New York Couple Welcomes Rare Quintuplets, Expanding Family to Nine

Jessica and John Lottbrein of West Seneca, New York, welcomed quintuplets on December 18, 2026, marking a significant expansion of their family from four to nine. The five babies—Mason, Holly, Layla, Stefan, and Connor—were born between 2:03 and 2:11 a.m., each weighing around two pounds. After more than a month in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Golisano Children’s Hospital in Buffalo, all quintuplets have doubled their birth weights and are reported to be in good health, although they will remain in the NICU until they are strong enough to go home.

'It's surreal': New York family welcomes rare quintuplets‘It’s surreal’: Couple welcome quintuplets, making a family of 9

The Lottbreins initially intended to have one more child to join their two daughters, Hannah and Brooke, aged five and one, respectively. However, during their first ultrasound, they were surprised to learn they were expecting quintuplets. Jessica described the moment as overwhelming, stating, “First finding out, I had a full blown panic attack.” Despite the shock, both parents expressed their determination to embrace the unexpected situation. They faced pressure from doctors to consider aborting three of the babies due to the high-risk nature of the pregnancy but firmly refused, believing they were meant to parent all five children.

'It's surreal': New York family welcomes rare quintuplets

Medical professionals have noted that quintuplet pregnancies are extremely rare, with Dr. Valerie Elberson, associate medical director of the NICU, stating that such occurrences are about one in 15 worldwide annually. The hospital had a comprehensive plan in place for the delivery, involving multiple teams to ensure the safety of both the mother and the babies. Caroline Novotny Schulefand, a medical professional at the hospital, highlighted the facility's capabilities as a regional perinatal center, allowing all five babies to remain in one location for their care.

'It's surreal': New York family welcomes rare quintuplets

The Lottbreins have received substantial support from their local community, which has provided donations and baby supplies to assist the family as they adjust to their new reality. John Lottbrein remarked on the journey, saying, “It’s been a journey. I wouldn’t change this for the world.” As they navigate the challenges of raising five newborns alongside their two older daughters, the couple emphasizes the importance of relying on each other and their community for support.

‘It’s surreal’: Couple welcome quintuplets, making a family of 9

• “It’s so fun to watch them as individuals and then come together as all five.” — Jessica Lottbrein

'It's surreal': New York family welcomes rare quintuplets

• “Nope, we're going to figure it out. We always do,” — John Lottbrein

'It's surreal': New York family welcomes rare quintuplets

• “The numbers I have seen are one in 15 in a year in all of the world, and in Buffalo we’ve only had it happen one other time.” — Dr. Valerie Elberson

'It's surreal': New York family welcomes rare quintuplets

The Lottbreins' experience highlights both the challenges and joys of an unexpected family expansion, showcasing resilience and community support in the face of rare circumstances.

‘It’s surreal’: Couple welcome quintuplets, making a family of 9