A young couple who received the devastating news that they might never be able to have children have celebrated the arrival of their second set of twins, exactly one year after their first pair was born. Alisha Young, aged 25, and Connor Craster, 26, now find themselves with four children all under the age of two, creating a bustling household that requires immense dedication and care.
A Life Transformed by Unexpected Blessings
Surviving on a maximum of five hours of sleep each night, the couple describe their situation as essentially having quadruplets. They spend approximately £18 daily on nappies, with around 50 changes required within a 24-hour period. "We're so happy and so blessed," Ms Young expressed. "I always wanted a big family and have always wanted to be a mammy."
A Challenging Journey to Parenthood
Their path to this point was far from straightforward. The couple met while working in a hospital in May 2022 and became engaged in November of the following year. Shortly thereafter, Ms Young was diagnosed with endometriosis, a condition where cells similar to those in the lining of the womb grow in other parts of the body. This diagnosis led doctors to inform her that she might not be able to conceive naturally.
After enduring painful, heavy periods and pelvic pain from a young age, medical professionals advised her to undergo a hysterectomy, the surgical removal of the uterus, due to risks associated with her right ovary. "It's very difficult with endo, there's always a lot of information to think about, options to explore, and decisions to make," Ms Young explained.
Miraculous Discoveries and Twin Surprises
In a surprising turn of events, after deciding to proceed with the hysterectomy in February 2024, Ms Young took a pregnancy test that revealed she was expecting. "Finding out we were pregnant was such a shock but a huge blessing. I was absolutely gobsmacked," she recalled. During an eight-week scan, the couple discovered they were expecting twins, just months after being told conception was unlikely.
Mr Craster described the moment: "I saw two circles on the screen. They were joined by a little line, and it looked like a smiley face." At 16 weeks, they learned they were expecting girls, with a due date of December 27, 2024. Lottie, weighing 4lb 2oz, was born at 5.07am, and Hattie, at 3lb 14oz, arrived at 5.40am on November 2, 2024. Both spent 29 days in neonatal care.
A Second Miracle Unfolds
In an extraordinary twist, just five months after giving birth, Ms Young received another positive pregnancy test in April 2025. A scan four weeks later confirmed they were expecting twins once again. In the United Kingdom, the chance of having a multiple birth is approximately 1 in 65 pregnancies, or about 2.4 percent of live births. If the first set is fraternal, the chances of having twins again increase due to a genetic tendency to hyper-ovulate.
"We couldn't believe it," Mr Craster said. "The first time was so unexpected it just didn't seem possible. We looked at each other with dropped jaws - we were told we couldn't have any children and now we were about to have four."
Birthdays and Neonatal Care
The babies were due on December 17, but Ms Young went into labour on October 29. When labour did not progress, her waters were broken on November 2, leading to the birth of Florence, weighing 5lb 5oz, and William, at 5lb 3oz, six weeks early. They arrived at 2.15pm and 3.35pm on their older sisters' first birthday. Florence and William spent 14 days in neonatal care, occupying the exact same bed spaces as their sisters had a year earlier.
Navigating Life with Four Infants
With four babies in nappies, the couple's lives revolve around constant changes, feeding, and around-the-clock care. "I can't say when the day starts, because the last one just doesn't end," Mr Craster admitted. Despite having to trade in their compact Mitsubishi Mirage for a seven-seater Kia Carens to accommodate their growing family, the couple emphasize that they "couldn't ask for anything more."
"Once they were here, our lives and family felt complete," Mr Craster shared. Ms Young added, "With four children, routine is absolutely key. Making sure you stick to timings is the only way to get any time for yourself. When people say it takes a village to raise children, it really does. We're so lucky to have a great support circle."
Understanding Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where cells similar to those in the lining of the womb grow in other parts of the body. It is often found in areas around the womb, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and lining of the pelvis. Symptoms occur when patches of endometriosis break down and bleed but cannot leave the body. Individuals with endometriosis may experience difficulty getting pregnant and often deal with low mood or anxiety. The condition is commonly diagnosed in women and girls from puberty through to menopause.
