Incredible twist for 'miracle' Aussie twins born three months early
Bailey and Lucas were born 13 weeks early and have since battled multiple major health issues.
An Aussie family of eight is delighted to be able to spend Christmas together this year after its youngest members — two identical twin boys who were born 13 weeks early — battled major health issues for months to stay alive.
The now 10-month-old boys were born at Mater Mothers’ Hospital in South Brisbane on February 1 to James Edwards, 44, and his partner Casey 41, who lost a baby just last year.
The couple said their sons’ debut into the world months ahead of schedule had been “challenging” and “a real rollercoaster”. “Very emotional,” James said. “To look at them now and think where they were just a few months ago is incredible.”
Bailey weighed 994 grams when he was born, and Lucas just 740 grams, the dad added. “Mater helped save our babies and we are eternally grateful to have them here with us on Christmas Day,” he said.
Twins given low chance of survival
While in utero, the twins were diagnosed with Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS), a condition that can affect identical twins when they share one placenta, a spokesperson for Mater said. They also had Twin Anaemia Polycythaemia Sequence (TAPS), a variant of TTTS in which blood flows unequally through the shared placenta, resulting in one baby having a low blood count and the other having a high blood count.
Because of the complex situation, Casey and James were referred to Mater Mothers’ Hospitals, where specialist Dr Glenn Gardener advised them the twins’ chance of survival was low.
“Their case was complex,” James said. “Dr Gardener attempted the laser surgery, but due to the high risk of one twin dying in-utero, it was decided that the best chance of survival for both babies was to deliver the twins prematurely by caesarean section.”
Within days of the attempted surgery, Casey went into early labour, leaving the couple fearing for their sons’ lives. “We lost a baby last year and Casey was just devastated and scared about losing both the boys,” the dad, who has a combined blended family of eight children with his partner, said.
Twins battle major health problems
Lucas and Bailey spent two weeks in the Neonatal Critical Care Unit at Mater before they were separated – Lucas remained there while Bailey was transferred closer to home at Gold Coast University Hospital.
“Casey drove day in and day out every day to see her boys,” James said. “I know how much she was driving because I had bought a new car to bring the twins home in - she had clocked up 15,000km in the time they were in the NCCU.”
After both boys left Mater, Lucas was diagnosed with aortic stenosis, a heart valve disease preventing it from opening fully, therefore reducing blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body.
Lucas was transferred back to Mater where he was cared for until he was big enough to undergo heart surgery. He has now had two life-saving heart surgeries at Queensland Children’s Hospital. “Every time they take your baby away from you it feels like an eternity,” James said.
Bailey was born first and intubated to assist with his breathing. He was also diagnosed with polycythaemia, and a cardiac issue, but has been progressing well since his time at Mater, the dad explained, adding that he feels lucky to have his family home for Christmas.
“The boys are home and enjoying life,” he said. “Bailey is quickly tipping the scales at 6.7kg, and Lucas a little slower at 5.09kg, but it’s good to have everyone home together – it’s been quite a while.”
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