Boy oh boy oh boy! Triplets melting hearts at TUH

Three tiny baby boys whose Māori names mean ‘heart’, ‘sunshine’, and ‘gift’ sleep peacefully in Townsville University Hospital’s neonatal unit blissfully unaware that they have completed a family. 

Manawa (heart), Mahana (sunshine), and Makaio (gift) were born preterm at 32 weeks, on 25 October, and have been melting hearts ever since. 

After years of infertility, Mount Isa couple Casey and Reagan Thatcher, originally from Auckland, are ‘over the moon’ with their new additions who join big brother three-year-old Hauiti. 

“Hauiti was born after four years of fertility treatment and three miscarriages,” Mrs Thatcher said.

“Hauiti is so special to us, we wanted to add to our family and give him siblings to grow up with. 

“When Hauiti turned two, we knew we wanted to start trying for another baby. 

“I understood how difficult and long it could possibly take to fall pregnant again so we turned to our doctor and started the process of the IUI (intrauterine insemination).” 

After just one cycle of IUI, where sperm are inserted into the uterus at the time of ovulation, Mrs Thatcher fell pregnant with the triplets. 

“Of course, at first, we were worried about cost-of-living pressures and how we’d cope with a kindergartener and three babies,” she said. 

“Now we couldn’t imagine anything but our family of four precious boys.” 

Mrs Thatcher said the babies’ names were inspired during her pregnancy. 

“Manawa was at the bottom being squished by his brothers, so we knew had a big heart,” Mrs Thatcher said. 

“We could always see Mahana at the front of every scan, so he is our sunshine, while Makaio, as triplet three, is a true gift.” 

Maternal fetal medicine (MFM) fellow Dr Natasha Frost said triplet pregnancies were not common and accounted for around 100 births in Australia each year. 

“Managing Casey’s high-risk pregnancy and safe delivery of her babies was a real team effort and it has been an absolute privilege to be able to be part of this team and get to know Casey and her family through this special journey,” Dr Frost said. 

“Watching her babies doing well and getting closer to going home brings so much joy to the whole MFM team and is the reason we love what we do.” 

Neonatologist Dr Natalee Williamson said it was a privilege to look after the babies and families who needed the hospital’s care. 

“Triplets are always memorable and we’re fortunate to have the opportunity to help parents in caring for the health of their babies, until they are ready to go safely home,” she said. 

“For every family, taking their newborn home is a big day and I can only imagine how life- changing taking three new babies' home at once must be.  

“We wish Casey, Reagan, and Hauiti all the best as the babies continue to get stronger and closer to being home.” 

Mrs Thatcher said she especially wanted to thank her doctor at Mount Isa Hospital Dr Elena Kreimer. 

“None of this would have been possible without her support, guidance, and expertise,” Mrs Thatcher said.  

Mr Thatcher had a special shoutout for Ronald McDonald House where the couple has been staying. 

“They have been amazing and we’re very grateful,” he said.