Downpatrick couple celebrating triplets

Downpatrick couple celebrating triplets

24 July 2019

THREE’S a crowd normally but not for Downpatrick couple Kirsty and Brendan McMenamin who have welcomed the safe arrival of their perfect baby triplets.

The births mean they have just become parents to four children under the age of two — the couple already have a 22 month-old daughter, Zara.

The triplets, a girl and two boys called Zoey, Cameron and Brody, are eight days old today.

They were born by Caesarian section at the Ulster Hospital on July 16, weighing between 4.7lb and 5lb — the day after their mother’s 28th birthday.

They were the first of two sets of triplets born within 24 hours at the hospital — a Donaghadee couple, Claire and Johnny Stewart, had three baby girls.

Kirsty revealed yesterday that the babies were naturally conceived while Brendan, normally called BJ, said that a consultant told them that the chance of a triplet pregnancy was one in 6,500 — making them super-conceivers.

“He also said that there was more chance of multiple pregnancies so that’s us done,” quipped BJ, who’s well known for playing for Killyleagh FC and Bright GAC. 

The McMenamins returned home to Ballymote Walk on Monday where family, friends and neighbours helped celebrate the new arrivals.

Speaking to the Recorder yesterday, the couple, helped by Kirsty’s sister Sammy-Jo Murphy, seemed to be taking the births very much in their stride.

“They were actually all very good last night so it wasn’t too bad,” said Kirsty. “And we are not feeling very too tired as well. They have settled very well so far at home.

“It’s all been very overwhelming and I still can’t take it in. I can hardly find the words to describe it other than to say they are just wee miracles, they are three blessings and we are so lucky.”

Kirsty and 31 year-old BJ have packed a lot into the last few years —after dating for nine years they will celebrate their third wedding anniversary on September 1.

They found out at Kirsty’s 12-week scan that they were expecting triplets.

“BJ went white and I just laughed,” said Kirsty. “We were just overwhelmed but excited as well as it’s not often triplets are born so it makes them extra special.

“I was very lucky in that my pregnancy went really well and there were no health issues with the babies.”

Kirsty carried the triplets until 34 weeks and five days, ensuring that each of the babies had the best chance after delivery.

“Baby 1 was Zoey and she was 4.10lb, Baby 2 was Cameron — the big boy at 5lb — and Baby 3 was Brody and he was 4.7lb,” she said.

“Everything went well for the babies and Brody only had to spend one day in the neonatal unit and they have all thrived.”

Kirsty said that while the babies all look quite alike, it’s unlikely that they are identical as they each had their own gestational sac and placentas.

The couple are bottle-feeding two of the babies 30 minutes before the third baby every three hours, as recommended by the hospital and the routine seems to be working.

BJ, from Ballynoe, is currently off for four weeks from his job as a care assistant at Strangford Court Care home in Downpatrick where no doubt his news is also being celebrated.

The couple realise that there are financial considerations ahead for them to care for their four young children.

Kirsty said: “Our family and friends have been really good and helped us out and left in nappies and wipes and everything for us. We will just have to let go some luxuries but we will manage as you just have to.”

BJ added that they have not got a pram for the triplets as it wasn’t a priority just yet but they would be grateful for any sponsorship, or for other parents of triplets to pass on their pram.