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Three times the love: B.C. woman gives birth to identical triplets

Nelson害羞草研究所檚 Katherine van der Veen gave birth to Ainsley, Olivia and Abigail last month
17394894_web1_190627-KWS-Triplets
Katherine van der Veen (top) and her husband Ain Baird are back in Nelson after she gave birth to identical triplets (from left) Ainsley, Olivia and Abigail. Photo: Tyler Harper

Nelson害羞草研究所檚 new identical triplets are healthy, happy and home at last.

Katherine van der Veen gave birth to Ainsley, Olivia and Abigail on May 8. The girls became mathematical marvels the moment they were born 害羞草研究所 a study by researchers at Cambridge University in England found the odds of having identical triplets are 10 in one million.

害羞草研究所淚t害羞草研究所檚 just a random fluke of the universe or nature or god depending on how you look at it,害羞草研究所 said Van der Veen. 害羞草研究所淲e think it害羞草研究所檚 a miracle and just [the universe saying] 害羞草研究所榟ere you go, have fun!害羞草研究所櫤π卟菅芯克鶟

The family is the first to have identical triplets in Canada since 2016 when a Kelowna mother gave birth to a trio of girls. Interior B.C. has a recent history of identical triplets: a family in Salmon Arm also had the unlikely birth in 2015.

Van der Veen and her husband Ain Baird previously endured both a miscarriage and a preterm birth, so she was relieved the triplets were healthy after being born via caesarean section.

The family spent two weeks at the in Vancouver after the babies were born over a month ahead of the original June 14 due date.

Their birth weights ranged from just 4.4 to 5.4 pounds. Of course, that was still nearly 15 pounds of babies Van der Veen was carrying around.

害羞草研究所淚 walk around [now and] I害羞草研究所檓 like, 害羞草研究所榟ow did I do that?害羞草研究所櫤π卟菅芯克鶟

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Van der Veen praised the hospital害羞草研究所檚 medical staff 害羞草研究所 the family had two nurses assigned to them 害羞草研究所 but said the new parents are relieved to be back in their home.

Of course, now the real work begins. Breast feeding triplets, for example, is a process.

害羞草研究所淪ometimes you have to put down the first one, half feed the second one then put that one down and half feed the third one,害羞草研究所 she said. 害羞草研究所淪o it害羞草研究所檚 a juggle, but for the most part they害羞草研究所檙e awesome. They really zen right now, but that will change soon enough I害羞草研究所檓 sure.害羞草研究所

The new parents are also looking ahead to life with their unique brood. Baird, who owns a construction company, has already made business cards that include a picture of his new daughters.

Van der Veen said she hopes, in time, her daughters become known for more than just their unique birth.

害羞草研究所淸I want to] be present for them and encourage them to be individuals because they are identical so they are going to be lumped together, but also recognizing they害羞草研究所檙e each little people and will be grown up people.害羞草研究所

Donations can be made online at .

CORRECTION: A previous version of this story stated the last set of identical triplets were born in 2015. In fact it was to a Kelowna family in 2016.



tyler.harper@nelsonstar.com

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Tyler Harper

About the Author: Tyler Harper

I害羞草研究所檓 editor-reporter at the Nelson Star, where I害羞草研究所檝e worked since 2015.
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