Meet the mum who says she’s ‘addicted’ to having babies… and who has now welcomed baby number 12
A new episode of TLC’s Extraordinary Pregnancies follows Mandy and her husband Nathan – who are already parents to 11 children – as they welcome their 12th
MEET the parents who say that they are “addicted” to having children.
A new episode of TLC’s Extraordinary Pregnancies follows Mandy and her husband Nathan, who are already parents to 11 children – as they prepare for baby number 12.
The couple - who have now had the baby - say that the more kids they have, the more they want.
Mandy says: “I have 11 kids; I’m currently cooking number 12.
“There are times when it can be absolute bedlam; they’ll be dogs running around, kids chasing the dogs, adults chasing the kids that are chasing the dogs!”
“Not all [of my] pregnancies were planned – 12 is us being careful – you know, each and every one has been a welcomed addition.”
“Crazy is normal in this house. Would I trade it in for a quiet life – no.”
And when it comes to lots of kids, it isn’t just Mandy who likes having a big brood – hubby Nathan is just as keen.
She says: “Nathan loves having a big family, he’d have about 20 [kids] if I’d let him!”
However, with 11 kids and counting and their Pet pug Beau also expecting a litter of her own, their house is becoming increasingly crowded.
Mandy says: “I’m not the only pregnant lady in the house at the moment.
“I have a pug called Beau and she’s expecting.
“I know how Beau feels and when we’re having a snuggle at the end of the day, I’ve felt my baby kicking Beau and her pups were wriggling against my tummy – we had an understanding.”
And while many may assume that after already giving birth 11 times, a twelfth labour would be easy, they’d be mistaken – with Mandy being at greater risk of haemorrhaging after her birth.
Mandy must be given special medication to help counter any excessive bleeding she may incur from going through so many births.
Mandy tells the camera: “Yes, I am nervous about the birth, you’d think it would get easier the more you have but they’re [each birth] just so different and unpredictable each time, you just don’t know what’s going to happen.
“So, that makes me nervous.”
She adds: “The first 12 weeks are hell. I’m so tired, it’s really draining.”
When it comes to looking after such a large family, Mandy does admit that it can be hard work.
“It’s busy, you just don’t stop. Housework will finish around 1 or 2 o’clock in the morning most days.”
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To compound matters, Mandy runs a tight ship in the family home, meaning if she needs a lengthy stay in hospital, her kids and husband Nathan’s housekeeping skills will be seriously put to the test.
As she shows the camera a comprehensive list of chores, she says: “I’ve written out lists and chores for everyone to keep on top off while I’m in hospital.
“I could potentially be in there a few days and the worst thing would be coming home to complete chaos.
“Routine is key.”
When Mandy does go into labour, she experiences some bleeding and finds labour immensely painful.
As she lies on a hospital bed, she says: “It’s excruciating pain, so they’ve popped me on the monitor and it’s all a waiting game at the minute.
“They need to make sure that baby’s happy and, as long as she is, I can deliver normally - but it’s all kinds of scary.”
However, her labour ends up being worth the pain once her new bundle of joy is in her arms – as well as those of her other kids.
As her other children cradle their new baby sister, Mandy says: “They’re all really natural with her.
“They’ve all got the mothering instinct in them, I think.
“They all get a gooey look in their eye and they just love it.
She adds: “Am I addicted to having babies? Yeah, I think there’s an element to it definitely.
“But I hope to stop at 12. Famous last words - the last seven have all been the ‘last’!”
My Extraordinary Pregnancy airs Mondays at 9pm on TLC
