Couple Conceives Miracle Triplets After Parents Fund One Final IVF Attempt
A Dublin couple who had nearly given up on their dream of parenthood after five failed rounds of IVF are celebrating a miraculous outcome — the birth of identical triplet daughters, made possible by one final treatment generously funded by family.
Niamh and Jeff Quinlan, both 37, had spent over €43,000 on fertility treatments and endured years of disappointment, loss, and emotional exhaustion. Just when they thought their journey had come to an end, Niamh’s father, Michael Foley, and her stepmother, Patricia, a midwife, stepped in with a life-changing gift: €7,600 (£7,000) to cover one final IVF attempt.
“I just broke down in tears when my dad told me what they had done for us,” Niamh said. “It was completely unexpected. Even then, I didn’t think it would work.”
To everyone’s astonishment, the treatment succeeded — and the couple learned they were expecting triplets. In December, Niamh gave birth to Molly, Chloe, and Megan — three tiny miracles whose arrival marked the end of a long and emotional road.
A Long Road to Parenthood
The couple’s story began in 2016, soon after their wedding. When months of trying yielded no success, doctors discovered one of Niamh’s fallopian tubes was blocked and recommended IUI (intrauterine insemination).
“It was a relief to have an answer, and we assumed pregnancy would happen soon,” Niamh said. “But after another year, we were told IVF was our only option.”
Five cycles later — all unsuccessful — their finances and spirits were drained. They began exploring surrogacy, convinced Niamh would never be able to carry a child.
Then came her father’s call — and with it, renewed hope.
“I couldn’t believe it when I found out I was pregnant,” Niamh said. “And when the scan showed three babies, I was completely gobsmacked.”
A High-Risk but Joyful Pregnancy
At first, Niamh thought her abdominal swelling was a normal side effect of IVF medication — until doctors explained it was caused by extremely high pregnancy hormone levels. Her first scan confirmed the stunning truth: three developing babies.
“It was pure joy — and also terrifying,” she admitted. “We knew triplet pregnancies come with risks.”
Those fears became reality at 30 weeks, when doctors detected complications and decided to perform an emergency C-section at Coombe Women’s Hospital in Dublin. On December 17, a team of 40 doctors and nurses safely delivered the premature but resilient girls:
Molly – 3 lb 4 oz
Megan – 2 lb 10 oz
Chloe – 2 lb 14 oz
All three spent several weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where they received round-the-clock care.
“When each baby cried for the first time, I felt a wave of relief,” Niamh said. “The first cuddle with each of them took my breath away.”
One of the girls, Molly, briefly stopped breathing and required emergency treatment — a terrifying moment for the new parents. But nine weeks later, all three sisters were finally healthy enough to go home — just in time for what would have been their original due date.
Family Reunited and Forever Grateful
Because of COVID-19 restrictions, proud grandparents Michael and Patricia couldn’t meet their granddaughters in person for months. When they finally did, it was an emotional reunion.
“There’s so much love in that household,” Michael said. “It feels wonderful to see my daughter so happy. Helping her become a mother is the best thing I’ve ever done.”
Niamh says she’ll always be grateful for her parents’ generosity — and the second chance it gave her family.
“I can’t thank my dad enough for what he did for us,” she said. “One day, I’ll tell my daughters the whole story — how they came into this world because of hope, love, and a little miracle.”
From heartbreak to triple happiness, the Quinlans’ journey is a powerful testament to faith, family, and the miracles that come when love never gives up.
