Amazing Journey: Two Pregnancies, Six Children – A 31-Year-Old’s Story

“It will be hard to impress Digna Carpio this Mother’s Day – the Queens mom already has six jewels” means that Digna Carpio already has six children, so it will be difficult to impress her on Mother’s Day.

“Digna gave birth to sextuplets in October, six healthy babies who are really something to celebrate” means that Digna Carpio gave birth to six healthy babies at the same time in October.

“Just being together, having a quiet and relaxing day with all of my babies, is enough,” Digna, who is 31 years old, said in Spanish. She then added with a giggle, “But ‘relaxing’ and ‘quiet’ do not come easily to this house anymore.”

Digna and her husband Victor are getting accustomed to having a full house with six babies. In addition, the couple has an eight-year-old son named Jhan Carlos.

“It’s tough going out with six babies,” Digna said. “Just knowing they are with me, happy and healthy, is the best feeling.”

On a recent afternoon, the babies were resting in six bassinets arranged in two neat rows in the family’s living room. Genesis was smiling, anticipating her feeding time, while Justin, who is usually quiet, waited patiently. When Jaden started crying, Joel, Jezreel, and Danelia followed suit.

“Each one is developing their own personality,” their mom said. “To others, they look the same. I already know who is who.”

Digna and Victor admit that their joy has come with sacrifices. The bills continue to pile up, and the big expenses such as $5,000 for electricity, money for baby food, and all those diapers can be tough to cover on the $900 biweekly salary that 35-year-old Victor makes as a maintenance worker.

The Carpio babies are only the second group of sextuplets born to a New York couple and are believed to be the first Hispanic sextuplets in U.S. history.

Two nurses from the Visiting Nurses of New York help the parents care for the babies. But once they leave at 6 p.m., both Digna and Victor know that sleep will be a luxury.

“I don’t want to get overwhelmed,” Digna said. “I’m already thinking I’m going to need a van or a bus to take them to school.”

While Digna and Victor know that money will be short for a long time to come, looking at the adorable faces of their babies makes it all worth it.

“Sometimes I feel like I’m going to go crazy, and then I look at them. It’s the best feeling,” Digna said. “It’s the best gift for a mother.”