Let’s start from the beginning, can you tell us how you learned about the pregnancy with twins and your initial reaction?
After several failed cycles of IVF, our family was excited to learn that we were expecting twins!
When did you find out that things in the pregnancy were not going perfectly? Did you know you would have to spend time in the NICU?
Around 18 weeks, it was noticed that Heath was not growing at the rate that was expected. He was diagnosed with IUGR. We were told then that we would have a NICU experience.
Can you share what you are comfortable with on the delivery of your babies?
Around 27 weeks, Liz (my wife) was admitted to the hospital because Heath had stopped growing. At 29 weeks after an ultrasound that was not reassuring, the boys were born 90 minutes later. Heath was 1.4 pounds and Cohen was 2.10.
I know the NICU is a roller-coaster of emotions what was the hardest day for you in the NICU?
For us, it was harder when the boys got closer to being full-term and should be at home.
Since you have twins were you able to take them home at the same time? If not, what was it like taking one home and still having one in the hospital?
They came home one day apart so that part was easy – well as easy as coming home with two babies who need feeding tubes, O2 and heart monitors!
What was the biggest challenge that you had to face for Heath and Cohen when you went home?
When the boys came home it was clear that one parent would need to be home full time due to their medical needs. Navigating that life change along with bringing home two babies that still have a lot was difficult.
What therapies are Heath and Cohen in now, and how have you seen improvement for them?
Both boys were in speech, OT and early intervention. They are both now in Kindergarten and doing so well!
How did you hear about Bee Mighty and what made you apply?
A local NICU mom told us about Bee Mighty, and the grants they were provided. The boys both loved music and music therapy was suggested for them. Bee Mighty funded that for us. In addition, Cohen was awarded a grant that allowed us to see a specialist in Apraxia.
What does a typical day with Heath and Cohen look like now?
Both boys are in Kindergarten now, which they love! They enjoy riding the bus home and seeing their friends each day!
Any advice you would give another family going through the process? Anything that really helped you get through the experience?
Focusing on what you can control is what helped us the most. For us, that was bringing in blankets so that their bed looked like a bed for a baby and not a hospital bed or picking out books to read to them. Also, all your feelings are normal and valid and can also be conflicting. You can feel insanely grateful for your NICU team and how they are helping your child while also grieving the fact that your child’s birth was not what you hoped for.