LA Mom Delivers 19-Pound Triplets Naturally

A Los Angeles mother just gave birth to naturally conceived triplets who collectively weighed nearly 20 pounds, a rare medical event that left even veteran healthcare providers amazed.

Nyla Craft discovered she was expecting triplets during a routine doctor's appointment earlier this year. "I saw like two different sets," she recalled. "I was like, 'Oh my goodness, I'm having twins.' And she was like, 'No, there's three.'"

The three boys arrived healthy at Kaiser Permanente South Bay, joining older siblings Naya and Maceo. Their combined birth weight of 19 pounds placed them close to the reported world record of 22.7 pounds for triplets.

What makes the delivery especially remarkable is the rarity of the pregnancy itself. Dr. Quynh Vo-Hanser explained that the triplets include one identical twin pair and one fraternal sibling, all conceived naturally. "I have never seen this, all these conditions within the triplet, in my three decades," she said.

Craft said carrying the babies was physically demanding but worth every moment. "Since it's three babies moving in my stomach at the same time, it was rough," she shared. "But I pushed through it because I wanted them to come out healthy."

The delivery required a team of 15 medical professionals instead of the usual five. Three NICU nurses, multiple doctors, and additional support staff ensured both mother and babies received optimal care throughout the birth.

Multiples run in Craft's family, though she never expected to welcome three at once. Her mother is a twin, and the family tree includes triplet boys as well. Her husband Marco Bernal was initially shocked but is now thrilled, especially since the triplets share his birthday.

Why This Inspires

Dr. Rohit Passi said Craft's story carries special meaning for the medical community. She had faced challenges earlier in life and wasn't sure she would be able to become pregnant at all. Her journey from uncertainty to welcoming five children demonstrates the power of hope and quality healthcare support.

The hospital team approached Craft's care with what they called a holistic equity lens, ensuring her voice was heard throughout the pregnancy. This attention made all the difference in achieving such a positive outcome for a statistically rare birth.

Today, all three boys are healthy, and their big sister Naya has eagerly embraced her new role helping with the babies.