Three New Zealand mothers share their unique parenting experiences – from having a ‘miracle’ baby, to parenting as a trans woman, to raising three sets of twins.
Tressa Simonsen, a caregiver from Tauranga, is known as the mother who gave birth to three sets of fraternal twin boys. The odds of this happening are 500,000 to one. Her sons, Sharaz and Shaqiel (24), Daklan and Darius (15), and Kelly and Kramer (13), have three different fathers. Despite the high risk of complications with multiple births, all of her sons are healthy. Raising six boys alone has been challenging, especially with her diagnoses of fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. However, her sons have been supportive and helpful, especially with household chores and school runs.
Lexie Matheson, a transgender activist, entertainer, and educator, has four children. Despite criticism from anti-trans individuals, she asserts her right to call herself a mother. She transitioned in 1997 and later married her current wife, Cushla. Their son, Finn, was conceived on their wedding night. Finn, now 21, is the absolute joy of Lexie’s life. She believes that Finn is fortunate to have two mothers who love and support him.
Qiane Matata-Sipu, an award-winning journalist, photographer, visual artist, and activist, struggled with infertility due to polycystic ovarian syndrome. She and her husband tried various fertility treatments and lifestyle changes for six years before deciding to stop. After sharing her experience in a magazine article, she fell pregnant naturally and gave birth to their daughter, Haeata te Kapua. Four years later, she had a miscarriage and encourages open discussions about fertility issues and loss. Her daughter’s name means the beam of light that broke through the clouds of darkness, symbolizing her journey to motherhood.
