Welcoming rare quadruplets 'an incredible experience', says mum

Ben, Noah, Harrison and Rory were born on 14 May - each tipping the scales at less than 3lb each.

A mother has spoken of her joy after giving birth to naturally conceived quadruplets.

Arlene and John Mitchell, from Longridge in West Lothian, became parents to Ben, Noah, Harrison and Rory on 14 May.

The smallest of the baby brothers, Harrison, weighed 2lb 14 oz, while Ben, Noah, and Rory each tipped the scales at 2lb 15oz.

Arlene said that welcoming them into the world was "an incredible and overwhelming experience".

Naturally conceived quadruplets are extremely rare, with doctors estimating the odds at about one in 700,000 births.

They are the first quadruplets to be born in Lothian.

Arlene, 34, and John, 38, already have a daughter Lauren, 11, and three-year-old son Hunter.

But they must now get used to being a family of eight.

Arlene and John Mitchell with the quadruplets - the first ever to be born in Lothian

Arlene said: "It was a total shock when we found out there were four babies at the first scan.

"The nurse said she thought there was more than one baby and then she said there was more than three babies.

"I was absolutely speechless and my husband just couldn't believe it.

"They are really beautiful and we are so delighted. We can't wait to take our four boys home to Lauren and Hunter."

John said: "Life is going to be a bit noisier for all of us but I'm really looking forward to us being one big family."

Arlene was closely monitored throughout her pregnancy because of risks associated with multiple births, such as premature delivery and pre-eclampsia.

She added: "Having quadruplets is a high-risk pregnancy and at every scan, I was really anxious that there wouldn't be four heartbeats.

"The midwifery team were absolutely amazing, they really supported me every step of the way."

Arlene Mitchell said she was "absolutely speechless" when she discovered she was pregnant with four babies

A team of 17 doctors and midwives delivered the quadruplets in the Simpson's Centre for Reproductive Health at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

Ms Mitchell underwent a planned Caesarean section when she was 30 weeks pregnant.

Each baby had an individual team of four clinicians assigned to look after them.

At first, the boys were each given intensive care in the neonatal department to help stabilise their breathing and allow them to grow while they were tube fed.

Harrison and Rory were later moved to the special care baby unit at St John's Hospital, Livingston, to be closer to their family, before Ben and Noah joined them.

A team of 17 doctors and midwives delivered the quadruplets in the Simpson's Centre for Reproductive Health at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh

Katy Ruggeri, NHS Lothian associate director of midwifery, said: "Delivering quadruplets is an extraordinary experience and I am immensely proud of our entire midwifery and neonatal team for their dedication and expertise throughout this remarkable journey.

"This was the first set of quadruplets delivered in Lothian and it's something the entire team will remember for the rest of their careers."

The boys are now thriving and the family are preparing for the big move home.

Arlene said: "Welcoming quadruplets into the world has been an incredible and overwhelming experience.

"It's going to be a very different house and probably a bit noisier but we're so looking forward to taking our babies home."