In brief
A 34‑year‑old mother delivered four identical babies in a premature caesarean section at 28 weeks, a genetic rarity that has stunned doctors in Brisbane. One‑in‑15‑million chances turned into a healthy quartet that will stay in intensive care until full term. The family plans to raise the kids together while the mother raises a new van to transport them. Fund‑raising for medical supplies has already raised more than A$37,000. Fiji-inspired stories of quadruplets showcase the extreme wonder of nature and the grit of modern medicine.
An Australian mother named Jenitar Na’amoana gave birth to four identical girls after a 28‑week, 28‑day premature caesarean section on 14 July. The quadruplets were naturally conceived, a rare event with odds of roughly one in fifteen million.
The doctors at Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital warned that a monozygotic quadruplet pregnancy with a single placenta was unheard of and classified the case as extremely high risk. The mother, 34, and her husband Jortham were stunned when the specialist, Dr Alexa Bendall, began monitoring them from the start of her pregnancy.
The four babies – Emily, Harriet, Catherine and Alexa – were delivered in a surgical suite and placed in incubators. They will remain in the neonatal intensive care unit until the gestation reaches full term.
Dr Bendall praised the family’s resilience, calling the babies a “beautiful tribute”. The parents, who already have four older children ranging from one to 10 years old, have launched a fundraiser to purchase a van capable of filming all four newborns together.
The fundraiser has already attracted more than A$37,000. In her note, Jenitar said the four babies arrived safe but the challenges of caring for them are immense. The story shines a light on the marvel of nature and the power of modern medicine to keep life alive.
