopted tandem feeding and began supplementing with bottles, combining half breast milk and half formula. Two of the babies, Finn and Marlo, have naturally weaned themselves from breastfeeding, while Jude is still feeding at night now.
Matt played a crucial role in supporting Georgia, taking four months off work to assist with feeding. As he returned to work, Georgia adjusted her feeding routine, utilising bottles during the day and exclusively breastfeeding overnight.
Throughout their journey, Georgia and Matt maintained a positive attitude and are grateful for their overall experience. Georgia takes pride in being a mother to her delightful triplets, thoroughly enjoying their interactions with one another.
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The Definitely Baby theme music was written by Hagan Mathews and produced at @sleeplessfootscray.
This episode was recorded on the lands of Wurundjeri Wilam and Boon Wurrung/Bunurong peoples of the Kulin Nation. This always was and always will be the land of the First Nations peoples. Every month, I Pay The Rent and so can you - click here to learn more.
