30 Weeks Pregnant with Quadruplets: Preparing for the NICU, Feeding & Breast Milk | S9 | Ep225

Sam Smith is back on Sense by Meg, and this time she’s 30 weeks pregnant with quadruplets.After previously sharing her extraordinary pregnancy journey, Sam joins Meg Faure and paediatric dietitian Kath Megaw to talk about navigating the final weeks of a high-risk multiple pregnancy, getting enough nutrition when there simply isn’t much room to eat, and preparing for what comes next.Kath shares practical guidance on protein, calories, smoothies and supplements during the third trimester, before unpacking what Sam can expect when her four babies arrive and enter the NICU. They discuss TPN, donor breast milk, colostrum, establishing breast milk production, skin-to-skin contact and the important role Sam can play in her babies’ feeding journey.With Sam now at 30 weeks, the focus is on reaching the next milestone while preparing emotionally and practically for the birth of four premature babies.If you enjoy this episode, please give us a 5-star rating! IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARNHow to increase calories without having to eat significantly larger mealsWhat to look for when choosing a protein powder during pregnancyHow nutrition can support placental health and fetal growthWhy protein is particularly important during pregnancy, especially with multiple placentas and growing babiesWhat TPN (parenteral nutrition) is and why it may be used in the NICUHow donor breast milk can support premature babies while a mother establishes her own milk supplyThe role of colostrum in the early days after birthHow mothers can contribute to their babies’ NICU journey through breast milk and skin-to-skin contactHow mums can look after their own nutrition while establishing breast milk productionWhat Sam is preparing for as she gets closer to the planned birth of her four babiesCHAPTERS00:47  How is the quadruplet pregnancy going? 05:50  Eating during a quadruplet pregnancy 13:37  Can nutrition influence baby’s growth? 15:49  Preparing for the NICU 18:33  What happens when premature babies enter the NICU?20:15  TPN, breast milk & early feeding 23:02  A mother’s role in the NICU24:42  Colostrum & establishing breast milk26:18  Nutrition and breast milk production28:34  What’s next for Sam?ABOUT THE GUESTSam Smith is a Cape Town-based mum who is currently pregnant with quadruplets. She previously joined Sense by Meg to share her pregnancy journey and returns at 30 weeks to talk honestly about the physical realities of carrying four babies, preparing for the NICU and getting ready for life with four newborns alongside her toddler, Teddy.Follow Sam Smith on Instagram: @samsmithofcapetown 𝗞𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗲𝗴𝗮𝘄Kath Megaw is a paediatric dietitian and a specialist voice in infant nutrition. She is the CEO of Nutripaeds Follow along on Instagram: @nutripaedsABOUT THE SENSE BY MEG PODCASTSense by Meg is the parenting podcast from occupational therapist, parenting expert and Parent Sense founder Meg Faure.With more than 20 years of experience in occupational therapy and a special focus on infant regulation, sensory processing, attachment and early relationships, Meg brings together leading experts, researchers and parents to explore the science behind raising happy, healthy and resilient children.The podcast is part of Parent Sense, a science-backed parenting solution designed to help parents understand their children and feel more confident in their parenting journey.Download the app here and use code SENSE50 for 50% off. FOLLOW USMeg Faure Instagram | LinkedIn | WebsiteParent Sense Instagram | LinkedIn | Website