TINY MIRACLES: NICU TALE OF TWIN DELIGHT
No one expects to have their newborn babies land in the neonatal intensive care unit or NICU, but if this happens, it’s important to be near a hospital that provides comprehensive care—like the one at PIH Health Whittier Hospital. The Schulte family knows this all too well.
When parents Ashley Pickard and Adam Schulte learned they were having twins, they were elated. Yet as the pregnancy progressed, Ashley encountered some challenges.
At around 25 weeks, Ashley’s doctors noticed her cervix shortening, which increases the risk of preterm labor. At 27 weeks, Ashley went to the hospital with suspected fluid loss. While the fluid loss was a false alarm, Ashley learned she was starting to have contractions, and was sent home with instructions to rest.
One week later, however, Ashley experienced some bleeding and was admitted to the hospital. Over the next 10 days, Ashley did her best to be a “human incubator” as her babies continued to grow. When she developed an infection on the tenth day, Ashley’s doctors performed a C-section and the family welcomed twin girls—Elizabeth and Hannah. Born 10 weeks early at 29 weeks and 6 days, the babies were premature and in need of expert care.
The babies were taken to the NICU where they received respiratory support, fluids, and nutrition via an intravenous line. As the babies grew, they moved to feeding tubes and eventually transitioned to bottles. Altogether, the twins were at the NICU for 89 days (nearly 3 months). “The babies grew very well in the NICU,” said Devang Patel MD, PIH Health Neonatal Intensive Care Unit medical director. “They went home breathing normally, tolerating all of their feedings, and gaining weight.” After the babies were discharged, the family was thrilled to have the support of a NICU case manager, who made sure all the follow-up doctors’ appointments were scheduled.
“I have nothing but good things to say about the hospital’s Labor and Delivery and NICU team,” said Ashley. “During our stay, all the nurses were fantastic— so sweet and so supportive. That really helped us feel at ease.”
For more information, visit PIHHealth.org/NICU
