Jonathan Mwangi and his wife Susan Chepkemei hold their newly born quadruplets at their home in Lare, Njoro, Nakuru County on February 3, 2025. BONIFACE MWANGI/NATION
For many, the thought of raising a newborn is overwhelming, but for Susan Chepkemei, the surprise of carrying and delivering four babies at once was both a miracle and a challenge.
Ms Chepkemei, who gave birth to quadruplets (all girls) on January 31 at the Nakuru Level Five Hospital through a cesarean section, is celebrating the arrival of her newborn children.
Recalling her journey, Ms Chepkemoi says that she visited Njoro sub-county hospital for her antenatal clinic while she was 20 weeks pregnant, where the doctors conducted a scan and broke the news to her.
"As l waited for my results, l could see doctors talking in low tones before they finally broke the news to me. The scan report revealed that l was carrying triplets. I was shocked and confused," she told the Nation.
Despite the news being a unique moment for her motherhood and parenting journey, a mix of emotions rushed through her mind— excitement, fear, and an overwhelming sense of responsibility.
"It was my third pregnancy. I was shocked and confused. Interestingly, the doctors referred my clinics to Nakuru Level Five Hospital, where l could visit every two weeks, to ensure the babies were okay, a routine l adopted until l delivered," she recalled.
"The day l delivered, l stayed in the labour ward for six hours, before l was due to deliver.”
She recalled that her husband, who was at home at the time, borrowed his friend’s vehicle and used it to rush her to the hospital.
At the hospital, Ms Chepkemei stayed in the labour ward for six hours before she was wheeled to the where she underwent the surgery, giving birth to quadruplets, something she was not expecting.
“Since I started my clinics, the scan report showed that I was carrying three. When I told my husband we were expecting three it took him three days before he could comprehend the news. One day he woke up asking me if I was sure of what I was saying. He even asked for the scan results to see it for himself, that's when he was content,” she recalled.
The infants, weighing two, 1.8, 1.6, and 1.5 kilogrammes, were taken to the newborn unit.
She says that her pregnancy was not smooth, as she could fall ill and could barely do anything at home.
“Two of the girls were underweight, they stayed in the nursery for weeks before they attained the required weight. They are healthy and doing okay. I never imagined I would be a mother to four babies at the same time. I kept wondering how I would manage, but at the same time, I feel incredibly blessed,” she says.
Days after welcoming her bundles of joy, Ms Chepkemei says her life changed but she faces each day with hope and gratitude.
The quadruplets, each with their unique personalities and feeding patterns, have made sleep a luxury for their mother.
But despite the sleepless nights and countless sacrifices, Ms Chepkemei says she wouldn't trade this experience for anything.
“My nights are no longer nights, they are normally up at night, the firstborn is stubborn, the second and third born are relatively calm, while the last born is just a calm baby. At least I get time to relax during the day as they are always asleep. Feeding four babies every few hours is exhausting, and diaper changes feel never-ending," she says.
“Each baby is special in their way. When I see them smiling, all the exhaustion fades away. Their love gives me the strength to keep going. I know the journey won’t be easy, but I believe that with love, patience, and the support of my family, my babies will grow up healthy and happy.”
Despite the exhaustion, she remains grateful for the support of family and friends who have stepped in to help with the demanding schedule.
Her husband Jonathan Mwangi, a milk transporter, employed at a dairy society, says his day starts at 6am, before returning home to be with his wife and the kids.
He says that since their arrival, the family has been receiving visitors who visit to experience the rare phenomenon in Lare.
However, Mwangi says that raising the four has not been easy as the cost of milk formula, diapers, and baby’s clothes is high and yet he gets paid by commission earning Sh600 per day.
Although he receives some assistance from his family, the burden remains heavy saying that the little he earns is too little to cater for his family. In a week he spends Sh1900 for nan milk and Sh1200 for diapers.
The family is now pleading to well-wishers for financial support to enable them to continue providing for their six daughters as they are not financially stable.
"There are days when I wonder how I will afford everything they need, but every time I look at their tiny faces, I remind myself to stay strong and keep pushing forward. Sometimes, I feel overwhelmed, but I remind myself that I am not alone. My family has been my pillar of strength," he says.
