Stephanie Hansen, a single mom in Washington state, gave birth to three baby girls in 2020. And they’re not triplets.
The second pregnancy came as a total shock to Hansen, who was in a new relationship.
“In order to get on birth control, I had to take a pregnancy test,” Hansen recalled.
The rest is history.
Dr. Christine Greves, an OB-GYN at Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies in Orlando, Florida said that ovulation can return as soon as six weeks after a baby is born.
“After pregnancy, women aren’t necessarily cognizant of what their cycle is,” Greves explained. “But if you got pregnant once, it’s possible to get conceive again, even if you don’t think you’re ovulating.”
Hansen says that’s exactly what happened to her.
“I was in a newborn fog, and then there was the excitement of this new relationship,” she said. “I was just adjusting to everything.”
Luckily, Hansen’s fears dissipated the day she brought Rubie and Penelope home from the hospital. At the time, Daphne wasn’t walking yet, but she knew how to give hugs.
“All Daphne wanted to do was touch them,” Hansen said.
Daphne is now 2, while Penelope and Rubie are 15 months old. The three siblings are inseparable.
“They are the Three Musketeers,” Hansen said.
They’re on the same schedule.
They eat, bathe and play together.
They share a room.
Though Hansen is no longer romantically involved with Penelope and Rubie’s father, the two remain friends and co-parents.
” But I am the happiest because I’ve got the children. These kids are the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” She said.