Surviving the Early Arrival: Our Twins’ Born Preemie At 27 Weeks

Our precious miracle duo, Lily Mae and Lua made their unexpected debut into the world when they were born preemie at 27 weeks through a whirlwind emergency C-section that took a mere 7 minutes. It was June 23rd, a day etched forever in our hearts. Lily Mae led the way at 6:51 a.m. her identical twin sister, Lua, followed suit just a minute later. To our immense relief, our little fighters arrived with strong cries and rosy cheeks – a sight we will cherish forever.

And so, our journey through the NICU began…

But before we delve into the five common experiences we encountered during that challenging week in the NICU with our twin preemies, let me share a remarkable story that led us to this extraordinary NICU adventure.

Throughout this post, I aim to shine a light on our NICU experience with our 27-week preemie twins, hoping it will provide guidance and comfort to those treading a similar path.

Pregnant At 18 Weeks

Our world was turned upside down during a routine ultrasound appointment when the technician dropped a bombshell: “You know you’re having twin girls, right?”

SURPRISE!

Until then, my husband Dave and I had been convinced we were expecting just one little girl (our 7-week ultrasound had shown only one sweet pea). To say we were shocked would be an understatement.

For half of my pregnancy, we were blissfully unaware that we were having two babies!

The overwhelming emotions that flooded us upon hearing the word ‘twins’. We were simultaneously thrilled, terrified, grateful, and wondering, “What on earth is happening?” It was a mix of blessings and doubts as we questioned whether we were up to the task.

Then, We Received The Astonishing News…

But then, the doctor came in with more surprising news…

We were expecting identical twin girls, specifically Monoamniotic-Monochorionic (MoMo or Mono Mono) Twins. This meant they shared one placenta in the same amniotic sac, each with their own umbilical cord (with no membrane separating them). It’s among the highest-risk twin pregnancies, an incredibly rare occurrence in only one percent of all twin pregnancies.

Imagine it as a free-for-all in your belly, with the added risk of cord entanglement and the possibility of one twin receiving more nutrients than the other (known as Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome or TTTS).

That day marked a profound turning point in our lives.

To add to the shock, we were informed that I would be hospitalized for continuous monitoring between 24 and 28 weeks.

Why?

To closely watch the girls’ heart rates until they were born.

Continuous monitoring offered the best chance to prevent cord accidents and keep our twins safe – a decision we wholeheartedly supported!

Checking In High-Risk At 24 Weeks

We checked in as early as the doctor recommended, at 24 weeks, to maximize our chances of detecting any cord issues. Those initial weeks in the hospital were relatively uneventful, and we hoped it would stay that way until our girls were ready to be delivered, which could be anywhere from 32 to 34 weeks.

But on June 23rd, fate had a different plan in store for us and our precious girls…

Our nurse, to whom we owe an eternal debt of gratitude, played a crucial role in saving Lua and Lily Mae’s lives that day. She noticed a cord accident during monitoring, and Lua’s heart rate dropped rapidly and then stopped.

I was rushed to the operating room for an emergency C-section, and within just 7 minutes, both girls were born.

That’s when our miracle twins arrived, and our journey through the NICU began…

Preemie At 27 Weeks – 5 Common NICU Experiences

In this post, I aim to shed light on our NICU experience during Lua and Lily Mae’s first 27 weeks of life. Our NICU nurses shared that these five experiences are quite common for preemies.

Not all babies will require the same care as our twins during this time, but I hope that sharing our story will guide and support your NICU journey.

1. Bili Lights

Preemies often have underdeveloped livers, leading to Jaundice or a yellowish tint to their skin. Lua and Lily had bili lights, which we affectionately called ‘getting their tan on.’ These special blue lights help reduce elevated bilirubin levels.

2. CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)

Lily Mae used a CPAP machine, which delivers air through a small mask or prongs on a baby’s nose, opening up air sacs to aid in breathing. This support is typically needed until around 32 to 35 weeks gestational age.

3. Fortify Breast Milk

Pumping breast milk was my priority, as it offers numerous benefits for preemies, including infection protection, growth, and essential nutrients. Fortification increases calorie and nutrient content, making it easier for preterm babies to thrive.

4. PICC Line (Percutaneously Inserted Central Catheter)

Both girls required a PICC line, similar to an IV, for long-term fluids and medication delivery. These lines last longer than traditional IVs, reducing the need for frequent needle sticks.

5. TPN (Total Parenteral Nutrition)

TPN is provided through a baby’s veins, delivering essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream. This is crucial for preemies whose digestive systems are not yet mature enough to process regular feedings. Our girls received TPN through their belly buttons.

To Wrap It Up

Lua and Lily encountered several of these common NICU experiences during their first week of life:

• Bili lights for jaundice
• Lily’s CPAP support
• Fortification of breast milk for added nutrition
• PICC lines for fluids and medication
• TPN through their belly buttons

Whether your baby is a preemie at 27 weeks or earlier or later in gestation, I hope that sharing our experiences with these five common aspects of NICU care will be helpful on your own journey.

Remember to stay strong and keep your head up! Life in the NICU can be a roller coaster of emotions, with highs and lows. But I want you to know, you’ve got this. 🙂

Until the next post, I am sending you all the positive parent vibes!

With Gratitude,

Linds

I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences! Share your journey with a preemie in the comments below. Your stories inspire us all!

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About The Author

Linds is the proud mom of two little miracles, Mono Mono twin girls, and one AMAZING older brother! She is the founder and content creator of Mono Mono Twins, Intensive Therapy for Kids, and Co-Founder of The LENN Foundation, a 510c3 that helps children with cerebral palsy receive grants for intensive therapies to thrive. ♥

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