Three is a magic number for Bettystown couple

A father of rare identical triplets who hasn't seen his daughters since just after they were born almost two weeks ago is hoping hospital restrictions will be lifted soon, so he can cuddle his three bundles of joy again. 

The baby girls were born at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda on 14 May, but Covid-19 protocols have meant visitors are not allowed.

David Hopkins hasn't seen the babies since his partner Emma Lennon gave birth to Callie, Quinn and Minnie. After the birth he spent some time with the children before he had to leave. 

Callie weighed 4lb 4oz, Quinn weighed 4lb and Minnie weighed 3lb 5oz.

The couple from Bettystown in Co Meath had been trying to conceive for two years and defied odds of up to 200 million to one in falling pregnant naturally with identical triplets.

"It’s great and it’s all happy, but it’s heartbreaking having to leave them. It’s hard being the only person to see them," said Ms Lennon.

The proud mother is allowed to visit the babies every day and during the visit she feeds and baths the triplets.

"It’s non-stop when you get in there. You feed one, then the next one. Then you bath them. I’m looking forward to having David being able to visit," she joked.

Mr Hopkins has to make do with photographs and videos, but he’s hoping restrictions will be lifted soon and he’ll be able to hold his daughters again.

"I just can’t wait to get the baby smell. I just want to hold them again," he said.

For older sister Kacey, it’s an exciting time. The nine-year-old hasn’t met her three sisters yet.

"I can’t wait to hug them. I wish coronavirus didn’t exist," she said.

Doctors say the babies are doing well and the family is hoping they’ll be able to bring them home soon.

"It will be absolute madness," quipped Mr Hopkins. 

"We’re hoping the restrictions will be lifted so we can have people stay over and help us."