Prematurity Awareness Month: A Mother’s Unwavering Strength and Journey With Triplets

As we celebrate Prematurity Awareness Month this November, we spotlight the inspiring story of Nichara Holcombe’s unexpected health journey, marked by the birth of her preemie triplets and the exceptional care they received at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health.

Shock and joy: Triplets on the way

Nichara’s world turned upside down in December 2024 when a routine check-up at her local hospital revealed that she was expecting not one, not two, but three little ones—conceived naturally. “Seeing the mix of shock and joy in my husband’s eyes was unforgettable,” she recalled. “I felt this incredible sense of awe.” The couple quickly shifted into preparation mode to welcome their three miracles.

In May, Nichara’s doctor suggested that she plan to give birth at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford in Palo Alto. The doctors were concerned about the medical complexities that come with carrying triplets, including a high likelihood of premature birth. The risks are best managed by experienced teams of maternal-fetal medicine specialists and neonatologists.

Delivering between 39 and 40 weeks is best for singleton pregnancies, as it allows full organ development and minimizes health risks. Some obstetricians worry because the uterus gets so crowded, the gestation period for multiples usually doesn’t extend beyond 34 weeks, which means mom and babies require additional medical management and care.

Nichara needed this expertise after her primary physician discovered that Baby B, later named Za’Riah Nichole, was experiencing fetal growth restriction. This condition can lead to the baby being smaller than expected at birth. Diagnosing and managing the condition earlier can lead to better outcomes.

In Nichara’s case, she delivered the triplets at 32 weeks in early June. She arrived at Packard Children’s on a Saturday, and five days later she gave birth to two girls and a boy. “The birth itself was surprisingly quick—no longer than two hours,” she recounted, with her triplets, Ny’Lah, Za’Riah, and I’Sa Curry, born minutes apart.

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a critical journey for parents and families of preemie triplets. The transition from birth to the NICU marks the beginning of a complex process crucial for the fragile health of premature babies, whose immature bodies need support with critical functions such as breathing and getting adequate nutrition. “The nurses and doctors were like a second set of hands you didn’t know you needed, especially when handling three babies all at once,” Nichara said.

Guided by the NICU staff, Nichara also rediscovered kangaroo care, a practice that bonded her with her babies, stabilizing their health and nurturing their development. “This skin-to-skin contact became an integral part of our routine,” she shared, underscoring its profound impact.

Although it was stressful to have three fragile newborns in the hospital at once, Nichara and her husband felt fortunate that all three of their children made steady progress in the care of the NICU team. Navigating the early stages of parenthood can be a roller coaster of emotions for any family, but for those with premature multiples, the journey is particularly intricate.

After a challenging start, one of Nichara’s doctors explained that all three babies experienced gastroesophageal reflux, a condition considered benign, but can cause issues tolerating feedings. “Fortunately, they were spitting up less frequently and were gaining weight steadily by the time of discharge,” said Cody Arnold, MD, neonatal-perinatal medicine and pediatrics physician at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. “Their hospital stays were prolonged a bit but were ultimately discharged home on a special formula due to suspected milk protein allergy.”

Shared experience

Nichara extended her heartfelt advice to other parents navigating similar journeys: “Trust yourself, trust the medical team, and give yourself grace.”

“Nichara’s dedication to her three babies was inspiring to witness,” said Jacqualine Johnson, clinical social worker at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. “She was deeply involved in every aspect of their care, learning each baby’s unique needs and celebrating every milestone. Her strength and commitment truly made a difference in the triplet’s NICU journey.”

As we mark Prematurity Awareness Month, Nichara’s story shines a light on the resilience of families facing high-risk pregnancies. “Ny’Lah, Za’Riah, and I’Sa all spent two months in the hospital after they were born. Despite these challenges, my babies are thriving and hitting all their developmental milestones.”

Nichara’s journey shows how delicate pregnancies can end in beautiful outcomes with the right care and support. High-risk and premature births are not synonymous with hopelessness; rather, they are journeys where trust, resilience, and expert medical attention pave the way for healthy, joyful arrivals.