A Ukrainian mother who thought she was expecting twins got the surprise of a lifetime when she gave birth to quintuplets, instantly transforming her family from three to six. Oksana Kobeletska, a 37-year-old from Odessa, was shocked when she learned she had delivered not two, but five babies—a rare occurrence anywhere, and a first for Ukraine in recent memory.
Kobeletska, who already had a three-year-old daughter, found herself the proud mother of three boys and two girls after undergoing a C-section on June 24. Overjoyed but stunned, Kobeletska shared her experience. “I honestly thought I was having twins,” she explained. “Nothing like this has ever happened in our family. No history of multiple births, no reason to think I’d have more than two.”
Her unexpected delivery in Odessa has captured the hearts of the nation, and local officials have shown their support in a big way. Recognizing the challenges of raising five newborns, the city of Odessa gifted the family a 100-square-meter apartment, giving them more space to welcome their five new additions. Kobeletska expressed her gratitude for the gift, noting how much it would help their family adjust to the sudden expansion.
While Kobeletska and her husband are thrilled, the reality of raising quintuplets is daunting. She admits the thought of handling five infants simultaneously is overwhelming. “I can hardly picture what it will be like to care for so many all at once,” she said. Despite the initial shock, she’s determined to embrace her expanded family with joy and strength.
The delivery was a feat of teamwork, with a medical team of eight doctors and nurses ensuring both mother and babies were safe throughout the process. The babies and their mother are reportedly in good health, though they will remain in the hospital for a while to grow stronger.
The Kobeletskas have already chosen names for their five new arrivals—Denis, Dariya, Vladislav, Oleksandra, and David. Each of the quintuplets will stay under the hospital’s care until they reach a healthy weight of just over two kilograms (about 4.4 pounds), a common requirement for newborns to ensure they’re strong enough to go home.
For Kobeletska, the experience has been life-changing in every way. What began as a routine pregnancy turned into an extraordinary moment, one that has drawn widespread attention and admiration from people across Ukraine. Social media has been buzzing with well-wishes and congratulations for the new parents, who now face the task of juggling five little ones.
In addition to the logistical challenges, Kobeletska is focusing on the positive. With a new, larger home and the support of her family, she feels ready to take on the journey ahead. “I’m excited for the journey ahead,” she said.
