“I can hear you cry. I know you’re alive.”
That was Donna Loi’s first thought after her twins were born unexpectedly at 23 weeks and six days at Sunnybrook. She recalls her fear of having Davin and Dalaila so early, and of learning they were only 600 grams in weight.
“I questioned why this happened to us, to our babies. I was scared and confused about seeing all the medical equipment surrounding their little bodies in the incubators. They didn’t look like newborn babies that I was used to seeing,” says Donna.
The twins spent 132 days in Sunnybrook’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The unit cares for the highest number of ‘micropreemies’, or babies born at less than 26 weeks. About a quarter of these babies are twins.
“We have focused our care on the smallest, most premature infants for many years now because this is the most fragile population of babies and they need us the most,” says Dr. Asaph Rolnitsky, Associate Chief, Newborn and Developmental Paediatrics of the DAN Women and Babies Program.
Sunnybrook’s outcomes are the best in the country for low complication rates associated with prematurity and also high survival. But having two babies in an intensive care unit is a tough emotional journey.
“Everyone describes the NICU experience as a roller coaster ride and they’re absolutely correct. But it isn’t a smooth coaster with one high peak and drop, it’s the kind of ride that forces your butt off the seat, gives you whiplash, and leaves your hair in a complete mess,” says Donna.
Dr. Rolnitsky agrees it is often a very rocky ride for families. He has reassuring words though. “The vast majority of preterm infants survive, and thrive, and reach normal development and quality of life. Even those who face challenges,” he says. “Parents’ involvement and role in the NICU is incredibly important as they are advocates for their babies. Their meaningful interactions with their babies – time cuddling, talking, singing and just being with them helps facilitate brain development. Parents are part of the medical team.”
Donna agrees that Sunnybrook’s family centered approach helps build parents’ confidence. When the twins were stable, Donna and Daniel changed their diapers, fed them, helped administer medication and vitamins and took them out of the incubators on their own. They were also encouraged to take part in decision making. Donna adds that the NICU team was there not just for Davin and Dalaila, but for her and Daniel too.
A highlight for the parents was when the twins were stable enough to come out of the incubators for kangaroo care, when babies are held skin-to-skin on a parent’s chest. “I was able to hold both at the same time, my heart dropped. This was a tiny glimpse of what I pictured having twins would be like,” says Donna.
Now the twins are two years old, going to daycare and thriving. “We are in a different place. We’re a silly, fun and happy family, and very thankful.”
