I had three babies but they are NOT triplets – no, it wasn't planned and yes, it's super tough at times

The Sun

11-05-2025

A MOTHER has revealed that she has three babies, but they are NOT triplets.
Zara Bradbury, 36, gave birth to three girls in the space of just nine months - after falling pregnant with twins only one month after having her third child.
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Zara welcomed her first little girl, Dei-Dei, on October 7, 2023, and she and her partner, Luke, 31, didn't plan to add to their family until she was a few years older.
But just one month after she gave birth, in November 2023, Zara missed a period - so took a pregnancy test and was shocked to discover she was expecting again.
But Zara was left even more stunned when she discovered she was having twins at her 20-week scan in February 2024.
The mother then gave birth to two daughters, Zayla and Kayla, six weeks early, on July 26, 2024 - just nine months after their big sister Dei-Dei - and said strangers often mistake the three girls for triplets as they look so similar.
Zara described having three under the age of two as "tough at times" but claimed they're all thriving and each of the girls has their own "totally different" personalities.
Zara, a stay-at-home mum, from Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire, explained: "It was a real shock finding out I was pregnant with the twins after just giving birth.
"Luke was very very shocked, but he was hoping for twins as twins run in his family.
"He was adamant they were going to be boys - now he's truly outnumbered.
"They look a little bit alike, but I wouldn't say they look double.
'I do tend to dress them all the same. All the time everyone comes up to us thinking they're triplets.
I was called a paedo on my wedding day after marrying a '10-year-old boy' - now we're expecting triplets
"I love that they can all be there for each other and look out for each other growing up.
"I'm not looking forward to all three of them starting their hormones at the same time though, or when they all want a mobile phone or laptop."
Different parenting techniques
Here are some widely recognised methods:
Authoritative Parenting
This technique will often foster independence, self-discipline, and high self-esteem in children.
It is often considered the most effective, this technique is where parents set clear expectations - enforcing rules - whilst also showing warmth and support.
Authoritarian Parenting
This is opposite to authoritative parenting, as it is where the parent sets high demands but is low on responsiveness.
It involves ensuring the child is obedient and often employ punitive measures. While this can lead to disciplined behaviour, it may also result in lower self-esteem and social skills in children.
Permissive Parenting
Permissive parents tend to be indulgent and lenient, often taking on a role more akin to a friend than an authority figure. They are highly responsive but lack demandingness, granting children a lot of freedom. This method can nurture creativity and a free-spirited nature but may also result in poor self-regulation and difficulties with authority.
Uninvolved Parenting
Uninvolved or neglectful parenting is marked by low responsiveness and low demands. Parents in this category offer minimal guidance, nurturing, or attention. This often leaves children feeling neglected, which can have significant negative effects on their emotional and social development.
Helicopter Parenting
Helicopter parents are extremely involved and overprotective, frequently micromanaging their children's lives. Although their goal is to protect and support, this approach can hinder a child's ability to develop independence and problem-solving skills.
Free-Range Parenting
Free-range parenting encourages children to explore and learn from their surroundings with minimal parental interference. This method promotes independence and resilience but requires a safe and supportive environment to be successful.
Attachment Parenting
According to Marriage.com, Attachment parenting focuses on physical closeness and emotional bonding, often through practices such as co-sleeping and baby-wearing. This approach aims to create secure attachments and emotional well-being, but demands significant time and emotional commitment from parents.
Each of these parenting techniques has its own set of strengths and weaknesses. The key is to find a balanced approach that aligns with the family's values and meets the child's needs for a healthy, happy upbringing.
Before having Dei-Dei, Zara was worried she wouldn't be able to have children after suffering three miscarriages in late 2022 and was due to have a doctor's appointment to test why when she fell pregnant.
But, after a difficult pregnancy where Zara was constantly in hospital with gestational diabetes, Dei-Dei was born at Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield at 10.01am on October 7, 2023, weighing 8lbs.
Just nine months later, the twins arrived on July 26, 2024, via emergency c-section at 34 weeks.
Zayla was born at 10.40am weighing 4lb 5ox, with younger sister, Kayla, following at 10.43am weighing 5lb.
Zara added: "I just knew that I wanted quite similar names because they were twins.
"I really liked Zayla, and I was trying to find something nice that went with it.
"Their umbilical cords had stopped working so they had to get them out as there was a risk of stillbirth.
"We spent 11 days in hospital."
The family has had some challenges - including Kayla's recent referral to a paediatrician for child development and neurodisability.
"It can be quite hard, but we've got a good routine going on," Zara continued.
"The only problem is we're stuck in a two-bed house with all these kids.
"We don't even have a garden for them, so that can be quite tricky."
The girls are forming their own personalities as they grow, with Zayla the "chirpy" one of the two, and sister Kayla "unsettled" - while big sister, Dei-Dei, is "chilled".
sleep here when she can to help out.
"And Luke's mum and dad help whenever they can. They dote on them".