Three's company: Nain mom delivers 3 girls in St. John's

Renee Semigak's triplets are all doing well since their birth in early May

Image | Triplets Nain

Caption: The babies were each born one minute apart, and two are identical, says Semigak. (Submitted)

A young mother from Nain is celebrating the arrival of not one, not two, but three beautiful baby girls.
18-year-old Renee Semigak gave birth to triplets Emily, Naeme, and Justine earlier this month in St. John's.
She told Labrador Morning Monday that the lead up to the birth was "surprising" — to say the least — but that she's thrilled to have three healthy and vibrant girls.
"It was long but when the time started to come it was really exciting," she said. "They came out very healthy."
Two of the girls are identical, while one is fraternal.

Image | Healthy triplets Nain

Caption: Renee Semigak says she will be able to take her daughters home as soon as they are feeding properly. (Submitted)

Semigak came to St. John's to give birth to ensure the babies had a safe and healthy delivery.
​As far as anyone can remember, it's the first time a woman from the Labrador community has had triplets.
Semigak said she's thankful to have a big support team back home in Nain, including help from community members who held a diaper drive for her babies.
She said she has lots of support from her own mother, her children's father, and her siblings and extended family too.

Grandma overwhelmed and excited

Semigak's mother Emma Kalleo didn't quite believe the news when her daughter told her she was having triplets.

"Oh my god, it was so overwhelming. Thinking 'geez, my baby girl is having triplets.' It was just shocking," said Kalleo.

It didn't take long to get excited. She acknowledged that while it's going to be a lot of work it'll be a worthwhile journey.

Image | Grandma triplets nain

Caption: Grandma Emma Kalleo says she's thrilled to welcome her new grandchildren and that she's grateful for the support her family has received. (Submitted)

"The day they were born I just burst out in tears when the father came out and said they were all here and a minute apart," Kalleo said.

"When everything was all said and done and the doctor said that everything was okay and my daughter was going to be ok … that's when it really hit me that the girls are here and it's time to spend time with them and get to know them."

Semigak said that once the babies are feeding properly, she'll be able to go back home to Nain.