How to cope with three dirty nappies... and other triplet tips (From Brentwood Weekly News)

How to cope with three dirty nappies... and other triplet tips

11:50am Monday 29th June 2009

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IMAGINE going for your first baby scan only for the midwife to burst into laughter and deliver the life-changing news that you’re not expecting one, but three babies.

That’s just what happened to Vanessa Dalton and fiance Jon Cornell.

Until the babies were born, two-and-a-half years ago, Vanessa was working as a writer with a fairly carefree life. Now she’s a mum to triplets Katie, Emma and Jed.

She may be busy, tired and stressed, but caring Vanessa has found time to write a book about her experiences, in the hope of helping other mums in her situation.

Vanessa, 35, who lives with Jon in Great Hays, Leigh, said: “When I found out I was having triplets I just had no idea what to expect and I soon discovered there wasn’t much help or advice out there for people in my situation.

“So I decided to write the book, called the Truth About Having Triplets, to chart everything multiple birth mums can expect, from day one, through to when their children are toddlers.”

Vanessa is also trying to set up a support group for women with post-natal depression in the Southend area.

She added: “I had mild post-natal depression and it was a very hard time, but there’s not a lot of help in this area.

“I am looking for a venue to hold it in and would love to hear from anyone who can help.”

Vanessa certainly has her hands full looking after her trio, who were born at Southend Hospital, each weighing just three pounds.

She said: “It’s tough going, there’s no doubt about it. Things like going to the supermarket with the children have to be planned out in advance.

“Another thing I wanted to clear up in the book were some common misconceptions, including that parents of triplets get showered with freebies!

“Of course, having three babies is a lot more expensive. You need three cots, three bouncy chairs, three highchairs, three car seats – everything. It’s certainly not cheap.

“Thankfully we have had a lot of support from our friends and family and they have given us baby equipment and clothes, but it’s very hard to make ends meet sometimes.

“A big misconception is you get everything for free if you have triplets. People think you get given nappies and baby food by the big companies, but you don’t.

“I actually did write to Huggies and Pampers to ask if they could help us, but they both said no.”

Jon, 33, has now put his music career on hold to train for an IT qualification, so he can earn more money to support his family.

He said: “I’ll never forget the moment we found out our lives were going to change forever.

“During the scan, the midwife laughed and I thought, maybe it’s one of those phantom pregnancies and Vanessa’s not actually pregnant.

“But then she said, ‘there’s three in there’. I just went white and I couldn’t speak.

“Vanessa was really calm, but to say we were shocked is an understatement.

“I remember going round to my mum’s. I just knocked on the door and said: ‘You’ve always wanted a grandchild – now you’re going to have three!”

Although she’s got a lot on her plate, Vanessa is passionate about helping other mums of twins and triplets or any woman who needs support.

She said: “I’ve been there and I know how hard it is. I really want to help other women. I welcome anyone to get in touch with me.

“Although ours were conceived naturally, the increase of IVF has meant more and more triplets and twins are being born, so there is a need for more support.”

Anyone wanting to buy the book or to contact Vanessa should e-mail vanessa.dalton@sky.com

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