LS ‘From Just 2.8 lbs at Birth to Thriving Sisters: Meet the Record-Breaking Triplets’ LS
British Triplets Set Guinness World Records as Most Premature and Lightest Ever Born
In Bristol, UK, three baby girls have made history after being born at just 22 weeks and five days—setting Guinness World Records for both the most premature surviving triplets and the lightest combined birth weight.
Rubi-Rose, Payton Jane, and Porscha-Mae Hopkins were delivered in February 2021, weighing a total of only 1.284 kg (2.83 lbs). Rubi-Rose, the first to arrive at 10:33 a.m., weighed 467 g (1 lb) and was immediately placed in a special polythene wrap to help prevent heat loss. Payton followed at 12:01 p.m. at 402 g (0.89 lb), and just one minute later, Porscha-Mae was delivered via emergency caesarean weighing 415 g (0.91 lb).
Their mother, Michaela White, had only discovered she was pregnant at 19 weeks. Three weeks later, she went into labour. With partner Jay Hopkins at her side and a team of 21 medical staff present, the tiny girls made their miraculous entrance into the world.
Now, two years on, the sisters are defying the odds and thriving. Each has a strong personality—Rubi-Rose is lively and fiercely independent, Porscha-Mae is sweet and affectionate, and Payton is described as determined and strong-willed.
The triplets all live with different degrees of cerebral palsy. Rubi-Rose is able to walk and feed herself, while her sisters face mobility challenges and rely on tube feeding. Despite these difficulties, their parents describe them as happy and full of life.
For the Hopkins household—including older siblings Jaime-Leigh, 8, and Isaac, 6—life is hectic but joyful. “It’s busy and chaotic,” the couple admit, “but we wouldn’t change a thing.”
Their journey to parenthood was far from easy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, both Michaela and Jay lost their jobs at a pub and were evicted from their home. Michaela believes the stress of those struggles may have triggered her early labour.
Through it all, Jay credits Michaela’s strength for holding the family together. “Michaela is a wonder mum,” he said proudly. “She’s amazing. I love her to bits.
