Yenia, the mother, along with her three children, remain hospitalized in the Skin-to-Skin ward of the Neonatology service at Lenin Hospital. Photo: Maylín Betancourt

First Triplets Born in Holguin in 2026

At 29 years old, Yenia Lago Santiesteban never imagined that while trying for her fifth child, she would naturally become pregnant with triplets. Thus, on June 16th, at 34 weeks gestation. She gave birth to Ian, Dylan, and Liam, the first triplets of 2026. Born at the maternity ward of the Vladimir Ilich Lenin General University Hospital in Holguin.

“I am so grateful to everyone since I arrived at the hospital at 24 weeks pregnant. And I’ve been here for almost five months. During that time, I’ve felt well cared for, and the babies have developed well. Thanks to the doctors and nurses, their dedication, and their high standards.

“Despite the risks, the delivery went as expected, and I felt immense joy when I met my babies. As a mother, I’ve had a lot of patience, which is essential for caring for them. While I’m breastfeeding one and another cries, I talk to them, hold their hands, and they calm down. I have four other children, ages 14, 13, seven, and four, and they are all eager for me and their siblings to come home in Maceo. It is truly a blessing from God,” declared the now mother of seven.

A set of triplets hadn’t been born in Holguin province since 2024. At that time, Dr. Irán González Céspedes, the obstetrician-gynecologist at Cuba’s largest maternity hospital. He explained that in cases of multiple pregnancies of this nature… For better monitoring, the pregnant woman is admitted to the March 8th Maternity Home. In case of any eventuality, she is transferred to the Perinatology Ward of the maternity hospital. Also where specialized medical care is available 24 hours a day.

Starting at 26 weeks, when the fetuses are viable, fetal well-being tests are initiated for the mother to monitor the babies’ development. Prematurity prevention measures are also implemented. Should any morbidity arise that endangers the lives of the mother and children, a cesarean section is performed.

At birth, the babies are reported to be in serious condition. Due to the risk of complications associated with prematurity, such as infections. For this reason, they are closely monitored by the Neonatology service. The success in carrying multiple pregnancies like this to term and achieving a favorable outcome for the babies. It is the result of teamwork among obstetricians, nurses, anesthesiologists, and neonatologists.

Dr. Ana Nastia Tamayo explained the current progress of the triplets. Ortiz, head of the Neonatology service at the “Lenin” hospital, reported that the first twin, Ian, was born weighing 1,780 grams. Dylan 1,175 grams, and Liam 1,700 grams. The first and third required non-invasive ventilation for 24 hours. All three had begun colostrum therapy and were breastfed by their mother three days after birth. At six days old, they were transferred to the skin-to-skin room.

The triplets are almost 50 days old. The first weighs over 2,325 grams and is exclusively breastfed. The second weighs over 1,725 grams, and the third weighs over 2,530 grams. The third received supplemental formula donated to the Enfamil organization. Also they are progressing well, with regular checkups in Retinopathy, Physiatry, and Psychology, and the mother is doing very well. They will soon be discharged to the community. “They will reach the appropriate weight,” the neonatologist concluded.

Furthermore the public health system in Holguin province closely monitors pregnant women. As a key component of the Maternal and Child Health Program (PAMI). To this end, differentiated strategies have been developed for monitoring pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. Ranging from Primary Health Care (PHC) to Secondary Care in provincial hospitals. The arrival of a baby is always cause for celebration, but when it’s triplets, the joy is multiplied!

Maylín Betancourt Verdecia
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