‘One in 15 million’: Brisbane woman gives birth to identical quadruplets | Brisbane
A 34-year-old woman from Brisbane has defied the odds and given birth to four identical quadruplets conceived naturally, in what is believed to be a first in Australia.
Jenitar Na’amoana, who already had four children, was not planning to have another child, but quadruplets emerged from a “one in 15 million” pregnancy and were divided into four from a single fertilized egg.
Na’amoana duly became a mother of eight after delivering her daughters by caesarean section at just over 28 weeks at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s hospital, surrounded by a huge support team.
“This is unheard of… We don’t think it’s ever happened in Australia,” said Alexa Bendall, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist and obstetrician at the hospital.
“There may have been a few cases elsewhere in the world, when I say a couple, literally two.”
Na’amoana was still breastfeeding the youngest of her four children when she was told she was pregnant again.
They got the surprise of their lives when they were told that their “little miracle” would be a medical marvel.
“They were pretty shocked when they went and found out they had four babies instead of one,” Bendall said.
Following the arrival of Emily, Harriet, Catherine and Alexa on July 14, there are now four more children in the Na’amoana family – the second of which has been named after Dr Bendall.
The obstetrician has been taking care of Na’amoana since she first learned the surprise news about their bundle of joy.
“They are so special. We are so excited to be able to care for this amazing little family, now a big family,” Bendall said.
“It’s such a beautiful gift to have someone named after me.”
Bendall said the pregnancy was considered very high risk, but Ms Na’amoana “did everything she could from day one.”
“We have never seen this type of spontaneous pregnancy with quadruplets, and she has somehow avoided any complications and risks to both herself and her babies by being here today with four gorgeous newborn girls.”
Bendall said the girls were expected to be hospitalized for a long time before being allowed to return home, but their long-term outlook looked really good.
The family has set up a GoFundMe fundraiser to help care for the girls with money for medical, travel and daily living expenses, as well as a minibus with “at least 10 or 12 seats.”
