Twenty-eight-year-old native of Cross River State, Mrs Charity Anani, tells AYOOLA OLASUPO about how her expectation of twins suddenly became quadruplets in the labour room, the family’s shock and their struggle to pay N3m hospital bill
Can you tell us about yourself and your family background?
I am 28 years old, and we are from Cross River State. I teach in a private school.
What does your husband do for a living?
My husband rides an okada (commercial motorcycle).
When did you first learn that you were expecting four babies?
We weren’t expecting four babies initially because when I went for a scan, it showed that there were two. So, we were very surprised that they all came out as four. After I gave birth to the first two by myself, the doctor said he realised that two more babies were still in my belly, so I was very surprised that I did not even know what to say.
What was your husband’s reaction when he heard the news?
He was very surprised, especially now that things are very hard for the family. He was happy and also displeased at the same time because he was not expecting four babies. We already have a daughter, and he was expecting twins, but it was so sudden how it changed to four. I think he is thinking about how to cope now.
When exactly did you deliver the babies?
It was on Friday, February 27, 2026.
How did your distant relatives react the moment they learnt that you had four babies?
Everybody was shocked because they all knew we were expecting just two babies. They were also worried about the financial burden the situation would cost. They were just like, ‘How are we going to cope with this now?’ But they were also happy I was part of the family, delivered the babies without complications, and the four of them are alive.
What is the gender of the babies?
There are three boys and a girl.
Why haven’t you been discharged until now?
I’ve been discharged, but it’s the hospital bills that are keeping us here. We were told that our bill is N3m.
How much have you been able to pay?
We have no money, and that is what is still keeping us here. We are very happy that we can help the children because the two babies that came out last were sick, and they are receiving oxygen, which costs N55,000 per one. The last baby was put in an incubator, and we pay N50,000 for that every day.
What happened to the last two babies?
They were very weak because I gave birth to the first two by myself, but the remaining two were through a caesarean section. It was after their birth that we found out that the babies were very weak, especially the last one, which is very small. So, we have to put him inside an incubator. All the babies are alive now, and they are fine.
What was the pregnancy journey like for you, carrying four babies at once?
It was very hard because I experienced a lot of pain, especially in my legs, which were swollen. It was as if the babies rested on my left leg, so I could not move properly, even though I was still going to school to teach when I was pregnant. I was still working and still doing some house chores.
My tummy was very big and heavy, but I was still trying to do some exercise; I used to move around. I used to feel both back and waist pain, so I could not walk very well.
Were there moments during the pregnancy when you were worried or scared for your health or the babies’?
No. After I gave birth to the first two babies, I was grateful to God because everything was okay before we later found out that there were two more. I was very weak, but there were no complications except for the caesarean section that was carried out. Even during the pregnancy, I was not worried because there were no complications whatsoever throughout the period.
Did you feel any sense of fulfilment when the four babies arrived?
I was very shocked and excited at the same time. But I didn’t know what was happening at the hospital.
It was when I woke up and realised that they were four, I said, ‘Ah! These four children came out of whose tummy?’
I was surprised because the scan revealed to us that there were two, and we were expecting just two babies. How come they turned to four all of a sudden? I also felt that they were going to cost us a lot of money to take care of them. That was how I felt at that moment.
What were the doctors’ reactions when the babies arrived safely?
My case was the first time they would be experiencing someone giving birth to four babies at once in the hospital. It was a private hospital, so they were happy too that it happened for the very first time.
Have you given the babies names?
We haven’t been able to name the kids yet since we are still in the hospital.
Since they are a week old now, when do you plan to do their naming ceremony?
We need to get out of here before we can plan a naming ceremony. Although I’ve been discharged, we need to pay up the money before they can allow us to go, and the babies are still receiving treatment.
Caring for one newborn can be challenging. What has it been like taking care of four babies at the same time?
We have been able to do some things. We bought baby food for the babies. We have been able to take care of them just as they are. People are also helping us with whatever they have. Some bought baby food for us.
When you are eventually discharged from the hospital, how do you plan to raise the children?
We are hoping for God’s grace. The important thing is for us to do our best to raise the children, and we believe that with God, everything is possible, and with the help of the people, we will be able to raise the children.
What has been the most joyful or memorable moment since you welcomed the babies?
I give glory to God, and I’m happy that they are alive and healthy. I’m also happy that I was able to give birth to them without any complications or stress, and with the way I’m seeing them, it is a thing of joy.
Do you plan to have more children in the future after this?
No! We are okay now. We have been blessed with five children already. We are okay with what He has given to us because it is only God who understands why He gave them to us, so we are fine with it.
Are you saying that you will do family planning?
Yes, after these ones, we will go for family planning.
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