Two moms who delivered triplets at the same hospital within a day of each other have formed a deep bond.
Amber Rodriguez delivered her triplets on September 26, 2022, at Resolute Baptist Hospital in New Braunfels, Texas, while Mandi Oldani gave birth to her triplets the next day at the same hospital.
Two Mothers Deliver Triplets at Same Hospital
The possibility of having triplets is rare, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimating that only about 80 out of every 100,000 live births result in triplets.
Rodriguez and Oldani didn't meet each other until after they had both given birth, at which point their postpartum nurses arranged a meeting between them.
Despite knowing of each other's existence through their shared obstetricians' office, it wasn't until this meeting that they connected. Living just 20 minutes apart, they quickly bonded.
Now 18 months later, Rodriguez and Oldani, both 34, have formed a special bond that feels destined. They enjoy playdates with their triplets but also cherish the opportunity to deepen their friendship beyond just being mothers.
Their friendship is remarkably close, with Oldani likening it to that of sisters. For Rodriguez, having Oldani nearby is particularly meaningful, especially after struggling with infertility. They support each other through parenthood and beyond.
Their close friendship has also extended to social media, where they share their experiences as mothers of triplets. Both mothers are excited to see how their children's bond develops over time.
Close Friends Welcomed Their Babies at the Same Hospital
Shauna Wheeler, aged 41, and Ivy Chichester, aged 37, appears fated to undergo pregnancy simultaneously. Their first children were born just one week apart. When the two best friends from Virginia discovered they were pregnant simultaneously for the second time, they were taken aback.
"A week before (Ivy) confirmed her pregnancy, she mentioned the possibility," Wheeler recounts. "I chuckled skeptically, as people often do, but it seemed too early for her to have genuine symptoms."
"I disagree," Chichester counters. "I sensed the egg implantation."
"I was skeptical," Wheeler admits. "But she was right, and I was wrong."
Chichester's pregnancy wasn't planned, and she experienced a whirlwind of emotions. Wheeler advised her friend to take a few days and not stress about it.
A week later, Chichester confirmed her pregnancy and shared the news with her "mom tribe." What she didn't know was that Wheeler suspected she might also be pregnant.
"That prompted me to take a test as soon as I got home," Wheeler reveals. "Sure enough, I was pregnant. The test line was the pinkest I'd ever seen - it was unmistakable."
Wheeler shared her pregnancy news with Chichester, hoping that navigating this journey together would ease their anxieties. Chichester was apprehensive about having another child, while Wheeler worried about carrying a healthy pregnancy to term due to a previous miscarriage.
"It was wonderful to have a judgment-free space where I could express my feelings and receive mental and emotional support," Chichester reflects. "Those conversations helped me through the tough times, and because Shauna was pregnant too, we could support each other on a deeper level."
Wheeler felt empowered during her pregnancy, making plans throughout despite some skepticism from Chichester, who encouraged her friend to take it easy.
"I'm always the one saying, 'Shauna, are you sure you can do that?'" Chichester laughs. "We encouraged each other and kept it real."
Wheeler had an expected C-section on December 13, 2022, while Chichester planned for a vaginal birth in early December. During a regular check-up in early December, Wheeler's elevated blood pressure prompted concerns, resulting in her delivery being scheduled earlier for December 5, 2022.
"I gave birth at 3:41 p.m. on 12/5," Wheeler shares. "The next day, while I was recovering, Ivy was supposed to visit. A few hours later, Ivy called and said, 'I'm at the hospital!' My husband informed me, 'They said she can't visit.' I replied, 'Um, she's in labor.'"
Chichester was admitted to the hospital around 7 p.m. that day and welcomed her son on December 7 at 4:56 a.m.
"It felt surreal, but also meant to be," Chichester reflects. "It seemed like we were destined to be in the hospital at the same time, to have our babies around the same time, and for our friendship to blossom."
The coincidences between the two friends continue. Wheeler's first child was born just one week before Chichester's son. Additionally, Wheeler shares a birthday with Chichester's sister, and there are familial connections between Wheeler's honeymoon planner and Chichester's husband.
"We've always had these little connections, so it's no surprise our babies have similar birth dates," Chichester muses.
While they had joked about being in the hospital at the same time, they never imagined it would come true, let alone be in rooms just doors apart.
"I promised I'd visit her," Wheeler recalls. "I placed my baby in the bassinet and wheeled her two doors down to visit. We put the babies next to each other and said, 'This is your first friend, say hello!'"
Chichester and Wheeler met through the Peanut app in April 2021, both seeking friendships with mothers of similar ages and backgrounds.
"Now, we have a 'village' of six other moms, all within the same age range and all women of color," Wheeler says.
When asked about the importance of their mom network, Wheeler responds simply: "It's everything." Chichester agrees, emphasizing its impact on her mental health.
The pair hope their children will develop lifelong friendships, especially with each other.
"I hope they'll be lifelong friends," Chichester says. "But as a person of color, I also want them to have a sense of self and community. Raising sons, I want them to appreciate the beauty of Black women. There's no excuse because they've been exposed to beautiful, smart, intelligent Black women."
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