The joys and challenges of raising triplets

ON DECEMBER 3, 2004, Vibu and Vijay Moodley, of Umhlatuzana, Chatsworth, became proud parents to triplets – a son Saien and two daughters, Samara and Thasmika.

With no history of multiple births in their families, the couple, who were 35 and 37 respectively at the time, said they were shocked and surprised when they had found out that they were expecting triplets.

Vibu, 59, a businessman and Vijay, 56, a teacher, had decided to have another baby because they wanted their eldest daughter, Karissa Naidoo, 29, to have a sibling. 

Vijay described her pregnancy as not easy and frightening. 

“Carrying multiples is a high risk pregnancy. It was challenging. I thank God for giving me the strength and courage to successfully get through it. My spine ached with the weight of the babies and my stomach was stretched to capacity,” she said.

“My gynaecologist at the time was the brilliant Dr Jonathan Nathan Hansen, and I had complete faith in him. The paediatrician was the late Dr Thasarathan Pillay and he took the best care of my babies.”

She said throughout her pregnancy and the birth, Karissa, who was eight at the time, was always involved in the journey.

“I wanted her present every step of the way. As an only child for so many years, Karissa was spoiled and pampered,” said Vijay.

She said when they took the triplets home, it was not easy juggling life between four children.

“Days and nights merged as one with the babies getting up at inconsistent intervals for feed and diaper changes. My son would take 30 minutes to drink 100ml of milk throughout the night. Fortunately, I had an experienced nanny through the nights. My mother-in-law's help and patience with my colic baby, Saien, was unwavering. Like clockwork at 5pm he would be uncomfortable. Thankfully after three months, it disappeared completely,” said Vijay. 

She described the first few years as challenging and said she only started making time for herself when they were much older.

“As the triplets grew, I started finding the time for myself whether it was for a massage, a lunch outing with friends or my studies. I have recently completed my Masters in Education.

“I love being a mum to triplets and I have no regrets. The challenges now are primarily  financial. All three children are in tertiary studies but my husband and I share financial responsibilities. God never puts you in a situation without preparing and strengthening you for it,” said Vijay.         

She said Saien was completing his electrical apprenticeship, while Samara was studying to become a teacher and Thasmika a chemical engineer. 

All three of them have different personalities. Saien is fun-loving and energetic while Samara is sensitive and quiet. Thasmika is observant and reserved,” she added.

Saien described growing up as a triplet as a “truly unique experience”.

“We have always had each other, not only as siblings, but as constant companions, confidants, and mirrors,” he added.

He said there were also moments that came with challenges. 

“Being referred to as ‘the triplets’ instead of our individual names, constantly being compared to one another, and occasionally feeling like we are seen as a unit rather than as three separate people has been daunting. However, those experiences taught us to become more aware of our individual strengths and personalities, and pushed us to develop a deeper sense of self within a shared identity,” he said. 

The triplets said in school their mother had requested they be placed in separate classes so that they could develop their own sense of individuality. 

“We understood and respected that decision. It never really felt like a loss because we would still see each other often, during break times, after school, and through our shared circle of friends.

“In high school, our paths crossed more directly. Samaraand I were in the same class from Grade 8 to 10. And from Grade 10 to 12,  Saien and I were in the same class. Those years felt more relaxed and familiar. There was never any pressure to be in the same classroom, just a sense of comfort when we were,” said Thasmika. 

She said having an older sister was always fun and they appreciated having her to guide them. 

“Our childhood was lively, adventurous, and always felt a little different in the best way. There was never a dull moment with the three of us going through every stage of growing up side by side. Everything felt shared: toys, birthdays, secrets, and sometimes even trouble. But there was always a sense of togetherness that made everything feel fuller.

“Having an older sister added another layer to it all. She was like a third parent in many ways very protective, always guiding us, and often teaching us things one-on-one. We each learned different lessons from her. In her own way, she was a role model, someone we could all look up to even if we each had our own relationships with her. Looking back, her presence helped ground us, especially in a house that was already full of energy,” said Thasmika. 

Samara said when conflict did arise, they usually gave each other some space and time to cool down and think things through. 

“Sometimes we talk things through and share our different perspectives, since each of us experiences things in our own way. Other times, we just like to chill and spend time together without dwelling on the situation. That balance really helps us support each other through tough times,” said Samara. 

“Being a triplet, I have learnt a lot from my siblings. One big thing is how important it is to be respectful and appreciate our differences. Growing up, we shared the same childhood and experiences, yet we have all developed such different personalities and characters. Each of us brings something unique to the table, and that has taught me to be more patient, open-minded, and supportive,” said Samara. 

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