A set of British triplets have set two Guinness World records after measuring the most premature birth and the lightest ever birth weight.
Rubi-Rose, Payton Jane, and Porscha-Mae Hopking were born at just 22 weeks and five days with a combined weight of 1.284kg. The first to be born at 10.33am, Rubi-Rose, weighed 467g (1lb) and was immediately covered in a polythene wrapping which acted as a makeshift womb, reducing heat loss, and the risk of hypothermia.
After this, Payton-Jane was born at 12.01 weighing 402g (0.89lb) while Porscha-Mae was born at 12.02pm weighing 415g by emergency caesarean section. The triplets were all born on February 14, 2021 and have just celebrated their 2nd birthday.
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Michaela White, who discovered she was having triplets at 19 weeks, only gave birth three weeks later. At the time, she was surrounded by partner Jay Hopkins and an expert army of 21 doctors and nurses.
The triplets remained in neonatal intensive care for several months with Rubi-Rose and Payton-Jane being cleared to leave in July. Meanwhile, Porscha-Mae stayed there until October.
The three girls have differing degrees of cerebral palsy. Michaela their mum said: “It can be really challenging for anyone with disabled children but me and my partner Jay – we just crack on and do what we need for them.”
Jason has been suffering from post-natal depression and PTSD following a traumatic medical emergency with Payton. He said: "Postnatal depression isn’t really recognized in dads and the whole experience for a dad can be very alienating.”
He added: "If it was not for Michaela and how incredibly strong she is. She was my support and was there for me throughout. Michaela is a wonder mum, she is amazing. I love her to bits.”
Michaela believes the stress leading up to her early labour may have been the cause. Both Jason and Michaela lost their jobs in the pub they worked due to Covid and were evicted from their home in the flat above the pub.
A spokesperson for Guinness World Records said: “We are so happy to award the triplets Rubi-Rose, Payton Jane and Porscha-Mae with their Guinness World Records titles. The girls and their family’s strength, determination and positivity is awe-inspiring. A truly amazing family.''
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