Three times drilling happiness: Paderborn's little miracle conquer hearts!

Three times drilling happiness: Paderborn's little miracle conquer hearts!

In 2025, the St. Vincenz clinics in Paderborn already caused a stir: Up to today's date, February 26, drilling births were recorded there. All nine newborns are healthy and the births took place without complications. The senior physician Christine Schmücker has great interest in other special births until the end of the year and hopes for a record year, similar to the year 2016. The first drilling birth of the year occurred on January 1st, followed by another on January 2 and finally on February 3 when Hannah Wegmann and Mario Lorek brought to the world and a girl.

The quick and uncomfortable birth took place naturally. Senior doctor Frank Dohle confirmed that there were no abnormalities at the babies, and they were temporarily brought to the premature ward of the Clinic for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine in St. Louise. The obstetrics of the St. Vincenz clinics are considered the largest facility of this kind in North Rhine-Westphalia and is characterized by their experience in the care of multiple births. In 2022, a total of 3,904 babies were born here, while Germany only recorded 176 drilling births in 2023, which underlines the rarity of such births.

The rarity of drilling births

The probability of a drilling birth in Germany is around 1 to 7,000 (0.014 %). In recent years, however, an increase in multiple births, especially through artificial fertilizations and hormone treatments, can be observed. In 2016, 14,600 multiple births were registered in Germany, including 258 triplets. Aimen triplets arise from the division of a fertilized egg cell, while double -sized triplets arise from the fertilization of two egg cells, one of which is later shared.

The naturally running drilling births in the St. Vincenz clinics are a rarity. An example of this is the Engelhardt family from Paderborn, who gave birth to Drillinge - Piet, Ivar and Boas - in the St. Louise children's clinic on April 4, 2023. This birth took place within just eight minutes in the 35th week of pregnancy. Juliane and Edgar Engelhardt were surprised when only one baby was recognized in the ultrasound before the number increased to three.

challenges and support

The birth of trillingen is considered a risk pregnancy. Therefore, extensive specialists are available in the clinics to ensure safe support. Christine Schmücker explains that preparation for such births requires a lot of specialist knowledge and staff. These challenges are reinforced by the current shortage of skilled workers in the healthcare system.

The first years with triplets bring special challenges that are both financial nature and that affect family dynamics. Families who expect triplets must adapt to a cost -intensive initial equipment. Tips for reducing costs include purchases of second-handed articles or visiting flea markets.

The results of the special births in Paderborn give rise to hope: If the birth rate for drilling births continues to increase, 2025 could become a record year. The St. Vincenz Clinics are used not only as a medical institution, but also as a place of astonishment for grown families and the entire community.

Further insights into the challenges and the need for support for families with triplets can be found on Parents compass .