When Madison and Justin Collier discovered they would need to make more space than anticipated, they were getting ready to welcome what they believed to be their second and last addition to their metro Atlanta family. Madison Collier visited the doctor for a routine checkup without her husband and learned something she never would have imagined: she was expecting four children, not one.
Collier showed something was off when her doctor asked her if she was taking any fertility drugs. She does not. Collier’s husband, Justin, was at home because he was dealing with allergies. So Collier was alone on the date, and her mind started spinning.
I immediately assumed twins, and he said, “No, not twins,” she said. “At this point, I’m literally thinking to myself, ‘Do they come more than that? ‘” After learning that she was going to have a baby, she called her husband to tell her the news. When he learned that they were about to receive 4 packages of joy, Justin Collier had to lie on the floor.
Isla, the Colliers’ 4-year-old daughter, overhears their talk and inquires as to what transpired. Her response? “Are there any plans for four children?” They assured her they didn’t while laughing.
In the United States, less than 150 tetrads and higher multiples are born each year. They typically occur when either parent uses assisted reproduction. In the United States, less than 150 tetrads and higher multiples are born each year. They typically occur when either parent uses assisted reproduction.
Pregnancy 1 was difficult and exhausting, but carrying four babies increases the risk of complications for both mother and baby. One of the most common complications is premature birth. Collier experienced that when the quads were born around 28 weeks gestation.
Due to preterm birth, infants that weigh between 2 pounds, 5 ounces and 2 pounds, 10 ounces are born underweight and require treatment in the neonatal intensive care unit. But fortunately after just three to four months all four babies and mother are healthy and growing. The Colliers welcomed two boys and two girls: Calloway, Eliza, Iris and Wilder.
Although the babies were born prematurely, they were enthusiastically supported by the medical team at the hospital. was there right away to help and encourage us along the way. If you ever find yourself expecting multiple babies at once, the only piece of advice Justin Collier has for you is, “Be prepared as much as you can, then get on the roller coaster and move on with your dear life.”
